In the Fall of 1980 Manitoba defeated Alberta at the Canadian Rugby Union Western Semifinals played in Regina. Strictly speaking this game did not involve the Saracens, officially at least, but nonetheless it remains a memorable Saracens victory. The winter prior had seen a decision taken by the Manitoba Rugby Union that the coach of Manitoba's Provincial club champions would select a side to represent Manitoba at the Westerns. The explicit understanding was that the coach would, if necessary, augment his team with strong players from other clubs. This would round out a team thought by the coach to have the best chance in the four team, two day inter-provincial tournament involving Canada's strongest provincial side, British Columbia, and, at that time, possibly the Country's second strongest, Alberta. Saskatchewan, and of course Manitoba, respectively made up the third and fourth teams in the competition.

Needless to say, the decision to have Manitoba represented in effect by a club-side was a controversial one. However, Manitoba's immediate previous experiences at the provincial level had not been good. In fact, mostly it had been disastrous.

Following an enormous defeat to British Columbia in 1975 the subsequent provincial sides had not done well - certainly not in any consistent manner. Thus many thought something else should be tried. In particular it was felt the "best club" approach would ensure that a greater number of the province's better players would actually represent Manitoba - one, if not the greatest problems afflicting the SELECT-SlDE model. I would not advocate this idea currently, though I certainly did then, as competition for positions on the Manitoba team has fortunately increased along with a more equitable distribution of the better players amongst the clubs.

Despite the fact that the Saracens had toured New Zealand in August or 1980 and, as stated elsewhere, had done quite well - players had certainly learned a thing or two - the club was lucky to make the Manitoba finals that year. Coming from behind, they tied St James R.F.C. in a semifinal played on an early Fall evening. Too dark at fuIl-time for overtime, a second match was played within the week. This the Saracens won and then went on to defeat the Assassins for a second successive provincial championship. Therefore, and with little time available, a "Saracen" team was made ready to face Alberta in Regina.

Wanderers'Willie Rhoda and Jamie Casey and Assassin Brent Tomchuk were brought into the side. Rhoda was definitely the best hooker in the Province, he probably is still - and Casey strengthened the three-quarters, as did Tomchuk who, due to his utility, also augmented the pack. Three or four practices were run at Lipsett Hall during which we organized. among other things. a 10-man scrum. The Saracens had used this ploy certainly as early as 1975 as John Whyte so vividly remembers. In fact earlier, since this was merely the first time he or I saw it and it clearly was not then new to the veteran players of the club. Of interest, the New Zealand Press made much of Canada's use or the 10-man scrum in 1987 World Cup matches and reported it as a Canadian development out off B.C. It should be asked if in fact the British Columbians didn't learn of it through watching Manitoba playing Alberta immediately prior to their own game against Saskatchewan that same day in 1980. Regardless, it certainly enjoyed a certain popularity out on the Prairies and particularly amongst Saracens teams.

Jim Neal at full back and Tomchuk or Lou Furlan on the wing provided the team with the means to putdown this supernumerary-pack. Neal, with his rugby league experience in Australia, and the other two having had some playing experience in the forwards, meant that it was possible to pack down two extra third-row players each knowing how to push and what to do with the ball should it come their way. In the end, this l0 man scrum, along with two other factors, brought this unique victory.

Of the other two factors, by far the most important was the team's resolution of purpose and strength of character From the moment it took the field it was apparent that all fifteen players meant business. The tackling was ferocious and no greater example could be given than lock Tom Litwiller - oh where is he now? - whose ability to bring down an opponent is legendary among Saracens. Pressure placed on the Albertans was immense. Rick Romanowski had developed into a clever exponent of this feature of the game. The Fall prior he had made some young New Zealander's life a real misery with the latter playing stand-off for Saskatchewan and Romanowski opposing him at flanker for Manitoba. With singular purpose 'Romo' Put such pressure on this poor kiwi that his partnership with the halfback was rendered null and void. Incidentally, and against all predictions, Manitoba defeated Saskatchewan in that game - albeit by a single point- making it a game that also ought to be remembered. I'm sure Riley Barkman does, and with a fair degree of pride.

Against Alberta, Larry DeBooy's leadership from the Number 8 position was as strong as I have seen it. The game he played and the decisions he made were each vital to the outcome. Add Brian Marchak to a backrow of Romanowski and DeBooy and clearly Manitoba had the means of applying very swift and decisive pressure. But perhaps the exemplary player was Harry Robertson at halfback. Certainly I cannot recall seeing Robertson play better than he did against Alberta. Directing his forwards, making accurate kicks when the wind was favorable and chasing them to apply effective pressure, tenacious tackling, which, when all added to his normal speed of service and ability to vary the attack, made this a most memorable game for one of Manitoba's best ever players.

It was a clear cold day in Regina. There was a strong end-on Prairie wind blowing and Alberta was given first use of it by DeBooy. Alberta immediately went onto the attack putting a great deal of pressure on the Manitoba goal line, This pressure. while not yielding any early tries, did, as is so often the case. yield penalties against the hard-pressed defenders. These were all within easy kicking range, some being only a matter of metres from Manitoba's goal line. For reason known best to them, Alberta on each occasion, and there were at least three, elected to tap and run. No points resulted from these practiced short moves and instead of being a likely 12 points ahead at half-time, Alberta had a lead of only 3-0. The points coming from penalty kick, as Alberta finally realized just how resolute Manitoba's defense was and, therefore. finally deciding to kick for goal rather than simply run at them. They were to kick two more penalties in the second half, which was to be the extent of their scoring.

With the wind still blowing strong at the turn-around Manitoba had everything to play for. And play they did. Winning almost their fair share of possession from scrums and lineouts, Robertson and Jeff Harrison at standoff, kicked well enough to keep their forwards happy and securely planted in or around their opponent's twenty-two. Manitoba's first points came from a five metre scrum. DeBooy called for the 10-man pack having Neal and Tomchuk join from the backs. Apparently Alberta could provide no spontaneous defense against the newly seen strategy and following the ball well hooked came the well practiced heave and a try to Tomchuk. Andrew Jackson converted it. With the score now 9-6, with the wind still strong and with the Manitoba resolve even stronger, a first-ever victory was no longer just a possibility it was almost a probability.

Tactics continued unchanged and so the game continued to be played in Alberta's end. Pressure brought a scrum to Manitoba eight or nine metres from the defender's goal line, midway between touch and the posts. In the excitement and under pressure DeBooy remained calm enough to make what was to prove a game-winning decision. Even though it was not a five metre scrum, the try line being almost twice that distance away, he called for the 10-man pack. The move worked and he scored the winning try. Jackson turned it into a goal and though Manitoba was understandably flagging at the end, when the final whistle blew the score stood at Manitoba 12, Alberta 9, and with it a historic victory.

Not only a victory but also a triumph that brought the squad to a point of unabashed expressions of joy and disbelief. This reaction perhaps is only fully understandable if the preceding years of losses and disasters are known first hand. Manitoba had won against all odds because it had had a greater sense of purpose and, frankly, had made better decisions on the field than its opponent. Also, for most this was a victory in the wake of many heavy and even humiliating defeats. Indeed there had been some thoughtless humiliation dished out at a number of preceding banquets in past years. There were to he none served on this particular day and. in the light of all these past events, only the present mattered, Tomorrow was, in the euphoria of the moment, left to take care of itself.

"Juice" Jackson wins a lineout for Manitoba

And so, of course, it did, and yesterday's triumph was followed by tomorrow's disaster On Sunday (tomorrow having inexorably arrived) British Columbia thumped Manitoba by 44 points. Though disappointed, in retrospect I clearly understand that things could not have been otherwise. This remarkable team of Saracens plus willing joiners from other clubs had made a significant first step which at the time had to be an end in itself. The next time this same result is achieved, and it could well he soon - it should be soon! - an equally or even more remarkable team necessarily will be expected to take victory in stride and go on to a higher achievement. That they will be expected to do so and that we all believe they will, rests firmly on the achievements of preceding teams, of which there has been none better than the 1980 side who attained Manitoba's first victory over Alberta. Little matter the triumph was short-lived - as is, by the way, all triumphs and disasters being the impostors that they are the victory remains. A victory well taken and to be savored,

P.S. Woody's head got all-better