Canadian Classics beat Classic USA at Can Am Summer Series

The 2019 Classics selected 34 players, from 5 provinces, with approximately 75 x 15’s caps and 40 x 7’s Caps in addition to NA4, Canadian Rugby Championship, Rugby Canada Super League, Provincial Union, and Rugby Canada age grade representatives.

This year the Classic Can Am was held at the prestigious “Field of Dreams” at the Alaska Mountain Rugby Grounds in Anchorage, Alaska, USA over the July 13 weekend.

(The World-famous Alaska Mountain Rugby Grounds, Anchorage, Alaska, USA. Photo courtesy of Daniella Beukema)

Following the lead of NSM7’s player Jake Thiel, the first order of business for the Classics this summer was ensuring continued support for 5 year old Paisley McRury and the McRury family of Abbotsford, BC, as they continue their brave fight with leukaemia. To help put a smile on Paisley’s face the squad was sure to lace their boots with orange laces before sending her a special message via social media to let her know they were thinking about her and were dedicating their match performance to her later that day. According to Paisley’s father Graeme (a former teammate of some of the Classics) she loved the message and was the team’s biggest fan.

(The 2019 Canadian Classics at the Can Am Summer Series. Photo courtesy of Daniella Beukema).

Under perfect conditions, on a breathtaking field overlooking the ocean, the Classics finally got down to business vs a massive & multi-capped Classic USA Misfits side featuring 2007 RWC Try of the Year Winner Zee Ngwenya. 

The Classics scored first, and converted, for an early 7-0 lead before suddenly finding themselves down 12-7 just 15 minutes into the match. Luckily, the Canadians had experience on their side that helped them avoid panic and stick to their game plan. Before long the Canadian’s physical defence, and punishing mid-field attack, began to wear the Americans down and the flood gates opened - leading to a 48-27 Canadian Classics win!

Trys were scored by Steve Shortly, Nanyak Dala, Eric LeGreeley, Brennan Marcoux, Tim Van Vliet, Brady Carpenter, Galen Potash-Kooyman, and Neil Irwin with conversions added by Darrin Chaplin (3) and John Long (1).

Center Steve Shortly was selected as Man of the Match by both countries for his punishing defence and hard running, while Lock Bill Clayton and Fullback Brady Carpenter were announced as Best Forward & Best Back respectively.

(Halfback Ian Smortchevsky (BC) looks to move the ball quickly to keep the Canadian Classics on the front foot during their 48-27 win v the Classic USA Misfits, July 13, 2019. Photo courtesy of Daniella Beukema)

To complete their tour the Classics were sure to uphold their mandate of supporting youth rugby by holding a skills camp for the local Alaska Rugby Union Youth Program. Facilitated by Classics Backs Coach, and former WRWC (2010) NSWT Head Coach, John Long the Classics taught skills and drills to over 30 Alaskan youth players (and their parents) and were sure to send each youth home with a rugby tee shirt as a thanks for their participation.

Congratulations to all the players, and coaches, selected to the Classic Can Am Summer Series this year and for securing a second straight Classic Can Am Win vs the Classic USA Misfits!

 

2019 Canadian Classics Roster,

Classic Can Am Summer Series, 

Anchorage, Alaska, USA:

 

Props:

Ullie Krack - Abbotsford (BC)

Matt Plant - Capilano (BC)

Gareth Post - Calgary Knights (AB)

Andy Plant - Capilano (BC)

 

Hooks:

Ty Brackett - Capilano (BC)

Chris Hewitt - Balmy Beach (ON)

 

Locks:

Mike Pajic - Bayside (BC)

Bill Clayton - Burlington Centaurs (ON)

Dan Huntley - Fort McMurray Knights (AB)

Eric LeGreeley - Calgary Knights (AB)

 

Flanks:

Tim Rhone - Capilano (BC)

Craig McLaren - Capilano (BC)

Steve Williams - Capilano (BC)

Frazer McGaw - Squamish (BC)

Mike Boulanger - Oakville Crusaders (ON)

Brett Kehler - Assassins (MB)

 

No. 8s:

Gary Cartwright - Capilano (BC)

Pat Bickerton - Bayside (BC)

 

Halfbacks:

Ian Smortchevsky - Capilano (BC)

Neil Irwin - Squamish (BC)

 

Flyhalf:

Darrin Chaplin - Calgary Knights (AB) (c)

 

Centers:

Ryan McWhinney - Abbotsford (BC)

Nanyak Dala - Westshore (BC)

Tyler Spencer - Calgary Knights (AB)

Steve Shortly - Aurora Barbarians/Burlington Centaurs (ON)

 

Wings:

Galen Potash-Kooyman - Westshore (BC)

Matt Kehler - Abbotsford (BC)

Brennan Marcoux - Saskatoon (SK)

Jordan Tait - Westshore (BC)

Sana Dawai - Fort McMurray Knights (AB)

 

Fullbacks:

Tom Jenkins - Burlington Centaurs (ON)

Brady Carpenter - Capilano (BC)

 

Staff:

Tim Van Vliet - Forwards Coach/Hook, Brentwood College (BC)

John “Jinx” Long - Backs Coach/Flyhalf, Rundle College (AB)

Ken Kehler - Manager, Abbotsford (BC)

Daniella Beukema - Photographer, Calgary (AB)

 

The Canadian Classics would like to sincerely thank the following for their assistance and support during the 2019 Classic Can Am Summer Series:

- Rugby Canada

- Shawcor

- Onni Group

- Worldwide Shipping & Chartering

- Wildwood Tree Services

- Deerfoot Inn & Casino

- Construction Drilling Co.

The 2020 Classic Can Am will see Canada’s turn to host and Calgary, Alberta, has been confirmed as the venue. For more information on Classics Rugby, or the World Rugby Classic, please email Canadian Classics founder Tom Woods at tom.woods@telus.net, interim Classic Can Am Tour Coordinator Darrin Chaplin at darrin.mg.chaplin@gmail.com, or visit https://www.worldrugby.bm to learn more.