For the first time in team history, the Parkland Mavericks are Rugby Manitoba’s Division 2 champions.
The Mavericks claimed the title with a 32-29 win over the Winnipeg Assassins, Saturday in Winnipeg.
Willi Budzinski, Matt Shewchuk, Julien Lopez, Daniel Evans and Riley Keith had Parkland’s tries, while Ronin Mouck chipped in with two converts and a penalty kick, which decided the game.
Mavericks captain Jordan Campbell said the team was excited and happy to come away with the victory.
“It was a big emotional day. A couple downs, but a lot more ups,” he said.
After watching video of the win later in the day, Campbell said every player did his part throughout the game.
“All our important pieces played the game that we needed to play. We had lots of steals in the rucks and our young guys got us a lot of yards,” he said.
“I think the biggest thing is when we were running our systems within their 22, we were able to capitalize and actually score. We decided to go for points on a kick and that’s what won us the game at the end.”
The Assassins had eight Division 1 players dressed as substitutions and 31 players on the sidelines, while the Mavericks only had 19 players available.
“In the second half, they were bringing guys that had clean jerseys and I was like, ‘what is going on here?’ We had no subs and we really won the game in the last two minutes,” Campbell said.
“It was the most intense, nail-biting game. They had a try called back. They also lost in the premier game, so it was a bad day to be an Assassin.”
Campbell hopes the win will give the club more exposure and help to build the program in Dauphin and the Parkland, noting Rugby Manitoba would like to see two teams here, one in each division.
But Campbell pointed out the Mavericks started the season with 37 players, but ended with 19 due to injuries and life circumstances.
Campbell appreciated the large contingent of fans who showed up to cheer on the team in the final.
“Our fans were chanting against their fans. The VEO was live, so everyone was watching the game on the VEO livestream,” he said.
“People were literally crying on the sidelines. It was one of the coolest moments I’ve ever been a part of.”
Budzinski was named Player of the Match and playoff MVP for the Mavericks.
“He did everything right and he really led us. It was a good game and it was good to see Bundy (Shawn Sarkonak) go up there and grab the trophy.”