Prairie Wolf Pack go down to high flying RAF

The Prairie Wolf Pack got in two early tries from Grant Cowell (Calgary Rams) and Ruairi O’Farrell (Calgary Canucks) and, despite a responding try by the Royal Air Force (RAF) winger SAC Ryan Crowley and two good penalty kicks from fly-half Sgt Andy Byrne, the home side looked to be taking off well from the turf of Calgary Rugby Park. With a third try from Riley Fahlman (Regina), the Pack went into the changing rooms at halftime with a score of 21-11; the RAF boys stayed on the pitch and regrouped.

The touring side, who are celebrating their centennial year this season as Inter-Service Champions, first had to absorb another Wolf Pack try, scored by winger Ian Shoults (Bow Valley RFC) after he made a long run in through the opponent’s defence.

But in the last thirty minutes, the RAF picked up the pace, began winning more possession in the lineout and ruck and took the lead scoring three tries by Cpl Dave Manning, Lance Cpl Sam Breeze, who got my player of the match award, and team captain, Cpl Toby Mann. The RAF team kept a tight formation in the last ten minutes, holding the line from a couple of late sorties by the Pack.

Final score: Prairie Wolf Pack 26-30 Royal Air Force Rugby Union

Please visit J. Ashley Nixon Photography to see or purchase other images from the game.