By Jeff D'Andrea

Whiskey Jacks narrowly fall in home opener

Jun 21, 2018 | 8:00 AM

The Prince Albert Whiskey Jacks were about two minutes away from winning their home opener, but the team had to settle for a 19-17 defeat instead to the Saskatoon Badgers Wednesday at Max Clunie Field.

The Whiskey Jacks had a 17-12 lead, but were penned in their own end and couldn’t escape in the game’s dying moments. After sustained pressure, the Badgers punched in through and got the winning convert. Their two tries in the first half came off the back of defensive errors from the Whiskey Jacks. The Badgers were able to march down the field from their own try line and the halfway line.

“We dominated for most of the game, except we’d go to sleep there for a minute here, a minute there, and they’d go 80 metres on us,” forward Darcy Murphy said. “That’s how they scored their first two tries. If we can play a full game, we’d be successful.”

Although the game was the Whiskey Jacks’ first match on home soil, it was already their fourth of the season. They now sit with a 2-2 record after beating the Regina Highlanders 33-19 June 16, losing to the Saskatoon Wild Oats 35-7 June 12 and beginning the year with a 64-19 win over the Warman Krems.

Murphy said he believes his team has all the pieces to have success, especially after winning the league last year. But, in order to do that, they will have to remain focused throughout their matches.

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“I’ve said it for years, P.A. rugby is tough and fast,” Murphy said. “If we could have made some better decisions, we would have had a better result. We dominated in the tackle, we dominated in the ruck like we normally do. We just couldn’t capitalize on moving forward.”

Whiskey Jacks fly half Pelasio Vereakula had quite the eventful night. He scored both of the Whiskey Jacks’ tries and was also sent to the sin bin for a dangerous tackle. Scrum half Colm Cournane was perfect with his boot, converted on both tries, and also kicked in a penalty goal.

The Whiskey Jacks are back on the road to take on the Highlanders Saturday. They’ll return home July 21 to face the Gophers.

Jeff.dandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW