In an energetic exhibition match at Brown Deer Park, the Milwaukee Barbarians flexed their depth to secure a 27–5 victory over visiting Wisconsin RC.
Both sides were without several of their star players, who are currently representing the state select side, making the contest as much about squad rotation and combinations as it was about the scoreboard.
While the Barbarians ran in five tries to one, the real yardstick won’t come until the Fall league fixtures, when both teams expect to be at full strength.
First Half
The Barbarians set the tone early with an incisive chip-and-chase. In the 6th minute, Luke Ellis’s perfectly weighted chip kick pushed the team deep into Wisconsin RC territory and an eventual try by Max Boehnen (5–0). Liam Hanley slotted the conversion (7–0, 7’).
At 13 minutes, Jordan Thompson powered through three would-be tacklers to ground the ball just inside the left touch-line (12–0, 13’). Four minutes later, Benji Van Handel made a clean line break and glided over the try line untouched (17–0, 17’).
Despite Wisconsin RC spending much of the latter part of the half camped in Barbarians territory, the home side’s defense held firm, sending the teams in at the break with the Barbarians comfortably on top, 17–0 at halftime.
Second Half
Fresh legs continued to trouble Wisconsin RC after the restart.
In the 65th minute, Luke Ellis – creator of the first-half assist – scored a try of his own (22–0, 65’) and Del Salinas finished off a sweeping back-line move to touch down as well (27–0, 68’).
Wisconsin RC finally cracked the Barbarians’ defense in the 76th minute to post a consolation try (27–5, 76’).
Neither side could add further points in the final minutes, and the referee’s whistle sounded to confirm the 27–5 win for Milwaukee.
Man of the Match
Liam Hanley earned today’s top honors.
After-match heroes
Thanks to our Old Boys — Kurt Kinderfather, Jim Radwill and Bill Morse – for making sure the scoreboard was updated, and that all the food and beer was prepared and ready once the match was over.
Vic has a long history in and around the sport of rugby both in Canada and the US. He has played for and started numerous clubs (Vandal's RFC, Strathcona Druids, Suffolk Bull Moose, Westside Harlequins, Milwaukee Barbarians, Hamilton Girls Rugby), and served many roles over the years at all administrative levels. Vic joined the Harlequins in 2007 and remained an active club member through the transition to the Barbarians. These days, he spends his rugby time playing tag rugby and touring with the Old Boys, keeping the club website updated, helping organize the Lakefront 7s, and fundraising.
