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The annual Onions versus Limeys Rugby Festival went off in spectacular fashion under the lights at BAA last Friday night. The festivities commenced with the U 12 Onions affectionately dubbed "The Shallots" taking on their counterparts the Limey's. Both teams were brimming with enthusiastic youngsters and it was a real pleasure seeing the fruition of the Bermuda Rugby Unions mini rugby program. Judging by the talent on display the future of local rugby appears rosy. In a highly entertaining and cleanly contested match, Onions prevailed over Limeys 21- 12. Ben Howland, Nicholas DaCosta and Brandon Ray scored the tries for the Onions with John Edwards kicking 2 conversions, and Jahcari Francis kicking another. Scoring tries for the Limeys were Alex Price, and Adam Nicol with Alex Price kicking one out of two conversions.

The main event saw the Onions fielding a well balanced team of youth and experience. Up and coming star on the wing Shauntion Simons and Kia Edwards looked dangerous on the flanks. Up front Captain Derek Hurdle was ably assisted by Kris Furbert, Jamie Billings, Nick West and new flanker Ryan Gonsalves. The Limeys lead by scrumhalf Mark Pomeroy had the wise old head of Chris Naylor at fullback and the increasingly dangerous Greg Garside at fly half. Up front No8 Peter Dunkerley was partnered in the back row with the game Richard Hansen whilst Dustin Archibald anchored the front row. The game started off slowly with both teams adjusting to the unfamiliar make up of their respective squads- for some it was the first time playing together. The Onions struck first when a long probing kick deep into their half was fielded by the covering Shauntion Simons. Simons built up a head of steam and his lightening quick pace saw him weave through a startled Limeys defense to score the opening try. The Limeys settled down and began to put together some nice passages of play. Some good hands in the backs saw pressure mount and when the ball was thrown back inside from the wing by Peter Dunlop, Chris Naylor was able to slip by a desperate Harry Andrews to level the scores. Limeys continued to pour on the pressure but some stellar defensive work by the Onion back row kept them at bay. The Limey's momentum was briefly diminished when referee John Weale had to sin bin center Jamie Webb for a dangerous high tackle. Just before the interval another dazzling run by rookie sensation Shauntion Simons saw the former student blaze down the line for 40 meters before smashing into his former D/T teacher Chris Naylor. Naylor's brave tackle saved a sure try but unfortunately he had to go off with a bruised shoulder. The half time break saw some stern words being spoken by the sage Hurdle who realized his young charges were in need of some guidance. The speech had a wondrous effect as the Onions dominated the second half. The Onions played some text book driving mauls amongst the forwards, with Anthony "Church" Cupidore barking out commands to his rampaging pack. The inspirational Hurdle was able to finish off a strong forward surge for the Onions second try. From the restart the Onions mounted yet another string of attacks with standoff Michael Kane looking particularly efficient and effective. Onion Scrum half Jamie Morrison was relishing the safe platform that his dominating forwards had set and this allowed him time to give Kane some good passes. Kane in turn used the high-quality possession well and he linked with the hard charging Nick Kempe on several enterprising forays. Despite a preponderance of possession the Onions were thwarted by an indefatigable Limeys defense. However they could not deny a superlative try from Kris Furbert. Furbert started a counter attack with a brilliant solo run from deep. He deftly off loaded to Kane in support and looped to get the return pass that put him away to score for a 21-7 Onions lead. Referee John Weale again had to hand another yellow card this time to Onion forward Henry Adderley for rucking that was deemed too aggressive. The extra man allowed the Limeys to crawl back into the game and in the dying moments, a helpless Onion scrumhalf Morrison was caught isolated and in possession in his own goal area. When he did not immediately release the ball referee Weale quiet rightly awarded the marauding Limeys a consolation penalty try, closing out the scores 21-14 in an extremely entertaining game.

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