BARBOS SQUEAK BY PARK CITY IN SNOWBOWL

Your Denver Barbarians defeated Park City Haggis 20-19 in a thrilling defensive snow game. While the Barbos opened up with three tries and a 15-0 lead, Park City came storming back and took the lead 19-15. But it was Luka Pavlakis who crossed over for what would be the game winning try in the 72nd minute (pictured below). The Barbos defense then held up at their own try line, holding up the ball on the final play.

They say a picture paints a thousand words … and thanks to Critt Sports Photography, I’ll let the pixels do the talking. As you view the photos, remember that the temperature was a balmy 22 degrees during the game. How would you hold up in the cold playing 80 minutes of rugby!?

With the snow and temperatures, the ball spent plenty of time on the deck. It was a sloppy game, but it was plenty physical.

The Barbos lineout was a strong point on Saturday. The scrummaging tended to favor Park City’s pack.

Luka Pavlakis gets over the line for one of his two tries. He and Hank Kafonec were pivotal to the field position kicking game.

Dakota Southworth (#7) got down and dirty all day in defense.

Who doesn’t like a big hit? Dakota Southworth runs in straight at Park City’s prop. Kyle Hilliard in support.

The match was adjudicated by veteran Joe Burpoe who is the head of the Rocky Mountain Rugby Referees Society.

Park City fought back to take a late lead. They found success with their forward pack in the Barbos own 22.

The men in Green & White had defensive lapses throughout the match, but they got the job done when needed to close out a tight victory.

Alex Schultz (high) and Hank Kafonec (low) revved up their attacking & defensive pressure throughout the match. The 10/12 pairing have been humming all October!

Since the Barbos 51-45 loss at Park City a month ago in late September, the team has now won 4 on the bounce including this decisive battle with the Utah based club. The first XV will face the Water Dogs next Saturday at Infinity Park with a chance to seal a place in the Rocky Mountain Rugby Premiership Final.

Can the men in Green & White maintain their sharp first XV form? Will the hunt for the playoffs continue late in November? Will the Barbos and Park City play a rubber match for the RMR Final in November? Nothing is set in stone, and a massive 1st XV match Saturday looms.

Come out and support the men as they look to stay focused on the goal: Just Win Baby

As Always, BLEED GREEN