On Saturday July 10th, the Buccs hosted the Dragons for what would be their final home game of the season. The Buccs also took the opportunity to celebrate the annual alumni day with their first ever alumni gala dinner at the High Park Club.

The Buccs, for a change, took the field with a full complement of players for both teams with the results being seen early and often in both games. Buccs 2 took to the pitch with a very solid starting line up against Dragons 2 but unfortunately had a shaky start giving up 2 early trys. Other than that they were the match of their opponents for the rest of the game. Buccs 2 eventually lost 38-19, but the game was much closer than the score would suggest. There were many stand out performances for Buccs 2, including prop Andrew Gourly who was dominant in the rucks and scrum half Morrow Oxley had a another good game scoring the opening try for Buccs 2. Man of the match honours went to Rookie fly half Steve Schlender who had a strong day kicking and running all over the pitch.

Buccs 1 took the field with perhaps their best starting lineup of the year and as a result had their best game of the season. Even though it was a losing result, Buccs 1 were very much in the game the whole time keeping it close, within 10 points into the 60th minute. In the 60th minute Buccs 1 captain Paul Collins was red carded for a minor physical altercation on the try line after the whistle. For the last 20 minutes in sweltering heat Buccs 1 played a man down and gave up several penalties along with a couple trys to eventually lose 34-10. Brian Crothers playing in the centres had a try and rookie Donald Hammond was impressive in the open and as a part of the engine room for Buccs 1 dominant scrum. Man of the mach honours went to prop Richie Williams who led the powerful scrum and made it a tough day in the office for his counterpart.

Following the game the Buccaneers went to the High Park Club to honour their alumni and welcome some past greats into the hall of fame. It was a wonderful evening with good food and drink and most importantly the company of our alumni. The Buccs inducted two alumni into the Hall of Fame. Mike Sarosiak (aka Lunch) who unfortunately could not be present, and John Glover who regaled the club members with wonderful stories of the origins of the club, in addition to a few unforgettable ones about his fellow inductee. John also very generously donated an original 1976 Buccaneers jersey which will be displayed in a place of honour at our sponsor bar the Fox and Fiddle in the coming weeks. A huge thank you also goes out to Sean Webb and Sydney Johnson for putting the event together in their spare time and making it such a memorable and enjoyable evening for all.

The Buccs next game is versus the Mississauga Blues this Saturday, their second last game of the season. Hopefully they will again have a full compliment of players and put up their first victory of the year.