Joel MalinaFresh off their two consecutive wins against the UBC Thunderbirds and Victoria Vikes last weekend, the University of Alberta Pandas rugby team has their sights set on the Canada West Championships this weekend at Ellerslie Rugby Park. Head Coach Matthew Parrish is looking forward to the games on Edmonton soil.
“We’re in a fairly healthy situation at this stage, going in with three wins is pretty nice. We have been playing better and better which is what you want to try for, and what you want to see as a coach,” he said.
The Pandas are not new to this championship, having won the Canada West title three years in a row — however their biggest contender will be the Calgary Dinos, who lost a significant portion of their starting line this season, yet still managed to finish this year with a 4-0 record.
“They surprised everyone, how handedly they won all of their games. That gives them the first place seat heading into the Canada West Championships.” Parrish explained.
The Pandas lost their first conference game against the Dinos on Sept. 20, 34-19, before winning three consecutive games, finishing the regular season with a 3-1 record. With this in mind, Parrish remains optimistic.
“We played Victoria last weekend, which became a prelude of what was coming this weekend, it was nice to win both of those games to gain that confidence and know we can beat them,” he elaborated.
“We can score from wherever so we do not have to solely rely on one facet of the game” Parrish said, “We are dominant in the forwards, and most of our backs have been able to score as well, so we have options in regards to matching up to the other team. It’s nice not just having a Plan A, but a Plan B and C as well.”
Parrish explained that the biggest challenge is consistency in the team, how the squad has to work on staying determined and focused throughout the duration of the game.
“When we’re firing, we’re firing, but sometimes we seem to fall asleep; we have to come up with ways to combat that mental block.”
The main strategy for the Pandas in Canada West playoffs this year will come down to being well rested and mentally prepared.
“If we are in the ideal state to perform well and cope with pressure, we will have a great change to win it.” Parrish said, “it’s about getting them prepared and simply encouraging them to play their best rugby.”
The Pandas play this Friday at 3 p.m. against the Victoria Vikes at Ellerslie Rugby Park. Bronze and Gold metal games are scheduled on Sunday, Oct. 25, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
