NNEC wins two over Nighthawks in tough battles at Parkdale

NEW GLASGOW - Jason Munroe is pleased that high school rugby seems to be getting deeper in Pictou County.

"It's good to see the Pictou County teams getting stronger," said the coach of the girls' team at North Nova Education Centre, after his team defeated the NRHS Nighthawks 32-0 yesterday at Parkdale., a score he said wasn't indicative of the tough play put forth by the Nighthawks.

"They've really gotten a lot better," he said of NRHS.

"And even Picto#u Academy seems tougher this year. They've got some good athletes over there."

Against NRHS at the NNEC field, Courtney Dickson had two tries for the Gryphons, while singles were scored by Maggie Richard, Brianna Wood, Jenna Dicks and Janelle Clyke.

In a boy's game, the Nighthawks led 12-8 but the Gryphons scored two late tries to eke out a hard-fought 20-12 win.

Brett Rutledge, Nick Dewar and Gage Lorimer had the tries for the Gryphons, who got converts and a penalty kick from Ammar Haider.

For the Nighthawks, Phil Baxter and Nathan Linthorne supplied the tries, with Israel Coleman getting a convert.

"Northumberland always plays us tough," said NNEC coach Andrew Bell.

"I think it's something about the kid in your own backyard, you're not scared of the kid in your own neighbourhood. They play smart and hard, and gave us a tough game."