The Warriors
Miracle on Grass
For most Americans, Lake Placid brings up memories of the 1980 Miracle on Ice, but for future generations of Harlequins, Lake Placid will be forever known as the Miracle on Grass.
On July 28, 2023 a touring side of Warriors stepped onto the pitch, (10 minutes before gametime) and knocked off the 3 time defending Lake Placid over 35 reigning Champions Eastside Hyenas aka Team America who were dressed in their red, white and blue star spangled kit. It was also obvious that that on first glance of Team America our G.M. Steve didn’t bother to check the fine point on the registration form that stated there wasn’t a drug/anabolic policy in place for this tournament.
Team America was a “young 35” while the average age of the Warriors was closer to 50 thanks to a starting flanker tandem that was 60 and 65 years old as well as a bongo playing centre whose age brings him within a year of retirement.
What the Warriors may have lacked in size and youth, they made up for it with toughness and a typical Brantford “we don’t care who we play” attitude. Despite being down at halftime a late converted try sealed the victory by a score of 17-15. Every single player who took the field played with emotion and tenacity. Shawsie, Rory, Schouty, Wilko, Jay, Bundy, Adriel, and Gavin controlled the backline while McLean, Jamie, Matta, Cookie, Levi, Sam, Auz, Staats, Gustin and Mick more than held their own against a bigger pack.
On the sidelines, Injured players (Big Jim, Buddah, Mark, Q and Nick) followed Coach Barclay’s and Team Owner Steve Dostal’s lead in offering suggestions to the referee as well as taking the time to point out constructive criticism to the American players that will no doubt help them in their future games.
Special thanks again to Jay and Mark for all the food prep and coming up with some great lunches and dinners that were much appreciated by the boys.
Off the field, The Warriors were second to none as they mixed with the locals, little persons, carnies and “country people” for an evening that some say resembled the bar scene from the first Star Wars movie. Big shout out to Jules and Mark Gustin for dominating karaoke and Nick, Adam and Bundy for their own instrumental performances.
Once again thanks to Warrior International Director of Tours Gavin Jacklyn, Warrior G.M. Steve Piatek and Warrior owner and major sponsor Steve Dostal for a great tour.
For future Warriors, Our 2023 Tour shirt is now our official kit. See Gavin to purchase one of these beauties.