Manitoba (51) defeat Saskatchewan (26) in PSL Bronze Medal Game!

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Manitoba has secured third place in this year’s Prairie Super League Competition with a win in smoky conditions in front of over 500 fans at Maple Grove Rugby Park. 

With the perception that points would be at a premium, the teams traded long range kicks early on to put the scores at 3-3 before a counter-attack started by Andy Black led to Cillian Ansbro going over for the first try in the corner. (10-3).

Mike Laverge (MB #10) offloads to Devin Adamson (MB #13)

The strength of the Buffalo runners consistently making it over the gain line had Saskatchewan playing from long range before a strong counter-attack led to another several phases in the MB half and a SK penalty goal (10-6).

Saskatchewan struck again off the back of a line out on the Manitoba 22 metre line, with Patrick Young slipping through the defence to go over and nose SK in front for the first time in the match. (10-11).

The Buffalo then hit straight back off a Bobby Mackay turnover and a strong central run from Michael Laverge breaking several tackles before offloading to Devon Adamson to dot down just outside the uprights. (17-11).

Mike Laverge (MB #10) celebrates with Brett Kehler(MB #8)

Manitoba would strike twice more through Adamson (22-11) and Ansbro (27-11) before the half time whistle.

Sask came out strong after the break, camping out for a long period in their opponents half and adding another penalty (27-14) but unfortunately could not find a way over the MB line.

This proved costly as MB would score next off the maul through Alex Ashwell (32-14) and then again with Brett Kehler (37-14). 

Adam Setka (MB #6) gets airborne to secure a line out for MB

Showing true prairie heart, Saskatchewan went back to work scoring through Andrew Beckle (37-21) before the teams traded tries as Ansbro went over for his fourth (44-21) and then Brennan Marcoux (44-26).

The stage was then set for man-of-the-match Ansbro to ice the cake with his fourth and final try of the evening sealing the game 51-26.

Cillian Ansbro (MB #15) winner of the Bodylogix Man of the Match for his four try haul.

Rugby Manitoba would like to extend a huge thanks to all involved in promoting such a successful tournament, thank you to the players, officials, commentators for facilitating one of the greatest rugby days seen at maple grove in years.

A full replay of the match with the voices of Troy Willams and Cole Hunt can be found below, courtesy of our broadcast partners ASTV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Xy0sFqkCnA