Snow No Match for Fredericton Loyalists

New Brunswick got hit with its first snowfall of the winter season just one day before the Fredericton Loyalists hosted the Halifax Tars for the Maritime Men’s Division 1 title. But thanks to the snow clearing crew, even the snow was no match for the rugby football club. Loyalists beat the Tars 25-13 in a suspenseful game to win the Caledonia Cup championship.

The victory was truly a group effort. Fans and supporters gathered as early as 9 a.m. to start clearing the field. Volunteers had to be careful as to not tear up the grass itself. It took four snowblowers and several hours of shoveling to get the job done but they pulled it off in time for the big game.

Despite the cold, windy weather, hundreds of fans came out to support their team.

“It had kind of almost a cool stadium feel with all the fans up on the berm and the snow surrounding all the other sides. It was a really exciting game, bit of a nail biter – back and forth. But yeah, a great day to be a Loyalist,” said Tina Hansen, Loyalist RFC player, and fan.

At half time the Loyalists were up 20-10, but it was still anyone’s game. In the second half maintaining possession of the ball played a big part in their victory. Local rugby legend Simon Pacey had an exceptional game and was named “Man of the Match” by the Halifax Tars in the post-match gathering.

Mayor Mike O’Brien awarded the Loyalist with the Caledonia Cup trophy which has been passed between the Loyalists and the Tars for the past decade, with the Loyalists winning in 2009, 2011, 2013, 2017. This years win was especially meaningful to Loyalist head coach Keith McAlpine. He has been coaching the men’s team for 30 years and is a staple in the rugby community.

Celebrations of the Loyalists’ successful day took place inside the clubhouse and lasted well into the night.