On Saturday, June 23, Stratford Black Swans Senior side started well, but finished a little short in a Niagara Rugby Union match against visiting Burlington.

Devon Fischer dashed over for the first Swans’ try. Burlington fought back quickly scoring next.

Stratford’s player-coach Aaron Parsons had more than his usual excellent game. Parsons, always strong as a leader and stalwart in defence in this game, was also the Swans’ leading scorer. He scored a try, a penalty and a conversion for a total of 10 points.

The game see-sawed back and forth with both sides scoring alternately, but after replacing most of their back-line Burlington gained an edge. The final count was: Burlington 31, Stratford 27.

Stratford’s record of one win against four very close losses does not reveal the fact that the local team is a very good side. With a bit of fine-tuning, they’re hoping to become winners.