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Fredericton, NB

The Atlantic Division tournament of the 2010 National Junior Championship took place this past weekend at the Fredericton Rugby Park, where the Newfoundland Rock clinched first place.

The New Brunswick Timber hosted the Maritime event, which took a different approach to the competition structure this year. A single weekend playoff tournament was scheduled where the draw saw the Quebec Caribou and Nova Scotia Keltics match-up in the first semi-final and the host Timber take on the Newfoundland Rock in the other semi-final.

The weekend tournament kicked off Friday afternoon and both semi-finals were played at a high pace and decided convincingly. In the first match, the Caribou proved to be too much for the Keltics with a 57-14 win. Leading 26-0 at half-time, the Caribou were impressive moving the ball around the pitch and putting 8 players on the score sheet. The win earned Quebec the first available spot in the Atlantic final on Sunday.

In the day's other semi-final, the hosts were downed by Newfoundland 71-9 and the Rock proved they have not pulled back on their under-20 program which has been very strong in previous years.

With the presence of Canada Under-20 back Patrick Parfrey Jr. and powerful back row forward Zac Coughlan, The Rock had the momentum from the opening whistle, running in 11 tries. All of the Timber's points came off the boot of fly half Andrew Reimer, who kicked three penalties.

Sunday's third place match was a much closer affair. Nova Scotia and New Brunswick matched up well but the visitors came away with a 25-12 win.

The Atlantic Final between the Rock and Caribou was a tremendous game that saw Newfoundland take a 25-14 result. The Rock started strongly and took an early lead but the Caribou managed to score just before the half through Josh Blair to make it 15-7 at the break. Despite the Rock's dominance in the line-out and their tireless work at the breakdown, Vasken Redwanly's converted try brought Quebec to within a point.

This was as close as the score got. The Rock continued to make ground - especially through their #8 from the base of the scrum - and a penalty extended their lead to 18-14. In the final minute Newfoundland sealed the title with a converted try in the corner.

Following the game, Quebec's Co-head Coach, John Lavery, had this to say.

"It was a tough match, and very physical which at first I think the boys struggled with. In the end they fronted up well, and pushed a strong Rock side to the limit. I think the general feeling in the camp was one of pride, but definitely not satisfaction. The boys will be back next year, and hungrier having made it so close to the Eastern Final".

"Newfoundland came out of the blocks very fast and before we knew it, we were 15 points down after 20 minutes. Our guys never gave up though and clawed within a point of them. That sustained effort, however, took its toll physically and with the combination of an excellent individual try in the final minute, we couldn't get the job done," stated Quebec Co-head Coach, Andrew Plimer."

For Quebec, there was obvious disappointment with the final result, but a sense of optimism within their program. This season marked the return of the Quebec Caribou program into the National Under-20 competition. The Caribou were shifted from the Central Division - a region they traditionally competed in against the Ontario programs - to the Atlantic Division, where they now align with their Senior program and the Canadian Rugby Championship regional structure.

For the Rock, this marks the third consecutive year they will compete in the Eastern Final.

As Atlantic Division winners, the Newfoundland Rock will host the National Junior Championship Eastern Final on Saturday, July 10 at Swilers Rugby Complex in St. John's - kickoff 3pm. Their opponent will be decided on July 3, when the Ottawa Harlequins travel to Niagara to take on the Lightning, who are up 1-0 in their home/away series.