Congratulations to the U14 Boys for winning the Festival Cup in the year-end Festival Finals.
It was a tremendous way to end the U14 season. The game featured some excellent talent on both sides for us and Capilano. It would be the 3rd match-up between the two clubs this season with Capilano winning the previous matches. In the end, it was our boys that showed their heart and came through with a come from behind win.
It was a see-saw affair until the last 10 minutes. The turning point in the game was front-row Max Gates’ try off of scrum-half Trevor Gardiner’s pass just metres short of the line in front of a bolsterous home crowd. Head coach Francine Tracey commented on part of the game plan: “Our forwards love to run it up the middle and will continue to handle the ball, asking questions of the defense until we have enough room to get it to the outside of the field, where our speed awaits anxiously to score tries.” This tactic proved to be effective with the boys pouring it on in the final minutes to close the game 42-24. Coach Tracey concludes that “the boys are in great spirits and are looking forward to trials for BC Summer Games, the Provincial Team, our Youth Sevens Program, and next year’s rugby program.”
In the second Championship Final, the U16s also hosted Capilano. Unlike the U14 regular season, our U16s came into the weekend having won their only match-up vs. Capilano. However, this contest would prove to be very different. Already without regular captain Paolo Dube, the boys were in tough to start the game. The game opened with a try to Burnaby Lake, but Capilano answered back quickly and often. As the game wore on, a few more injuries to key players would continue to take it’s toll. The hill only continued to get steeper with a couple sin bins 5 minutes a part mid-way through the 2nd half. Full-time score ends 46-7 for Capilano.
Congratulations to the boys for finishing top of the table and making it to the Final. It has been a long-time coming.
We would like to thank all of our Senior Men and Women, Alumni, and most importantly, the parents for coming down and cheering on the 2 Junior Blue and White Teams.
Special thanks to Toby Mustill and Ian Trevor for refereeing the 2 Finals.
Many Teams. ONE Club.
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