The Comox Valley Kickers will probably never count sheep again if they can’t fall asleep after the nightmare that was a Div. 1 men’s rugby loss to the Port Alberni Black Sheep last weekend.
The Black Sheep won 47-12 in Comox, seeing tries—all converted by Neil Thurley—from six different players, Saturday.
The Black Sheep were ahead 33-0 at halftime, and there wasn’t much more to say, according to Port Alberni coach Jas Purewal.
“Comox had to play a lot of defence,” he noted. After two seasons of playing Div. 1, the Kickers are back down in Div. 3.
“Our first phase platform was top notch and the lineouts were [solid],” he said, which allowed Todd Daradics to create a lot of space for the players.
Tries came from Jack Rokotuiwakaya with two, and singles from Joe Kalugin, Josh Shannon, Ryan Turner, Ty Shannon and Thurley.
“We were a little more structured than they were and it really showed,” Purewal said.
“Our guys are playing better and better every week…the quality of rugby the guys are starting to play is a step in the right direction.”
The Sheep are at home to the Div. 1 Velox Valhallians on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 1 p.m. at the rugby pitch at the top of Argyle Street. Port Alberni lost a heartbreaker on the final play of the game to Velox earlier in the season, and will be looking to avenge that loss. “We’re hoping to put a lot of pressure on them early on,” Purewal said.
“I’m pretty excited, actually.”
He added the Sheep have a strong bench and their fitness level is high, which will help as the first half of the season winds down.
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