For six years in a row, the Earl Marriott Mariners were the kings of the Fraser Valley senior boys rugby scene.
That string of titles, however, came to an end last year, after a 16-15 loss to the Yale Lions. On Thursday, the South Surrey side will have a chance to get the banner back, when they square off against the Lions, their longtime rivals, in Abbotsford.
“That was a good streak we had there, and we’d like to start another one,” said Earl Marriott coach Adam Roberts. “I know the boys are really fired up.”
Due to a re-jigging of provincials, this year’s Valley title tilt has more riding on it than just a banner. The winner of Thursday’s game will be boosted into a newly formed, four-team AAAA provincial tournament, alongside other rugby powerhouses from the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, while the second-place Valley team will stay at the AAA level.
Provincial championships for both are set for May 25-28 in Abbotsford.
“We want to be there, no matter who you have to go up against,” said Roberts of the new AAAA tier.
“We want to win this game badly. We want that banner back.”
