The Fulton Maroons brushed back the host Kalamalka Lakers 22-21 in an Okanagan Junior Boys Rugby Union hard-fought thriller Wednesday afternoon.
Fulton (2-0) received tries from Clark Richardson, Austin Richardson, Tanner Bishop and Marshall Kazemir. Sean Greene booted one convert.
“The forwards did a great job of rucking the ball, and were able to win some 50/50 ball as well,” said Maroons’ coach Mike Scheller.
“Lock Vance Ford was very tough in the rucks, as was Jordan Cabrejos, who was very gutsy throughout the game. Prop Alex Cox came in and gave us some very good minutes in the second half.”
Scheller also praised Greene for a stellar showing at scrum half.
“He was very aggressive, and did a good job of controlling our attack. Centres Clark Richardson and Bryce Dulaba both played very well, and had some solid attacking runs all game. Fullback Matt Kane was great on defence, and he also helped out our offence on attack.”
The Maroons visit the Salmon Arm Golds on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the senior AA Maroons were missing four starters due to work commitments and went 0-4 at the provincial 7’s tournament at St. George’s in Vancouver.
“The 10 players I took gained valuable experience and we came home with no injuries so that’s a good thing,” said Fulton head coach Rick Smith.
The Maroons face the Okanagan Mission Huskies Tuesday in Kelowna and then entertain the Sir Charles Tupper Tigers next Friday at Fulton (11:30 a.m.) for an interlocking game.
The Tigers, who are ranked No. 10 in the province, one spot ahead of Fulton, are one of four Vancouver schools heading to Vernon for a Super High School Rugby Friday.
Okanagan Mission will face the Mulgrave Titans of West Vancouver in a 10:30 game at Fulton.
At Kal, the No. 1 Collingwood Cavaliers of West Vancouver take on Ian Busfield’s Lakers at 2 p.m., while Kelowna Christian Knights play the Alpha Aztecs of Burnaby at 3:30.
