The L.V. Rogers senior boys rugby team are off to provincials after defeating Kimberley’s Selkirk Highlanders on Wednesday afternoon.
The Bombers took home the regional championship, defeating their East Kootenay rivals 56-10.
The sidelines were lined with LVR classmates and teachers who had come down to watch their team take home the championship.
Even though the Bombers were celebrating their title, the win was bittersweet.
Even though the Highlanders were able to break the Bombers streak, fans watched from the sidelines as the LVR seniors repeatedly ran past their opposition, scoring try after try.
While the Bombers waited to be handed the cup, officials spoke to the players and coaching staff commending them on what they’ve done for the sport in the region and the dedication with which they approach rugby.
“Despite some penalties and injuries our boys were really able to pull together and bring home a win,” said one of the LVR’s rugby coaches Brad Swan. “We’re really proud of the way our teams both junior and senior have worked this season and this championship is just proof of the talent we have on our team.”
The Bombers have been regional champions for the last four years and the LVR rugby program routinely sees players leaving to pursue the sport at higher levels.
The Bombers are now preparing for provincials, which are held annually in Abbotsford, starting on May 26.
“The official rankings are out and the Bombers are ranked seventh in the province,” said Swan. “The way the numbers break down the seventh ranked team plays the 10th which is Ladysmith and they are the number one AA school on Vancouver Island. They are our first game.”