With some clutch regulars out of town working, the Vernon Jackals relied on some newbies in a 21-10 Okanagan Rugby Union win over the Salmon Arm-Enderby Manthers Sunday at A.L. Fortune Secondary.
Devin Hospes, (Kiwi) Dan Eyles and Nate Martel recorded tries for the Jackals (1-1). Trevor Miyazaki booted three conversions. It was 21-5 Vernon at the break.
“This was a nice bounce-back win for our club, after a disappointing loss a week ago in Kelowna,” said Jackals’ veteran Mike Scheller. “We were happy with the way some new players stepped up. We tackled and defended very well all game and that was the difference.”
The youthful Manthers held a lot of possession and territory, but the Jackals showed a lot of heart in stopping most of their runs and allowing a dangerous counterattack. The Manthers held the edge in play in the final half.
“Trevor Miyazaki had a great game at standoff,” said Scheller. “He does a great job of directing our attack. Fullback Devin Hospes had one of his best games in a Jackal uniform. He counterattacked their kicks with some strong runs and was a force defensively.”
Scheller praised the aggressive play by the Vernon forwards, noting playing/coach Garth Cooke, a flanker, was all over the field making numerous tackles and golden runs. Eyles, the other flanker, was crunching people all over the field, while hooker Eric Sundquist was also tough in the loose play.
In North Zone junior boys rugby Monday, Scheller’s Fulton Maroons brushed back the Kalamalka Lakers 15-10 on tries by Sikandar Ahmad, Brett Shaigec and Karl Main.
“Both teams have some solid athletes and the game was a hard-hitting affair,” said Scheller. “We tackled well, rucked well and held possession of the ball for most of the game. I thought we might have scored a bit more, but Kal fought and tackled well. Our scrums and lineouts were very efficient all game and hooker Kyle Dennis did a good job of stealing their ball in the scrums.”
No. 8 man Davron Polok also had a great game for the Maroons, while Main, at inside centre “has been a great find for us, and he continues to improve.”
Scrum half Bryn Bedard provided a lot of good balls to the Fulton backs. Franky Gettis and Ryan Vadnais were very good at lock.
“Our forwards played well and it is a credit to forwards coach Shayne (Gator) Gaythorpe,” said Scheller. “Coach Gaythorpe is moving for awhile due to school and work commitments and it will be a big blow to our athletic program.”
