The Vernon Jackals jolted the West Kelowna Grizzlies 24-7 in Okanagan Rugby Union action Saturday under howling winds at Grahame Park.
The Jackals improved to 2-0 for sole possession of first place in the five-team circuit.
Jarrod Stinn anchored the Vernon forwards with his usual aggressive style and scored his first try of the season.
“Stinn is a game changer for us,” said veteran Jackal Bryan Bateman. “When he is not in the game, our forward pack is a different team. He’s a great tackler and ball handler. Josh Cooper played an exceptional game, scoring a try in the second half to clinch the victory for us.”
Garth Cooke and Dallas Agg also supplied tries for the Jackals, while Pearse Wylie was 2-for-4 on conversions.
Bateman gave props to the Grizzlies for pushing the Jackals hard.
“West Kelowna is a young team that is new to the league, and if they continue to play and improve as they have, they are soon to become a team to be reckoned with. A large credit to the Vernon success was our scrum. We were a larger team and we were able to control the ball, had good tackling, and were able to steal some key scrums.
“Our backs played great in the open field. first year player/coach Garth Cooke had an exceptional game, making some key tackles, scored a try and helped keep control the flow of the game. Former VSS Panther Dallas Agg scored his first try as a Jackal in a hard fought run. Captain Rob Miles was well impressed with how the younger guys have stepped up to the plate and transitioned well in to the men’s league style of play.
Vernon plays host to the Salmon Arm Yetis Saturday, 1 p.m., at Grahame Park.
