Despite being low on numbers, the Kelowna old boys defeated the young guys Saturday in the 32nd edition of the Ensign Cup Benefit Rugby Game.
A crowd of around 200 attended the match at Parkinson Rec Centre, as Chris Ward officiated while Dr. Graham McCauley and Jeff Townsend served as linesman.
The game was a closely contested battle with the young guys outrunning the old boys, but the old boys dominating in the rucks, scrums and line outs.
The old fellas, who led 10-7 at the half, won the match 24-14.
The old boys now lead the historical series 15-13, with four games ending in draws.
Rick Schouten, with two trys, and two kicks by Barrak Pauls accounted for the under 30s’ scoring, while four different players touched down for trys for the old guys.
At 52, special recognition goes to Will Loudoun who played the whole game and scored the final try.
George Curran also played the entire game for the old guys. At 52, this was George’s 30th appearance. At the social, George was recognized with a life membership and team jacket.
The final showdown was the boat race in which the young fella team of Nathan Illichmann, Simeon Campbell, Rick Schouten, Dan Blasco, Elijah Epp and Jed Anderson beat the old guys for the first time in the 32-history of the Ensign Cup.
Most importantly, the event raised $1,600.
The money goes to Rusty Ensign who donated the funds to George Curran’s Mini Rugby and Crows Women Rugby development.
