The Vernon Panthers, Kalamalka Lakers and Fulton Maroons finished 10th, 11th and 12 respectively at the B.C. Senior AA Boys Rugby Championships last weekend at Rotary Stadium in Abbotsford.
In the 11th-place game, the No. 9-ranked Lakers outlasted the No. 7 Maroons 14-10, while the No. 12 Cats bowed 27-17 to the No. 14 Ladysmith 49ers in the ninth-place tilt.
Having not beaten the Maroons for three years, the Lakers relied on auxiliary players to get the job done. Brock Wagner had to play in the centre, while the wings and fullback were all first-year players, as were four of Kal’s forwards.
“It was pretty much a Band-Aid lineup,” said Kal coach Ian Busfield. “We knew Fulton were at full strength with the players they brought down so we had to try to keep the game close and take our opportunities when they presented themselves.”
Kal took an early lead when kicking wizard Alex Harper slotted 30- and 40-metre penalties.
“His tactical kicking for field position was masterful and his goal kicking was very strong,” said Busfield, of the UVic-bound Harper.
Shortly after, Kal’s hooker/flanker Chris Leverman went down with a facial laceration. With no reserves, the Lakers had to complete three-quarters of the game a player down.
After another Harper long-range penalty, followed by a try from Robbie Filice, the Lakers went into the half ahead 14-0.
Kal controlled the ball for most of the game, except for two strong runs from Fulton players who slipped multiple tackles and scored two tries under the posts in a 90-second span.
The first Maroon conversion was blocked and the second sailed wide. The Lakers pressed hard into the Maroons’ zone for the remaining seven minutes and were close to scoring before the final whistle sounded.
“Both teams gave it their all on Saturday but for once our boys, all 14 of them, wanted it more and had to dig deep to win this one,” said Busfield. “In that there were nine Grade 10/11 boys out of the 14 shows well for next year.”
Busfield added that while not into the top-10 provincially on a regular basis, high school rugby in Vernon remains competitive.
“With the strong support of parents and dedication of the high school coaches rugby in Vernon is alive and well and on the rise.”
