Sharks bite into Express
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The thrill of an Okanagan Grade 8 South Zone rugby championship was not lost in the minds of the Skaha Lake Sharks.
Since the start of September, coach Lorne Lovett put in time with his players learning a new game. They were rewarded with a 35-15 win over the KVR Express on Thursday at McNicoll Park.
“They played awesome,” said Lovett, who encouraged his players during a windy and partially rainy afternoon. “Every individual is learning the level of effort necessary to compete and win.”
Lovett and Express coach Dave Hird said the match was the best between both teams.
“The kids played their positions and it looked like a game of rugby,” said Hird. “There were some great open field tackling.”
Bumps and bruises were earned during battle but no serious injuries.
“The boys know how to tackle,” said Hird.
While the Express scored three tries in the last half, Hird said the Sharks scored “two beautiful tries” that sealed the game.
“Hats off to Skaha Lake who won every match against us,” he said. “I’m happy my boys played to their level.”
“This group of players were extremely coachable and dedicated,” said Lovett, whose team went 6-0 during season play that included McNicoll Park School. “We practiced or played twice a week after school, as well as three times a week during lunch hour.”
One of the things that impressed Hird was the kids’ approach to the game.
“The enthusiasm level was the highest I have experienced,” said Hird.
After a hard-fought match, both teams huddled swarmed a tent and enjoyed grilled burgers with the kids who participated in the Rug Rats program, which teaches the basics of
the sport.
Skaha Lake Shark Cor Dewaal had Harley Giesbrecht (left) and Matt Jones of the KVR Express in his way from scoring a try during the Grade 8 final. The Sharks won the championship 35-15 at McNicoll Park.
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