Collingwood’s first game ever at the BC AAA Rugby Championships was exactly what the coaches and players expected it would be as South Delta gave the Cavs everything they could handle in their quarter-final match-up yesterday afternoon. 

The Sun Devils were big, fast and athletic and they dominated play for much of the first half.  The only thing that kept Collingwood in the game was their outstanding tackling.  And even with that determined tackling, SD was very adept at keeping the ball alive and in play with their offloads. 

An intercept by Julius R gave the Cavs a 7-0 lead against the run of play.  The Sun Devils made it 7-3 with a penalty kick.  

Off a well-stolen ball, the Cavs moved the ball wide and strung together their best play of the first half. This resulted in a penalty against the Sun Devils.  Theo Y easily converted this into 3 points.

Not long after, SD was caught napping on a tap-and-go penalty by Mitch S and the Cavs moved ahead 17-3.

On the opening kick-off of the second half, the Sun Devils were penalized and Theo made his fourth straight kick of the game to push the lead to 20-3.

When James S nipped around the edge of a ruck to extend the lead to 25-3 it seemed things were well in hand. 

But a yellow card left the Cavs only 14 men on the field.  The Sun Devils took advantage of this and narrowed the score to 25-10.

All hopes of a SD comeback were put to bed when Mitch quick-tapped and powered over for his second try of the game.  With Theo’s conversion, the score was 32-10.  Although the Sun Devils scored two late tries, it was too little too late as the game ended 32-22.

The Cavs will now face Shawnigan Lake School in their semi-final tomorrow at 1:30pm.

James S scored a crucial try in the second half with a quick dart off the side of a ruck.  On this play he may have taken on a few too many Sun Devil defenders.

Kion H had his best game of the year yesterday.  He was heavily involved in the action all game long.

Beau M was also outstanding yesterday with endless carries and tackles.

Teggen M made his season debut yesterday and played tremendously well.

Every game Sam C is asked to scrummage against an opposition player who outweighs him by 20-30 pounds minimum.  He is truly one of the unsung heroes of the team.  

(All photos by Ria Terins)