1st XV starts strong

Shawnigan's 1st XV has opened the season with encouraging results, meaning the squad probably won't be defending its Provincial 'AAA' rugby title.

After a successful tour of South Africa, plus an extended Spring Break for four seniors who joined Canada's under-18 touring squad in Ireland, Shawnigan's domestic season began in earnest with a matchup against St. George's School on Saturday.

Played in beautiful spring conditions in front of a large crowd of students and alumni, Shawnigan's 1st XV pulled away in the second half, defeating the rival squad 52-17. Head Coach Tim Murdy says his team is happy with the result, but still keeping early returns in perspective. "It's just one game in a long season," Murdy says. "Our goal is to improve with each outing."

Shawnigan's 2nd XV also earned a comfortable victory, while the Colts settled for an intra-squad game because of some injuries to St. George's' junior ranks.

 

The 1st XV's triumph means Shawnigan remains the top-ranked team in the Province, likely moving the School into BC's new 'AAAA' rugby tier.

In a move aimed at restoring balance to the Provincial structure, BC Boys High School Rugby has announced the new top level of boys competition, with the top four 'AAA' programs to compete for the inaugural 'AAAA' championship May 25-28 in Abbotsford.

For his part, Coach Murdy says the playoffs remain a long way off, so his group isn't even looking at it just yet. "However," he adds, "I do think that the new format is good for the game."

The winners of the North and South Island zones, as well as the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland champions, will all advance directly to the 'AAAA' semifinals, while the remaining 'AAA' teams will also continue to compete at that level.

 

As well, BC Boys High School Rugby has announced a Provincial Championship for junior boys. Shawnigan's junior team (the Colts) earned the Island Championship in 2015 and will look forward to the opportunity for further competition.

The BC Junior Championship will run concurrently with the senior Provincials - wrapping up May 28 at Abbotsford's Rotary Stadium.

 

Shawnigan's 1st XV and Girls XV will both compete this weekend (April 14-17) in the annual CAIS National Championships at Brentwood College School.

– Jon Zacks

* For more photos from the 1st XV vs. St. George's, visit the Shawnigan Facebook page.