BROCKTON OVAL — St. George’s School head rugby coach Mike Stiles praised Carson Graham secondary after the Saints triumphed in a close match that came down to the wire after the Eagles started out slowly.
“They played really well and took it to us, never giving up. They have some very strong ball runners who forced us to commit two players to the tackle,” said Stiles. “Hats off to Carson Graham.”
St. George’s won 29-19 after breaking out to a 17-point lead before the Eagles came within a try of tying the game, played in Stanley Park at Brockton Oval May 19.
“I was not surprised by the result, as Carson that traditionally gets stronger as the season progresses,” said Stiles.
The Saints now represent the Lower Mainland at the B.C. Championships in the AAAA tier, newly created for the provincial tournament to avoid lop-sided games and perennial powerhouse teams like St. George’s and Shawnigan Lake move through the opening rounds. One of these two schools has played for the championship title every year since 2001, and both have clashed in the final for the past six years.
On the power of smart, strategic play and power, St. George’s held off the Eagles who looked like a different team in the second half after sloppy play held them back. Carson Graham scored minutes before the halftime break and came within shot of the Saints to bring the game within five points at 12-17.
St. George’s answered with a relentless push that started five yards from the try zone and, for the only time in the game, the convert was missed.
The Eagles answered with a perfectly timed steal as a defender turned scorer in seconds by picking a pass out of the air and charging 20 yards for the try. The convert was good, and Carson Graham was only three points back, trailing 19-22.
With five minutes remaining in the game, St. George’s scored again and made the convert to win by 10.
“I thought we were quicker than Carson Graham around the pitch, and we had several opportunities to capitalize but made minor handling errors that allowed Carson back in the game,” said Stiles. “With some rest and a week to prepare, I am confident that the team will be ready for the provincials. Our team goal was to get the AAAA tournament, representing the Lower Mainland. We have now accomplished that, so we will now refocus and set a new goal as we prepare for Oak Bay.”
St. George's won the B.C. crown in 2014 and Shawnigan Lake took it back last year.
St. George’s plays the South Island representative, Victoria’s Oak Bay secondary, in Abbotsford at Rotary Stadium 6:30 p.m. May 26. The winner plays for the provincial title against Shawnigan Lake or Earl Marriott at 4 p.m. May 28.
Twitter: @MHStewart
