Two enthusiastic rugby teams slogged their way through the rain and mud last week, but in the end, the awarding of the Sookeahalla Cup had to wait for another day.
The annual senior boys showdown between Belmont and Sooke’s Edward Milne Community School ended in a 5-5 tie, a score that was indicative of the evenness of the play, said Belmont coach Mike Huck.
“That was one of the best games I’ve ever seen,” he said. “Both teams played really well.”
Huck previously taught and coached at Edward Milne and helped develop the program there before moving over to Belmont a couple of years ago. The Sookeahalla Cup was his idea, a fun way to help grow the sport in the Sooke School District.
As the lone high schools in the district, the two teams have always been rivals, Huck said. Having something special to play for locally, for bragging rights, has proven a good addition to the mix, he added.
Last Thursday’s game saw Belmont get a late try from centre Cody Wist to tie the match at five apiece. The play was a set piece and saw the ball spun out to the backs, eventually reaching Wist, who scored in the corner.
Peter Stone opened the scoring in the first half with a try for Edward Milne and the teams battled back and forth until the late score.
The Cup will be awarded after a second game is played between the sides, Huck said.
editor@goldstreamgazette.com