One of the top high school athletic programs in the city over the last 20 years is back on the provincial podium for the first time since 2008.
McRoberts Strikers capped an impressive post-season run with a 12-5 win over St.
Michaels University at the recent B.C. AA Rugby Championships in Abbotsford. The Strikers entered the 16-team tournament ranked sixth and needed a pair of upset wins to secure bronze in a tier that has been dominated by private schools in recent years.
"We had come close a couple of times so it's nice to come away with a medal again," said longtime assistant coach Al Smith. "When you look at the resources the private schools and a program like (champion) Rockridge have to work with, I don't know if we are going to be in a position again to win it all but what we have accomplished as a public school over the years is quite rewarding."
This was a transition season for the program as longtime coach Gary Hirayama retired, leaving the head duties to Joe Clemente. Joining Smith on the coaching staff were three recent graduates - Geoff Girling, Spencer Baines and Blair Knowles whose enthusiasm had a key role in the team's success.
The Strikers opened the championships with a 26-14 win over Abbotsford's Rick Hansen Hurricanes, then came through with a 10-9 win over No. 3 Brentwood College in the quarter-finals.
Justin Turner-Pearce set the tone for the upset with a long run for an early try. Standoff Mati Gordon added the conversion and a second half penalty that provided the difference.
"That early try was immense," said Smith. "That's what you need for some confidence against a team like that. I know they were already looking ahead to the semi-final. But our defence was a big key. We did a terrific job."
After a 38-5 loss to No. 2 Collingwood, the Strikers rebounded with another terrific defensive effort to get past St. Michaels. The Victoria school didn't get on the scoreboard until the final five minutes.
Smith added Turner-Pearce, along scrum half Spencer Walker and No. 8 Nolan Howell are three graduating players capable of playing for Team B.C. and beyond should they make the necessary commitment to rugby.
"We have some kids who played on the soccer and volleyball teams that also went to provincials," he added. "It was a good year for the boys teams at the school."
