McRoberts Strikers are heading back to the B.C. AA Senior Boys Rugby Championships for a 16th consecutive year.
The Strikers have been seeded seventh for the 16-team tournament and will open play Saturday against No. 10 GW Graham of Chilliwack at St. George’s High School in Vancouver. Kickoff is slated for 2:30 p.m.
The final three days of the championships then shift to Abbotsford starting May 27.
“Given the change in demographics and other challenges over the years, it really is quite remarkable,” said longtime volunteer coach Al Smith, of the provincial streak. “Guys like (teachers) Dave Milholm and Joe Clemente have done a great job keeping the rugby tradition alive at the school.”
The program has produced some outstanding players over the years, including current National Team Sevens player Nathan Hirayama.
Two weeks ago, Bryan Tyrer had a leading roll in the UBC Thunderbirds capturing the Rounsefell Cup for the first time in 68 years as B.C. Premier League champions.
McRoberts is coming off a third place finish in the Lower Mainland AA playoffs. The Strikers fell 36-19 to No. 3 ranked Collingwood in the semi-finals, but rebounded with a 31-22 win over No. 12 Charles Tupper.
Last season, the locals reached the provincial podium for the first time in six years, capturing bronze with a 12-5 win over St. Michael’s University.
This time, the boys will face a stern test right out of the gate.
“We haven’t seen (GW Graham) but we expect them to be a big and athletic team,” added Smith. “Anytime the seventh and 10th seeds are squaring off, it really is a coin flip.”
