Saturday’s win on the rugby pitch was a victory in more ways than one for the Port Alberni Black Sheep.
It was the first time in six home games that the Sheep have defeated their cross-Island rivals the Nanaimo Hornets. And despite a lapse in the first half it was a demonstration of this season’s Div. 1 men’s squad’s strength of character, head coach Jas Purewal said.
The Black Sheep were up 13-7 at halftime and up 20-15 midway through the second half when they took a number of penalties.
“I was pleased our guys raised their game after Nanaimo went ahead 22-20,” Purewal said.
Mike Nelson scored a try to give the Black Sheep at 25-22 lead, which Nanaimo evened with a penalty kick. Then Ty Shannon scored in the corner after a long play from the opposite end of the field to give the Black Sheep the win with three minutes left.
The Sheep were strong in their scrums, which was a departure from the previous week’s 43-17 road loss to the Piggies in Duncan.
“You play a lot more offence than defence...if you get a quality ball in front of you.”
The win leaves the Black Sheep 1-1 in Times Colonist Cup competition.
SCRUM NOTES...New players are welcome. Practices are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. the club on Argyle Street or call Purewal at 250-724-5363.
editor@albernivalleynews.com
EDITED: The Black Sheep vs. Velox game that was scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 4 in Port Alberni has been postponed. The Black Sheep will instead hold a game situation training session from 12:30–2:15 p.m. Oct. 4 (2014)