The Port Alberni Black Sheep Rugby Club's season came to a "screeching halt" with a loss against Nanaimo last weekend.
The Black Sheep visited the Nanaimo Hornets on Saturday, April 12 for the BC Rugby Island quarterfinals, but found themselves down 12-0 early in the game.
"We had a lot of territorial advantage, but just couldn't score," explained Black Sheep head coach Jas Purewal. "Full credit to Nanaimo, it was the best game I've seen them play. Their defensive commitment was amazing."
After a penalty goal from Ty Shannon, the Black Sheep pressed for a few minutes in the Hornets' end, but the ball "didn't roll their way," said Purewal. The Black Sheep found themselves down 26-3 at halftime, and despite tries from Shannon and John Symington in the second half, they ultimately lost the game 46-13.
"The game was pretty much under control by Nanaimo," said Purewal. "It was a pretty fair result, in my opinion. We just lacked the polish to put anything away."
It was a good season for the Black Sheep overall, said Purewal. Although they started out strong in the first half of the 2024-25 season, Purewal said they struggled with injuries and player availability after the winter break.
"It's been five years now of us playing at a high level and making it to the playoffs," said Purewal. "I'm proud of the guys. Their effort on game days has been outstanding."
Although their season has now come to an end, the Black Sheep are getting ready for an international rugby tour later this year. In July, the team will be joining the British & Irish Lions tour to Australia for an international festival of rugby across the country.
The Black Sheep will be playing four games in Australia, including a game against Black Sheep president John Symington's former club that he grew up playing with. The team will also get a chance to watch some high-level rugby action.
"It's a huge event, one that we've been planning for about five years now," said Purewal. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime thing, and it will be a pretty unique experience for some of our guys."
He hopes the team will come back "energized" for the new BC Rugby season in August.
SCRUM NOTES...Touch rugby has started up at the Black Sheep Rugby Club at the top of Argyle Street. Anyone can come out to learn the game of rugby (no contact) on a drop-in basis. Touch rugby takes place every Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
