The UVic Norsemen have speed but the Port Alberni Black Sheep have experience and that won out on Saturday in B.C. Rugby Union TC Cup play in Victoria.
The Black Sheep bested the Norsemen 36-12 on the strength of solid rucks and defence, head coach Jas Purewal said.
Black Sheep tries came from Cody McClary, Nick Love, Neil Thurley (plus three conversions), Ty Shannon and Ste Rokotuiwakaya with a pair. The Sheep were up 31-0 at halftime.
The Norsemen got through Port Alberni’s defence twice in the second half. “UVic is lightning quick,” Purewal said.
“We were able to contain them for the better part of the day.
“Our defence was solid all day. We were definitely the more physical team on the field. We set the tone early with the driving lineouts where Cody (McClary) scored early.”
This game was UVIc’s first loss in TC Cup play, and Purewal said former Black Sheep Luke Bradley—now a Norseman and a national level player—had a solid game. “Luke played very well. He was certainly one of the more dominant players.”
SCRUM NOTES...The Black Sheep are back in Victoria to play James Bay on Saturday in another TC Cup match.
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