The AA Rugby semi finals were held at St. Michaels University School (SMUS) on Monday May 12. EMCS were looking forward to a good result after a run of five victories in the run up. That day at SMUS was a lovely day on the grounds, promising a wonderful day for rugby: the grounds were dry and firm, perfect for the fast runners.
EMCS kicked off against Glenlyon Norfolk School (GNS) and the early running was indecisive. After 10 minutes, GNS scored a try, five points, and converted another two points. Five minutes later, GNS scored again, but this time there was no conversion.
With some very determined running, the EMCS Wolverines scored what turned out to be their only points: a try converted, seven points. At half time, it was GNS 19 and EMCS 7.
In the second half, GNS upped their play and proved to be superior in most aspects of the game. GNS’s long rugby culture plus their record of always being in the finals was, in the end, too much for our relatively inexperienced team. GNS scored four more times with two conversions and ran out the winners 43 to 7.
Nevertheless the EMCS players never lost their determination and played fully for whole game. At the whistle they were all cheerful and Matt Mortenson, their coach was up beat. He said that next year when the 11th graders become 12th graders this years experience will have been valuable. In summary, a good season to build on for next year.
This writer enjoyed all the games and encourages Sooke sports fans to come out and support our Wolverines.
Submitted by Fred Whittaker
UPDATE ON THE SOOKEAHALLA CUP (a contest between Belmont and EMCS): The score 20 minutes into the game was 14 to 0 for EMCS. Belmont lost several players to injury related to the acute temperature increase so they called the game. The Sookeahalla cup remains in Sooke for yet another year.