The South Delta Sun Devils’ surging rugby program has reached new heights — advancing to the Fraser Valley “AAA” senior boys championship game.
The No. 2 ranked Sun Devils will be playing for the banner after a huge 45-17 win over No.1 Yale Lions last Thursday. The result avenged an earlier 35-34 defeat to the Abbotsford school thanks to marked improvements in all areas of the game.
“We were able to just keep the ball in hand and trust that we would score, even if it took some phases. Last time we tried to force the play too much which led to crucial mistakes,” said South Delta coach Spencer Baines.
“Defensively we kept our spacing well and our improved fitness was able to continue that throughout the game.”
The Sun Devils will head back to Abbotsford on Wednesday afternoon (3:30 p.m.) to take on the Earl Marriott Mariners.
The South Surrey school is a late addition to the provincial “AAA” playoff picture after being relegated from the B.C. Secondary Schools Rugby Union’s five-team Premier League that also includes Shawnigan Lake, St. George’s, Oak Bay and Carson Graham.
To ensure teams declare their true status, the relegated school automatically assumes the No. 1 seed for the “AAA” tier post-season. The Mariners defeated No. 3 Robert Bateman 31-17 to advance to the championship game.
Regardless of the result, the Sun Devils are guaranteed to be a top eight seed to contend for the provincial championship when that tournament goes May 30 to June 2, also in Abbotsford.
