The BC Bears brought home three Championship titles following an action-packed weekend at the 2023 Western Canadian Championships in Calgary, Alberta.
After three sun-soaked days of Rugby on August 4-6, BC’s provincial teams took top honours in three divisions after being crowned champions in the U16 Boys, U18 Boys and U18 Girls Divisions, while the U16 Girls finished second following a barnstorming final against Rugby Ontario.
BC Rugby would like to thank Rugby Alberta for hosting an exceptional Championships, as well as all the Coaches, Officials Staff, Therapists, and Volunteers for delivering a great event.
Below is a round-up of each division.
U16 BOYS
Teams: BC Bears, Alberta Wolfpack, Rugby Manitoba
The BC Bears U16 Boys were the team of the tournament, finishing with five wins from five matches and not conceding a single point.
After going into the event with a shutout win over the Pacific Northwest Loggers, it means the BC Bears U16 Boys have gone an entire summer – six matches – without conceding a point.
Under the stewardship of Head Coach John Mergui and Assistant Coaches Scott McGinley and Remi Antcil, the Bears U16 Boys showed exceptional attacking prowess and were well drilled throughout the weekend.
Kicking off Day 1 with 32-0 and 71-0 victories against Alberta Wolfpack and Rugby Manitoba respectively, the Bears kicked forward on Day 2 with a 76-0 win over Manitoba and 42-0 win against Alberta.
With Alberta finishing second in the Pool, the Bears faced the Wolfpack in Sunday’s championship match and finished strongly with a 45-0 win to earn the title of 2023 Western Canadian Champions.
U16 GIRLS
Teams: BC Bears, Alberta Wolfpack, Ontario Blues, Rugby Saskatchewan
The BC Bears U16 Girls enjoyed a fantastic tournament, finishing second after a thrilling championship game against Rugby Ontario.
The U16 Girls kicked off the weekend with a strong performance, beating the Alberta Wolfpack 32-0 in an impressive shutout win. A pool match against Ontario followed, with the Blues putting up a scintillating display to win 41-5.
Led by Head Coach Sherry Spence and Assistant Coach Nicole Simoneau, the U16 Girls rallied to a 42-6 win over Rugby Saskatchewan to set up a semi-final match with the Alberta Wolfpack on Day 2. The Bears battled past the Wolfpack 10-0 to reach Sunday’s final and, despite a battling display to limit Ontario’s attacking talent for much of the game, the Blues took a 14-0 victory to clinch the title.
U18 BOYS
Teams: BC Bears, Alberta Wolfpack, Rugby Saskatchewan, Ontario Blues, Rugby Manitoba, Atlantic Rock, Pacific Northwest
The BC Bears U18 Boys successfully defended its 2022 Western Canadian Championship win with an undefeated display at the 2023 edition.
The U18 Boys produced some stellar performances under Head Coach Leana Marton and Assistant Coaches Rob Hayes and Everitt Konsmo throughout the three days, pipping Rugby Ontario to the title in a classy final showing.
The Bears kicked off Day 1 with a hard-fought 12-7 win over the Alberta Wolfpack, before clicking into gear with a 22-5 win over the Pacific Northwest Loggers. A 55-0 triumph over Rugby Saskatchewan provided a perfect start to Day 2, before the Bears finished with a 43-0 win over Rugby Manitoba in their final pool match.
With an unbeaten Ontario topping the Eastern pool, the Bears faced tough opposition in the final in front of a bumper crowd. With two tries on the board, a well taken strategic penalty ensured a 15-0 win and jubilant celebrations as the clock ticked out.
U18 GIRLS
West Pool: BC Bears, Alberta Wolfpack, Pacific Northwest
East Pool: Rugby Saskatchewan, Rugby Manitoba, Ontario Blues
The BC Bears U18 Girls were crowned 2023 Western Canadian Champions after an impressive unbeaten campaign under Head Coach Jen Ross and Assistant Coach Jake Thiel, which featured two barnstorming victories over their Ontario rivals.
The Bears began Day 1 with a 43-0 win over Rugby Saskatchewan, before closing out the day with a 56-0 win against Rugby Manitoba.
Day 2 saw the Bears take on Ontario in a curtain raiser for Sunday’s final. The Bears claimed bragging rights for the night, at least, with a 21-10 win to secure top seeding for Saturday’s semi-final against Rugby Manitoba. The Bears ran out 38-3 winners, while Ontario edged a close encounter with Alberta to set up the rematch.
Despite falling to an early setback and yellow card, the Bears rallied to score two converted tries to move clear in a tense battle. The two conversions proved the difference as, despite scoring late, Ontario missed their kicks leaving the Bears to celebrate on the sound of the final whistle.
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BC Rugby gratefully acknowledges that its offices reside on the traditional and unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
