Seven champions were crowned at an action-packed 2022 BC Rugby Senior Club Finals, as hundreds of Rugby players and fans descended on South Surrey Athletic Park on Saturday.
For the first time since 2019, BC Rugby Senior Club champions were crowned across seven Senior leagues including the Women’s Premier League and Men’s Premier League sponsored by Onni. The Women’s Premier League Final headlined the event for first time in its history, as women’s Rugby takes centre stage in this Rugby World Cup year.
The atmosphere was lively in the South Surrey sunshine as teams battled it out in perfect conditions.
Vancouver Thunderbirds made it a historic double for UBC as they were crowned Women’s Premier League champions following a thrilling headline match against Castaway Wanderers, with the UBC side running out 43-29 winners to lift the Gordon Harris Memorial Cup. Earlier, the UBC Thunderbirds Men’s team defeated Castaway Wanderers to lift the Rounsefell Cup in the Men’s Premier League Final sponsored by Onni.
Relive the action from Field 2
BC Rugby streamed all four finals that took place on Field 2 at the 2022 BC Rugby Senior Club Finals, including the Women’s Premier League, Men’s Premier League sponsored by Onni. Men’s Division 1 Final and Women’s Division 3 Final. Relive the action on YouTube now!
WOMEN’S PREMIER LEAGUE
Vancouver Thunderbirds 43-29 Castaway Wanderers
Vancouver Thunderbirds made it a historic double for UBC as they were crowned Women’s Premier League champions following a thrilling headline match against Castaway Wanderers, with the UBC side running out 43-29 winners to lift the Gordon Harris Memorial Cup.
Thunderbirds started strongly but were soon pegged back by a determined Castaway Wanderers side. However, the Thunderbirds soon took control with a flurry of tries to seize control.
Despite a brief Castaway Wanderers resurgence in the final stages, Thunderbirds stepped it up a gear in the last 15 minutes to close out victory and claim the Gordon Harris Memorial Cup.
MEN’S PREMIER LEAGUE SPONSORED BY ONNI
UBC Thunderbirds 48-34 Castaway Wanderers
UBC Thunderbirds played out a heavyweight spectacle in Men’s Premier League sponsored by Onni Final, as Thunderbirds edged a topsy-turvy championship match on Field 2.
Thunderbirds got on the front foot in the early stages, moving into a comfortable lead before Castaway Wanderers hit back to take a 17-15 lead. However, UBC responded well in the second half to retake the lead before an untimely yellow card appeared to thwart their efforts. Castaway Wanderers scored twice with the advantage to inch ahead, but the action was far from over.
UBC composed themselves with three big tries inside the last 10 minutes to move clear and seal a memorable victory.
Castaway Wanderers should not be too disappointed, however, after a valiant effort saw them go close to Premier League glory once again. With two Premier League finalists in the Men’s and Women’s sides, Rugby is back at Castaway Wanderers.
MEN’S DIVISION 1
Bayside RFC 17-42 UBCOB Ravens
UBCOB Ravens finished the season on a high as home side Bayside Sharks RFC suffered a second final defeat on the day, with the Ravens running out 42-17 winners – despite finishing the match with only 13 men.
Ravens suffered a red card in each half but proved too strong for the well-supported Bayside team. The Ravens added gloss to an already convincing scoreline as the Sharks’ legs tired. Despite a late fightback after the second red card, Bayside could not find anything more in the tank as UBCOB Ravens saw out victory to clinch the 2022 Men’s Division 1 championship.
WOMEN’S DIVISION 1
Cowichan RFC 34-41 Burnaby Lake RFC
In arguably the match of the day, Burnaby Lake RFC produced an astonishing comeback to lift the Women’s Division 1 title against the favorites Cowichan.
Cowichan, who topped the division going into the play-offs, saw a big lead slip as Burnaby Lake rallied to overcome a 20-point deficit and lift the trophy on Field 1.
As the final whistle blew, the Burnaby Lake contingent were in rapture on the sidelines as their team sealed an epic comeback in front of a packed crowd.
WOMEN’S DIVISION 2
Langley RFC 12-69 Vancouver Rowing Club
A fantastic opening match on Field 1 saw Vancouver Rowing Club crowned Women’s Division 2 champions with a 69-12 victory over Langley RFC.
The action came thick and fast as the Rowers moved into a dominating position, taking control in the early stages. Rowers showed excellent speed and composure to see off the Langley threat with a series of tries.
Langley remained spirited throughout, scoring two tries to get on the scoreline, but the Rowers were simply too strong throughout and captured the 2022 Women’s Division 2 title in style.
MEN’S DIVISION 2
Axemen RFC 30-15 Surrey Beavers AA
The final match played on Field 1 saw a barnstorming clash between Axemen RFC and Surrey Beavers AA.
Both teams showed incredible grit and determination in a nip-and-tuck affair, before Axemen held firm to lift the Men’s Division 2 title.
Despite being buoyed by a strong Surrey contingent in the crowd, the Beavers found it tough to break through their opponents’ strong backline after a bullish first half.
Axemen RFC fought hard for their victory ensuring there will be plenty of celebrations as the Men’s Division 2 trophy heads to Squamish.
MEN’S DIVISION 3
Bayside Sharks RFC 15-21 Kats RFC
In glorious sunshine, the first silverware of the day went to Kats RFC after a thrilling end-to-end encounter against home team Bayside Sharks RFC.
Kats RFC took the lead with two early penalties and a try before an explosive second half saw Bayside hit back with two tries to edge ahead, sending the home crowd wild. However, Kats RFC recovered with a stunning late try in the corner to take a one-point lead in the final minutes.
Bayside pushed hard into the final seconds but the Kats RFC defence held firm, before they scored late to add gloss and be crowned 2022 Men’s Division 3 champions.
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