Kamloops Raiders chasing repeat provincial rugby title

Kamloops throttled United Rugby Club of Coquitlam 76-19 last weekend in semifinal action at Exhibition Park to earn its shot at a repeat B.C. title.

The Raiders will be in tough against the Kelowna Crows on Saturday [May 9] in the men’s Division 2 B.C. Rugby Union gold-medal tilt at South Surrey Athletic Pack.

Kelowna twice bested Kamloops this season – 59-22 on Oct. 25 and 40-12 on Nov. 1.

The Crows finished atop regular-season standings, with a record of 16-0-1, one spot ahead of the Raiders (13-0-4).

Kamloops is taking stock in what it believes is a much-improved team, one that experienced significant roster turnover after last year’s championship campaign.

Grizzled veterans were replaced by younger players who have been adapting to the men’s game this season.

“They’ve shown they’re ready,” Raiders’ head coach Ben Littlechild said. “We have that really nice balance of seasoned veterans from our last couple of campaigns, along with this youthful enthusiasm to play.”

Quinton Ormiston, 20, is part of the youth movement.

“It’s also given the old guys a chance to imprint on younger guys and pass on the torch, giving a chance for the young guys to lead and learn lots,” he said. “It’s been great for both, young and old.”

Ormiston was on the team three years ago, when it fell to Squamish in the B.C. final. He was not with the club last year, when it reached the top of the podium.

“Oh, if we won, that would be a pretty electric bus ride home,” Ormiston said.

The party will be twice as lively if the Raiders can swing a club double.

Kamloops is squaring off against Capilano of North Vancouver for the women’s first-division title on Saturday in South Surrey.

“I don’t think there would be anything better,” Ormiston said. “Probably the best party in B.C. that night.”

by Marty Hastings

Kamloops Raiders chasing repeat provincial rugby title

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