The Betty Gilbert Middle School Raptors played host to the Falcons of WA Fraser Middle School on Thursday in Grade 8 boys’ rugby action at Aldergrove Community Secondary.
This was the first regular season game for the Raptors. The pre-season was successful for BGMS, and the team was looking forward to the challenge their first season in the competitive Abbotsford league was to bring.
The game opened quickly with the teams trading unconverted tries within the first 10 minutes. Tomas Sandberg touched down first after chasing and gathering a Josh Thiel kick, but the Falcons replied quickly, taking advantage of their pace and scoring out wide. Things settled down and the Raptors were able to get into the flow of the game, stretching the Falcon defence to the sideline and allowing Sang Nguyen to score another unconverted try in the corner.
The Betty Gilbert team did well to maintain possession for much of the rest of the half. However, a mental lapse resulted in another Fraser try and the teams entered the half knotted at 10 apiece.
After the interval, the Raptors came out with much more ferocity. The back three of Nathan Dahl, Ash Hotti, and Wesley Foss provided excellent counter-attacking. Greater pace was shown by locks Colin Hopes and Clayton Churchill, allowing them to challenge for rucks with abandon. Trent Davidson was also a force in maintaining possession at the breakdown. The up-tempo pace allowed Jake and Josh Thiel each to capitalize with second half scores, with Josh converting one for a 22-10 final in favour of the Raptors.
BGMS will have another home contest Thursday, as they welcome the Ravens of Eugene Reimer Middle School to Aldergrove.