West Coast Regional Tournament Recap

WWU takes 2nd in the Western Regionals.

Saturday the Vikings came out fast and confident in their West Coast Regional against the #3 seed American River College. The venue was at Saint Mary's College in Moraga California and the weather was perfect.

The Vikings scored within six minutes of the opening KO when Joe Merlino (Camas HS) found his way into the try zone. This came after series of possession phases that set the pace for the game. Half time score was 15-3. The second half was more of the same with the Western boys dictating the pace of the game and the much larger ARC fading and unable to keep up the pace. WWU was able to play all 23 players on the roster. Final score was 35-3 and the win put them into the final the next day against the University of San Diego.

Sunday was the West Coast Final with the  winner going to Houston for the national CRAA Div1AA  championship. Both teams matched up well is size, speed and played a very similar style of rugby. USD scored early and took a 5-0 lead. Western answered with a great team effort and took the lead 8-5. Excellent tactical kicking by Max Stone (Earl Marriott Secondary, BC) put USD under pressure and produced great field position. Halftime score was 15-8 for WWU. The second half was intense as was the heat. WWU managed to put another try on the board with a well executed score by Oliver Kelleher (Walpole Ma.) Conversion was good and the Vikings held a comfortable 24-18 lead into the 77 minute mark. USD continued to attack but the WWU defense withstood the pressure. A WWU scrum on their own 5m line was won and the ball went back into the pocket for a clearing kick from inside the WWU in goal. The kick hit the upright and bounced back into the try zone only to have a USD pounce on it for a try. The conversion kick was good and that was the ball game. Final score 25-24 USD. Needless to say the Western boys were gutted and in shock with the result in a match they fully deserved to win. Saint Mary's coach Tim O'Brien said " WWU was clearly the better side and from a fan perspective it was a fun match to watch!" Their were no losers on the day as WWU came second!

A great 15's season comes to an end one game away from the National final. The Vikings went 13-2 and represented their school and themselves with class on and off the field. This did not go unnoticed by all who saw them play.

Next up is the CRAA D1AA National 7's May 18/19 on Harrington Field.

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