The first official game of the season was a wet one for the Terrace Northmen rugby club, who ground out a low-scoring 5-5 draw against the Williams Lake Rustlers in Prince Rupert over Seafest weekend, June 8.
The league game was initially scheduled for the night before, June 7, here in Terrace, but that was changed earlier in the week, meaning they faced off against the Williams Lake crew shortly after a morning exhibition match against the Prince Rupert Seamen, which ended in a 5-0 win for the Northmen.
“Both were extremely low scoring,” said Northmen Evan van Dyk, noting they were some of the lowest scoring games in recent years.
“The day was played through usual Rupert weather of pouring rain which was definitely a factor,” he said. “Even with that, all the teams were playing very defensive and not making many mistakes.”
Outstanding Northmen recognized by Prince Rupert and Williams Lake, included Jarryd Kurisu, Jordy DaCosta, and Adam Linteris.
“We also had a rookie game with players that were all new to the game. We try to do this every play day to give the new guys some experience and to encourage new players to come out any time and join us,” he said.
Prince Rupert also played Williams Lake, with the Rustlers taking the game 26-14.
This puts the Northmen 0-0-1 for the season, with a home game against the Prince George Gnats scheduled for June 22.
“If this weekends low-scoring games are any indicator of how the rest of the season will be, its going to be a tough grind and a very exciting challenge to qualify for provincials,” said van Dyk.
The Northmen are part of the Northern Rugby League along with the Prince George Gnats, the Williams Lake Rustlers, and a mixed Prince Rupert/Smithers team.
League play consists of all of the teams playing one home and one away game against each other and the best record will represent the North at the Saratoga Cup, Division 3 Provincials, in Penticton in September.