The Vanier Towhees and Cowichan Thunderbirds girls’ rugby teams will be putting it all on the line again against each other Saturday at Brentwood College.
The two longtime rivals will clash for the Island AAA title again at noon, followed by the expected Shawnigan Lake School-Brentwood College battle at 1:30 p.m. for AA supremacy.
Cowichan and Vanier squared off last Wednesday in the final tune-up for both teams before the big rematch. Cowichan prevailed 28-17.
“We were strong for the majority of the game but in the last 15 minutes of the second half, we played very good rugby," noted Cowichan coach Brad Skene. “We were quick to the breakdown and our ball movement was very, very good.
“For the second time this year, we can’t read too much into the result, though. Again, Vanier was unable to field a full strength team. I would have preferred to play Vanier’s best team so that we could judge ourselves against them."
That will all change this weekend, however, according to Vanier coach Dwayne Mills.
“We were missing a few starters and rested a couple of injured players in anticipation of a hard-fought game in the playoffs,’’ he noted.
“Cowichan is always a tough opponent and this year is no different as they have a strong veteran presence all over the field and some speedy weapons to use in the backfield. Should be a great Island final and it should be entertaining to watch."
– Cowichan News Leader Pictorial