The Gibsons Pigs Men's Rugby Club kicked off its 2005/06 campaign with a tough road loss in Chilliwack last Saturday.The Pigs played well despite the 14-5 setback, according to club president Scott Fearnley."It was a decent outing. For the better part of the game, it was 7-5," said Fearnley. "In the last couple of minutes they pushed ahead with the final try. We're working some new guys into the system and everyone is still trying to get comfortable with each other. We also had 16 players and I think they had 25. When you have some bench strength, it can certainly make things easier."The Pigs travel to Ridge Meadows this weekend. Their home opener is on Oct. 1 against Ridge Meadows. Home games are also slated for Oct. 8, 22 and 29, Nov. 5, 19 and 26. All games are scheduled for Cougar Field behind Elphinstone Secondary School in Gibsons at 11:30 a.m.This season the Pigs are in the independent division in the Vancouver Rugby Union (VRU). The Pigs will play in the division until the Christmas break. In January, if the Pigs have a good record, they will be moved up a division to play the second half of the season against the bottom four teams from division three."This way we still have a shot at the provincials," said Fearnley. "In the VRU you have to be able to field sides in premier, second and third divisions to not play in the independent division. Historically, over the last few years, we've been pretty competitive, and I expect that to be no different this year."The Pigs have been going strong for over 34 years on the Coast. The club is loaded with history and is a familiar name among rugby circles across the province.Fearnley said the club is struggling a bit to maintain a solid core of young players capable of carrying on the strong rugby tradition."Ideally, it would be great to have a younger side with a little veteran influence and coaching," said Fearnley. "Then some of the veteran players could form an 'Old Boys' travelling side. As it stands now, a lot of the vets are playing full time. It hurts us in the development of the club."The Pigs have been practising for a few weeks now and are looking for some new players."There are certainly playing spots available. They might not be full time, but you'll definitely play," he said. "I know there are guys out there looking for a recreational opportunity."The club is also trying to get its junior program in order.John Rainer is leading that aspect of the club. As with the older side, the junior team is also seeking players."It amazes me when I hear people say there is nothing to do on the Coast," Rainer said. "There are lots of sports and activities, and one of them is rugby."Both the junior and senior team practice Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Cougar Field. Practices will switch to Mary Anne West behind the fire hall in October.Rugby training will also be held at Sechelt Elemen-tary School, Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. starting Oct. 4.Rainer is also running mini rugby for kids in Kindergarten to Grade 7, both male and female every Sunday at 10 a.m. at Ryan Dempster Field in Brothers Park."Rugby is a healthy way to connect with your community. We encourage anyone interested to come out and give it a try," Fearnley said.To find out more about the club, call Rainer at 604-740-7163 (day) or 604-740-0851 (night) or Fearnley at 604-886-0721 (day).
