On Sunday, Aug. 30, the Legends Rugby Club arrived on the Coast to challenge the Gibsons Rugby and Athletic Club to a game of "Old Boys" rugby.
Gibsons sent out the word and fielded an impressive team with Pigs representing the past three decades of Gibsons rugby. The Legends is an over-40 club, affiliated with the Vancouver Meralomas, a long-standing powerhouse in Canadian rugby.
The sun was beating down hard as the match began and the sideline was treated to a high energy start with very few handling errors. The home side hit the score board early when Chris Hanson dished a textbook pass to set up Quinn Kelly for a try.
Gibsons scored again quickly from the multi phase play of the pack, which advanced the ball with the leadership of old boys veterans Blair Hunter and John Rainer.
The visitors rallied to narrow the Pigs' lead.
Steve Starbuck and Albert Bezaire gave referee Chris Lumsden plenty to watch for as he impressed us all with his outstanding officiating.
The Pigs' success continued into the second half as Mike Gibson and Tony Watts shrugged off a 20-year hiatus, showing mid-season form in open field play, rucking and mauling. The tactical prowess of Bill Hen-derson and Drew Murphy kept the Legends' back line guessing in defence.
The Vancouverites fought back again and came within a couple of tries, but this was a day for Pigs. Niels Payne found another victim in the opposition fullback when the deception of his patented dummy pass allowed him to waltz in and score the final try for the home side.
In proper form, both sides went back to the clubhouse for festivities and a fine feast put together by Bill Johnstone, Brian Houle and their talented kitchen staff. The spirit of rugby, on and off the field, was shown to be alive and strong as the deck was filled with laughter and camaraderie, and another page was written in the club's rich history of great sport and great hosting, Gibsons style.
Turnout at Thursday nights' training has been good, and with interest being shown at all three high schools, the Gibsons RAC is looking forward to an active year of rugby on the Sunshine Coast.
If you are interesting in getting involved, or coming out for a run, we welcome the young, the old, guys, gals, experienced and beginners alike, come one, come all. You can contact Dave Strom at 604-886-2676 or www.gibsonspigs.com. See you on the pitch.
