Colts Rugby 1

Twenty two young men comprised the 2018 Brentwood Colts Rugby Team. They came in all shapes and sizes, and from all over. Some had storied reputations, others not so much. For our new players, we offered by way of initiation a sort of shock therapy: we would play a game on our second day. The game was chaotic and our boys were gun shy, though we saw raw ingredients: Torren K showed a mid-air sidestep which would, in subsequent games, freeze defenders in place as he swished past for countless tries; Callum BC was big and bruising, who tackled with a back like the top of a table; and Quinn P moved his big frame to maximum, punishing effect.  As the season rolled on, and we had good victories against Claremont, St George’s, Nanaimo, and Belmont, the support pieces started falling into place. Jack NG settled into his role at fullback, and steered the ship capably from the back; Evan L showed tenacity at the breakdown; Jacob Z developed a streak of aggression, especially with ball in hand; and Jordan D, visiting from South Africa, solidified our backline both on attack and defense.  By this point our games were coming thick and fast: a competitive match against touring Wimbledon College, a big win against Port Alberni, some sevens against Oak Bay, and a competitive game against Shawnigan. Soon, it was a fourth place finish at the BC Sevens, then a nail-biting 40-41 loss against SMUS. Through it all, the team started to gel. Kenton L developed a knack for hitting his lineout jumpers and William M honed his pass from the base. Hayden K learned how to tackle and Alex S showed footwork to scythe through any rumour of an opening. Ryangwon K, our smallest player, ended up being our toughest.  Mr Phil Smith, Coach