Girls Rugby BC Championships

Way back in the first term, the girls faced the annually daunting task of teaching the new players the language of rugby. Ruck, scrum, and maul were all just jargon to girls who had never watched, let alone played, the sport of rugby. With eager eyes and willing hearts, the girls worked hard to improve in all aspects of the game knowing that the competitive season was just around a rainy winter corner. Our Provincial Championships was an expression of the school’s motto of grit and joy. Opening with a win against Lake City, the girls then began the preparation to play Abbotsford the following day. After a hard-fought game and the girls leaving everything on the field, Brentwood lost narrowly, 12-10. Abbotsford went on to win the Gold medal. This meant that the fight for third would be against no one less than our local rivals, Shawnigan.  Our team finished with a bang, beating SLS and showing the progress that had been made throughout the year. This placed us third in the province: we were BC Bronze medalists. Although the season was packed full of injuries, the girls managed to hold their own in the multiple matchups with teams from around the Island giving experience to the newer players. The leadership and dedication from the senior players was outstanding throughout the entire season and all of the new players rose up to the high expectations of the program and helped blow this season out of the water. This season will be memorable to all for many different reasons and it will always be dedicated to Mr. Jim Burrows. The loss of such a great influence (on and off of the field) was felt throughout the entire season. Mr. Burrows was, and is, as some would say, the light at the end of the tunnel, the one who kept us focused. A father figure to many of us, a friend to all, and a founding pillar of the Brentwood girls’ rugby program, his ongoing commentary and witty encouragement were greatly missed. The world lost a great man, but he will live on forever on the field and in all of our hearts. Jenn L, Alexandra '14, Captain