Kootenay Rugby Union action returned to the pitch Saturday, following last year’s season that saw the Trail Colonials crowned as champions for the first time in the Union’s four year existence.
The defending champions hosted the Nelson Grizzlies in the season opener.
As with last season, the Colonials’ ranks were bolstered by a significant contingent of players from the Grand Forks Wanderers and others travelling from as far away as Vernon.
In a game that was characterized by good open field play and the occasional defensive breakdown, the Colonials fought hard and came out on top with a final score of 32-12.
Captain Bryan Lauzon called the game, “A good one to build on.”
This was the Club’s first game since the retirement of long-time player and coach Ray Nelson at the end of last season.
Ray received a Sport BC Community Sport Hero Award in February for his many contributions to the sport of rugby over the past 34 years.
Trail’s next KRU action is a home and away series versus the Cranbrook Rogues, starting in Cranbrook on May 5, and back in Trail on May 26.
The club is currently looking to recruit players of all experience levels.
Full schedule and membership information can be found at the club’s webpage, facebook.com/TrailColonials.
In high school rugby news, the combined Trail and Rossland seniors went 1-1 on Friday, defeating Kimberley but falling to arch-rival Nelson in a play-day in Grand Forks Friday.
The juniors fared better, defeating Kimberley and Grand Forks by wide margins to finish 2-0.
The next play day will be hosted Friday in Trail.