There may be some who discount Burnaby Lake Rugby Club’s chances in Saturday’s Canadian Direct Insurance (CDI) Premier League final against the UBC Thunderbirds.
For those that do, BLRC coach Kris De Scossa can see why.
In a league where UBC has built a program which funnels players to the national men’s team regularly and takes in international players who study at the institute, tomorrow’s championship paints a David and Goliath scene.
Analogies aside, De Scossa is a firm believer in his boys.
“The level of competition to get to this place has been great,” remarked De Scossa. “We’ve had to measure up against some tremendous opponents, including UBC.
“After losing about half a dozen players to injury through the year we knew when we wanted to peak, and the season would be about peaking at the right time.”
To advance to the final, Burnaby trumped James Bay 24-16 last week, while UBC mauled UVic 50-15.
In their victory, Burnaby got tries from Joe Dolesau and Jeke Gotegote, with James Reekie counting the penalty kicks.
This will be the third time the teams have crossed paths this season, with the most recent encounter a 10-7 win for UBC that kicked off the CDI playdowns.
If Burnaby is going to knock out the undefeated and defending champs, a lot of credit will go to the lessons learned on the way, said De Scossa.
“Our route had us play James Bay, Capilano and James Bay again... Those teams both bring a physicality to the game that is massive, and we came out ahead. I’m proud of our lads and they continue to grow together as a team.”
The lineup may not have UBC’s level of international experience, but has a number of players who’ve gone to war at the higher level, he noted, with half the squad 23-and under.
“We have nothing to lose,” said Burnaby’s coach. “We’ve had to fight tooth-and-nail to get in the the final, and we’ve seen everything that they can bring.
“(UBC) is very smart and they have a number of players who are the future of the national team, but sometimes favourites don’t win.”
The championship final kicks off at 4:15 p.m. Saturday at Klahanie Park in West Vancouver as part of a six-game championship day.
“I think we will edge it out... It’s going to be a great game for fans to watch, because both teams love to attack.”
