Stafford Skyhawks grounded in Valley final
In a battle of the birds, it was the Fraser Falcons soaring at the expense of the Stafford Skyhawks.
The two Grade 8 rugby teams squared off at Abbotsford's Yale Secondary on May 23 in the Fraser Valley championship final, with the Falcons prevailing 41-5.
"We had a couple of key injuries, and that hurt," said Stafford coach Kyle Anderson.
"But overall, they (Fraser) were probably better prepared."
Stafford kept the game close for much of the first half, before Fraser ran away with the victory.
Matt Ranquist had the lone Stafford try on the afternoon.
The teams had met three times previously this season, including twice in rugby sevens. Stafford won both of those matches, but lost the other.
Despite the defeat, it was a great season for the Skyhawks, which boasts a relatively young rugby program which is in just its fourth season.
"This is the best team Grade 8 team I have had," Anderson said.
"They have improved every single game and every practice."
The coach also complimented his team's work ethic throughout the season.
Stafford finished 5-1 in league play – and won the Langley Shield as the top Grade 8 team in the district — and then 2-1 in the Fraser Valley playoffs.
They also went 4-0 in rugby sevens to finish 11-2 overall.
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