The Gibsons Pigs Men's Rugby Club returned to the pitch last Saturday, putting in a solid effort in a 24-10 win over Capilano.
Gibsons led from start to finish, surrendering a pair of late tries to the visitors to make the score a bit more respectable.
Steve Peal, Bill Henderson, Jordan Pratt and Brian Houle all scored tries, while Dave Strom kicked a pair of conversions.
Peal returned to the Pigs' line-up from injury and was an instant force, according to captain Albert Bezaire.
"Steve scored our first try and got us off to a good start," Bezaire said. "He ran the ball well all day and gave us a real lift."
Bezaire also gave credit to another player who returned from injury, as Tyler Musgrove brought some speed into the line-up too.
"I think it really helped our overall attack getting these guys back from injury," Bezaire said. "We had more of a cohesive and balanced attack. I think we controlled the play for most of the game. Midway through the second half, I think fatigue started to set in and they started to pour it on. We had the lead though, and I think we're all pretty happy with the win."
Gibsons sits with a record of 2-3 in their division. Later in the season, the Pigs will make up one game against Kamloops, which was cancelled on Oct. 23. Another game that was cancelled earlier in the season against Surrey will not be made up as the Beavers have folded its club.
The league has decided that no team will be awarded any points if Surrey was on their schedule.
On Oct. 16, the Pigs travelled to Kelowna and fell 48-5 in that contest.
A lack of fitness and cohesion proved costly for Gibsons.
"We came out strong and controlled the game for the first 15 minutes, but we got a key injury on our front row and that turned the tables," Bezaire said. "Bill Johnson caught a cleat in the lip and he had to get some stitches. We had to put a lot of 'green' players into the line-up and Kelowna capitalized. They were a well-drilled team and picked their spots well."
The Pigs are off to Ridge Meadows on Saturday and hope to build on their effort from the Capilano game.
"Maple Ridge are in their first year back in the league after a long absence," Bezaire said. "They have a strong club and we're going to have to be prepared for a tough game."
