The Gibsons Pigs saw its 2003/04 rugby season come to a close last weekend in a thrilling semifinal loss to the Capilanos.
The Caps picked up a 15-10 win on a beautiful, sunny day at Elphinstone Secondary School.
Capilanos will now face the winner of the Kamloops/Meralomas semifinal game in the Vancouver Rugby Union Third Division final slated for today (April 17) in Vancouver.
As was the case last month, Gibsons and Capilano battled in a back-and-forth contest, full of great hits and hard-fought tackles.Gibsons scored first on a rolling maul from a lineout set-up by a nice tactical kick into the Caps' five-meter line by Jim Peers.Chris Lumsden was credited with the try.
Caps then evened the score on a stolen ball mis-direction play and the score was tied at halftime.
Gibsons came out on fire in the second half and regained the lead on another rolling maul try by Lumsden, but the Caps fought back, eventually tying the game, sending the teams into overtime.
In the 20-minute overtime session, Gibsons was assessed a penalty about 10 metres from the end zone. After a quick tap and go, Jason Duell scored what proved to be the game-winning try, breaking through several late tackles.
Peers said it was a great game and everyone was pretty much spent after the contest.
"The Caps youth and fitness finally wore us down," Peers said. "We had plenty of opportunities to win, especially near the end of regular time when we were doing our famous maul, but we got the ball hung up and we were called for a penalty on the one yard line."
Peers said the team was disappointed to not come out on top, but was pleased with the team's effort throughout the season.
"Gibsons Football Rugby Club (FRC) would like to thank all who supported us this season," Peers said. "We look forward to an even more successful season next year with the return of our speed merchants from injury and more recruitment of younger players."
To finish out the season, Gibsons will play host to the Kats FRC in a Junior/Senior exhibition match starting today (April 17) at 1 p.m. at Elphi.
