Westshore RFC is headed to the men's BC Premier League semifinals after a 40-28 comeback victory over Capilano on Saturday at Juan de Fuca Rec Centre.
Trailing 28-12 late in the first half, the hosts roared back with 28 unanswered points, punching their ticket to the provincial final four for the second straight year.
“We thought our luck had run out pretty early,” head coach Aaron Frisby said. “Our backs were against the wall with five injuries during the game, but the guys rallied and pulled off some highlight plays. It was entertaining rugby.”
Westshore struck first with a try from hooker Zephyr Melnyk. Capilano responded quickly, tying the game at 7-7 through Mareko Fagasa-Nuku, then surged ahead with two more tries from forwards Jacob Bossi and Flynn Heyes, followed by a crisp backline move finished by Johnny Franklin to take a 28-12 lead.
Westshore clawed one back just before halftime with a quick-tap try by Jeff Oluoch, narrowing the deficit to 28-19 at the break.
Westshore kept the momentum going in the second half with tries from Kane Perrett and a highlight-reel team effort capped off by Alvin Otieno, putting them ahead 33-28. Capilano struggled to respond, and Westshore’s Tom Heuser sealed the win with a late try in the 75th minute to complete the 40-28 comeback.
Frisby credited the team’s flair and resilience.
“We’re a high-flying team. In the first half, some of what we tried just didn’t work. But in the second, we pulled off some pretty crazy moves,” Frisby said. “I didn’t say anything in particular to the guys – they just came out flying, and it paid off.”
The victory sets up a semifinal matchup against the heavily favoured UBC Old Boys Ravens on April 26 in Vancouver at Jericho Beach Park.
Frisby acknowledged the challenge ahead against the defending champions.
“They’ve won the league the last few years and are packed with imports – mostly Kiwis and Aussies,” Frisby said. “But I think we belong here now. We were strong all season, and we have dangerous players who can break a game open.”
It’s been a season to remember for the Colwood-based club. In addition to reaching the semifinals, Westshore also captured both the Barnard Cup and the Times Cup – a feat the club had never accomplished in the same year.
“These are the good years for our club,” Frisby said. “Anything from here on out is just the cherry on top.”
Also gearing up for the semifinals is Westshore’s women’s Premier League side, setting up an all-Victoria clash with Castaway Wanderers RFC.
That match is scheduled for Saturday, April 26 at 12:45 p.m. at Juan de Fuca Rec Centre.
