Carl Main scored a pair of first-half tries, and Jeff Han booted a couple of converts – including one from near the sideline – as the Fulton Maroons downed the Vernon Panthers 27-22 in North Zone Senior Boys Rugby League action Monday at Grahame Park.
It was the season-opening game for both schools, who are joined in the three-team loop by the Kalamalka Lakers.
The Lakers hosted Fulton Thursday afternoon.
It was the Panthers’ first game in a couple of years.
“The Panthers team is made up of a few seasoned players but with many rookies, for whom the game against Fulton was their first,” said Panthers coach Stuart McKnight. “VSS competed bravely against an experienced Fulton team but were just unable to get the last few points needed for the win.”
The Panthers were captained by Jackson Ponipal who led by example in commitment and work rate. Tyler Riva caused chaos with his destructive bulldozer runs and Riley Bos led the VSS backs well with hard running and hard tackling.
“It was a good competitive game with plenty of action for both sets of fans to cheer about,” said McKnight.