It took overtime to settle the match, with KES coming out victorious.
KES head coach Jason Verryn-Stuart described the game as a “nail-biter.”
The teams were tied 15-15 after regulation play, with two five-minute overtime periods set aside to give the senior boys time to rack up some points. In the dying minutes of the second OT, KES scored a try and then booted in a conversion for a 22-15 win.
“It wasn't until finally in the overtime that they began to play at a level closer to their potential and that helps explain how they were able to get that final try in,” said Verryn-Stuart. “But I'll give all the credit in the world to Avon View. They gave us a very hard game and forced us to play better.”
Axel Lawrence, the head coach of Avon View's senior boys' rugby team, said his players proved they are a strong team to go up against.
“It came down to one score against their crosstown rival,” said Lawrence. “I thought our guys were really good on defense. We put a lot of pressure on their fly-half and their first receivers. That was kind of our key to success.”
Lawrence said Avon View has found several leaders over the season who continually help them register successes on the field.
“Some of our players who have been strong for us all year have been Nathan Lake, at prop, Liam Konings, at fly-half, and Jem Whidden, our No. 8, as well Ryan Hebb, who has scored a lot of tries from our full-back position,” said Lawrence.
Verryn-Stuart said having competition in Windsor is beneficial for the entire region.
“It's nice to have a really healthy cross-town rivalry against another strong team,” said Verryn-Stuart. “It forces both teams to get better; it forces rugby in the Valley to get better when you have a healthy rivalry like that. It's nice to see.”
Provincials up next
Both KES and Avon View will be competing at provincials June 3-4. With the regional win, KES will head into the tournament with better seeding.
Lawrence said just because Avon View is hosting provincials, that doesn't mean they aren't looking to give the top high school teams a run for their money.
“We're looking to go make some noise and maybe surprise some of the teams that take us lightly,” said Lawrence.
Verryn-Stuart said his team will be resting up prior to provincials as several of the boys are nursing minor injuries.
“Avon View is big and tough and they definitely wore us down,” he said.
Verryn-Stuart is hopeful his team will focus on playing more disciplined rugby at provincials – something he said they struggled with May 19.
It took overtime to settle the match, with KES coming out victorious.
KES head coach Jason Verryn-Stuart described the game as a “nail-biter.”
The teams were tied 15-15 after regulation play, with two five-minute overtime periods set aside to give the senior boys time to rack up some points. In the dying minutes of the second OT, KES scored a try and then booted in a conversion for a 22-15 win.
“It wasn't until finally in the overtime that they began to play at a level closer to their potential and that helps explain how they were able to get that final try in,” said Verryn-Stuart. “But I'll give all the credit in the world to Avon View. They gave us a very hard game and forced us to play better.”
Axel Lawrence, the head coach of Avon View's senior boys' rugby team, said his players proved they are a strong team to go up against.
“It came down to one score against their crosstown rival,” said Lawrence. “I thought our guys were really good on defense. We put a lot of pressure on their fly-half and their first receivers. That was kind of our key to success.”
Lawrence said Avon View has found several leaders over the season who continually help them register successes on the field.
“Some of our players who have been strong for us all year have been Nathan Lake, at prop, Liam Konings, at fly-half, and Jem Whidden, our No. 8, as well Ryan Hebb, who has scored a lot of tries from our full-back position,” said Lawrence.
Verryn-Stuart said having competition in Windsor is beneficial for the entire region.
“It's nice to have a really healthy cross-town rivalry against another strong team,” said Verryn-Stuart. “It forces both teams to get better; it forces rugby in the Valley to get better when you have a healthy rivalry like that. It's nice to see.”
Provincials up next
Both KES and Avon View will be competing at provincials June 3-4. With the regional win, KES will head into the tournament with better seeding.
Lawrence said just because Avon View is hosting provincials, that doesn't mean they aren't looking to give the top high school teams a run for their money.
“We're looking to go make some noise and maybe surprise some of the teams that take us lightly,” said Lawrence.
Verryn-Stuart said his team will be resting up prior to provincials as several of the boys are nursing minor injuries.
“Avon View is big and tough and they definitely wore us down,” he said.
Verryn-Stuart is hopeful his team will focus on playing more disciplined rugby at provincials – something he said they struggled with May 19.
