Williams Lake Rustlers captain Nathan Stewart said Saturday’s 70-14 home field win over the Prince George Gnats was one of the most complete efforts by the local men’s rugby club in several years.
“The boys all played as a team, meshing exactly to their specific roles as a whole unit,” Nathan said. “We were able to play at a high level of game strategy on both offence and defence which kept Prince George on their heels the whole game. The score was a very satisfying outcome to a well-played game.”
One standout for the Rustlers was Sidney Paul — previously an unsung hero from Williams Lake Secondary School — who plays wing for the Rustlers.
“Sid was all heart and haywire with his fearless efforts which included a massive tackle and strong rucking leading to three Williams Lake scores,” said Rodger Stewart, president of the Williams Lake Rustlers Rugby Football Club.
Anthony Faggiani was also a pillar in the forward pack making a number of stunning impact runs right into the heart of the Prince George defence. Jordan Pritchard and Doug Fraser helped lead a dynamic backline through a continuous series of skillful plays.
Beau Parker, with inside centre Doug Fraser, also helped set up a number of Williams Lake tries.
The win follows on a 52-12 victory for the Rustlers two weeks ago in Prince George.
Last weekend the Rustlers were on the road to Prince Rupert. After hours on the bus the squad immediately played Terrace to a 5-5 draw early last Saturday morning. A loss that same afternoon to Smithers reflected the fatigue of a long road trip, but the Rustlers came back on Sunday to handily defeat the host Prince Rupert before making the trek home.
While the men were in Prince Rupert the Williams Lake Hustlers ladies team travelled to a tournament in Penticton where they completely dominated the weekend play against Southern B.C. and Lower Mainland competition.
The Rustlers play alongside the Prince George Gnats, the Terrace Northmen and a mixed Prince Rupert/Smithers team in the Northern Rugby League.
League play consists of all of the teams playing one home and one away game against each other and the best record will represent the North at the Saratoga Cup, Division 3 Provincials, in Penticton in September.