By Sarah Jean Maher
The National Capital Secondary Schools Athletic Association will host the 2013 OFSAA boys’ rugby championships and this year they’re trying something that hasn’t been done too often – they’re holding two OFSAAs in one.
Both the A/AA and AAA/AAAA divisions will compete from June 5-7 at Twin Elm Rugby Park.
That means lots of work on the organizational side, notes championships convenor Rick Mellor.
“We have to work in conjunction with the referees, book hotel accommodation and banquet for 800-1000 people, as well as get the sponsorship we need,” highlights Mellor, also one of two NCSSAA coordinators.
But hosting two OFSAA championships isn’t exactly new for the NCSSAA.
“We’ve done it before with the girls (in 2012) and now we’re going to be trying it out with the boys,” Mellor adds. “We have some great fields out there that we love being able to put to good use.”
Chase on for home OFSAA berths
For local schools, it means the chance to play for a provincial championship title on their home turf. Two NCSSAA teams will represent the capital in both the A/AA division for schools with smaller populations and the AAA/AAAA.
With the regular season kicking off the last week of April, it is expected that past champions and powerhouses will rise to the top once again this year.
The Ashbury Colts are always the team to beat in A/AA, having won the past two city titles and four of the past five. Hillcrest has also emerged as a powerhouse, opening their season with 45-0 and 56-10 victories.
The Earl of March Lions are two-time defending champions as well, but with many players now graduated, the ‘AAA/AAAA’ race is wide open.
The Nepean Knights sent a strong message that they want in thanks to a sound 36-7 road victory over Earl.
“I think St. Peter and Nepean are the top contenders at this point,” says coach Cameron Baird, whose Colonel by Cougars topped the east division standings last year.
Glebe has established itself as a historical power as well, and though the OFSAA teams won’t be determined until the end of the month, head coach Paul Britton says he wouldn’t mind a championship title on their home turf.
“We’ve gotten off to a decent start, but it really is a long way to go for any team at this point,” he notes.
Team Canada men coming to town too
This year’s OFSAA championships will also feature a special twist. Twin Elm will be hosting an international rugby match between Canada and Fiji on June 5. Mellor expects every OFSAA team will be in attendance.
“Many haven’t gotten the chance to see Fiji play so it’s bound to be an exciting game,” Mellor notes.
Baird believes the match will strengthen the players’ desire to get into the game.
“International rugby is the best rugby,” he adds. “If our players get a chance to see them play, it will definitely help their enthusiasm for the game.”