For the first time in 2013, the Howe Sound Sounders rugby team tasted the thrill of victory.
The Sounders blanked New Westminster 42-0 on May 13 and coaches Sarah and Robert Lepine were happy to see the team pick up a "w."
"We all came together as a team," Robert said. "We had them on their toes all game and I think we took them by surprise from the opening kickoff. We just never let them gain momentum especially in the second half."
"They [New Westminster] were a team that was a little more on our level," Sarah said, noting that the Sounders regularly play Tier 1 teams in Vancouver. "We haven't had a lot of wins but we're improving every game and having a lot of fun."
Pablo Garcia led the way for the Sounders with four trys against New Westminster and was named the man of the match. Other players scoring trys were: Josh Watts, Rick Wilson, Dominick Kalita and Noah Wilson-Hughes.
Despite some tough games, both coaches said it's been a fun second year for the program.
"The guys are loving it," Robert said. "We try to focus on having fun as opposed to winning and the love of the sport is my main concern. We really want to keep rugby going in Squamish."
Sarah was the captain of the team last year and said the transition to coach has been smooth.
"I was one of the most experienced players last year and after I broke my collarbone skiing, I kind of transitioned into a coach then," she said. "They're all used to me. I'm kind of naturally bossy."
She said she hopes to see rugby continue to thrive in Squamish.
"Rugby's a great sport and is super inclusive," she said. "We take in lots of different types of athletes."
One highlight of the season occurred on May 16 when members of the New Zealand Police rugby league team came to Howe Sound field to practice with the Sounders. The team was in town to participate at the B.C. Rugby League International 9's tournament.
"It was amazing," Sarah said. "They showed us the Haka and it was so cool to be out there and passing around with them. These are high level players and they were out there sharing their passion with us. It was such a good experience for everyone."
"It was really exciting for the guys and the girl," Robert added. "Having a professional team at our practice and being able to play with them was great."
The Sounders' season is winding down with only a few weeks left to go. They took on Burnaby on Wednesday (May 15) but results were not available at press time.
