As promised, the Dunbar Keg Men's U20 fixture between Vancouver and reigning champions Vancouver Island lived up to its billing with 10 tries recorded over the span of 80 minutes. Boasting a bruising forward pack that dictated much of the game, Vancouver took a 22-7 advantage into the break and held off a resilient come back from their hosts in the final minutes.
Isaac Kay opened the scoring for the Tide with Fergus Hall providing the extras for a 7-0 lead. Vancouver then recorded four unanswered tries through Neil Courtney, Charlie Thorpe, Connor Weyell and Brian Murphy. The fourth try was a clear indication that the bounces were going Vancouver's way when a grubber into their opponents try zone was missed by the full back and Murphy was there to pounce on the five points. Liam Murphy-Burke kicked the conversion and put the team up 22-7.
The second half saw Vancouver centre Sean Hickson score in the 41st minute to extend their lead to 27-12.
The Tide would then go on a three-try run with scores from Jon Lorimer, Nathan Yanagiya and Crosby Stewart to close the gap to 22-27. Vancouver's speedy prop Courtney would provide the insurance marker with a 70th minute try, however, taking the momentum back for the visitors. Hall would pull back a penalty for the Island Tide in the 78th minute to make it a one score game, but the clock ran out and the win went to Vancouver.
Dunbar Keg (Men's U20)
Vancouver Island 27, Vancouver 34
Box Score
Island tries: '12 Isaac Kaay, '56 Jon Lorimer, '58 Nathan Yanagiya, '65 Crosby Stewart,
Island converts: Hall x2
Island penalties: Hall
Vancouver tries: '15 Neil Courtney, '20 Charlie Thorpe, '26 Connor Weyell, '30 Brian Murphy, '41 Sean Hickson, '70 Neil Courtney
Vancouver converts: Liam Murphy-Burke x2
