Image: Joanne Hewitt, used with permission / G.W. Graham rugby player Alex Fourie (pictured, centre) was named Player of the Match during Thursday's match against R.E. Mountain for his exceptional leadership, tenacious defense, and impactful ball carries. The Grizzlies won 43-3. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

G.W. Graham rugby

G.W. Graham varsity boys rugby triumphs over R.E. Mountain amid emotional match

May 21, 2024 | 9:31 AM

ABBOTSFORD — After a recent tragedy in which one of their players’ parents passed, the G.W. Graham varsity boys rugby team wanted to make their match against R.E. Mountain count for something special.

“The Graham boys were playing at a high emotional level,” G.W. Graham varsity boys rugby coach Michael Jordan said. “One of our player’s parents passed away this week, and the whole team wanted to honour the family with their performance.”

The Grizzlies rode a wave of emotion, led by Alex Fourie, and delivered an impressive performance in a 43-3 win over R.E. Mountain Thursday (May 16) in Abbotsford.

R.E. Mountain started strong, maintaining possession for most of the first 10 minutes and securing an early penalty conversion. However, G.W. Graham swiftly responded with an exceptional team effort, culminating in a try by Grady Andrea. Despite a high penalty count in the first half, Khayman Alex managed to score another try for the Grizzlies.

Grady Andrea received a ten-minute yellow card following a powerful hit on R.E. Mountain’s hooker, which the match official ruled as a dump tackle. After halftime, the Grizzlies regrouped and adjusted to the officials’ calls, playing a cleaner and more disciplined game. This adjustment led to a dominant second half, with Yapo Conteh, Logan Murphy, Carson Noske, and Aiden Hewitt all crossing the whitewash.

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Coach Michael Jordan praised the team’s performance. “The penalty count against us in the first half was too high, but I was satisfied to see that they were able to check their emotions and make the proper adjustments in the second half.”

Alex Fourie was named Player of the Match for his exceptional leadership, tenacious defense, and impactful ball carries.

GW Graham’s next match is against Yale Secondary at Exhibition Field in Abbotsford on Wednesday, May 22. Kickoff is 6 p.m. This match will determine the Eastern Valley Athletic Association championship.