Rugby will be celebrated this weekend as the Penticton Harlequins host their annual club-fundraising tournament this weekend at McNicoll Park Oval.
The Harlequins will welcome Williams Lake, Salmon Arm, Vernon and Chilliwack as well as a Simon Fraser reunion team.
Harlequins captain Brad Martin said the team is excited for the weekend. What he enjoys about the festival goes beyond games.
“Just seeing familiar faces and developing new friendships with other teams,” said Martin. “We have had teams come from Prince George and Port Alberni.”
The Harlequins enjoy playing different teams than they see in the Okanagan Rugby Union.
“It’s the camaraderie of the sport. Once you play the game for a while you can basically travel the world and you are welcomed into any club in the world with open arms,” said Martin. “(You) Can go and have a beer and talk some rugby. Develop friendships abroad, which is what I love.”
When they are not on the field as a team during the weekend, the Harlequins will lend players to squads who may be short players to ensure fun, friendly competition. The Harlequins are also busy with running the tournament, Martin said a lot of work goes on behind the scenes. Along with team members doing their part, the Harlequins count on alumni to help.
When it comes to playing, Harlequins coach Ken Simpson hopes his team plays better than it did on June 4 against Vernon because , he said, the visiting teams are strong. Last weekend the Harlequins lost to the Jackals 39-12.
“We weren’t there, out of shape and just not firing off the ball,” said Simpson, adding that the club has had issues getting enough players coming to practice.
Martin said it was a hard game in hot conditions.
“I think the opposition came down with a really good game plan,” he said. “They stuck it to us.”
Action at McNicoll Park begins Saturday at 9 a.m. There is a social on Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m. at the Curling rink. Everyone is welcome.