The Penticton Harlequins are confident about their chances of defending their Okanagan Rugby Union championship.
The Harlequins take on the Vernon Jackals at McNicoll Park Oval in Penticton on July 4 at 1 p.m.
Harlequins captain Brad Martin said the team is looking forward to the match. After winning their only game against the Jackals 41-14, he said they are excited for the challenge.
“Over confidence can creep in,” said Martin. “This is the final and we don’t want to take anything for granted. We are guarded against over confidence. These guys are hungry for it as well.”
Danny Hatch, Martin’s teammate, said it’s going to be a good matchup.
“They are going to be strong competition. When we played them the first time, they were a bit undermanned,” he said. “We definitely expect a better game this time. They have got a lot of good athletes.”
The Harlequins have been preparing themselves for this game all season.
“There have been a lot of things that we found that we needed to work on,” he said.
When they hit the field, Hatch said the Harlequins want to keep things simple and not allow emotions to boil over.
“I think that if we just play simple rugby that we will be able to take it home,” said Hatch.
Martin, who helped the Harlequins win the Saratoga Cup three years ago, said there is excitement amongst the group about Saturday.
“We are definitely hoping we can win and return to the Saratoga Cup, which we host,” said Martin. “Bring home that title.”