It’s a rebuilding season for the Penticton Harlequins mens rugby team.
The defending Saratoga Cup champions lost some experience, but have replaced it with younger bodies. After opening the season with a loss to the Vernon Jackals, the Harlequins defeated the Salmon Arm Manthers 42-12 on May 7. Harlequins coach Ken Simpson said there were big improvements from two weeks ago.
“Just being on the ball faster, more pressure,” said Simpson. “We talked a lot about defensive pressure and support.”
Simpson wants to see his team play this season “just how we finished the Saratoga Cup.”
During practice sessions the Harlequins have worked on set plays to change things up. Simpson also wants the backs to play with more creativity as he has moved some forwards to that position. There has been a struggle getting players used to a different position. The Harlequins have been learning from their mistakes, one being not to have too many players in the rucks. Against the Manthers, they committed three players to spread out the others on defence.
“They seem to be gelling as a team. It was a slow start because of the new bodies,” said Simpson. “Now they are coming together, communicating better. We just got to be patient.”
Scoring for the Harlequins against the Manthers was Rajiv Dasanjh and Ben Gorrod with two tries, Parker Thompson, Justin Gabriel, Bradley Martin and Chris Hanon. Spencer Adams scored a pony conversion. Gorrod was named man of the match for forwards, while Dasanjh received it for the backs.