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Sunfest rugby action hits McNicoll Park

Harlequins Sunfest rugby tournament hits McNicoll Park this weekend
web1_Harlequins-Sunfest
The Penticton Harlequins are hosting their annual Sunfest tournament at the McNicoll Oval this weekend. Western News file photo

It’s Sunfest time again.

The Penticton Harlequins Rugby Club is hosting its annual tournament at McNicoll Park Oval Saturday and Sunday. Games will be played from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the first day, with Sunday action from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Along with the Harlequins, Merritt, Simon Fraser University, Williams Lake, Vernon and Salmon Arm are fielding teams on the men’s side. The women’s side is made up of Kelowna, Ridge Meadows and a new Vernon team.

Heading into the action, the Harlequins are coming off a 22-0 win over the Salmon Arm Manthers last weekend.

“I thought that was our best game of the season so far,” said Harlequins captain Dave Bellomo.

The Harlequins placed third in the Okanagan Rugby Union and will travel to Salmon Arm June 17 to play the Manthers in the semifinal. Vernon is hosting the league final on June 24. Bellomo said the tie between the Manthers and Vernon for first shows how close the league is.

“Home advantage will help our opposition so we are definitely coming in as underdogs, but we are hoping to build our confidence with some good rugby this weekend at Sunfest to help us prep for next weekend,” he said.

The club’s Saturday night social is being held at the Penticton Curling Club with tickets available at the field Saturday.