A buzzer-beating try from Zachary Bain capped a dramatic rally and lifted the W.A. Fraser Falcons to the Fraser Valley Grade 8 boys rugby title last week.
The Falcons had trailed Langley's undefeated H.D. Stafford Skyhawks 18-5 with 10 minutes to go, but battled back to draw to within 18-17 in the late going.
With time ticking down, Bain scored in the corner on the final play of the game to give the Falcons a 22-18 victory and their fifth regional title in eight years.
"The boys just decided to rally back," marveled coach Ryan McWhinney, whose team had lost twice to Stafford earlier in the year. "They were able to improve throughout the season, and take down the giants who were undefeated."
Bain's try was his second of the game, and Eric Chartier and Shaun Murray chipped in with one apiece and Jayden Ned booted a convert.
The win capped a terrific rugby season at Fraser Middle. The Grade 7 boys won the St. Michael's University School sevens tournament in Victoria behind an MVP performance from Carter Miller, who scored 17 tries in the tourney.
Additionally, the Grade 7/8 girls rugby team won the Abby-Mission title, beating Heritage Park of Mission in the final. Alex Motoc, Brenna Hannan, Kylie Ratzlaff, Brooklyn Murphy, Kylie Ratzlaff and Sarah Thiessen scored tries, with converts by Sapna Deo.
The Eugene Reimer Ravens Grade 8 boys won the Fraser Valley bronze medal, beating Queen Elizabeth of Surrey 26-12. Chavis Spencer (2), Arbazz Gill and Bobby Narang scored tries, while Arvin Sharma kicked two penalties and Karn Minhaf picked up man of the match honours.
"They finished off their season strong, and put together a complete game," Reimer coach Mark Grillandini said. "It was a great way to end their Grade 8 careers."