05/08/2026
The day the senior men’s team has been preparing for is finally here: a Championship match-up against our interior rivals, the Kamloops Raiders RFC.
Kamloops is a hard-running, dynamic side that always puts the Crows to the test. While the Crows have passed that test twice this season, anything can happen in a final. The boys are primed, prepared, and ready to prevail.
We start with a powerful front row with Vice-Captain Cass Kocevar anchoring the scrum between his prop mates, Brandon Woods and Matt “Tendies” Barriault.
In the second row, we have the (could be) father-son duo of Chris Hill and Connor Laing. Laing will be looking to snag opponent lineouts and secure the ball, while opponents will be desperately searching for an inch of Hill that isn’t covered in athletic tape (spoiler: they can’t).
The back row is looking to unleash some pent-up aggression on any Raider foolish enough to cross their path. Jeff Lohse, Danny Illichman, and Brice Michaud offer the perfect combination of powerful running, hard-hitting, and Frenchness.
Directing traffic is the pride of Penticton, Rudy Mackenzie at #9 and feeding team captain Rick Schouten at #10. In the centers, the alliteration combo of Jef Vreys and James Duguid will bring slick passing and hard lines.
The back three is a deadly mix of speed, tenacity, and salon-quality hair. Tristan Gaudry and Isaac Young will leave nothing but a "bleachy blur" as they whiz down the sidelines, while Jared Curry will leave you wondering how this grey-mulleted freak of nature continues to dominate the sport at his advanced age.
The depth doesn't stop there. Evan Vodarek, Chase Schumacher, Xander Webb, Ben Dunkerly, and James Dolman offer the opposition no reprieve when they step into the pack. Melani Nanai, Stefan Vracarevic, and Tyson Potts will provide the spark and fresh legs for the backline.
It’s shaping up to be a classic Interior rivalry. If you are in the White Rock area this Saturday and want to witness a clash for the ages, head down to South Surrey Athletic Park at 1:15 PM or catch us on the livestream.
Come cheer on the Crows as they look to bring home the BC Rugby Championship!