About:
The ORL (East) versus RLBC (West) series takes the best athletes from Western Canada to compete against the best athletes from Eastern Canada. The series aims to showcase the best talent across Canada and to give our athletes a chance to compete at the highest level of rugby league in Canada before moving onto the international stage. The East vs. West games give us a chance to look at new talent coming up from the domestic and provincial programs.
History:
The inaugural East versus West series took place in January of 2020. The series saw the East men with a convincing win over the West. The West women won with a close margin to the East. The series expanded in 2023 splitting into two events- women’s and men’s. Three women’s teams faced off in Edmonton (ARL, RLBC and ORL) while two men’s teams (RLBC, ORL) met in Vancouver.
2023 Results:
Men:
After a 44-12 routing of the ORL East in September 2022, the ORL was hoping for a comeback on the gorgeous summer evening at Wolfson Field at the University of British Columbia. Yet, the scoreboard ended up quite similar, with the RLBC West dominating throughout the match.
Scoring early, RLBC quickly put points on the Board, and by half time, blanked the ORL with a score of 32-0. Looking to stage a comeback, and prevent another heartbreak after travelling 5 hours west to Vancouver from Ontario, the ORL scored two tries, but no conversions. RLBC matched, but with conversions, leading to a 44-8 victory – improving off their 2022 championship match.
Josh Michalik and Andy Fourie both scored two tries each for RLBC, and Jacob Bourne kicked 6 goals to help RLBC dominate the match.
The 2024 Men’s Domestic Championship (East vs. West) returns to Hogtown, where the ORL hopes to regain their footing on home turf.
Women:
The roaring crowd gathered at the St. Albert RFC on July 2, 2023, was treated to a thrilling final showdown as the Ontario Ospreys clashed with the Alberta Broncos. With a final score of 22-10, the Ontario Ospreys claim their title as the 2023 Canadian National Champions.
Ontario’s early efforts were rewarded with a quick try by their dynamic fullback, Woods, who snuck through after a pass from Siciliano. The Broncos tried valiantly to break through the Ospreys’ defensive line, but the Ontario side remained strong, forcing errors and turnovers. It wasn’t long before Ontario extended their lead, and at half-time the Broncos trailed 0-18 to the Ospreys.
The Alberta Broncos emerged from the halftime break with renewed determination. Their efforts paid off as Mann found a gap in the Ospreys’ defense and scored a try, putting Alberta on the scoreboard. Hassanali converted the try, reducing the deficit to 18-6.
Both teams continued to battle fiercely in the second half, with the Broncos showing improved defense and ball control. Menin further bolstered the Alberta Broncos’ hopes, scoring another try, and Hassanali’s conversion brought them within touching distance at 18-10.
As the game neared its conclusion, the Ontario Ospreys maintained their composure and control. The Broncos pressed for a comeback, but the Ospreys’ defense held firm. Naismith sealed the victory for Ontario with a late try, bringing the final score to 22-10 in favor of the Ospreys.
Extra praise goes out to the players of the match, Petra Woods for the Ospreys and Sarah Maguire for the Broncos.
The match was a captivating end to the Canadian National Championship tournament. The Ontario Ospreys certainly showcased the work they have been putting in this year under their coach Matthew Barron. The Alberta Broncos demonstrated strength in teamwork as they put the Ospreys on the back foot mid-match. A well-deserved Canadian National Champions title for the Ontario Ospreys, who continue to make their presence felt in the rugby league world.
