More than three years have passed since Powell River Otago last made an appearance at Cranberry Field. That changes this weekend, when the rugby club’s lineup of players join forces with Comox Kickers to face Nanaimo Hornets.
Otago was one of three local amateur sporting clubs riding a wave of success in the 1980s and 1990s. Powell River Villa and Powell River Regals were part of the trio; all three clubs dominated their leagues at various times and brought multiple championships home.
Villa has remained in the public eye in the decades since, despite fluctuations in success and spending several seasons playing in lower divisions of the Vancouver Island Soccer League. Persistence has paid off for the soccer club, with a recent promotion back to the top tier of its league.
All three teams had huge followings, which goes hand and hand with success. Being able to field or ice a team has always been a challenge for senior amateur teams in any sport, but in the glory years of these franchises, players were in abundance; they wanted to be part of a winner.
Regals and Otago have disappeared at times, popping in and out of public consciousness. This weekend’s game is an opportunity for the rugby squad to attract future players, including members of the Brooks Secondary School junior rugby team, whose players will attend.
Longtime Otago club members were part of the reintroduction of rugby at the high school level in Powell River earlier this year after an absence of almost 20 years. Efforts to entice senior players to join is essential for the club to return to its glory years and play games on a regular basis, but by promoting grassroots development the team will have future players to draw from.
Regular training for Otago begins in two weeks. This weekend’s game might be the spark that reinvigorates the program. It will also reintroduce the sport to fans in Powell River. The presence of a Vancouver Island Rugby Union first division team (Nanaimo), whose lineup includes players who represent BC and Canada at national and international competitions, ensures those who attend on Saturday will see top-level athletes performing.
Funds raised at the by-donation-admission game and open-to-the-public festivities that follow at the clubhouse will go to the Brooks junior rugby club, so fans have the opportunity to support and foster growth of the sport locally.
Regals have not played in more than a year. Perhaps the latest initiative by Otago will cause a revival for the hockey team as well and bring both teams back into the spotlight Villa is currently enjoying.
First things first. Kickoff for Otago/Comox versus Nanaimo is set for 12:30 pm on Saturday, August 31.
