After a promising start to their Rugby League British Columbia (RLBC) season, the Whistler Wolves fell in their July 16 playoff semifinal game 34-20 against the Vancouver Dragons.
It was a back-and-forth affair in Langley, with both teams delivering their fair share of big hits and timely tries. Ultimately, it was the Wolves who blinked first, committing a fatal ballhandling error with 10 minutes to go. The Dragons pounced on the error, carving their way down the length of the field to score and blowing the game open.
Neil Irwin did his best to give Whistler a fighting chance, and for his efforts was awarded Player's Player recognition.
"Congrats to the Dragons who will be hard to beat in the [RLBC] Grand Final," said a Wolves spokesperson on the club's Instagram account. "A huge thank you to all our players, volunteers, supporters and most of all our sponsors."
Despite their setback this weekend, the Wolves can still be proud of a campaign in which their captured their first championship in nines play. Whistler's lone rugby league club now looks to continue growing the sport next year.
Meanwhile, the Dragons face the Point Grey Thunder today at 12:30 p.m. for this year's Grand Final at Capilano Rugby Club. The Thunder fell 40-8 to the Wolves in their regular season opener but have come on strong when it matters most.
