When the last bead of sweat had been wiped from a brow and the newly crowned champions hugged in celebration, the two finalists came together to mark a well-played final.
The second annual Burnaby-New Westminster senior high school ultimate final concluded Sunday with a 9-6 Burnaby North Vikings victory, claiming the crown with a well-played effort over last year’s victor Burnaby Mountain.
A rematch of last year’s final, the showdown put skill and passion on display, said Burnaby Mountain coach and tournament organizer Danie Proby.
“It was quite close for most of the game, but (Burnaby North) pulled away. Last year they were heavily favoured and the team to beat and we kind of came together and surprised them.
“We couldn’t do it a second straight year.”
Proby, who also coached the inaugural Moscrop program, said the whole tournament was a success, with every team getting a chance to shine.
“In the end (Burnaby Mountain players) were quite sad, it was an emotional loss,” she said. “But we joined with Burnaby North and celebrated the game as one group.”
Picking up the Spirit Award was Moscrop.
The spirit of the game remained integral to all those involved, Proby said.
“It is extremely humbling to see these athletes work so hard over the season and want something so badly, and regardless of the outcome, they hold their opponents, their teammates, and themselves to the highest standards of sportsmanship and integrity.”
It capped a sweep for the Vikings, who also won the junior title on Saturday, topping first-year Moscrop 12-5 in the final. Burnaby Mountain picked up the junior Spirit Award.
For the New Westminster school team, competition came in Tier 2 with a mixed lineup of juniors and seniors.
The Hyacks lost their first few games, then built up some momentum to post a strong 8-6 record.
Coach and alumnus Johnathan He was pleased with the progress shown over the season, which could produce benefits at the upcoming Fraser Valleys.
“Having lost our first few games, the season looked to be more challenging than previous years,” said He.
“However, by the final weeks we were able to pull out a decisive streak of wins to finish 8-6. Going into the Fraser Valley’s I feel confident the team will finish higher than our seeding. “
