Rugby teams from Pontiac High School (PHS) hit the road for New Brunswick for a 20-team tournament this weekend, walking away with some wins and lots of experience on the pitch.

Boys’ and girls’ teams from the school travelled to Rothesay Netherwood School, a private school in Rothesay, N.B. for the school’s annual RugbyFest, a tournament that has taken place annually since 1989, according to the school’s website. 

The girls finished the tournament tied for first in their pool, with victories over James M. Hill Memorial High School from Miramichi, N.B. and the host Rothesay Netherwood School. But it was the team’s final loss that stopped them reaching the tournament final. 

According to girls’ head coach Phil Holmes, their 41-0 loss to Northeast Kings Education Centre from Canning, N.S. eliminated the PHS girls from contention.

 “We ended up in a three-way tie for first, but we ended up at the bottom due to point differential,” Holmes said. 

After the boys suffered a tight 15-12 loss against Westisle Composite School from Elmsdale, P.E.I. to kick off the tournament, the team played another close game against Harbourview High from Saint John, N.B., losing 19-5. The team’s final game was a 29-0 loss to Quispamsis, N.B.’s Kennebecasis Valley High School, the eventual silver medal winner in their division. 

While the boys didn’t walk away with a victory, Holmes said both teams enjoyed some Maritime cuisine and were warmly welcomed by their host school. 

“The tournament was very well run, New Brunswick was beautiful and the people were so nice,” said Holmes. “I’m happy both teams were competitive.”