Wilson Leads Meralomas

Eric Wilson (20) would like nothing more than to see his club back on top. Last season was the first time in five years, the Meraloma Rugby Club missed out on advancing to the Canadian Direct Insurance Premier League final.

The team is based out of Kitsilano-based and are looking at a return to the final championship.

The two heavyweights will meet at Connaught Park in a match that could easily set the tone for the season. James Bay won both matches last year, including a devastating 24-21 win when they ended Meraloma’s hopes of qualifying for the postseason.

The teams have a storied rivalry, one that saw them scrum down in back-to-back Rounsefell Cup finals in 2008 and 2009. Wilson kicked the game winning penalty in the ’09 final, lifting the Meralomas to a 11-10 victory, denying the Bays of a record 23rd Rounsefell Cup title.

The rivalry will be renewed this weekend as last year’s Premier League runners-up James Bay open their season in search of their first provincial trophy since 2008.

“James Bay are always near or on top of the league table, so it’s easy to get motivated for games against them,” said Wilson. “They are a team with a strong line-up no matter who they put on the field.

They have a strong club structure with plenty of depth and it’s always a good test for us to see where we are at.”

The Meralomas have already had their first hit out when they defeated a young UVic Vikes squad 27-5 last weekend.

With new head coach Angel Cividanes and some fresh faces on the roster, it was a chance to test our their new combinations.

Back as one of the province’s elite scrum halves, Wilson recorded a try, two conversions and a penalty for a game-high 12 points.

The 2009 BC Player of the Year was pleased with the win, but knows their is much to improve on.

Missing from this year’s line-up are provincial reps Bryan Tyrer and Brock Staller who are studying at UBC. A addition to watch (if he takes to the field) will be former James Bay standout Callum Morrison who has joined the Meralomas.

Will Campbell returns to the Meralomas after graduating from the Victoria Vikes program.

Elsewhere in Premier League competition the reigning Rounsefell Cup champions Capilano RFC (1-0) are away to UVic (0-1).

The Castaway Wanderers make their debut against Burnaby Lake, and the UBCOB Ravens head down to White Rock to face off against the Bayside Sharks (0-1).