The Utah Lions expected Victoria to be tough and they got exactly what they expected. As the only US team representing at the tournament, and having list 2 boys from the travel squad due to family situations, the Lions showed up in Victoria with 12 players and a lot of heart. The first game out set the level of play as they were required to tackle the Ontario Provincial squad to open the day. After a tough match, the Lions came out on top 21-10 but not before the boys got a view of the level of play they would be required to perform at. Second game out was against BC Gold, the tourney favorite and arguably on of the best HS7s teams in North America. The boys came out strong but were stunned by an incredibly strong BC side that combined not only strength, skill and speed but were big to boot. The physicality of the game surprised all but in the end BC defeated the Lions 27-12.

The loss was the first for the Lions in 2014 and the coaching staff wondered how the players would handle it. The handled it well! They came out energized against the Alberta Provincial side and took out their frustration on them by defeating them 34-5, ending the day 2-1 and leaving only the BC white and blue sides between the Lions and a rematch against BC Gold.

 

The second day opened against BC White in the Univ of Victoria Stadium on a beautiful NW day. The boys knew what must be done and came out strong against the team they had barely defeated in Vegas. By the time the whistle blew, the Lions had put 40 points on the board to BC Whites 5 and set the pace for the day. The next game was BC Blue, the 2nd side for BC who were easily as strong as the gold side. The Lions came out hard and quickly put 14 points to BCs 5 at the half. The second half showed the rigors of touring and why you need more than 12 boys for a 6 game , 2 day tournament. Players began to come up hurt and the level of intensity dropped for both teams. BC put another try on the boards but could not convert and Utah won 14-12. 

By this time most of the players were running at 80% with no real options for rest and it showed against BC Gold. They are truly a great team and they showed it. For the first 5 minutes, the Lions hung in and made BC work for points they scored but as injuries continued and exhaustion set in , BC walked away from the Lions for a 43-0 spanking. 

All in all, it was a highly successful tourney and a killer year for the Lions. The Lions went 21-2, losing only to BC Gold , the entire 2014 touring season. The scored 631 points for and only 170 against in 2014. They are losing some key players to graduation but are looking at filling the pipeline with high quality players from Utah who want to not only play better rugby at a much higher level but also get the opportunity to make great friends, represent the state,  and be seen by Collegiate and National selectors.

In 2015, the Lions will tour to Las Vegas (LVI Elite and Open division), London ( Roslyn School 7s), Philadelphia ( CRC), and Victoria (Vic7s). Players will also be eligible for the 15s all-stars as well.

 

Aleni Aiono was selected to be part of the Tournament All-Star team