The Vernon Jackals have finally captured their first British Columbia men’s rugby championship, breaking a decade-long streak of heartbreaks and missed opportunities. The team clinched the 2024 Saratoga Cup on Sunday, August 10, with a narrow 20-19 victory over the defending champion Terrace Northmen at the Little Mountain Sports Complex in Salmon Arm. For years, the Jackals dominated the Okanagan Rugby Union, winning eight of the last nine league titles. But every trip to the provincial tournament ended without the trophy. Their dreams were often crushed by the same rivals — the Northmen from Terrace and the Rocky Mountain Rogues from Cranbrook. This year, they beat both in one unforgettable weekend.
The final was tense from start to finish. With the score tied 5-5 in the first half, Vernon took control and led 15-5 at halftime. The Northmen refused to give up and stormed back with two converted tries to move ahead 19-15 with less than four minutes remaining. It looked like another heartbreaking finish for the Jackals, but this time they would not be denied. Deep in the Northmen’s territory during extra time, Vernon sent the ball wide to Tristan Gaudry, who powered over the try line for the decisive score. The successful try sealed the 20-19 win and brought the Saratoga Cup home for the first time in the club’s history.
For veteran player Kevin Stecyk, 39, the victory was more than just a title. Having joined the team in 2006, he had witnessed countless close calls. “It’s a huge momentum shift for us,” he said. “We slayed both of our dragons in the same weekend.” The first “dragon” was Rocky Mountain, who beat Vernon in last year’s final. In the semifinal, the Jackals shut them out 27-0, earning both revenge and a place in the gold-medal game.
The Northmen reached the final by defeating the host Salmon Arm Yeti 12-5 in their semifinal match. The Yeti had beaten Vernon in the last game of the regular ORU season, denying them the right to host the championship. But the Jackals bounced back in the playoffs, defeating the Penticton Harlequins and then overcoming Salmon Arm to claim another league title.
Stecyk’s rugby story reflects the spirit of the club. He first joined the Jackals at age 20 after a hockey teammate encouraged him to try the sport. Before that, he had only played high school football. One practice with the team was enough to get him hooked. “I still have the energy and excitement for the game,” he said. “The camaraderie keeps me coming back.”
For many players, the final whistle was almost surreal. Club spokesperson Trevor Feeney, 29, described the moment as a dream come true. “I feel like I need someone to pinch me to make sure I’m not dreaming,” he said after the win.
In the men’s third-place match, the Rocky Mountain Rogues defeated the Yeti 34-17. The weekend also hosted the women’s Saratoga Cup championship, where the Salmon Arm Yeti women’s team took the title with a 28-10 victory over the Rocky Mountain Rogues. Trail RFC, in their first provincial tournament, finished third by edging Elk Valley RFC 12-7. Defending champions Terrace RFC placed fifth after defeating the Penticton Harlequins 17-12.
For the Jackals, this championship ends a long wait and opens a new era. They have shown they can dominate not just their regional league but also the provincial stage. By defeating their long-time rivals in the same tournament, they have proven their resilience and determination. The 2024 victory is more than just a trophy — it is a defining moment that will be remembered in Vernon rugby history.
