The Merritt Barbarians kicked off the second half of their season with a convincing 52-19 victory over the West Kelowna Grizzlies at Voght Park last Sunday.

According to Barbarian Nathan Brigden, the victory was their second this season.

"We were pleased to get started off on the right foot after going 1-3 in the first half."

He says Merritt got off to a quick start, with tries from J.P. Lancaster, Jonathan Cooke, Mark Price and two from Eric Schmidt, all in the first half of the game. Schmidt added four conversions for a halftime score of 38-5.

Brigden says the lead let the team experiment with putting players in different positions.

In the second half, Schmidt and Riley Clark added another try each. Schmidt converted his try and Tom Wigglesworth converted Clark's try.

"I thought that it was a great effort from the whole team, but it was probably the best game that I have seen our backs play this season. Their passing was on, their plays were working and their ball support was great," says Brigden.

He adds that the ability of the Barbarians' two smallest players, Zac Cunningham and Mark Price, to make big hits and retain possession in contact was especially impressive.

The Barbarians' next game is on June 17 at Voght Park against the Vernon Jackals.