The Highwood Mustangs Boys got off to a rough start as they host the 3-a Rugby Provincials.

Coach Dave Roberts says the team lost 24 to 12 to the Edmonton Christian School in their first game.

"Close game other than the fact that they were quite large and they were able to push the ball forward a little more effectively then we could," said Roberts. "Penalties made a bit of a difference in the first half and in the second they just out worked us."

Roberts added provincials is always a tough draw.

"Five of the seven teams are all from our league, and all of the teams that are here placed higher than we did in our league so we have our work cut out for us."

The team now plays in the B side of the tournament, which is a round robin format, while the A side has a double-knock out format.

The Mustangs next game is at 9 am June 10.