Story by Natalie Nguyen
COMOX VALLEY, B.C. – A shorthanded Comox Valley Kickers squad didn’t show any rust after resuming its women’s rugby season, after a very cold and snowy February.
Over the weekend, the Kickers headed to the mainland where they put the boots to Delta’s Brit Lions, beating the host squad 48-17.
Travelling with only 13 women, the Kickers knew that it would take a Herculean effort to win shorthanded.
They were up to the task by scoring first and never letting up.
According to a Kickers release, “the team utilized their strength and speed to score, crashing the ball with ferocious intent and gained the hard yards, which allowed the back line to shine by running some great plays.”
Outside Centre Daris Tendler led the efforts with four tries with inside Centre Carlie Beaulieu and Scrumhalf Natalie Nguyen each scored once. Flyhalf Paula Simpson added two tries and four conversions.
“We are coming back from a one-month hiatus due to the weather and I was unsure of what the team was going to look like. It was disappointing that we could not field a whole side, but I was so very proud of the ladies who made the trip. Everyone played with tremendous heart and conviction in our ability to win,” said Kickers captain Natalie Nguyen.
“Due to the fact that we were playing short, we were very strategic in our game plan. Our forwards had great set pieces and contested every scrum and lineout, stealing possession on a few. Our backs had great chemistry and ran some good lines. As a team, we were quick to set up our defensive line, which did not allow the other team to gain any momentum. Overall, we played a great rugby game.”
All BCRU teams have a bye this weekend to attend the HSBC Canada Sevens tournament held in Vancouver.
It is one of 10 international stops on the Sevens circuit and has Canada facing off against Samoa, Fiji and Kenya in their pool.
Both the Comox Valley Women’s and men’s teams are still recruiting players for the season.
No experience is needed. For more information, visit comoxvalleyrugby.ca or email [email protected].
