Both Comox Valley Kickers rugby teams were back in action this past weekend.
The men narrowly lost at home to a strong Nanaimo Hornets side 35-31. It was a hard running, high scoring game, which after a slow start (leaking three early tries) Comox found their pace with a well worked team try culminating with fullback Kai Mills going over the line, for his first ever try. This was followed by tries from Tony Calcagni, Ben Julien, Nick Gilmour and Steve Hextall. Kyle Hall made three successful converts. The game went down to the wire with Nanaimo scoring a breakaway try in the dying minutes, to take the lead and capture the win.
“I am really pleased with the heart and skill on display,” coach Dan Mills said. “To come close to winning against a robust Nanaimo side was awesome.’’
The women were on the road to play against the Cowichan Piggies, losing 27-30. Unlike the previous weekend, there were no elements to contend with. With dry and sunny conditions, there was great ball movement with good runs and tackles.
“What a difference a week can make. Our new girls improved so much from the last game, from Jade Baker being a force to be reckoned with from the kick-offs to Kasey Munro-Johnson scoring her first try ever. As a team, we were able to run plays and honed our tackling. Things are slowly starting to come together,” said team captain Natalie Nguyen. “It wasn’t the result that we wanted, but I am very pleased with the level of play and how the team performed. We have a lot of potential and look forward to playing more rugby games.”
Both teams are continually recruiting players. No experience is necessary. Practices are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Cumberland Village Park. Everyone is welcome.
FMI: comoxvalleyrugby.ca.