The Comox Valley Rapids U19 girls rugby team lost 40-29 Sunday in Victoria to the Castaway Wanderers — the team to beat over the past few years at the age grade level.
At the opening whistle, the Rapids chased the ball down to win it back. Minutes later, eighth-man Jessica Postle took a blind pick off the scrum to make her way close to the try line. After a few phases she managed to drive through the opponents and put the first points on the board, the first of her tries. But after being beaten on the outside, the Wanderers answered back to make the score 5-7.
The Rapids played hard for another five points scored by Sarah Messena. Comox Valley was quick to the breakdown and relentless, often stealing the ball, however, a couple of missed tackles in sideways rain cost them the game.
Flanker Abby McDowell and Jasmine Mohtadi played standout games with their hard runs. Centre Val Williams was strong in defence, not allowing her opponents to pass. Captain Olivia Jean and Emma Grootenhurst also scored tries.
The U13 boys also faced the Castaway Wanderers in Victoria. Coaches are proud of the growth these boys are showing. Last weekend saw many great things from practice being implemented in games. A lot of teamwork, rucking, offloading from a tackle, taking risks when receiving a kickoff, and hard running.
“These boys emptied the Rapid rugby tank!” a news release states.
The Rapids U19, U16 and U14 girls are home Sunday, Oct. 31 to James Bay and Westshore. Kickoffs are 11:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. at Cumberland Park.