After a year-and-a-half hiatus due to the global pandemic, a new rugby season kicked off in B.C. on the weekend. There is no better time to join the game as this fall season is a developmental season, being played regionally to lower travel costs and seen as a gradual re-introduction to the sport.
It was a tough weekend for the Comox Valley rugby clubs, as both fell in their matches.
The Comox Valley Kickers women, who play in the Division I Island League, lost 57-5 to Victoria’s Castaway Wanderers at Cumberland Village Park. Chloe Speed scored the lone try for the Kickers.
“It is our first rugby game of the season and the first rugby game ever for five of our players. There’s going to be some rust for returning players and a learning curve for new players. It was a cold and rainy rugby day, making it difficult to pass the ball cleanly, ” said team captain Natalie Nguyen. “We found ourselves out of position at times throughout the game, but we still managed to run good phases of play. Overall, I am pretty happy with how the team performed. Our players are keen, and we just need to continue to work hard and build off of each game. The season is still young, and am very optimistic that we will be able to learn and grow from this loss and become an even stronger team going forward.”
The Kickers men play in the Division II Island League. They lost 60-0 in a road match against the Cowichan Piggies. This was their first game of the season as last week Westshore RFC cancelled.
“It felt good to be back on the pitch,” said team captain Brandon Hudson. “For our first game, we did a lot of things well. We were strong in the scrums and had opportunities when we had possession, but we were unable to capitalize. As we get more games under our belt, we can continue to build our team chemistry and work out the kinks.”
The men’s and the women’s team 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