The Comox Valley Kickers women’s rugby team delivered a spanking to the defending BCRU Division I champion Abbotsford RFC, Saturday at Cumberland Village Park.
The Kickers scored first and never looked back. The whole team played with unrelenting intensity from start to finish. The backline utilized their speed and capitalized on opportunities. Fullback Daris Tendler led the charge with four tries, flyhalf/winger Paula Simpson scored three tries and winger Chloë Speed added one try. With some hard hits and quick rucks, prop Jenn Lund and hook Taya Gagnon scored one try each. Flyhalf Kara Galbraith and Simpson had a combined six successful conversions for a final score of 62 – 5.
“This was a great win involving an incredible team effort. We played as a unit. On defence, we completely shut down the opposition and on offence, there was always someone in support to keep the ball alive,” says Kickers Coach JP Lussier. “To do this against last year’s league winners is no easy feat and was especially satisfying. This game is a good indicator of what we can achieve going forward.”
In their first game of the season, the Kickers men’s team hosted the Cowichan Piggies, also Saturday at Village Park. The hosts found themselves playing defence more often then attacking downfield. Flanker Brandon Hudson scored twice, and winger Kai Mills added a try, but Cowichan won by a score of 78-15.
“Cowichan is a more experienced and seasoned team,” said Hudson, the team captain. “When we had possession, we ran well, and our set pieces were sound. With more practices and games under our belt, I believe that we will improve steadily. There were a lot of good takeaways from this game.”
The women have a bye next week. The men play in Nanaimo against the Hornets on Saturday, Feb. 15.
Both teams are recruiting players for the season. Everyone welcomed. No experience needed. Practices are held at Cumberland Village Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30-8 p.m.
For more information, visit comoxvalleyrugby.ca or email cvkickers@gmail.com.
