Cowichan Piggies handed the Comox Valley Kickers their first loss of the season, 28-17, in BCRU Province Wide Third Division men's rugby action on the weekend, thereby gaining a measure of revenge for an earlier 44-0 defeat.
The Kickers couldn’t get anything going as they repeatedly shot themselves in the foot. Coach Aaron Larrivee summed it up: "Even after penetrating their defensive line we suffered from loose support, dropped ball and bad choices.” In addition, the Kickers’ inability to consistently kick converts and penalties came back to haunt them. Congratulations to Cowichan for a well played match.
Comox Valley tries were scored by Mike Magee, Leigh Burley and Nathan Holley. Andy Hextall and newcomer Curtis Parker were chosen as Comox Valley Men of the Match. Next game: Velox, Feb. 26, 1 p.m., Village Park, Cumberland.
The club gratefully acknowledges their sponsors, A.F.C. Construction, Investors Group, Central Rentals, Wedler Engineering and Continual Palingenesis – Social Media Solutions, without whose support rugby would not continue to flourish in the Comox Valley.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, Feb. 18 some of the IG Kickers women, playing on a North Island first division select team, travelled across the water to play United RFC in Coquitlum. Having beaten Abbotsford the previous week under sunny skies the North Island girls prepared for the worse as heavy rain/snow pelted down forcing players and spectators to scoop up excessive field water with garbage cans and wheelbarrows. Luckily the team was able to bounce back from their rough travel and came out firing!
Front row Aimee Burley, Jenna Roy and Susie Gilson dominated the opposition and won every scrum, making the ball easily playable for their backs. Outside center and power runner, Lisa Breuer scored the first try and set up the next two, passing the ball off to teammates Brenna Collicutt and Angela Buick.
Stand-off Sam Kreeger was awarded a penalty try after being illegally brought down by the United scrum half. Fullback Arlene McGuff made the conversion resulting in a final 27-0 score. Woman of the Match was awarded to Lisa Breuer. The North Island girls proved they were the stronger team and with a 2-1 record, are currently second in the Division 1 standings.
The girls play a fun match Saturday, Feb. 25 at Village Park in Cumberland. Kickoff at noon. Next league game will take place in Nanaimo, March 10 against Kelowna.
The Kickers women thank Investors Group; their continuous support is a significant factor in assuring the development of women’s rugby in the Comox Valley.
– Comox Valley Kickers