By Ciaran Ormond
Twenty-six girls signed up for the rugby program back in March and after a lot of practices both indoors and out, they opened the season with the Icebreaker Tournament in Calgary. The tournament was highly successful especially for the 12 new girls. They were able to get their first taste of competitive rugby and loads of experience. The team compiled a record of four wins and one tie over the course of the weekend and the girls really gelled as a team.
The league play also proved to be very rewarding. The girls defeated Hunting Hills, Rocky, and Lindsey Thurber however we were defeated by powerful teams in Notre Dame and Olds. Against Olds we were missing five of our regular starters but it gave the new girls extra playing time and experience.
At the end of May it was off to the Notre Dame tournament in Red Deer. We defeated Lindsey Thurber and Beaumont and advanced to the final against Notre Dame. It was an incredibly exciting game but unfortunately resulted in a loss.
Provincial playoffs were the next event on our calendar. We defeated Rocky by a high margin and advanced to provincials the following weekend.
June 4th was Provincials in Edmonton. Our first game was against one of the favorites – Fort McLeod. Unfortunately we got off to a very poor start and ended up losing 15 – 0
If we had played our ‘A’ game, we felt we could have competed for the gold medal. We defeated Cold Lake by over 40 points and in the process used all of our eight Grade 9 players, which will give them invaluable experience for future years.
We advanced to the bronze medal game against Chestemere. The girls came out firing on all cylinders. Incredibly, after intense pressure and ball possession, we only led by three points scored on a penalty kick by Kayla Sebbelov. In the second half, we continued with the pressure and were rewarded with a well-earned try by Alisa Schnider which was converted by Kayla Sebbelov. We now led by 10-0. With five minutes remaining, after an incredible passage of plays, Christy Weiss scored in the corner and we ended up winning the game 15-0! This is the third year in a row capturing the bronze medal.
The rugby season would not be possible without all the volunteers who donated their time and resources. On behalf of all the team, we thank you!
At the end of the season you sadly lose your graduating players. This year is especially hard as we lose 10 wonderful girls; co-captain’s Monique Siebold and Kayla Sebbelov whose leadership and experience was invaluable and made the coaches jobs so much easier. First year players: Chelsea Rode, Candace Garrett, and our long term players, Patricia Bergin, Karrina Dennis, Cassandra Howard, Kyla Olson, and Courtney Woolsey.
On behalf of the coaches, we will miss you girls and wish you all the very best in all your future endeavors.