by Natalie Ramsay | Nov 18, 2019 | Club Events
This event featured the best Queens of Vancouver Island: Victoria’s Sinder Star, Nanaimo’s Divine Intervention along with Comox Valley’s very own Amanda Luv. The Queens sashayed and slayed in front of a sold-out crowd at the Cumberland Hotel on Saturday, November 16. The event raised over $2,500 which will go towards travel and equipment costs for the upcoming rugby season which starts again in mid-January. “The support we’ve received from the community has been amazing,” said Jenn Lund, Comox Valley Kickers Vice President. “The event sold out early. The crowd was great, and it was a very interactive show. We had our sponsor, Vancouver Island Brewing beers on tap, awesome door prizes, including gift certificates donated by the Cumberland Hotel and a 50/50 draw. This was the first time we’ve organized an event like this, and it definitely won’t be the last.” The Kickers also prepared a shuttle service so people could enjoy the night responsibly. Non-perishable food donations were also gathered for the Comox Valley Food Bank. The Comox Valley Kickers Men’s and Women’s teams are recruiting players for the upcoming season. Everyone welcomed. No experience needed. For more information, please visit comoxvalleyrugby.ca or email...
by Natalie Ramsay | Oct 21, 2019 | Game Reports
This past Saturday saw both Comox Valley Kickers teams playing against the Castaway Wanderers (CW). The women’s team hosted CW at Cumberland Village Park and the men’s team travelled to Windsor Park in Victoria. It was a case of déjà vu for the women as it was the second time this season that these two teams faced off against each other. The Kickers won the previous game 45-29 and CW was out for redemption. This was an exciting back and forth game full of big hits, long runs and sound set pieces. After each score, both teams kept their foot on the gas pedal to keep the pressure on, making it a game of who wanted it more. The Kickers were able to take advantage of the opportunities provided and were able to move the ball in contact with support. Winger Carlie Beaulieu scored twice with Flyhalf Kara Galbraith and Flankers Michelle Johnson and Kaitlyn Jinda each scoring once. Scrumhalf Paula Simpson added two tries and successfully converted four kicks for a 43-30 win. “This was a good game for us as it confirmed our strengths and exposed our weaknesses. We allowed CW to score back to back tries on us by missing our initial tackles. We need to be quicker in the rucks to maintain possession as when we had the ball, beautiful things happened. Our handling was on point and the backs utilized their speed to get the ball out wide to score. Our scrums were strong; we didn’t lose any of our put ins,” said Kickers Coach Thyssen de Goede. “All in all, I am...
by Natalie Ramsay | Oct 8, 2019 | Game Reports
This past Saturday, the Kickers travelled to Nanaimo to face off against their Island rivals, the Hornets. This is the first time the teams have played each other this season. It was a hard-fought battle between both sides. There were some beautiful running lines and off-loading. Kickers tries were scored by Fullback Daris Tendler and Flanker Danelle Campbell, but it was the opposing side who came out on top by a score of 31 – 10. “It is always a very tough and physical game when we play Nanaimo. They were unrelentless with their attack. We couldn’t get into a rhythm and weren’t quite able to hit our groove,” said Kickers Captain Natalie Nguyen. “This was a very humbling game. It showed that we still have a lot of work on. We need to make our tables and be quicker at the breakdowns. It is still early in the season so we will learn from this game and continue to get better.” Next week is a league-wide bye for Thanksgiving. The Kickers Women will once again face the Castaway Wanderers at home on October 19th. The Comox Valley Kickers are still recruiting players for the season. No experience needed. For more information, please visit comoxvalleyrugby.ca or email...
by Natalie Ramsay | Sep 30, 2019 | Game Reports, Men's News, Women's News
This past Saturday had double the rugby action as both the Comox Valley Kickers Women’s and Men’s teams travelled to the Cowichan Valley to face off against the Cowichan Piggies. It was a game of endurance for the women’s game as both squads only had 15 players. The Piggies scored the first points of the game, but the Kickers quickly fell into their groove and answered back right away. The back line was able to use their speed which helped to create overlaps that they used to their advantage. Inside Centre Natalie Nguyen, Outside Centre Daris Tendler and Wingers Carrie Weekes and Béatrice Sylvain each scored once with Flyhalf Paula Simpson scoring twice and making 5 out of 6 conversions for a 40-15 win. “It was a closer game than the score line indicates. Cowichan had some big runs. They were at our goal line for several plays, but we had a strong defensive stance and did not let them score. Once we were able to regain possession and relieve pressure, that’s when everything started to click. Our forward pack shined in the lineouts, winning all but a few and our back line kept on attacking,” said Kickers Coach JP Lussier. In their first game of the season, the Comox Valley Men’s team found themselves playing defense more often then attacking downfield. “Cowichan is a more experienced and seasoned team. 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,” said...
by Natalie Ramsay | Sep 23, 2019 | Game Reports, Women's News
This past Saturday, the Comox Valley Kickers Women’s Team hosted Victoria’s Castaway Wanderers at Vanier Secondary School and earned a 45-29 win to continue their winning streak. The Kickers started off strong with an interception by Chloë Speed in the early minutes of the game which helped to set the tone. The backline utilized their speed and capitalized on opportunities with Natalie Nguyen, Daris Tendler and Speed adding a try each and Paula Simpson scoring twice. It was a very competitive game with a lot of back and forth action. With some hard hits and offloads, forwards Jessica Leck and Karli MacFarlane also added points on the board. Simpson kicked five successful conversions. “We have several returning players this season which has made it easy to continue where we left off last spring. The new players on the squad fit right in and are already making a difference. This was a hard team to play against; they were very fast and had some long runs, but our team kept it cool and always answered back. Our game flow was great, and we kept the pressure on the opposing side. I am excited to see how the team continues to improve and grow. This has been a great start to the season.” said Kickers Coach Thyssen de Goede. Both Senior Women’s and Men’s team travel to Cowichan next Saturday, which will be the Men’s first game of the season. Both teams are still recruiting players for the season. No experience needed. We practice at Cumberland Village Park on Mondays and Thursdays from 6:30PM to 8:00PM. For more information, please visit...
by Natalie Ramsay | Aug 27, 2019 | Club Events
Roy’s Towne Pub shook with laughter on Thursday, August 22 as 175 people enjoyed No Pads, No Helmets, Just Balls: A Comedic Fundraiser for the Comox Valley Kickers Rugby Club. The event raised over $2,000, with the final total yet to be determined, which will go towards travel and equipment costs for the upcoming 2019/2020 rugby season. This event was hosted by Erin Calder, a member of the Comox Valley Kickers Women’s team who is an up and coming comedian. “The support we had from the community was awesome,” said Calder. “The response from the crowd was very positive. This event turned out to be one of the rugby club’s most successful fundraisers.” Comedians included Vancouver’s Chris Griffin and Nanaimo’s Peter Hudson as headliners. Victoria’s Dan Duvall, Dylan Williams and Carilynn Nicholson alongside Comox Valley’s Josh Lichti and Andrew Pellett rounded out the group of performers. Collectively, the comedians boast numerous comedic accolades, including appearances at the prestigious San Francisco International Comedy Competition, Vancouver’s Just for Laughs Festival, Vancouver’s Yuk Yuk’s Competition, being featured on The Ellen Show, plus various television writing and acting credits. Sponsors for this event included Vancouver Island Brewing and Mount Washington Bike Park. The Comox Valley Kickers Men’s and Women’s teams are recruiting players for the season. Everyone welcomed. No experience needed. Practices are Mondays and Thursdays from 6:30PM – 8:00PM at Cumberland Village Park. For more information, please visit comoxvalleyrugby.ca or email...
by Natalie Ramsay | Aug 6, 2019 | Club Events
Comedian Peter Hudson will be one of the headliners at the Comox Valley Kickers comedy night fundraiser. Photo courtesy of Peter Hudson. Sports can often be serious business, but on August 22, it’ll be anything but as Nanaimo’s Peter Hudson, better known as “5-10” and Vancouver’s Chris Griffin visit Royston to headline No Pads, No Helmets, Just Balls: A Comedic Fundraiser for the Comox Valley Kickers Rugby Club. This fundraising event is geared at offsetting costs for the men’s and women’s teams for the 2019 – 2020 season. With varying expenses such as travel, equipment and field rental costs, the Kickers have enlisted the help of a few of Vancouver Island’s finest rising comedians known for their knack of making people laugh. This event is hosted by Erin Calder, a member of the Comox Valley Kickers Women’s team who is an up and coming comedian herself. “This event combines my three favourite things: beer, rugby and comedy,” said Calder. “I am very excited to have rallied some of the best comedians in the area, many who have been my mentors in the industry to come together to raise money for a great cause.” Peter Hudson is no stranger to headlining big events as he has been featured at the Laketown Shakedown for the past two years. He has won the Just for Laughs Northwest Festival and most recently opened for Trailer Park Boys’ Randy on his across Canada Cheeseburger Tour. Not your family guy! That’s the name of Chris Griffin’s full-length comedy special that was filmed at the Biltmore Cabaret in Toronto last year. Winner of Vancouver’s...
by Natalie Ramsay | Jul 29, 2019 | Club Events
A comedy night coming up next month is more than just a fun night out — it’s also an important fundraiser for the Comox Valley Kickers Rugby Club. Hosted by Kickers very own comedian, Erin Calder, the Thursday, August 22 comedy show at Roy’s Towne Pub will raise money to offset costs for the upcoming 2019 – 2020 rugby season. No Pads, No Helmets, Just Balls: A Comedic Fundraiser has Chris Griffin (Vancouver) and Peter Hudson (Nanaimo) headlining and will feature comedians Dan Duvall (Victoria), Josh Lichti (Cumberland), Carilynn Nicholson (Victoria) with special guests. The Comox Valley Kickers have teams for men, women, juniors and minis. Each season the team fundraises to help cover a variety of expenses that include team travel, equipment costs, jerseys and more. Comox Valley Kickers Women’s Captain Natalie Nguyen is hopeful that this comedy night will be one of the club’s biggest fundraising events. “We really need it. We want to subsidize the cost of playing which will help to grow the sport here in the Comox Valley,” said Nguyen. “Member dues cover insurance, referee costs, field rentals and not much more.” “Vancouver Island Brewing will be doing a tap takeover and will be donating a portion of every VIB purchase back to the rugby club. There will also be a 50/50 draw. Along with ticket sales, we are optimistic that this will be not only a fun evening filled with laughs, but a notable fundraiser for the club.” No Pads, No Helmets, Just Balls: A Comedic Fundraiser is on Thursday, August 22 at Roy’s Towne Pub, 4000 Island Hwy S, Royston, BC V0R 2V0....
by Natalie Ramsay | Jul 25, 2019 | Club Events
Thursday, August 22nd, 2019 No Pads, no helmets, just balls: a comedic fundraiser tickets Advance: $15 Door: $20 Buy your tickets at Roy’s Towne Pub or email cvkickers@gmail.com TIMes Doors open at 5PM Show starts at 6PM 50/50 Draw Doors open at 5PM Show starts at 6PM Vancouver Island Brewing Make VIB your drink of choice this evening as a portion of all drink sales go to the Comox Valley Kickers Rugby Club Hosted by kickers very own erin calder! Featured Comedians Chris Griffin Peter Hudson “5-10” Dan Duvall Chris Griffin is one of comedy’s most dynamic storytellers. After winning his regional round of the Great Canadian Laugh Off during his first year of comedy, Chris did something crazy. He quit his full time job, sold his house and hit stages across North America doing what he loves best – drinking and making people laugh. It was a gamble that has paid off. His move to Vancouver has brought a ton of success for Griffin, including winning 1st place in Vancouver’s Yuk Yuk’s Competition, being one of the only Canadian comics to ever make the finals of the prestigious San Francisco International Comedy Competition, performing every year at the Just For Laughs Northwest Festival and sharing the stage with notable comics such as Norm Macdonald, Doug Stanhope, Tom Papa, Ari Shaffir and Bert Kreischer. 2018 is already off...
