by Natalie Ramsay | Sep 18, 2023 | Game Reports
The Comox Valley Kickers Women’s team traveled to MacDonald Park for the first rugby action of the season. James Bay Athletic Association (JBAA) played host to the opening pre-season rugby tournament over the weekend. The tournament featured five rugby clubs from across Vancouver Island taking part: JBAA, Westshore, Castaway Wanderers, Nanaimo, and Comox. The tournament featured a round-robin format, guaranteeing each team multiple matches and ample opportunities to dust off some rust, work on some chemistry, and showcase their skills. The games were highly competitive, with players displaying outstanding athleticism, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the weekend. The tournament provided players with valuable pre-season experience and gave the local community a reason to come together and celebrate the spirit of sports. Spectators young and old came out to support a great day of rugby. Speaking after the tournament, Co-Captain of the Comox Valley Kickers Women’s team, Natalie Nguyen said, “This year’s pre-season tournament exceeded our expectations. The level of competition was outstanding. We are excited to build on this success as we head into the upcoming season.” With the pre-season tournament at MacDonald Park serving as a thrilling prologue, rugby players and fans are both now eagerly anticipating the official start of the season. The regular season starts on October 14. The Comox Valley Kickers Men’s and Women’s teams are continually recruiting players. No experience is needed. Everyone welcomed. Practices are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Cumberland Village Park. For more information about the Kickers, please visit:...
by Natalie Ramsay | Apr 30, 2023 | Game Reports
The Comox Valley Kickers Men’s Rugby Team has made history by winning the provincial finals for the first time in the club’s history. The Kickers delivered a remarkable performance in a nail-biting match against Richmond RFC at South Surrey Athletic Park this past Saturday, winning 35-29. Tries were scored by Derek McCubbin, Will Perry, JB Nikkel, Nick Gilmour and Devon Moore with Kyle Hall adding 5 successful converts. From the start of the match, the Kickers took control and dominated the first half, leading 28-7 at halftime. They showcased exceptional teamwork and individual skill, scoring try after try, much to the delight of their many supporters on the sidelines. However, the second half of the match saw Richmond RFC come back fighting scoring 22 points, bringing the game within a try and conversion. The tension in the stadium was palpable as the clock ticked down, but the Kickers held on, defending fiercely and denying Richmond the chance of a comeback. When the final whistle blew, there was an eruption of cheers as the Kickers and their supporters celebrated their momentous victory. After the match, Kickers’ Coach Dan Mills commended his players for their hard work and dedication, saying, “I couldn’t be prouder of this group of guys. They’ve worked so hard all season, and it’s amazing to see their efforts pay off in such a big way.” The players themselves were overjoyed, with many expressing disbelief at the fact that they had made history. “I can’t believe it,” said Brandon Hudson, Kickers’ Captain. “To be the first team in our club’s history to win the provincial finals is...
by Natalie Ramsay | Apr 22, 2023 | Game Reports
On an overcast Saturday afternoon, the Comox Valley Kickers and the Chilliwack Crusaders faced off in an intense rugby match at Cumberland Village Park. Both teams came into the game with their season on the line, but it was the Kickers who ultimately prevailed, winning the game 29-15. Tries were scored by Will Perry (2), Derek McCubbin, Stephen Hextall, Justin Thomson with Kyle Hall and JB Nikkel adding one convert each. From the start of the match, it was clear that both teams were evenly matched. The Crusaders had a strong offensive line, while the Kickers relied on their tenacious defense to keep the Crusaders at bay. The game remained scoreless for the first 20 minutes as both teams fought for control. The first points of the game were scored by the Kickers, who managed to break through the Crusaders’ defense and score. It was a very back and forth game and it came down to who can make the most of their opportunities and capitalize on their opponent’s mistakes. Midway through the game, the Crusaders’ Tighthead Prop received a red card for violent conduct and repeated infringements and was sent off the field, forcing Chilliwack to play a man down for the rest of the game. The Crusaders continued to fight, and the tension was palpable as the game remained close throughout. The game was a tough matchup for both teams, with several players on both sides sustaining minor injuries. Despite this, both teams showed incredible sportsmanship and determination throughout the game. The Kickers’ defense was particularly impressive, managing to hold the Crusaders to just three tries despite...
by Natalie Ramsay | Apr 16, 2023 | Game Reports
In a thrilling quarterfinal playoff match, the Comox Valley Kickers Men’s Rugby Team emerged victorious over Brit Lions RFC from Delta, BC with a final score of 80-24. Tries were scored by Brandon Hudson (3), Stephen Hextall (2), Will Perry (2), Nate Bice (2), JB Nikkel (2) and Devon Moore. Kyle Hall made 7 converts with Nikkel adding 3. The match was played at Cumberland Village Park in front of many fans, who were treated to an exciting display of skill, strategy, and determination from both teams. From the opening kickoff, the Kickers looked confident and assured. They immediately began to impose their will on the visitors, forcing turnovers and capitalizing on their possession. The early lead seemed to galvanize the Kickers, and they continued to press forward with wave after wave of attack. The visitors simply had no answer to their relentless pressure, and it wasn’t long before the score began to climb. The scoreline was 54-12 at halftime. Despite falling behind, Brit Lions refused to give up, and continued to be aggressive in their set pieces. In the second half, the Kickers continued to build on their momentum, putting pressure on the Brit Lions and controlling the pace of play. Their defense was particularly impressive, as they repeatedly shut down Brit Lions’ attempts to mount a comeback. Time and time again, they held firm on their own goal line, denying their opponents any chance to score. With their forwards providing a steady stream of ball, the backs began to exploit gaps in the defense, creating several scoring opportunities; victory was assured. After the match, Comox Valley...
by Natalie Ramsay | Mar 26, 2023 | Game Reports
Both Comox Valley Kickers Rugby teams were on the road to Nanaimo this past Saturday. The Comox Valley Kickers Men’s team won 64-25 against the Hornets. Stephen Hextall had a standout game scoring four tries, with Devon Moore notching two tries and Nate Bice, Kai Mills, Sebastian Lambert, and Raffael Tonazzi adding one a piece. Converts were made by Kyle Hall (5) and JB Nikkel (2). “The players embodied the ‘next man up’ mentality. We were missing some key players this game, but it didn’t show. Nanaimo was a strong side, but we were able to follow our game plan of making our tackles, quick rucks and making plays,” says Coach Dan Mills. “Next week is a bye for us, which will allow our players to rest up and prepare for playoffs which start the weekend after Easter.” Playing against the Nanaimo Hornets, on their celebration of 25 years of women’s rugby, the Comox Valley Kickers Women’s team lost 5-50. The lone try was scored by Daris Forberg. “It was a tough game. We couldn’t build any chemistry or momentum. We would work hard to advance the ball just to turn it over on the next play. Nanaimo capitalized on our errors to our detriment,” says Coach JP Lussier. “Division 2 is a developmental league and we played several versions of rugby throughout the season from 10- to 12- to 15-a-side rugby. We have a core of very talented and skilled players but need the consistency of numbers. I am hopeful that next season most of our players will return and we will be a more competitive side, building...
by Natalie Ramsay | Mar 19, 2023 | Game Reports
It was another doubleheader at Cumberland Village Park this past Saturday with both Comox Valley Kickers Rugby Teams hosting two teams from the mainland. The Comox Valley Kickers Men’s team faced off against Langley RFC and won 52-7. Tries were scored by Stephen Hextall, Ben Bekk, Raffael Tonazzi, Brandon Hudson, Justin Thomson, Derek McCubbin, Kai Mills and Jimmy Robertson with converts made by Nate Bice (3), JB Nikkel (2) and Kyle Hall. “Langley started off hot and scored on the opening kickoff. We were able to refocus and did not let them score again in the game. We played strong defense and made use of our opportunities to break free and go for some runs,” says Captain Brandon Hudson. “We have been improving every week. We are excited to face Nanaimo Hornets next week and finish the regular season on a high note.” The Comox Valley Kickers Women’s team hosted United and lost 15-32. Tries were scored by Sienna Stigant, Tyra Schaad and Lauren Sargent. “It was a vast improvement from last week’s game. We were able to play 15-a-side and looked more cohesive. United were strong in the sets but we held our own. We had a few unforced errors that United capitalized on but all in all, we were in it for the whole game,” says Coach JP Lussier. “With this loss, our record is 2-3 and we have a chance to go to .500 when we head to Nanaimo to play our last regular season game next week.” Next week both the men and women travel to face off against the Nanaimo Hornets at May Bennett...
