by Natalie Ramsay | Feb 12, 2024 | Game Reports
In a thrilling doubleheader at Cumberland Village Park, the local men’s and women’s rugby teams showcased their skills, passion, and determination in front of a cheering home crowd. While the women’s team fought valiantly but fell short in a narrow 15-17 loss, the men’s team dominated the pitch, securing a resounding 86-0 victory. Women’s Match: A Hard-Fought Battle The afternoon began with an intense showdown between the Comox Valley Kickers versus James Bay Athletic Association (JBAA). From the opening whistle, it was evident that both sides were determined to leave everything on the field. JBAA scored early in the game due to a quick breakaway from their winger, but the Kickers answered right back. Tries were scored by Ava Perkins, Sienna Stigant, and Cali McKay. It was a back-and-forth game with neither team willing to concede ground easily. Tackles were fierce, runs were powerful, and every point was hard-earned. As the clock ticked down, the tension in the air was palpable, with supporters holding their breath. Despite their best efforts, the Comox Valley Kickers Women narrowly missed out on victory, falling short by just two points with a final score of 15-17. Coach JB Nikkel said, “Though the result was not in our favor, it was a great game of rugby. We will continue to work on our extras and focus on our system and structure. This is just a minor setback, and we will continue to move forward.” Men’s Match: A Dominant Display Following the women’s spirited match, it was time for the local men’s rugby team to take center stage. From the game’s opening moments, it was...
by Natalie Ramsay | Feb 6, 2024 | Game Reports
The Comox Valley Kickers RFC embarked on a trip over to the mainland this past weekend to face off against the Chilliwack Crusaders for their spring season doubleheader opener. The outcome, however, couldn’t have been more divergent as the women’s team emerged victorious in a dominating display, winning 68-0, while the men’s team faced a setback in a 5-58 defeat. Women’s Team Dominates the Field: The Comox Valley Kickers Women’s Team secured an emphatic victory, displaying complete control throughout the whole match. Lauren Sargent and Danelle Campbell notched an impressive three tries each, showcasing their exceptional attacking skills and knack for finding the try line. Close on their heels, Cali McKay and Tyra Schaad demonstrated their scoring prowess with two tries apiece, contributing significantly to the Kickers’ offensive efforts. Adding to the scoreboard were Jess Nikkel and Erin Rautenberg with a try each with Sargent and McKay having two successful conversions each. This game highlighted the team’s well-rounded offensive strategy, utilizing the strength of the forward pack and the speed of the backs. Coach JB Nikkel expressed his satisfaction with the performance, saying, “It was a great way to start the season. Our women played with energy, heart, and determination. They executed the game plan, and it’s due to the hard work they’ve been putting in at training. We are building something special here, and this win is just the beginning. We need to keep this momentum going forward.” Men’s Team Faces Uphill Battle: This was a highly anticipated game as it marked a rematch of last year’s intense quarterfinal showdown. The Kickers won the last match-up but couldn’t...
by Natalie Ramsay | Dec 2, 2023 | Game Reports
Cumberland Village Park became the battleground for an intense clash between two Vancouver Island teams this past weekend, as the Comox Valley Kickers and Castaway Wanderers (“CW”) from Victoria went head-to-head in a highly contested match that culminated in an unexpected and nail-biting tie, 26-26. Tries were scored by Trent Johnson, Brandon Hudson, Devon Moore, and Derek McCubbin with JB Nikkel adding 3 converts. Excitement filled the air as spectators filled the sidelines. This marked the teams’ second encounter this season, with the Kickers securing the win during their previous clash. From the opening whistle, it was evident that CW was looking for redemption. CW put pressure on the Kickers with a flurry of calculated attacks and strategic kicking placements and was able to score two quick tries within the first 15 minutes of the game. After mainly being on defense for the beginning of the game, the Kickers finally found their rhythm and settled into the game. They regrouped with a renewed sense of determination and their passes grew crisper, their communication improved, and they exploited gaps with strong runs. The initial setback seemed to fuel their drive, propelling the Kickers to mount a formidable comeback and bringing the score within 2 points at halftime. In the second half, both teams emerged from the break with renewed intensity, matching each other blow for blow, neither side not wanting to relent an inch. Cheers and gasps echoed throughout the sidelines with every bone-crunching tackle, lightning-fast breakaway, and strategic set pieces. As the match progressed, each score was quickly answered by the opposing side. With time running out and the...
by Natalie Ramsay | Nov 27, 2023 | Game Reports
The Comox Valley Kickers Men’s team traveled to the mainland this weekend for a highly anticipated showdown against Richmond RFC, rekindling the rivalry from the 2023 BCRU Division 3 Final. The showdown occurred at King George Park and the atmosphere crackled with anticipation. Last year’s final saw the Kickers emerge victorious in a nail-biting finish, but fate took an unforeseen turn this time, with the Kickers falling 10-42. Tries were scored by Kai Mills and Will Perry. From the outset, it was evident that this Richmond team was a different force altogether. They came into the match with renewed vigor and scored two quick tries back-to-back. They had a strategic game plan that kept the defending champions on the back foot. As the game progressed, the Kickers tried to mount a comeback but ended up having to play shorthanded due to an unfortunate yellow card, forcing the team to play with only 14 players for 10 minutes. Having to focus more on defense didn’t allow for many offensive opportunities. Momentum never seemed to be on their side. In their many attempts to surge forward, an unforced error such as an errant pass or dropped ball would erase their hard-earned meters. Captain Justin Thomson, expressed disappointment but remained optimistic, saying, “It’s a tough loss, but we’ll regroup, learn from this defeat, and come back stronger. We will work on the things we need to. This setback will only fuel our determination for the next game and for the spring season.” The Kickers currently sit third out of eighteen teams in the BCRU Men’s Division 3 League. The Kickers are back...
by Natalie Ramsay | Nov 20, 2023 | Game Reports
Entering the final match of the fall rugby season, the Comox Valley Kickers Women’s Rugby team delivered a resounding performance against the Cowichan Piggies, winning 39-5. Cali McKay (2), Ashlin Speed, Hazel Bice, Tyra Schaad, Danelle Campbell, and Kristin Johnson scored tries with McKay and Lauren Sargent adding one convert apiece. Tension crackled in the air as both teams vied for early dominance, highlighting their speed and sheer power through a series of exhilarating plays. Cowichan put pressure on early in the game and each possession was fiercely contested, with turnovers and tackles echoing across the field, illustrating the evenly matched nature of the encounter. However, as time marched on, the Kickers’ strategic approach began to take its toll on their adversaries, gradually shifting the balance in their favor. With growing momentum and their cohesive gameplay, the Kickers asserted their authority, creating a wave of scoring opportunities that stemmed from their newfound control of the match. Coach JB Nikkel couldn’t contain his pride, stating, “This win encapsulates the dedication and hard work these athletes have put in throughout the season. We’ve been running two practices a week since September and have been emphasizing the importance of doing all the extras outside of practices. Their unity as a team, coupled with their individual talents, has propelled them to this remarkable point.” The victory not only marked the end of the fall season but also affirmed that the Comox Valley Kickers are a team to be reckoned with. Captain Natalie Nguyen remarked, “The game was not just about securing a win; it was about making a statement, and that’s precisely what...
by Natalie Ramsay | Nov 6, 2023 | Game Reports
The Comox Valley Kickers rugby teams were electric this past weekend in a thrilling doubleheader at Cumberland Village Park. Both women’s and men’s teams secured commanding victories that thrilled the many supporters on the sidelines. The women’s rugby team set the stage for the day’s success, demonstrating outstanding teamwork and strategic play against Castaway Wanderers from Victoria, winning 58-5. Tries were scored by Cali McKay (2), Chloë Speed (2), Danelle Campbell, Jess Nikkel, Kristin Johnson, Tyra Schaad, Hazel Bice, and Ashlin Speed with 3 converts made by McKay and Nikkel adding 1. The women’s team asserted their authority from the opening whistle with strong runs and offloads while also placing a strong emphasis on defensive play. Coach JB Nikkel praised his team for their commitment and hard work, emphasizing the significance of doing the extra work outside of practices. “The extra efforts that the players are putting in outside of the designated training sessions are starting to show and pay off on the pitch. It’s the relentless pursuit of improvement that will make the biggest difference this season.” Following the outstanding showcase by the women’s team, the men’s rugby team took to the field with equal fervor and determination. Their match was a display of raw athleticism and skill, as they fiercely battled Brit Lions from Delta in a contest that had the supporters roaring on the sidelines. With a blend of deft footwork, stout defense, and big tackles, the men’s team controlled the game, securing a 58-14 win. Tries were scored by Kai Mills (2), Nick Fielding (2), Devon Moore, Nick Gilmour, Marcus Alexander, Steve Hextall, Derek McCubbin,...
