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 do it again on this day. It was a challenging game where the Crusaders capitalized on every opportunity, leaving the Kickers struggling to find their rhythm and build any progress. Stephen Hextall scored the lone try for the Kickers. Despite their best efforts, the men’s team encountered formidable opposition that proved too much to overcome.
Captain Brandon Hudson, “It’s a tough loss, and we’ll need to regroup and analyze what went wrong. Every defeat is a lesson, and we’ll use this experience to come back stronger in the upcoming matches.”
This past weekend may have brought mixed results, but it has undeniably ignited a renewed spirit within the club, especially as this upcoming weekend is another doubleheader, this time on home soil. On February 10 at Cumberland Village Park, the Comox Valley Kickers RFC host JBAA and the Vancouver Rogues.
Play with us!
The Comox Valley Kickers RFC is continually recruiting players. No experience is necessary. Practices are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cumberland Village Park. Everyone welcome. No experience necessary. For more information, please visit comoxvalleyrugby.ca.
