Rugby returned to Cumberland Village Park on Saturday under crisp winter conditions, as the Comox Valley Kickers hosted a doubleheader to open the second half of the 2025/2026 season.
Kickoff times were pushed back to allow the frozen field to thaw, with the women’s match finally getting underway at 1:00 p.m. against a combined Cowichan–Nanaimo side. The delay did little to dampen intensity, as both teams opened the contest with disciplined defensive structures and cautious ball movement. Early territory was hard-earned, and scoring chances were scarce as rust from the mid-season break showed on both sides.
Once the Kickers women found their rhythm, however, the tone of the match shifted decisively. Improved continuity and sharper execution allowed them to impose their system, stretching the opposition wide and exploiting gaps with pace and support play. The breakthrough opened the floodgates.
Cali McKay led the charge with a hat trick, adding three successful conversions to cap a dominant all-around performance. Amelia Gallow matched her with three tries of her own, while Thea May crossed twice. Further tries from Hazel Bice, Lily Hart, Yui Okada, and Aliya Liesch rounded out a comprehensive team effort. At full time, the scoreboard read 66–0, sealing a shutout victory built on structure and relentless defense.
The men’s match that followed proved to be a stark contrast in tone and tempo. Facing Cowichan, the Kickers men were locked in a tightly contested battle from the opening whistle. Physicality defined the contest, particularly at the breakdown, where both teams delivered heavy hits and contested every inch of territory.
Tries from Devon Moore, Kyle Hall, and Simon Crowe kept the Kickers in striking distance throughout, with Hall adding a crucial conversion. As the clock wound down, the tension escalated. The match swung late when JB Nikkel slotted a penalty kick in the final five minutes, nudging the Kickers ahead by two points at 20–18.
Drama followed almost immediately. On the final play, the Kickers conceded a penalty, handing Cowichan a chance to steal the match with a kick at goal. With the outcome hanging in the balance, the attempt drifted wide, sparing the home side and sealing a narrow but hard-earned victory.
With the doubleheader sweep, both Kickers teams head into a bye weekend with momentum. Action resumes on February 7, when the women return to Cumberland Village Park to host United RFC, while the men hit the road to face Westshore.
The Comox Valley Kickers practice Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30–8:00 p.m. at Cumberland Village Park. New players are always welcome — no experience required.
For more information about the club or to get involved, visit comoxvalleyrugby.ca, follow the Comox Valley Kickers Rugby Club on Facebook, or check out @cvkickersrugby on Instagram.
Photo courtesy of Kevin Wells.