The Comox Valley Kickers rugby teams faced two intense matchups this past weekend, with the women’s team securing a dominant 73-0 victory over Scribes RFC in Vancouver, while the men’s team put up a strong fight but narrowly fell 21-17 to Port Alberni on the road.
Women’s Team Rolls to Victory
The Comox Valley Kickers women’s rugby team made a statement at Brockton Oval in Vancouver this past weekend, securing a commanding 73-0 victory over Scribes RFC. This match marked their first game across the water this half, and they wasted no time making their presence known.
The Kickers showcased their offensive powers with tries scored by Dara DeMarce (2), Amelia Gallow (2), Shayla Stigant (2), Sophia Nolan (2), Cali McKay, Sienna Stigant, and Chloë Speed. McKay was exceptional with her kicking, successfully adding nine conversions to extend the team’s lead.
Head Coach JB Nikkel was pleased with the team’s performance, especially given the challenging weather conditions. “It was a good win, especially in a downpour. Our players were disciplined in their structure which allowed for strong runs and smart decision-making. Full credit goes to all their hard work these past few weeks.”
Despite the heavy rain, the Kickers maintained their composure and executed their game plan effectively. Their ability to adapt to the conditions and maintain control of the match speaks volumes about their preparation and teamwork.
Men’s Team Falls Just Short in Hard-Fought Battle
The Comox Valley Kickers men’s rugby team put up a valiant fight on the road against Port Alberni but fell just short in a nail-biting 21-17 loss.
Both teams battled for control throughout the game, with neither side able to pull away decisively. The Kickers’ scrums were a standout aspect of their play, providing a solid platform that helped neutralize Port Alberni’s backs and keep the game within reach.
Derek McCubbin led the scoring with two tries, while Kyle Hall added a penalty kick and two successful conversions. The Kickers kept the match close throughout, but a crucial penalty in the final minutes halted their late push for a comeback victory.
Coach Tim Quek said, “The men put in a solid effort and showed a lot of heart out there. Our scrums were strong, and we did well to shut down Port Alberni’s attack, but in a tight game like that, every moment counts. We were right there until the final whistle, and while it’s tough to come up short, there’s a lot of build on.”
Despite the narrow loss, the Kickers demonstrated significant improvement in their structured play and defensive efforts. The team will take valuable lessons from this performance as they regroup and prepare for their next challenge.
Next Up
The Comox Valley Kickers are gearing up for another exciting weekend of rugby on March 22. The women’s team will travel to the mainland once again, this time to take on Langley RFC. Meanwhile, the men’s team will be back at home as they host Nanaimo, aiming to bounce back from their narrow loss to Port Alberni. Both games are scheduled for a 12:45PM kickoff. With both teams showing strong form, supporters can expect another action-packed weekend of Kickers rugby.