The Comox Valley Kickers Rugby Football Club closed out their regular season this past weekend with both the women鈥檚 and men鈥檚 teams in action 鈥� one finishing on a triumphant high, the other facing a tough challenge on home turf.
The Kickers Women鈥檚 team travelled to Oak Bay on Saturday to face off against a solid Castaway Wanderers (CW) squad. Despite being on the road, the Kickers came out firing on all cylinders, securing a convincing 45-15 victory to cap off their regular season in style.
The Kickers Women showcased cohesive back-line play, aggressive breakdown work, and clinical finishing. Tries were scored by Cali McKay (2), Sienna Stigant (2), Natalie Nguyen, Hazel Bice, and Sophia Nolan, with McKay also adding five successful conversions.
鈥淲e were under pressure early, but once we slowed down our ruck speed, the game started to flow our way,鈥� says Coach JB Nikkel. 鈥淲e were trying out players in different positions, and everyone did their jobs. The hard work all season is paying off.鈥�
With this win, the Kickers Women lock in a strong finish heading into the playoffs and will be hosting a quarterfinal match-up at Cumberland Village Park. Their opponent is still to be determined.
Back in the Comox Valley, it was a more difficult afternoon for the Kickers Men鈥檚 team, who hosted a fast, well-drilled UVic Vikes side. The game ended in a 0-60 loss, with the Kickers unable to find their footing following early penalties that forced the team to play short for a period of time.
Despite the lopsided scoreline, the Kickers Men showed glimpses of attacking promise throughout the match with two potential tries being held up just short of the line. On the other side of the ball, they showed heart and grit on defense, with several try-saving tackles and relentless work around the breakdown. However, the speed and support play of the Vikes proved too much to contain.
鈥淭his season鈥檚 been tough with the jump to Division 1, but the men stepped up and faced every challenge head-on,鈥� says Coach Tim Quek. 鈥淲e鈥檝e learned a lot 鈥� about ourselves, our game, and what it takes to compete. The only direction from here is up, and we鈥檒l be coming back stronger next year.鈥�
As both teams now look toward playoffs and the off-season, the club reflects on a year of growth, community, and commitment. The women鈥檚 team has emerged as a true force on the Island, and the men鈥檚 team has shown flashes of potential that promise a bright future.
