The Comox Valley Kickers women's rugby team delivered an absolutely dominant performance on the road, shutting out Langley RFC with an astonishing 104-0 victory.
From the opening whistle, the Kickers controlled possession, moved the ball with precision, and showcased their attacking power. The relentless offensive effort saw Lily Hart leading the charge with four tries, followed by Cali McKay and Sophia Julien with three apiece. Sienna Stigant and Kristin Johnson each crossed the line twice, while Natalie Nguyen and Shayla Stigant also contributed to the scoring. McKay was in exceptional form with the boot, successfully converting 12 kicks to round out the massive win.
This victory marks one of the most commanding performances this season, with every player contributing to the overall success. The defensive effort was just as impressive, as the team refused to allow Langley any opportunities to break through. The Kickers' forward pack dominated the set pieces, while the backs executed fluid passing and well-timed offloads to keep the opposition scrambling. Their speed and teamwork were on full display, making it clear why they are a top contender in the league.
Meanwhile, the Kickers men's team faced a tough battle at home against the Nanaimo Hornets, ultimately falling 17-45. The match was evenly contested in the first half, with both teams locked in a tie at the break. The Kickers found the try zone through Devon Moore, Joe Barker, and Will Perry, with Simon Crowe converting one kick. Unfortunately, the momentum shifted in the second half when two yellow cards forced the Kickers to play short-handed for a significant portion of the game. Nanaimo capitalized on the numerical advantage, pulling away to secure the win.
Despite the loss, the men's team demonstrated determination, showing promising moments throughout the match. The forwards fought hard in the scrums, and the backline displayed moments of brilliance with quick line breaks and strong support play. However, mistakes proved costly which Nanaimo was quick to exploit.
Both teams will now shift their focus to their next challenges. Saturday, March 29, will be an exciting club day as both the women's and men's teams travel to Westshore RFC for a full day of rugby action. The women's team will kick off at 11:00 AM, followed by the men's match at 12:00 PM. The men will be playing for Konny鈥檚 Axes Memorial Shield, which honors the legacy of Konrad Nikkel, a dedicated player for both the Comox Valley Kickers RFC and Westshore RFC.
Fans and supporters are encouraged to come out to Juan de Fuca Park and cheer on the Kickers as they take on tough Westshore opposition in what promises to be an intense and thrilling day of rugby.
