In a match filled with emotion and intensity, Westshore secured a 26-12 victory over the Comox Valley Kickers on March 29 in the second leg of the aggregate series for Konrad鈥檚 Axes Memorial Shield.
Originally scheduled to take place in Victoria, the match was relocated to Cowichan due to field closures. This game marked the second leg of the aggregate series for Konrad鈥檚 Axes Memorial Shield, an honour dedicated to Konrad Nikkel, a player who left a lasting impact on both clubs.
From the opening whistle, it was clear that both sides were determined to leave everything on the pitch. The match was a thrilling back-and-forth contest, with neither team giving an inch. The Kickers displayed strong phases of play, keeping Westshore on their toes with aggressive attacking lines and solid defensive efforts. However, Westshore capitalized on key moments and a few costly Kickers' mistakes to edge ahead on the scoreboard.
The Kickers鈥� tries came from Brandon Hudson and Simon Crowe, with JB Nikkel adding a successful conversion. Despite their relentless effort, the Kickers were unable to close the gap as Westshore maintained control in the closing stages of the game.
A strong contingent of supporters was on hand, creating an electric atmosphere befitting the significance of the match. The spirit of competition and camaraderie was evident throughout, a true testament to the legacy of Konrad Nikkel and the bond between these two clubs.
"It was a hard-fought match, and I know Konrad would have been proud of the effort both teams put in," said JB Nikkel, head coach of the Comox Valley Kickers women's team and Konrad's brother. "Seeing the rugby community come together in his memory means a lot to our family, and it was great to have such strong support on the sidelines."
Looking ahead to April 5, the Kickers鈥� men鈥檚 team will aim to finish the regular season off strong as they host the UVic Vikes, while the women鈥檚 team will travel to Victoria to take on Castaway Wanderers in what promises to be another action-packed weekend of rugby.
