Kamloops Match Reports by William Shaw: Women Win in Kelowna, Men Defeat SFU at Home
The KRC Senior Women were off to Kelowna today for both a BC Rugby Women’s Division 1 game and an additional exhibition game with both Kamloops and Kelowna having over 30 players available.
Kelowna kicked off to the visiting Raiders, who quickly moved into the Crows half and set up camp. KRC flyhalf Kelsey Harpman worked hard to move the Crows around the field and create space for the Raiders. Raider wingers Tamara Van Camp and Rhayna Silversides constantly made positive yardage whenever they touched the ball throughout the start of the game, however the Crows defense covered the Raider wingers. Caleigh Silversides finally found a gap in the Crows defense and crossed the line to open the scoring for the Raiders, Jess Oldenburger added the convert, and KRC took a 7-0 lead.
The Raiders continued to dominate possession and attack with the Crows attempts to exit their own end being safely handled by Lily Watkinson, and with flanker Kayla Comeau adding solid covering tackles. On attack, with smooth delivery from Emily Lindsay, KRC forward Mya Giardullo was able to move the ball throughout the game to crashing forwards Riley Halvorson and Erin Jensen.
After sustaining pressure across the field through their attack, Riley was rewarded for the strong forward carries and scored the second KRC try, Jess notched her second conversion, and the Raiders lead was extended to 14-0. Back row trio of Thea Flundra, Eva Fuller and Bre Morrison created havoc in the wide channels for the Crows with strong carries.
Mel Davies was subsequently penalized and shown a yellow card. Emry Halbgewachs made her KRC Senior Women’s debut as she replaced Erin Jensen in the first half and kept the high intensity coming from the KRC front row.
The KRC backline connected once again with Mel Davies returning after her yellow card and found space, and Rhayna Silversides capitalized on it and added the final try for the Raiders in the first half, Jess notched her 3rd conversion of the game, 21-0. The Crows made their first trip into the Raiders end just before the 1st half ended, they were unable to get away with any points as the Raiders defense held them out and the first half ended with the Raiders leading 21-0.
Taylor Lawson came into the game at halftime replacing Tamara Martin. Unfortunately for the Raiders, the Crows picked right back up where they ended the first half, as they started the second half. With strong pressure from the Crows and the Raiders playing with less discipline, the Crows soon crossed the try-line to open their scoring, the conversion was added as the score shifted to 21-7 KRC.
Ava Morris came on to replace Eva Fuller and brought a fresh set of legs to the Raiders pack, while KK Toering replaced Lily Watkinson. Second row Iliza Sargent was able to break the Kelowna defensive line and get the Raiders moving forward. Rhayna was able to capitalize following a KRC turnover and the Raiders extended their lead by 7 as Jess notched another convert, 28-7 KRC.
The Raiders continue to put in a strong defense effort as the Crows continued to press in attack. Fresh legs were provided to the KRC forward pack as Michelle Hoekstra, Hanna Philip and Emry came into the field, and Lizzy Gotuaco replaced Emily Lindsay at scrum half. Lizzy was shortly rewarded following a strong supporting line as she crossed the tryline for the Raiders and widened the gap, 33-7 KRC. The Crows added a second unconverted try and closed the gap to 33-12 KRC.
On a hard crashing line, Emry broke the Crows defense, she was able to find Erin on a great supporting line. While the Crows scrambled to re-align, Casper wasn’t held in contact and was able to re-gather the ball and cross the line for the Raiders. Jess O notched her 5th conversion of the day as the final score was 40-12 for the Raiders.
Forward of the Day – Thea Flundra
Back of the Day – Mel Davies
Hardest Work – Emry Halbgewachs
Shortly following the Division 1 match up, the Raiders and Crows kicked off their exhibition match. This match up gave the opportunity for both clubs to get their teams additional playing time, and an opportunity for three of the U-18 KRC Junior Women’s team to make their KRC Senior Debut.
The Raiders opened the games and showed intense pressure and physicality from the kickoff. Claire Riel helped provide structure and ball movement in the forward pack. Following a strong carry from Claire, and with great support from Ava Morris and Lexy Thompkins-Kerslake, the Raider backline 10/12 combination of Mel Davies and Abby Cupello were able to draw in the Crow defense and Zoey Kershaw found a gap and ran in a 50m+ try, her first of 4 scores on the day.
Keisha Henry led the entire game from the front foot and consistently found gaps in the Crows defense and continually had the Crows defense retreating to realign. Along with strong carrying from second row Lena-Marie Streek, and solid rucking from Hanna Philip and Thea Flundra, the Raider backline was given lots of freedom and winger Taylor Lawson added the second try of the day for the Raiders as they took a two-score lead.
The Raider back three of Lawson, Maggie Beaudoin and KK Toering kept the Crows under heavy pressure in the wide channels with strong carries and quick feet. Zoey added two more scores, while KK added one of her own before the halftime break.
Throughout the second half Emry provided solid defensive contact and strong ball carrying while Michelle showed her ability to find gaps and move the ball to keep the Raiders moving forward. Scrum half Mia Smith provided the team with quick and accurate passes throughout the game. The Raiders added two more scores in the second half, one through Zoey and the second through Tamara Martin.
Zoey’s efforts saw her named player of the game.
The Raiders want to thank Kelowna for two great games, the hosting afterwards, and the opportunity to show the strength and growth of women’s rugby in the BC Interior.
Back at Exhibition Park the KRC senior men hosted SFU. Unfortunately, SFU made the trip to Kamloops light in numbers and the men’s game was played with 12 a-side. The extra space worked well for the hosts, as they went onto defeat the visitors 94-0. The Raiders want to extend they’re thanks to SFU for making the trip over the Coquihalla for their game this weekend!
The Raiders will host Capilano’s next weekend at Exhibition Park in Women’s Division 1 action, while the men will host the Kats in their Men’s Division 2 match up.
One In, All In