Kamloops Match Reports by William Shaw: Both Raider Squads are Finals Bound!!
Blue skies overhead and the shining sun set the stage for two semi final games at Kamloops Rugby Club this weekend.
The Senior women were first to kick off to the visiting Bayside Sharks. The first half saw the Raiders controlling much of the play. Riley Halvorson opened the scoring for the hosts early on in the first half and Jess Oldenburger added the conversion, 7-0 KRC.
The Sharks did a good job of relieving the pressure KRC was putting them under. Aliyah Rodominski was next to score, as the Sharks kicked out of their end and she was able to work with the KRC backline and find space down the far wing outpacing the defenders to score. The conversion was made and the Raiders led 14-0. Aliyah would add a second unconverted try in the first half and the Raiders took a 19-0 lead into the halftime break.
Bayside were the first to score in the second half, 19-7 KRC. The Raiders were quick to respond as Aliyah helped widen the gap again with another unconverted try, 24-7 KRC.
Bayside continued to push in hopes of narrowing the gap. Their forwards worked hard and were able to get back into the KRC 22m, while the Raiders defensive effort was strong, the Sharks were eventually able to crash over for another converted try, 24-14 KRC. Jess Oldenburger added another 3 points for the Raiders as the Sharks were penalized in their half, the Raiders led 27-14. A final push from the Sharks saw them score a third try of the half and narrow the gap to 27-21. The Sharks couldn’t control the ensuing kick off cleanly and the Raiders were able to turn the ball over and scrum half Emily Lindsay kicked the ball to touch to end the game.
Forward of the game – Riley Halvorson
Back of the game – Mel Davies
Hardest worker – Thea Flundra
The women will now face Capilanos next weekend in the BC Rugby Women’s Division 1 final at South Surrey Athletic Park.
In the second match of the day the KRC Senior Men hosted United in their semi final action. The Raiders were clinical on the day as they scored early and often. United were outmatched across the field as the Raiders continually found space and exploited it through hard running and accurate passing.
Final score 76-19 for the Raiders.
Forward of the game – Wes Black
Back of the game – Daniel Turvey
Raider of the day – Cam Graham
The men will now play Kelowna next Saturday in the BC Rugby’s Men’s Division 2 final.
Thanks to all the supporters and fans out cheering both squads on this past weekend, the support is appreciated.
#OneInAllIn