Kamloops Match Reports: Women Defeat United in Coquitlam by William Shaw
Kamloops Rugby Club Senior squads were in action this weekend. Players loaded the bus at Exhibition Park, leaving at 5:45am to make their way down to the lower mainland. The ladies were dropped off in Coquitlam for their Fixture versus United while the men carried on for their game at the Meralomas.
The wonderful coastal weather was just breaking as the ladies took to the pitch for warm up, and thankfully held off for most of the game. The Raiders kicked off to United to start the game, and immediately put the home squad under heavy pressure. The Raiders were firing off the line and United was unable to make any gains with the possession and the ball was quickly turned over. The Raiders moved the ball wide and found their fullback streaking down the sideline, Aliyah Rodominski beat the remaining United defenders and opened the scoring 5-0 for KRC.
The wet conditions made kick off control a challenge for both squads, but KRC was able to control their possession. Strong running form Milena Chambers and Carla Twan and support from their fellow forwards quickly had the Raiders moving forward. Kelsey Harpman spotted space in the backfield and kicked the ball into the United 22m. The center pairing of Callie Harder and Caleigh Silversides and right side winger Taylor Lawson provided a great chase on the kick, Caleigh was able to kick the ball into the United goal area and touched it down for the second try, 10-0 for KRC.
The dynamic Raider forwards continued to find holes in the United defense, Riley Halvorson was able to create some space and found Thea Flundra at full flight, the hard working backrower couldn’t beat the United fullback, but with fellow flanker Kalea Nokleby close in support, Thea made the pass and Birthday Girl Nokleby scored under the posts, Jess Oldenburger notched the convered and KRC led 17-0.
Quickly into the next possession, and following solid carries from front row duo Lindsay Stobbe and Mya Giardullo, the KRC backs were making meters, Aliyah found another gap in the United backline, making yards before moving the ball to outside center Caleigh Silversides, as the United defence shifted to cover the attacking Raiders, Caleigh then shifted the ball to winger Taylor Lawson, who streaked in and scored under the posts, Jess O slotted the conversion, 24-0 KRC.
The Raiders continued to attack with every possession. The United defence did a good job of slowing down rucks and contesting balls throughout the game. However, the Raiders attack continued to be strong and Aliyah and Taylor were again making great yards down the nearside wide channel and KRC was back into the United 22m. Scrumhalf Mel Davies provided quick ball and the Raiders moved it quickly across the width of the field and found the opposite side winger Tamara Martin who ran in the 5th try of the game, 29-0 KRC.
Charise O.C. and Sara Fast provided fresh legs and kept the strong forward play rolling for the Raiders. While Mia Smith, Tayla McMillan and Lily Watkinson brought fresh legs into the backline. With fresh legs and strong tactical kicking, the backs worked the ball down the near sideline and just outside the try zone. The ball was moved back across the field and Riley created space and passed to Jess O on a supporting line who scored and added her own convert, 36-0 KRC. KRC was able to turn over the ball frequently throughout the first half, Aliyah was able to notch her second try of the game just before the end of the first half, Jess added the convert and KRC led 43-0 at half.
United game out to start the 2nd half with renewed energy and pressure. Emily Lindsay and Lizzy Gotuaco came on to keep fresh legs rolling for the Raiders. The teams went back and forth in possession and territory throughout the start of the second. United worked hard and got down into the KRC 22m. KRC put in a solid defensive stand, however the United backline was able to find a gap after strong forward pressure and score, adding the conversion, 43-7 KRC. The Raiders responded and took back control of the ball, the forwards carried strong and attacked across the field. The backline defended greatly to snuff out the United attacking efforts. Aliyah was able to capitalize on the strong efforts of her teammates and added two more trys to close out the second half and Jess added another convert to give KRC a 55-7 win.
Thanks to the United women for helping us with transportation to their clubhouse and for the great hosting.
Forward of the Match – Thea Flundra
Back of the Match – Caleigh Silversides
Hardest Worker – Milena Chambers
The men had a back and forth match against the Meralomas, they were able to secure the win 23-17. Great double victory weekend for the Senior Squads!