The two newest entries in the Cowichan Women's Football League did battle last Sunday, with a strong second half propelling the Wild to a 30-6 victory over the Storm.
The Wild, who emerged from the ashes of the Wildfire after last season, got strong performances from their veteran players, while the rookie-laden Storm continued to progress and show potential.
The game was tied 6-6 at halftime, but the Storm's lack of experience created opportunities for the Wild, who eagerly capitalized.
"It will all come together as the team builds on their knowledge and unity," Storm coach Chris Mann said.
Jamie Russell, Rhiannon Kemmler, Sue Glenn, Ginette Bilina and Val Chambers all scored touchdowns for the Wild. Chambers added two interceptions, Bilina had one, and Russell recorded a sack. Scoring for the Storm was Carly Boyd, who dedicated her touchdown to Wendy Erickson, an original CWFL player who passed away last month. Alisha Kristina registered her first sack for the Storm, while fellow rookies Elia Zanon and Brandee Ganter also played well on defence.
In the other morning game, the Crew clawed their way back from a deficit to tie the Ravens 19-19.
"We were up until the last 10 to 20 minutes of the game and they came back," Ravens player Morgan Rogers noted.
Alitta Mattin and Marilou Sullivan had fourth-quarter touchdowns for the Crew, with Darbi Atchison responsible for the convert that evened the score.
Both teams' quarterbacks were fair game in the contest, as Crew rookie Nicole Pugh collected six sacks in her CWFL debut, while Lauren James had five sacks for the Ravens.
Quarterback Rikki Wylie pulled off the Ravens' play of the game, scrambling as she drew two defenders, then launching a Hail Mary to teammate Kendall Andjelkovic for a gain of 40 yards. Wylie, James and Barbara Smith all scored touchdowns for the Ravens. In addition to Mattin and Sullivan, Janelle Mould also scored for the Crew.
In the afternoon game, the Blue Steel Brew topped the Law 27-19.
The BSB got a pick-six touchdown from Mila Main along with majors from Sam Miiller, Shelby Wilcox and Kara Olson. Olson, Heidi Padjen and Laura Boersen had converts, and Wilcox and Michelle Nederlof had interceptions.
Kim Scafe had two touchdowns for the Law, while Rachel Hastings and Leanne Closson were credited with one each. Closson and Crystal Gotto also had two interceptions apiece, and Closson added a two-point convert and a single-point convert.