A 41-27 win over Alberni District last Wednesday guaranteed that the Cowichan Thunderbirds will at least host a semifinal match if they don’t earn a bye into the Island girls rugby final.
“I thought we got off to a great start on offence, but after gaining the lead we didn’t stay mentally in the game and let Alberni back into the game,” T-Birds head coach Brad Skene said. “It proves that defence wins games and that anyone we play on the island is a strong program who can do damage if we aren’t ready for the physical confrontation.”
Emily Lindsay scored two tries and kicked three conversions, while Emily Nickerson, Brigitte Reid, Marlee Wright, Mia Eagar and Lauren Rivera had one try apiece.
Two days later, the T-Birds played host to Carson Graham, a provincial finalist in 2015, and were handed a 40-22 loss. Lindsay, Nickerson, Wright and Kendall Raymond-Stevens all scored, and Lindsay slotted a conversion.
“We were really pleased with the individual development during the game,” Skene said. We faced a hard, tough and well-drilled team that puts pressure on you in every situation. It was great that we responded by playing better rugby through out the game and responded positively with hard work and pride in the jersey.”
The T-Birds will hold a car wash fundraiser at the Cowichan Secondary James Street campus this Saturday. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., along with a barbecue by M&M Meats. Money raised will go toward attending the provincial tournament.