The Cowichan Rugby Football Club’s Premier women’s team finally got into action last Saturday, visiting the reigning champion Castaway Wanderers side for an exhibition match in Victoria, which Cowichan lost 43-29.
“It was an exciting first game back, on paper just an exhibition game, but even without points on the line it was still a very exciting game, both teams having their full starting line up ready to play,” captain Sherry Spence said.
Both teams boasted a full allotment of national team players, with Cowichan’s playing in the forwards and Castaways’ all in the back line.
Olympic sevens bronze medallist Kelly Russell led Cowichan with a try and two converts. Her sister, national XV captain Laura Russell, also scored, as did Ashley Smith, Kaelyn Palmer and Rebecca Kerswell. Castaways picked Rebecca Saari and Angela Davies as Cowichan’s players of the game.
The Premiership side will have two weeks off before heading south again to play Castaways in their first league game on Oct. 15.
Cowichan’s Div. 2 women’s team also hit the road last weekend to visit the Westshore Valkyries. The game was close with back-and-forth play throughout, although Westshore prevailed in the end. Lauren Nutt scored a first-half try for Cowichan, and Jackie Wrigglesworth added one late in the second half.
The Div. 2 women’s team, which is always looking for new players, experienced or not, will play at Comox on Oct. 15 and at home again on Oct. 22 at 10:30 a.m.