Cowichan Secondary School’s girls rugby teams compiled some impressive results in the short time between the beginning of the season and spring break.
“With a young squad of over 40 players, the coaches are very pleased to come out of the first week of competition with five wins out of seven games while playing against very strong programs,” coach Brad Skene said. “A number of players are stepping up to play at the senior level while 23 players put on the T-Bird Jersey for the first time.”
The juniors started with back-to-back wins on Feb. 26. Melanie Robertson, Jezlyn Cardinal and Mia Eager scored tries in a 15-0 win over Port Alberni. Cardinal, Maxine O’Leary and Madi Jumeau scored in a 19-5 win over G.P. Vanier, with Lucy Boon adding two conversions.
The seniors split their two games that same day, beating Alberni 20-5 before losing 32-10 to Vanier. Brigitte Reid scored twice against Alberni, while Emily Nickerson and Karly Longridge had one try apiece. Emily Lindsay and Sophia Murray had tries against Vanier.
On March 2, the juniors lost 22-7 to Vanier, while the seniors beat Mark Isfeld 22-10, both games played in cold, wet conditions.
Brianna Margerison scored the Thunderbirds’ lone try against Vanier, and Boon slotted a conversion. The team got two tries from Syan Johnson, one each from Marlee Wright and Jamie Needham, and a conversion from Maddie Pirie.
The juniors were in action again on March 4, getting past Port Alberni 34-31. Jenna Batty and Lauren Rivera each scored two tries, Sophie Saunders and Danielle Hill had one each, and Needham kicked two conversions.
On March 9, the juniors beat Carihi 60-5. Cardinal, Needham, Lindsay Winship and Mia Eagar each scored twice, Zoe Sharp and Deanna Cvitanovich had one try apiece, and Needham kicked five conversions.