An Exhibition of Talent

Passionately, relentlessly, and ferociously the Brentwood Girls' Rugby team began their on-field competitive preparation for their competitive term. Three exhibition games kicked off the beginning of third term, the first against the Wild Rose Academy, a team of select athletes from around Calgary. Brentwood won 34-26.  The second exhibition game was against G.P. Vanier Secondary School. The score was 17-0 for Brentwood. The forwards learned how to play effectively in tense game situations like rucks and mauls; they grew to understand rapid-defence and how to avoid off-side penalties. Mack S, Hope ‘14, playing second row, had a stand-out game, making tackles and stopping tries like a brick wall. The backs, beginning with number 10, Shannyn O, Allard ‘15 had a triumphant game, running with purpose, and making game-changing tackles to both forwards and backs on the Vanier team. Suzy T, Allard ‘17, in her rookie season, started as right wing. She played the game to her full potential, covering every player who had a run with the ball, and stopping all oppositional players coming her way. Suzy plays rugby like an elusive eel, stinging all opponents when they least expect it. She will, no doubt, be a fearsome opponent for future teams.  The third exhibition game was played against Cowichan Secondary. The game began with all of our first string players, some beginners and some veterans, playing with a desire to win, and positive sportsmanship. The first half was a realistic game experience, opening the eyes of the new players and teaching all; it was ended with a 12-12 tie. In the second half all of our rookies took to the pitch, like Youngeun L, Alexandra ‘14, who joined the team as full-back, and did not give up on a single tackle. Avi S, Alexandra, ‘16, played scrum half the entire game, standing out as a leader, and an example to all Brentwood players. Avi poached for the ball, threw herself at every tackle, and offensively covered every player on the team.  The girls will begin their third-term with a competitive desire to take what they have learned at practice to the pitch; we will play with purpose and an interminable passion for the sport of rugby.   Ciel A-B, Mackenzie ‘15