A steep learning curve awaited the Charles Hays (CHSS) girls’ rugby team in Smithers earlier in May as the Hurricanes took on the Smithers Gryphons as well as a team from Hazelton and some players from Terrace and Burns Lake.
Despite playing in their first year of organized competition and losing the four games in which they played, the Hurricanes put up a valiant effort against formidable, established opposition and they had a little help from some of the other girls who lent them their talents.
“They added around five to eight girls from either team (Smithers or Hazelton), depending on who they were playing,” said team organizer and CHSS teacher Danielle Dueck.
“They played very hard, considering they had players from multiple teams and had to learn with them on the fly.”
Coach Amanda Barney led the team in 15s on the Saturday for two games and in a sevens game on Sunday.
“It’s awesome to see these girls competing together, especially considering they are from different grades. Many aren’t in Grade 12, meaning that a majority of the players will be able to continue on next year and hopefully recruit their friends,” said Dueck.
Even though they lost, the experience gained from the Smithers trip was invaluable for the team, who have played together since the fall and for some, even last year, practicing with the boys’ Hurricanes squad.
“All of them stood out to me ... [including] Sianna Hagerty, who worked hard to block almost every play the other teams made and Arden Stewart, who worked hard in a position she was not used to playing,” said Dueck.
“I think these girls are loving the sport. Even though they were gruelling games, the girls played hard until the end. They have been learning so much about the sport and I’m excited to see them grow next year.”
A few members of the boys’ Hurricanes squad also took part in the male play day. They lined up with Burns Lake in a match, taking on the Gryphons.
A boys’ practice session is scheduled for this Thursday with Terrace to create a 15s team that will take on a team full of Smithers and Houston players on Saturday.
The Rainmakers/Kermodes team is providing opposition for the Smithers/Houston team, who are bound for provincials later this season. That Saturday affair will be held in Terrace, said boys’ rugby head coach Andy Enns.
For the Prince Rupert Seamen men’s team, they’re tentatively scheduled to play Williams Lake and the Terrace Northmen for a couple matches in Terrace on Saturday.