SATURDAY - MUST BE A RUGBY DAY - HERE GOES

TROPICAL SEVENS, FLORIDA.  U16 GIRLS ROADIE!

On April 17th the Castaway Wanderers U16 Girls Tropical 7s team arrived early in morning at the Victoria Airport to begin their epic adventure across the continent to compete in the 2025 Tropical 7s tournament in Tampa, Florida.

The journey to Tampa was uneventful, but made for a long day, getting to the hotel late Monday night. Not being deterred by a little sleep deprivation the team set off early Tuesday for the Magic Kingdom and spent the day at Disneyland, and the amazing fireworks display. Wednesday it was time to get onto the pitch and work out the travel cobwebs. Coach Kelsey and Gwen put the girls through their paces, and everyone started to get an idea of what playing in the heat and humidity would feel like. Highlights for this day were la Target Boutique, Seaworld, the beach and rugby! The evening culminated with the team doing the jersey presentation ceremony, a first for all the players. 

Friday. Game Day.

When the team was warming up, we were informed of the passing of Brent “Johno” Johnston. Throughout the planning, preparation and lead-up to the tour Brent was generous, gracious and supportive of the U16 Girls tour. He provided guidance & advice and supported this team from the background, as he always did. Our team taking to the pitch on the day he passed seemed a fitting tribute from the Castaway Wanderers Junior Girls.

The team saw early morning action starting with a test against USA West, a representative team out of Dever. Next up the team faced Eastern Ontario RU, a regional team covering the area of Trenton, Kingston, Ottawa and Ontario Eastern Townships. The third match was against the Toronto Rugby Union where the CW players hit their pace. A solid team effort gave them their first win of the tournament. The final match of the day was against Barrie RFC, which turned out to be another regional team composed of selected players from around the Barrie Ontario Region. At the end of the first day our record was 1 - 3, and the team dramatically improving every game.

Saturday was cross-pool play. CW's first game was against the New Brunswick Spruce, a rep team from Fredericton. In the dying seconds to tie the game, CW managed to score and convert for the win. The next match was against Upright Rugby Academy out of Oakville. A very fast Upright team capitalised on a couple of CW handling errors and was up 17-10 at the half. In the second half the CW backs found the holes and overlaps supported by some selfless defensive play which led to the final tally 24-25 for CW. Standout performances and leadership throughout the tournament by Zoe King, Kamryn Hinds and Annalise Vermise deserve to be noted. CW’s record was 3-3, and a respectable 10th place finish in the 15 team U16G division, one of three club teams in a division composed mostly of academy and regional representative teams.

With the games and tournament complete the team sought some more Florida sunshine, at the ‘laid back ‘Holmes beach. At a local establishment, Kiwi Style Fish and Chips, the NZ owner was very happy to have the opportunity to have a team of Canadian Girl Rugby players come in and commented that he was looking forward to the rematches this spring and at the world cup between our national women’s squads.

Sunday saw the team having a relaxed morning before heading to Busch Gardens for some thrilling rides, with the players trying to match Coach Kelsey's pace for hitting every single roller coaster in the park. The team's final evening in Florida saw the tradition of holding court for all the shenanigans that occurred whilst on tour!

Ed.  What a terrific positive experience during trying political times and to note that the sport of rugby can overcome our many differences.  An experience that will be forever remembered.  This report comes courtesy of Junior Girls Director, Rob Peel.  ‘onyas all!

MORE GOOD NEWS

CANADA NSWT's SUCCESSES

This pundit wishes to mention the “CW ladies” who took part in the campaign. What a privilege to have seen these ladies on their “way up”, performing at the House of Windsor.  Starting with the ‘evergreen’, senior citizen, Karen Paquin who at 37 years young played just like a youthful filly and was the Maple Leaf’s MVP of the tournament in this scribe’s eyes.  Paquin put in the full eighty against NZ and Australia.  What a motivating model for her teammates!  Julia Schell seems to have cemented a starting role at fullback.  Her game against NZ was somewhat marred by an unacceptable conversion performance, however, she responded against Australia the following week, scoring fifteen points!  This was a stamp of her skill and growing maturity and confidence.  Gabby Senft was part of a “loosie trio” that hunted and carried like a pack of terriers.  Unfortunately, Gabby was injured and did not play against Australia.  Another Tricolor to feature was Sevens Captain, Olivia Apps.  This lady is a warrior, no matter where or when she plays.  Finally, Sevens Olympian, Caroline Crossley appears excited to be in the mix.  Caroline had a short stint against NZ and quality minutes against Australia.

In general, the team’s progress towards RWC was very visible.  Add to this the likelihood of “Sophie 2.1” returning, augers them to be good value to retain their current world ranking and the matchups between England, NZ & Canada has one’s chops salivating! A recent chat with Sophie reports her recovery from some minor post- surgery infection to be back on track with her training regime and she dearly hopes to be selected in the team to travel to South Africa for the final warm-up matches. Our money is on Sophie!  You go girl!