Axes and Oars Women’s Team Defeats JBAA 37-22 in a Thrilling Match!

On Saturday, November 2, the Vancouver Rowing Club (VRC) and Squamish (Axewomen) combined Women’s Rugby Team emerged victorious in a highly anticipated 10-a-side match against the James Bay Athletic Association (JBAA) Women’s Team. The match, which took place at MacDonald Park in Victoria, ended with a solid 37-22 win for the Axes and Oars, highlighting the team’s dynamic attack and clinical finishing.

This game marked a notable performance for the Axes and Oars, who demonstrated strong attacking play, solid defense, and excellent team cohesion to come away with the win. With a 10s format that allowed for more open play and expansive running, the Axes and Oars took full advantage of the space on the field, making their speed and agility count.

The Key Players
The victory was a team effort, but several standout performances proved crucial to their success:

Elise Dube (C): The Co-captain had a brilliant outing, scoring two tries and adding a conversion. Elise’s leadership on the field was instrumental in the team’s performance, and her tries were a testament to her sharp rugby sense and powerful running.

Robynne Shannon (C): The other co-captain, Robynne, was also influential in the victory, adding a try to the scoreboard and organizing her forwards with precision. Her leadership in the set pieces and open play ensured the team kept the pressure on JBAA throughout the match.

Katie Whelan: Katie was another standout, scoring a try and putting in a solid shift in both attack and defense. Her work rate was impressive, and her try helped extend Axes and Oars lead at crucial moments in the game.

Chanelle Fortin: Chanelle showed her finishing ability, scoring two tries for the team. She was a constant threat in the backline, making great runs and finding the gaps in the JBAA defense. In addition Won “The Hammer” for the biggest tackle!

Emily Neil: Emily added a try to the tally and played a key role in controlling the breakdowns. Her composure, speed and physicality made a big difference, particularly in open play.

Coralie “Coco” Bergeron: “Coco” rounded off the try scorers with a brilliant try of her own. Her ability to read the game and take advantage of any defensive lapses made her a key figure in the Axes and Oar’s success.

A Balanced Attack and Team Effort
While the individual performances were important, the win was very much a collective effort from the whole squad. The forwards, led by Robynne, provided the platform for the backs to thrive. The team’s speed, movement off the ball, and quick transitions from defense to attack created multiple scoring opportunities throughout the match.

The team’s defensive structure was also strong, with key tackles made in critical moments to prevent JBAA from closing the gap. Axes and Oar’s ability to maintain possession and apply pressure in both the set pieces and loose play helped to wear down the JBAA women as the match progressed.

JBAA’s Resilience
Although JBAA was on the losing end of the scoreline, they put up a determined fight. The Victoria-based team has been a powerhouse in BC women’s rugby for years, and they showcased their resilience throughout the game. Despite being outscored, JBAA managed to score four tries and remained competitive until the final whistle. Their forwards were strong when carrying ball, and their backs showed flashes of brilliance, making several dangerous runs.

While they were unable to finish off their chances in this encounter, JBAA will certainly take lessons from the game and look to bounce back in future fixtures.

Point Scorers – Axes and Oars Women’s Rugby (37-22 Win)
Elise Dube (C): 2 tries, 1 conversion
Robynne Shannon (C): 1 try
Katie Whelan: 1 try
Chanelle Fortin: 2 tries
Emily Neil: 1 try
Coralie “Coco” Bergeron: 1 try
Looking Ahead: Building Momentum

For the Axes and Oars Women’s Rugby Team, this win serves as a significant confidence booster as they continue their season currently sitting 7th on the table with a 2-3 record. With a strong performance across the board, including some impressive individual efforts, the squad will look to carry this momentum forward into their final fixture of this half vs Scribes. The combination of experienced leadership and emerging talent within the team is a recipe for continued success.

The Axes and Oars women’s next challenge will be building on this result and ensuring they maintain their focus and consistency throughout the remainder of the season.

Final Score:
Axes and Oars 37 – 22 James Bay Athletic Association

The Axes and Oars Women’s Rugby Team will certainly take pride in their dominant performance as they prepare for their final fixture before the winter break. Axes and Oars play Scribes RFC on Nov 23rd, 2024 at Brockton Oval. 11:15 Kick Off.