The Springbank Community High School Phoenix senior girls rugby team has won its third-straight Alberta Schools Athletic Association South Central Zone Tier 2 championship.
The Phoenix downed Highwood High School of High River 38-12 May 30 at Calgary Rugby Union field to claim the title and earn a slot at provincials June 7-8 in Lethbridge.
“Hat trick!” exclaimed Phoenix team manager Gary Moore following the win in damp conditions at Calgary. “We did well. The team was as good as it was last year.”
Considering the Phoenix lost half its provincial silver medal-winning roster to graduation at the end of last season, the new recruits have made a seamless transition to success this year.
“I think we’re even par,” Moore observed of this year’s group. “Half the team last year graduated and we recruited another half. So we did well. I’m very proud of them.”
The second half of the Zone win against Highwood was a chance for the younger Phoenix to get in on the action. Moore has half a dozen Grade 9 and Grade 10 players moving up the ranks.
“With the second half, we had girls that have never played before,” Moore said. “Everybody played today.”
Now it’s off to the eight-team provincial tournament in Lethbridge, where winning the first game is key. The Phoenix are going in ranked No. 2 at the Tier 2 level and open against the No. 7 seed.
“You’re out of the medals if you don’t win your first game,” Moore cautioned. “Winning the first game is very important.”
And, because rules state players can only play one full game per day, the first two games at provincials will be 40-minute contests on June 7, with a full game for the June 8 final. Getting a fast start in the opening game will be pivotal.
But, given Springbank’s dominant first half against High River in the Zone final, racking up 38 points, they’re prepared for the short opening playoff games.
