Stingers rugby takes silver at nationals
The Concordia Stingers walked away from the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) women’s rugby championship as silver medallists after losing a thrilling 17-12 overtime game to the St. Francis Xavier X-Women in at Trent University in Peterborough, Ont. on Sunday afternoon.
It was the first time in the 13-year history of the CIS national tournament that the title match was decided in extra time.
“What a terrible way to lose,” said Concordia head coach Graeme McGravie, immediately after the loss. “We had points to take and didn’t and we paid the price.”
Despite the heart-breaking loss, the team achieved its goal of coming home with a medal. It was the Stingers’ fifth appearance at the championships and their best finish. Concordia’s previous best was fourth place – both in 1998 and 2009.
St. FX’s Amanda Thornborough opened the scoring with a try converted by Magali Harvey. Concordia was able to put points on the board late in the first half when Sarah Scanlon touched down from a driving maul. The try was not converted, and the Stingers went into the halftime break down 7-5.
Back from the intermission, Concordia quickly took the lead on a play similar to Scanlon’s score. Lisa Hoffman touched down this time, and Quebec conference MVP Jackie Tittley connected on the convert to give her team a 12-7 lead.
The X-Women kept pressing and the momentum seemed to shift their way as the half wore on. Asya Bartley finally powered in to tie the match at 12. The convert was missed.
In the 10-minute overtime period, the X-Women continued to challenge. Despite exceptional play from the Stingers defence, Olivia DeMerchant charged through scoring the winning points for the X-Women.
Three members of the Stingers were named to the championship all-star team - hooker Adara Borys, forward Claire Hortop and flanker Hughanna Gaw.
Concordia was also presented the R.W. Pugh Fair Play Award, an honor selected by the officials at the tournament.
The Stingers defeated the Queen's Gaels 32-3 and the Lethbridge Pronghorns 19-12 in the preliminary round to earn a spot in the gold medal match.
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