Posted: Nov 03, 2013
2013 ACAA Women's Rugby Champions - Dal AC Rams
Dal AC win 22-17 over Mt. A. in ACAA Women's Rugby Championship
The ACAA Women's Rugby Championship match, a rematch of last year's final between Dal AC and Mt. A. was played on a blustery cool day at Farnham field, home of the first place Dal AC Rams. Each team finished the season with identical 3 and 1 records, with the Rams winning the tie-breaker based on total points scored versus against.
Dal AC avenged the overtime loss to Mt. A. last year by winning this year's final 22-17, in a hard fought, evenly played match between two determined teams.
Each team traded possessions early as both defenses were delivering hard tackles making it tough to maintain control of the ball. Midway through the first half Dal AC got on the board off a brilliant run by Jessica Stickney. After an unsuccessful convert attempt the score was 5-0 for Dal AC.
Mt. A. responded with some strong play and consistent ball control which resulted in a try of by Kelly Foran. Unfortunately the try was scored very close to the sideline making it an almost impossible convert attempt, especially given the windy conditions. So after the failed convert attempt the score remained tied 5-5.
Dal AC was quickly able to respond with another try of their own by Stephanie Wilson. The convert was again unsuccessful making the score 10-5 for Dal AC.
The first half ended with Mt. A. on the offensive but unable to score on a penalty kick.
The second half started with Dal AC controlling the ball and on a huge push towards the Mt. A. end-zone which resulted in another try by Stephanie Wilson putting the Rams up 15-5. Convert attempt by Emma Burry was again unsuccessful.
Dal AC scored their fourth try of the match on another brilliant run by Jessica Stickney with a successful convert by Emma Burry putting Dal AC up 22-5.
Mt. A. quickly responded back with a beautiful solo run by Sydney Mann to keep the match within reach. A successful convert, also from Sydney Mann, made the score 22-12 with 15 minutes left in regulation time.
Mt. A. continued their determined play with more solid runs which resulted in yet another try Kelly Foran. Convert attempt was unsuccessful making the score 22-17.
Mt. A. was able to control the ball and put great pressure on right to the end but weren't able to score the equalizer as Dal AC's defense put up a wall whenever Mt. A. got close to the end-zone. The Rams were able to hang on for the win and celebrated the victory in a sporting manner.
Congratulations to both teams on a great season!
ACAA Women's Rugby All-Conference and Award Winners
All-Conference
Dal AC:
Player of the Year
DAL AC: Joan Cole Position: Full Back
Support Information:
Joan led the team in scoring and provides solid defense at a pivotal position. Joan's work ethic, exemplary team-work and firm grasp on the game of rugby warrants her choice and the best "all-round player"
Rookie of the Year
Mt. A.: Anna Gores Position: Fly Half
Support Information:
As a first year player, Anna stepped into a very important position for the team and was consistent throughout every game. She makes excellent decisions on the field and took a leadership role with the backfield very easily. She delivers a clean ball to her teammates and communicates effectively on both offence and defense.
Coach of the Year
Dal AC: Dave Cotterill
Dave has done a great job in his second year as head coach. He knows the game extremely well, and is able to share his knowledge in a way that the players pick up the game very quickly. In each year he has taken a relatively young team and molded them into contenders. His passion for the game, expertise and desire to pass that on to players makes him an excellent choice for "Coach of the Year".
Dal AC avenged the overtime loss to Mt. A. last year by winning this year's final 22-17, in a hard fought, evenly played match between two determined teams.
Each team traded possessions early as both defenses were delivering hard tackles making it tough to maintain control of the ball. Midway through the first half Dal AC got on the board off a brilliant run by Jessica Stickney. After an unsuccessful convert attempt the score was 5-0 for Dal AC.
Mt. A. responded with some strong play and consistent ball control which resulted in a try of by Kelly Foran. Unfortunately the try was scored very close to the sideline making it an almost impossible convert attempt, especially given the windy conditions. So after the failed convert attempt the score remained tied 5-5.
Dal AC was quickly able to respond with another try of their own by Stephanie Wilson. The convert was again unsuccessful making the score 10-5 for Dal AC.
The first half ended with Mt. A. on the offensive but unable to score on a penalty kick.
The second half started with Dal AC controlling the ball and on a huge push towards the Mt. A. end-zone which resulted in another try by Stephanie Wilson putting the Rams up 15-5. Convert attempt by Emma Burry was again unsuccessful.
Dal AC scored their fourth try of the match on another brilliant run by Jessica Stickney with a successful convert by Emma Burry putting Dal AC up 22-5.
Mt. A. quickly responded back with a beautiful solo run by Sydney Mann to keep the match within reach. A successful convert, also from Sydney Mann, made the score 22-12 with 15 minutes left in regulation time.
Mt. A. continued their determined play with more solid runs which resulted in yet another try Kelly Foran. Convert attempt was unsuccessful making the score 22-17.
Mt. A. was able to control the ball and put great pressure on right to the end but weren't able to score the equalizer as Dal AC's defense put up a wall whenever Mt. A. got close to the end-zone. The Rams were able to hang on for the win and celebrated the victory in a sporting manner.
Congratulations to both teams on a great season!
ACAA Women's Rugby All-Conference and Award Winners
All-Conference
Dal AC:
- Joan Cole Position: Full Back
- Georgia Lewis Position: Scrum Half
- Whitney Shaver Position: 8-Man
- Jessica Stickney Position: Wing
- Becky Blank Position: Hooker
- Jessica MacAskill Position: Flanker
- Kathleen Sterritt Position: Wing
- Sydney Mann Position: Fullback
- Anne Haley Position: Flanker
- Catherine Bannon Position: Flanker
- Whitney Callaghan Position: 8-Man
- Amanda Rundle Position: Center
- Kate Parkinson Position: Fly Half
- Robin Brace Position: Inside Centre
- Hannah Muhajarine Position: Outside Centre
Player of the Year
DAL AC: Joan Cole Position: Full Back
Support Information:
Joan led the team in scoring and provides solid defense at a pivotal position. Joan's work ethic, exemplary team-work and firm grasp on the game of rugby warrants her choice and the best "all-round player"
Rookie of the Year
Mt. A.: Anna Gores Position: Fly Half
Support Information:
As a first year player, Anna stepped into a very important position for the team and was consistent throughout every game. She makes excellent decisions on the field and took a leadership role with the backfield very easily. She delivers a clean ball to her teammates and communicates effectively on both offence and defense.
Coach of the Year
Dal AC: Dave Cotterill
Dave has done a great job in his second year as head coach. He knows the game extremely well, and is able to share his knowledge in a way that the players pick up the game very quickly. In each year he has taken a relatively young team and molded them into contenders. His passion for the game, expertise and desire to pass that on to players makes him an excellent choice for "Coach of the Year".