Spartans rugby splits

Times Reporter     

 

Though the Strathmore High School Spartans boy’s team narrowly lost to Chestermere High School on the rugby pitch by a score of 12-0, the Spartan girls came out victorious with a 42-0 win on May 9.

“They played really well,” girls coach Jerry Flaws said. “We controlled the ball very well.”

The girls looked to continue their streak as they travel to Drumheller May 14, and Okotoks on May 15 (result not available as of press time). Flaws even has some young players from Crowther Memorial Junior High School joining the Spartans this week, and plans to give them playing time. These players will hopefully be as effective next year as Flaws’ Grade 10’s this year. 

“We have some real impact Grade 10’s. Our strength is a good combination of veterans and some Grade 10’s that are really contributing,” he said.

Flaws said that no matter what age group – junior, intermediate, or senior – all of his players have progressed since the start of the season.

“You can really see the improvement from day one to where they are already,” Flaws said. “We’re looking to be one of the stronger teams in our zone, which is exciting. We’ll have a good chance of winning zones. But we need to work on the number of bodies in our breakdowns – we have too many people committing to rucks.”

As for the boys side, though they scored first against Chestermere, a failure to convert on points cost them the win.

“The (Chestermere) boys were definitely stronger. Their girls program is a little weaker right now,” Flaws said. “It was a very well played game by both sides – very exciting to watch.”

Rugby zones for girls and boys sides will take place May 30-31.