Spartans claim first 15-a-side victory of the season

By Maya Morand SHS Jr Reporter

The Strathmore Spartans girls’ rugby team secured an impressive victory in their first 15-a-side rugby game of the season, winning 66-12 in Rimbey on May 2.

Prior to this, the Spartans had been playing 7-a-side rugby, a faster and generally less physical form of the game. In contrast, 15-a-side rugby is much more physical, as there’s less space to work with and the intensity is higher.

In a thrilling display of athleticism, teamwork, and sportsmanship, the Spartans adjusted to the 15-a-side format and came out on top. Despite the shift in game style, the Spartans managed to find ways to create space and played in a style similar to 7s, which worked to their advantage.

Transitioning from the fast-paced, 14-minute 7s games to the longer and more demanding 15s format posed a significant learning curve. However, the team rose to the challenge with determination and heart. Throughout the game, there was noticeable improvement in their rucking, passing, and overall strategy as the match progressed.

Beyond the scoreline, this game marked a major milestone for the players’ growth both on and off the field. After the match, both teams shared a meal, providing the Strathmore players with a warm introduction to the camaraderie that defines rugby culture. New friendships were forged, and the spirit of teamwork truly shone through.

“The team from Rimbey was incredibly kind and welcoming,” one player shared. “We learned so much from this experience – not just about rugby, but about the incredible community that surrounds the sport.”

With their first 15s victory now in the books, the Strathmore Spartans are excited to build on this momentum for the rest of the season. They have league games scheduled for May 6 in Calgary, followed by the largest 7s tournament in Western Canada this coming weekend also in Calgary. The Clearwater Cup will feature 72 teams, with participants traveling from as far as the Yukon, Ontario, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan.

Looking ahead, the Lady Spartans are preparing for the South Central Zone 7s Championship during the May long weekend. If they succeed, they will qualify for the Provincial Championship in St. Albert the following weekend. Once the 7s season concludes, they will shift their focus to the South Central Zone 15s Championship in late May, with the hopes of qualifying for Provincials in Lethbridge.

As they continue to grow as rugby players and as a team, the Spartans will undoubtedly be strong contenders at both the zone and provincial levels.