Irish Canadian Rugby Club 84 - Kingston Panthers 0
07/05/05
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The pre-season drew to a close this past weekend as the Irish Women trekked east on the 401 with a match up with the Kingston Panthers on a beautiful Saturday afternoon.  The game was a last minute change as the Ottawa Banshees withdrew from the originally scheduled match for the day and all credit must be given to Kingston for putting together a team at the last minute.  Though they were overmatched, the Panthers showed resolve and a willingness to play the game properly.  On the day the Irish’s experience and skill level was just too much to handle as they touched down 16 times for an 84 – 0 victory.

The Irish forwards dominated with their size and speed while the back line created holes in the defence the entire game.  The scoring started early as Christine Ford crossed the line for the first of her 2 trys on the day 3 minutes into the game.  The scores continued to come often as Kirsten Sample, Karen Lozada, Sonia Sennik, Jane Segal with 2, Karen Dillaine and Kristin Konieczny all touched down in the first half to give the Irish a thoroughly dominating 45 – 0 halftime lead.

The second half was more of the same, as Kingston could never win enough possession to really test the Irish defence and the relentless Irish attack continued to break down the Panthers defensive wall.  Tries were scored by Sample, Dillaine, Jess Panzer, Lozada, and Christine Hawkins.  Irish captain Jane Segal capped off an impressive performance with 2 more try and a conversion in the second half.  Sennik closed the scoring with a conversion of her own for an 84 – 0 victory.

“Not much of a test and I would have preferred a tougher match as the dress rehearsal to the opening league matches, but beggars can’t be choosers and I appreciate Kingston filling the void after the originally scheduled match was called off” noted Head Coach Rodin Lozada.  “We are ready for next week and we will be at full strength to open the season.  This is a very talented team and I am looking forward to seeing them take to the pitch this season.”

After some strong pre-season performances, the Irish are ready to make a run at the OWL title.  After a second place finish in the league standings and a loss in the cup semi-finals in 2004, the women in green look to go one better in 2005 and establish themselves as the premier team in the province.  “It will not be an easy task as there are so many good teams and talented players in the OWL, but I am sure that we will be competitive and give every team a run for their money.” Lozada commented about the 2005 OWL.

 The Irish open up their 2005 campaign with a tantalizing match up with two games against the Yeomen Women next Sunday May 15^th at Fletcher’s Fields.  Last season’s match saw a come from behind victory by the Irish and a nail biting goal line stand to finish a hard fought and extremely intense game.  The 2^nd XV kick off at 12:00pm and the 1^st XV kicks off at 1:30pm.