The Bears tore through the Mustangs at the Banff Rec Grounds.
The Banff Community High School girls rugby team’s potent offence and clamp-down defence made for a one-sided affair in a 62-7 home opener victory against the Highwood Mustangs, May 12.
Five different Bears chipped in for 10 tries (four conversions) on the chilly, damp evening in the mountains.
Tasha Wespi and Ashah Payson led the team with three tries each.
Jalen Payson scored two tries, and Anita Dimento and Luna Kawano each had one try.
Hot off a three-try game, Grade 12 veteran Wespi thought the Bears’ teamwork really clicked well on the pitch.
“We actually talked way more than we do for normal games,” said Wespi. “I think that this was one of the most fun, aggressive games that we’ve had all season, so I think that was pretty great.”
Banff head coach Cody Skrine commented on the girls talking to each other on the field, which he says has been a strong point for the club all season.
“A lot of the girls are new, so having other people saying this or that or follow me, that sort of thing, really helps them figure out where they’re supposed to be and when to go and when to hold. That’s definitely been a help; that our vets talk and our rookies listen,” said Skrine.
The Bears were up 29-0 at halftime and preserving the huge lead early was a “fantastic opportunity” for Skrine to try out some of the rookie Bears.
“We were able to get every single one of our subs and Grade 9 players in and new players got in today and had some solid game time … the best part about it is more experience for our younger girls,” he said.
In her fourth season playing rugby, Wespi has seen the development of the girl’s rugby program through its five years.
“Just having these rookies come out, they’re learning really fast and it’s really good to watch because that way, the next time they’re playing they’ll develop more and we’ll build a stronger team,” she said.
The young ladies step back on the pitch at home on Thursday (May 19) against the Strathmore Spartans.
Skrine doesn’t see any glaring weaknesses that Banff needs improvement on, but he said the squad could work on adjusting between offence and defence quicker.
“It’s two very different modes of play, so you have to flip a shift and adjust to how you’re moving around,” said Skrine.
“We’ve definitely built momentum through the season having that steady core of veterans. It means they help teach a lot of the basic stuff so that (coach) Lee and I are able to nitpick and adjust small things and improve the overall game.”
