GUELPH WINS OUA WOMEN'S RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP
The 2008 OUA Women's Rugby Championship was presented by Rugby Canada and Gilbert Canada Inc.
The Mustangs, 2007 OUA champions, were also undefeated entering the final. Both teams battled hard in the first half with many hard hits and little ball movement on a cold and windy afternoon at the University of Guelph rugby pitch. Kendra Heil (Simcoe, Ont.) scored for the Gryphons putting them up 7-0 at the half.
The second half saw much of the same style of play, with Mimi Rahneva (Ruce, Ont.) scoring a try for the Gryphons, increasing the lead to 14 points with about 15 minutes left. The Mustangs fought back getting the ball deep in Gryphon territory but were unable to capitalize on their opportunities.
Guelph was led by Rahneva and Heil with five points each while OUA Rookie of the Year Brittany Benn (Napanee, Ont.) scored four points, on both conversions. It was Guelph's defence, however, that stole the show, as they kept the offensive powerhouse Mustangs off the score sheet.
OUA Coach of the year Colette McAuley said she was "really proud of her girls" and the way they "dug in their heels". She also added "We really worked on defence for the last five days".
It was Guelph's sixth shutout of the season, as the Gryphons have only allowed 15 points against in eight games. Guelph has won eight OUA titles in the past 13 years.
In the OUA bronze medal game in Hamilton, the McMaster Marauders (5-2-1) defeated the Trent Excalibur 10-8. Sarah Van Hoof (Lindsay, Ont.) scored a try for the victorious Marauders while Lianne Schumacher (Lakefield, Ont.) scored for Trent (4-4).
Guelph and silver-medalist Western (7-1) both advance to the CIS Women's Rugby Championship from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2.
– OUA –
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Photo credit: Michael P. Hall