Gryphons win National University Sevens Rugby Championship
The Gryphon womens rugby team dominated for the second time this season. The National Invitational University Sevens Rugby Championship hosted a women's division for the first time this year in Langford, BC at the new Canadian Rugby Centre of Excellence.
The Gryphons swept the tournament going undefeated, outscoring their opponents 205-0. This tournament had 12 men's teams and five women's teams compete for the Cup Championships over a spectacular two-day event.
The Gryphons have been devastating teams all year in both the 15s game and now the 7's game with their aggression at the point of contact and it was evident that they traveled to Bear Mountain Stadium to take care of business. Their defensive line never bent let along break and their attacking power with strong runs from the all of the 10 traveling players could not be stopped.
Jacey Murphy (Alliston, Ont.), CIS MVP in the 15s game in 2010 and 2011 was named player of the game in the Cup final, while Jane Kirby (Brampton, Ont.) was named overall Tournament MVP.
"Jane's versatility and skill level allowed me to play her anywhere and when you're only traveling with the bare minimum of 10 players, that is truly a great weapon," said coach Colette McAuley.
Kirby was able to put pressure on the defence as a prop, hooker and scrum half. Her strength, vision and quickness around the point of contact saw her break the defensive line time and time again.
Guelph's speed was also apparent with phenom Katie McNally (Guelph, Ont.) and Britt Benn (Napanee, Ont.) simply outpacing most of the opposition. McNally’s incredibly quick feet had the defenders turned inside out and Benn's straight-arm simply just put them flat on the turf.
Gryphon Bethany Chekay's (Stouffville, Ont.) experience at scrum half and fly half allowed her to talk these inexperienced seven’s players through much of the game, but that chatter didn't stop her from seeing the gaps herself and taking the tries when the opportunity arose.
Veteran locks Caitlin Beaton (Hepworth, Ont.) and Morganne Linthwaite (Guelph, Ont.) made everyone's life difficult with their crushing tackles and turnovers.
"It's not often that you have members of the tight five that can convert to the 7's game so easily. But those two can basically do whatever they put their mind to," said McAuley. "I think the smaller faster players thought they could move around those two, but Morganne and Caitlin are fast, strong and fit. You can't get away from them."
Guelph had a small shifty player of their own in Sharon Rafferty (Brantford, Ont.) who displayed natural 7's talent with her quickness around the breakdown and finishing speed. She was tireless in support and fearless in defence.
OUA Rookie of the Year, Brittany Priddle (Badjeros) showed exactly why she deserved that award never missing a tackle. She was able to adapt to the 7's game very quickly, moving the ball and creating opportunities out wide.
First year Daria Keane (Sarnia, Ont.) shone in her Gryphon debut at a National tournament, showing her speed and strength with each carry of the ball. "That girl doesn't know how good she is yet. I have big plans for her," said McAuley.
While there were only five teams in the event this year, coach McAuley hopes that the other Canadian universities will see the benefit that this event provides for both the development of the 7s game in Canada and for individual player development.
"It was a professionally run, exciting event. A perfect beginning for the development of players for the 7's game," said coach McAuley. "If we can establish a true 7's winter season in the OUA and the CIS, it will not only improve the skills of these young athletes that can aspire to be an Olympian, but it will give our winter training sessions a true focus."
Special thanks goes out to the supporters of this program, which allowed the players to go to this event. Through generous donations, both monetary and aeroplan points, the Gryphons were able to travel on a reasonable pay to play model budget. "The pay to play model isn't ideal, but it's a reality until we can get a proper structure in place. We wouldn't have been able attend this fantastic event and provide this opportunity to these athletes without the help of parents and Gryphon Alumni."
Source: Gryphons Athletics
