Mustangs fall to X-Women in CIS women’s rugby semifinal

GUELPH, Ont. (CIS) – All-Canadian second row Emma Taylor, the AUS conference MVP from Scotsburn, N.S., scored three tries, including the game-winner in the dying moments of regulation, to send the St. Francis Xavier X-Women to the national final thanks to a dramatic 27-24 win over the Western Mustangs at the CIS women's rugby championship at the University of Guelph's Alumni Stadium, Saturday morning.
 
The X-Women, already crowned Monilex Trophy champions in 2006, 2010 and 2012, finish first in Pool A with a 2-0 record and will play in the seventh CIS title match in program history Sunday at 2 p.m. against McMaster or Ottawa, who face off in the Pool B finale later on Saturday.
 
Western (1-1) will face the loser of the McMaster-Ottawa duel for CIS bronze Sunday at noon.
 
The last Pool A matchup was a classic matchup of two contrasting styles of play.
 
The X-Women are led by their big, powerful props and forwards up front while the undersized Mustangs feature some game-breaking speed on the outside. In the first half, there were examples of both styles being effective.
 
The X-Women scored three tries in the opening half, courtesy of Anna Simonds, Taylor and the bulldozing Joanna Alphonso (Ajax, Ont.), the AUS rookie of the year.
 
Western's first half was highlighted by a blazing 60-metre run by Nikki Case (Toronto) as the score at halftime was 15-10 in favour of StFX.
 
A huge driving scrum by the StFX forwards early in the second half got Taylor within a few metres of the line as she scored her second try of the day.
 
Western responded with yet another highlight reel long run, this time it was Breanne Nicholas (Blenheim, Ont.) breaking off a 50-metre sprint down the sideline. Nicholas added the conversion, making it a three-point match as StFX led 20-17.
 
Western took the lead for the first time in the 53rd minute. Following a line-out, CIS player of the year Lori Josephson (Beaverton, Ont.) showed off some shifty footwork and slice through the StFX line for the go-ahead try. Nicholas, from a sharp angle and into a stiff wind, connected on the conversion making it 24-20 Western.
 
With time winding down, StFX was looking for some late heroics. Aided by a lack of execution on Western's behalf, the X-Women were able to gain possession of the ball deep in Mustang territory. StFX was able to draw a penalty in the closing seconds of the match and Taylor capitalized, scoring the winning try just before the final whistle. Sabrina McDaid (Scarborough, Ont.) punctuated the victory with a conversion.
 
When asked where this match ranks in the most exciting finishes he has ever been a part of, StFX head coach Mike Cavanaugh said, "We won the championship in overtime in 2010 versus Concordia, but this one ranks right up there with the best of them. Our girls showed great character to fight all the way to the end.  Give credit to Western, they played hard and threw the ball around well."
 
Western head coach Natascha Wesch said, "a few more decision-making mistakes put us under more pressure than needed.  But I am really proud of our girls and we are looking forward to the bronze medal match tomorrow."
 
Player of the game for the X-Women was Mia Huysmans (Ponoka, AB), while Mackenzie Fane (Holland Landing, Ont.) took home the honour for the Mustangs.

Source: CIS