Rugby Sevens finishes opening day 0-1-2
By: Stefan Gerardi
Humber Athletics Communications
ETOBICOKE – The Humber Hawks rugby 7s team tied two and lost one of their first three games to kick off their 2022 campaign. The defending OCAA rugby 7s champs played fiercely at Humber Valley Field but were unable to outperform their opponents on the day. This is the first time in Humber Hawks history that rugby 7s failed to win their season-opening game and the first time a tie was recorded.
GAME ONE VERSUS ALGONQUIN (T, 14-14)
A strong defensive first half from both sides saw the game stay scoreless until the very last play of the half. With the game clock showing zero seconds, Algonquin managed to rush into the try zone and score. They would also capitalize on their conversion, leaving the Hawks trailing by seven in the second half.
Algonquin came out of halftime hot and scored their second try of the morning on the very first play of the half. Down 14-0 with less than two minutes left in the game, Mara De Melo would finally get Humber on the board after breaking two tackles and storming her way into the try zone. With the seconds ticking to zero, Jada Fowler would find the ball out of the final scrum of the game and blow through Algonquin's defence to tie up the score at 14. This exciting finish saved the Hawks from losing their first game of the 2022 season.
GAME TWO VERSUS FLEMING (L, 26-12)
The Hawks' second game of the day was far less friendly to them. While the team started hot and opened the scoring on a try from Mara De Melo, Humber would concede 12 points to Fleming and trail by seven going into halftime.
Fleming's momentum continued into the second half as they would put 14 more points on the board. A late try from Renee Bowen would not be enough as the Hawks would be defeated 26-12. This was Humber's first-ever loss to Fleming in rugby 7s program history.
GAME THREE VERSUS ST. LAWRENCE (T, 7-7)
The Hawks would manage to hang on for a tie against St. Lawrence in what would be a tightly contested defensive showing from both teams. Jada Fowler would score the first try of the game and Alicia Hayes would prosper on her conversion attempt to put the Hawks up 7-0 after the first half.
St. Lawrence turned the energy of the game in their favour on the very first play of the second half as they would tie up the score in what would be the final scoring play of the game. Although intense offensive pressure from both teams ensued for the remainder of the game, it was defence that flourished for both sides.
What's next?
The Hawks have three more games on Sept. 18 at Humber Valley Field. They will look for their first win of the season as they take on Loyalist at 10 A.M., Seneca at noon, and Durham at 3 P.M. All three games will be streamed live on the Hawks Sports Network.
