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November 6, 2016 | Rugby (W)

Stingers finish fifth at women's rugby nationals

The Concordia Stingers wrapped up their impressive run at the U Sports women’s rugby championship with a 29-22 win over the McMaster Marauders to win the consolation final this afternoon in Victoria.

"Heart attack kids," said Concordia head coach Graeme McGravie of his team on Sunday. "I thought our players did a great, great job again today of just playing the game that we want them to play and the game that they’re good at. McMaster put up a great fight, but it feels good to win."

The Stingers, who finished fourth at 2015 championship, came out slow, falling behind 7-0 early when McMaster got a try from Safarra Whiteley-Hoffelner and a convert from Steph Black.

But the Stingers replied with a try from Melissa Wood in the 12th minute and didn’t look back.

"Credit Concordia, they defended like crazy and did a really good job on their attack and maintaining possession," said McMaster head coach Shaun Allen. "We were really looking to push the pace of the game probably beyond what we were physically able to do today given the fact that we played three games in four days and I think it led to too many errors."

The Stingers added tries from Alex Tessier and Emilie Belanger before the half. Alex Ste Marie made two of three converts to give Concordia a 19-12 lead after 40 minutes.

In the second half McMaster got on the board first as Abi Moody brought the Marauders within two points at 19-17. That would be as close as they would get for the rest of the game. Concordia’s Jenna Thompson scored a try in the 46th minute. It was converted by Ste Marie who also added a penalty goal in the 60th minute.

"Great result for us," said McGravie. "Iffy start to the season back home - a lot of people injured - but we bounced back and to come fifth at nationals. That’s like a gold medal for these guys so I’m extremely happy."

Three members of the Stingers were named to the national championship all-star team. Tessier, Thompson and Laetitia Royer.

SCORING SUMMARY

  • MAC Try - Safarra Whiteley-Hoffelner (Steph Black convert) - 7-0
  • CON Try - Melissa Wood (Alex Ste Marie convert) - 7-7
  • CON Try - Alex Tessier (convert missed) - 12-7
  • MAC Try - Safarra Whiteley-Hoffelner (convert missed) - 12-12
  • CON Try - Emilie Belanger (Alex Ste. Marie convert) - 19-12
HALF
  • MAC Try - Abi Moody (convert missed) - 19-17
  • CON Try - Jenna Thompson (Alex Ste Marie convert) - 26-17
  • MAC Try - Colleen Irowa (convert missed) - 22-26
  • CON PG - Alex Ste Marie - 29-22

Players of the Game

CON - Laetitia Royer

MAC - Saffara Whitely-Hoffelner