The Concordia Stingers open the 2008 women’s rugby season by hosting the McGill Martlets in the fourth annual Kelly-Anne Drummond Cup on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Concordia Stadium.
The game is symbolic of women's university rugby supremacy in Montreal and pays tribute to Kelly-Anne Drummond, a former Stinger who died tragically on Oct. 4, 2004. Her boyfriend was found guilty of stabbing her to death in April 2006.
This weekend the Stingers will celebrate Drummond’s spirit and love of rugby. She was a member of the Concordia women's rugby team from 1999 through 2001. A front row player, she was respected by her teammates for her commitment to the game and her work ethic. She also charmed her many friends with her inquisitiveness and fun-loving approach to life. She graduated from Concordia University with a major in Communications in 2002.
After the game Doreen Haddad, Kelly-Anne’s mother, will present the trophy that bears her daughter's name to the captains of the winning team.
There is no charge to attend the game which is part of the Quebec league schedule for the first time. Previously it was played as an exhibition game.
Donations of cash, clothes and toys for the Chez Doris would be appreciated. Chez Doris is a day shelter for women in difficulty. It provides social services, educational and practical help in a safe and welcoming environment.
McGill and Concordia, the defending 2007 Quebec university champions, met three times last season. The Martlets won the Kelly-Anne Drummond Cup by a score of 20-5 on Sept. 26. The teams played to a 0-0 tie on Oct. 11. The Stingers turned the tide in the Quebec conference semifinals, defeating McGill 10-0 to advance to the championship game.
The Martlets hold the advantage in Kelly-Anne Drummond Cup meetings, having won all three contests. (McGill won 41-3 in 2005 and 15-0 in 2006).
