Pandas rugby fail to four-peat, finish fourth

For the first time in four years, the Pandas rugby team will not advance to the CIS National Championships. The three-time defending Canada West champions lost their semifinal game against the Victoria Vikes 26-20, and then also lost in the bronze medal game, 15-12 to the Calgary Dinos last weekend at Ellerslie Rugby Park.

The semi-final game against the Vikes proved to be an unforeseen challenge on Friday. The Vikes led throughout the game, boasting a superior offense and a quick, agile backline throughout both halves. The Pandas came tantalizingly close to taking the lead, firing back during the second half and scoring back to back tries before the game winning score was erased by officials due to a knock on that occurred earlier in the play. The Vikes would run out the clock, and hold on to win the game, and advance to the final.

Chanelle Edwards-Challenger was the focal point for the Vikes on offence, scoring three tries, while Gabrielle Senft added one of her own. For the Pandas, Julia Goss scored two tries, while Haley Khatib added one as well.

“I always say it’s easier to play defensive under pressure, rather than playing a good offense. So, even though we were only one score down at half, I know we were in a bit of trouble,” said head coach, Matthew Parrish. “Its tough when you’re playing what I call ‘chase ball’; you’re basically relying on the other team to make a mistake.”

The Pandas faced the Calgary Dinos, who had been upset themselves in their semifinal by the Lethbridge Pronghorns, in the bronze medal game on Sunday. It was another close game that ended in disappointment, knocking the Pandas down to fourth place, with a 0-2 record in the championships. The Dinos rode a strong first half to the victory, as they outscored the Pandas 12-0 in the first half. Even though the Pandas were able to mount a charge in the second half, with tries from Ali Wicklum and Amy Speers, they were unable to close the gap, and the Dinos held on for the win.

It was a surprising turn of events for the four teams, with the third and fourth ranked teams (the Vikes and the Pronghorns, respectively) battling in the gold medal game, with the Vikes rolling to a 50-17 win in the final, winning their first ever Canada West championship in women’s rugby.

Although a disappointing loss for the Pandas, Parrish ultimately remained optimistic and grateful for the girls hard work.

“I told them that I was very proud of them for almost getting ahead with five minutes to go in the second half,” Parrish said.

“I have to hand it to Victoria, they are a good team. They came in to play early on, and hung on.”

“I don’t know anywhere else where you’d have the fourth team beating the first time, and the third team beating the second,” reflected Parrish.

“You just wouldn’t get that. I think it’s good for our conference; it’ll happen.”