Stettler Wildcats took on Rocky Mountain House at home in an exhibition rugby game on Tuesday, May 31 to beat them convincingly 22-12.
“We beat with Rocky Mountain House in Stettler in an exhibition game and won 22-12 to finish our season,” said coach Josh Elliott. “Rocky did us a huge favour by driving down to us and letting us end our season with a competitive game, it’s a great example of the rugby community helping each other out.”
After the first quarter the score was 12-5 for Rocky, and then Stettler turned the table and were able to break free “once they got some confidence”.
Tries were scored by winger Keyonna Derr, inside-center Kali Stewart, full-back Rachel Deaver, 8-man Emily Brown, and one conversion by standoff Reesa Garez.
“Three Grade 9s were also able to get playing time and this showed how many more good athletes are coming up through the ranks,” added Elliott. “We are very excited for the growth of all our players in the coming years.”
Stettler finished fourth in Central Alberta league play out of eight teams.
“This is a very proud accomplishment for our 20 girls as a first-year program consisting of no Grade 12s,” said Elliott.
Stettler’s Sam Smith and Rachel Deaver have been introduced to and are now a part of the Red Deer Titans U16 Elite team that plays over the summer against Calgary and Edmonton’s all-star team, and also gets to travel to a tournament in California.
“I think it was incredibly brave for the girls to take a chance at the beginning of the season taking on rugby when it has never been done in Stettler, and prove that girls can play an impact sport and excel at it,” added Elliott.