Stampeders head to OFSAA girls rugby

 Logan Snyder scored and kicked a convert as Parkside defeated Stratford District,

 17-12, in the WOSSAA triple-A final, earning a berth at the provincial event

   May 21, 2022

Parkside Stampeders, WOSSAA triple-A girls rugby champions, advance to OFSAA, May 30-June 1, in Kitchener. (photo / Briar McCaw)

By Rob J. Ross 

ST. THOMAS - It's OFSAA bound for the Parkside Stampeders' girls rugby team.

Heidi Andrews, Logan Snyder and Hannah Armstrong scored, and Snyder had a two-point convert, as Parkside defeated Stratford District, 17-12, in the WOSSAA triple-A girls' final, Thursday, at Stratford District Secondary school.

OFSAA, the high school provincial championships, is May 30-June 1, in Kitchener.

"Our teamwork and communication really stood out at WOSSAA,", said Parkside co-captain Kira Buck. "For a lot of these girls this is their first year playing a game with so many different aspects and at such a fast pace. We really worked together to win WOSSAA and we couldn't have done it without every girl being there and putting in the work to helpeach other out."

The Stampeders made the school's debut at OFSAA rugby in 2019, going 1-2 at the tournament.

Buck, along with Logan Snyder, Alexis Coombs and Star Robinson, and Julie Boyko, now a coach, was with the team three years ago.

"I'm so proud of all the work that our girls have put into learning the sport and the effort we've put into our practices," said Buck. "It's amazing to be headed to OFSAA with Parkside rugby again, and for me personally to end off my senior year and last year of athletics with Parkside and with the new team we've built from the ground up again."

Buck has been to OFSAA for both rugby and wrestling and will be sharing what she learned during those experiences.

"The best advice I have for the girls is to just take in as much of it as you can," Buck said. "Watch other games, meet other teams, and enjoy yourself while you're there. It can be an overwhelming time, but you can learn so much just by being there."

At OFSAA, the games are scheduled for Bluevale C.I. and Eastwood C.I. Follow on Instagram at @ofsaagirlsrugby or the OFSAA girls AAA rugby YouTube channel.