Red Devil rugby girls score ‘victory’ through defeat at Glendale

Red Devil Semara Murray (right) gets low for a tackle, with support including WCI teammates Adelle Pepper, Presley LaFleur and Emily Dix. (Jeff Tribe photo)

Jeff Tribe, Echo Correspondent

‘Victory’ can be described as narrowly or broadly as one chooses.

The classic definition would be having a bigger number on the scoreboard than the other individual or team at the conclusion of play.

By that standard, the Woodstock CI Red Devils girls’ rugby side suffered a 32-5 Thames Valley Regional Athletics (TVRA) Veronica Harrigan Division defeat to the homefield Glendale Gemini Tuesday, May 5, in Tillsonburg.

Alternatively, a full-time effort, culminating in Georgia Kudzia gutting WCI’s try home on the game’s final play, told the story of resilience and determination.

“Glendale gave us a great game,” said Red Devils coach Candice Folkema. “They didn’t let up, and that challenged our team to come together even more.”

A young, outnumbered team, with four substitutes compared to 18 for the Gemini, continuing to hold their collective heads high and give 100 per cent regardless of that final score.

Kudzia expressed pride in ‘being the same,’ putting the effort out regardless of the official outcome.

“We don’t give up on each other, we’re a team,” said Red Devil Semara Murray.

The bare numbers don’t tell the whole story. By its nature, rugby is a physical game, demanding as well as built on free-flowing contact. The Red Devils had ample opportunity to wear down both mentally and physically as the score mounted.

But led by Folkema, her own vocal intensity palpable as she followed play up and down the sidelines, the Red Devils continued to mirror the old adage about the ‘size of the fight in the dog being more important than the size of the dog in the fight.’

“We always try and show up as much as we can,” said Presley LaFleur. “She puts in a lot of time with our team and is very passionate.

“A lotta lotta time,” echoed Leona McMahon. “She cares deeply about our team.”

Folkema describes herself as being ‘in awe’ of this year’s Red Devils rugby side.

“The community and family they have built is incredible to watch.”

The team is smaller in numbers, a deficit made up for in heart and determination, continued Folkema.

“That’s what coaching girls' rugby is about. It’s young women lifting each other up, no matter what.

“This year’s team of girls has figured that out."