Chemong, Edmison Heights win rugby gold
The Chemong Public School girls flag rugby team finally reached the summit this year.
After finishing fourth in 2016 and second in 2017, Chemong defeated Roger Neilson Public School 8-5 in the Kawartha Pine Ridge Elementary Athletic Association North Junior final Wednesday afternoon at Beavermead Park.
Teamwork honed through practice was a big part of Chemong’s success. Coach Daniel Guest said the girls volunteered to practice twice daily.
“We do skills in the morning and then they scrimmage in the afternoon,” Guest said. “They’ve been really dedicated in how they played and worked really hard.”
Chemong posted a 5-0 record on their way to victory.
Chemong captain Brynn Millitz said Guest was a big factor in their success.
“I’m really thankful for my coach because he’s a good guy,” Millitz said. “I’ve learned a lot of new skills in rugby and a lot of the rules.”
Communication is a big part of teamwork, said Sierra Charron.
“Just talking to teammates to just keep passing,” Charron said.
“I’ve seen a steady progression in their ball movement and how they work together,” Guest said.
He had 30 players come out for teams so they could practice a lot among themselves.
“We could do an intermural and have some games that way. It was good experience for them,” he said.
Edmison Heights won the girls bronze medal defeating Westmount 11-2.
In boys’ action, Edmison Heights captured the gold medal beating Westmount 9-7 in the final. They also posted a 5-0 record on the day.
“We have a lot of great athletes this year who played for me last year as well,” said Edmison Heights coach Tony Benn. “Great runners with good moves and they are super competitors.”
“It’s pretty special because normally Westmount beats us in the final like they did last year,” said Edmison Heights player Travis Maxwell. “It’s good to get revenge on them.”
Maxwell said “teamwork and speed” were the keys to their success.
In the boys bronze medal match, James Strath defeated Chemong 5-3.
The KPREAA North Intermediate (Grades 7-8) tournament will be held Thursday also at Beavermead Park. Games begin at 9:15 a.m. with the finals around 2:15 p.m.
The top teams advance to the KPREAA board-wide championships on Nov. 1 at the Fleming Sports Complex on Brealey Drive.