The West Side girls rugby sevens team won their first-ever tournament in Sydney on the weekend, going undefeated and not allowing a point scored against them. Members of the team include, from left: (front) Claire MacPherson, Skylar Shaw, Hannah Ross; (back) coach Kendra MacEachern, Leeann MacEachern, Mairinn Hart, Taylor Pringle, Zoie Cormier, Aurora MacLean, coach Mariah MacLeod.
-by Kendra MacEachern
A new chapter in local sports was written this spring as a group of determined young women helped introduce girls’ rugby to the west side of Cape Breton, proving that hard work, dedication, and teamwork can lead to incredible success.
Representing both Inverness Education Centre Academy and Cape Breton Highlands Academy in grades 10-12 were Leeann MacEachern, Taylor Pringle, Aurora MacLean, Zoie Cormier, Mairinn Hart, and graduates Hannah Ross, Claire MacPherson, and Skylar Shaw.
Together, these athletes embraced a sport that was completely new to many of them and quickly turned curiosity into excellence.
From the very beginning, the players showed an eagerness to learn. Every practice brought countless questions as they worked to understand the game and improve their skills. Their commitment was evident in every drill, every practice, and in-between every match.
The team was fortunate to receive guidance from Mariah MacLeod, who brought valuable experience and knowledge from her rugby career at Carleton University. Her leadership helped the players develop both their understanding of the game and their confidence on the field.
The girls finished the tournament undefeated, defeating every opponent they faced without allowing a single point against them.
Anyone who has played or watched rugby sevens understands how extraordinary that accomplishment is. To go an entire tournament without conceding a try is a testament to the team’s determination, discipline, and defensive strength.
Their season’s hard work was highlighted by capturing the Saltwater Smash tournament championship, earning victories over Sydney Academy, Breton Education Centre, and Glace Bay High School to bring home the trophy.
Beyond the wins and trophies, the team developed its own identity. Their rallying cry, created by the players themselves, became a symbol of their pride and unity: “1, 2, 3, WEST!”
Looking ahead, there is hope that School Sport Nova Scotia will establish a provincial girls’ rugby sevens league next year. The goal is not only to continue growing the sport in western Cape Breton but also to compete with the best teams across the province in the years to come.
Congratulations to all of the players on an unforgettable season. You have made your coaches, your schools, your families, and the entire west side of Cape Breton proud. The future of girls’ rugby in our region is bright because of the foundation you have built.
(Kendra MacEachern is the coach of the West Side girls and teaches at IECA.)