UBC women's rugby came out on top against the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns, defeating them 46–14, on Sunday afternoon in their home opener at the UBC Gerald McGavin Rugby Centre.
Coming off of their first regular season loss in five years last week against the University of Victoria Vikes, the T-Birds came into this game eager for a win.
“We knew we had to play well,” said UBC head coach Dean Murten.
Lethbridge kicked off the first half with strong defensive play. Possession went back and forth until veteran Rachel Smith went on a run and took the lead for the ‘Birds in the 8th minute. Brooklyn Roddham, the rookie fly-half from Langley, made the convert for a 7–0 UBC lead.
Two minutes later, Roddham scored a try herself bringing the lead up 12–0. A third try from second-year hooker Kiki Idowu off of a lineout was promptly answered by Lethbridge’s Zina Umeh, shortening the Thunderbirds’ lead to 17–7 at the half.
Coming into the second half, defence was the priority. UBC held their ground against the Pronghorns, who were scoreless for almost 30 minutes, while keeping their offensive pressure. Third-year wing Tia Jordo, second-year lock Anya Prokopich and second-year scrum-half Sara Tehrani all scored tries, and a convert from Roddham pushed the lead even further with a score of 34–7 by the 65th minute. A few minutes later, the Pronghorns responded with another try. Idowu continued to push through the last moments of the game, scoring her second try in the 73rd minute.
The ‘Birds didn’t let up and in the last minute of the game, centre Delaney Woods took advantage of a Lethbridge pass and intercepted for a try. Roddham kicked the convert and the game was sealed at a final score of 46–14 for the T-Birds.
“I thought I was going to have to go in and make a shot [tackle], they ended up passing the ball and I was in the perfect spot to go pick it up,” Woods said.
Murten was happy with the results, especially based on the roster.
“We had a lot of changes in this game,” he said. “We had a lot of youngsters out there.” He particularly spoke highly of Roddham, who he said plays a "really hard position," and back-row Mya Koleba.
Leading into next week, the ‘Birds will be going back to the basics.
“We have to cut down some of those basic errors ... less penalties and keep the ball a bit longer,” said Murten.
Next up, the Thunderbirds face the University of Alberta Pandas at home on September 22 at 1 p.m.
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