TOP 5 MOMENTS FROM DAY ONE
A memorable day one is in the books! A day that was filled with exciting games, high scores, and a whole lot of sunshine. As players, volunteers, and fans rest up for day two, we look back at five epic moments from the first day of action at the HSBC Canada Women’s Sevens:
5 - Netherlands Scores Their First Try at Canada Sevens
The Netherlands was the invitational side added to the 11 core teams for the HSBC Canada Women’s Sevens. It was the team’s first time they have played in Langford and they instantly won the crowd’s heart. Only a few minutes into their first match against New Zealand, Erin Arends mustered her way over the try line and received uproarious applause from the fans. The pushed the Series Leaders to the brink, but ended up falling 17-10. It was overall a valiant and inspiring effort.
4 - IRELAND NEVER GIVES UP
With 4 minutes remaining in their match against Fiji, Ireland trailed 14-0. Now some teams may count themselves out, but this Irish squad came storming back. Led by Amee Leigh Murphy Crowe, the Irish scored three tries in quick succession to secure the comeback win. With the points, they move on to the Cup Quarterfinals.
3 - BLYDE FOR FIVE
New Zealand’s Michaela Blyde had a performance for the ages at the HSBC Canada Women’s Sevens. Coming into the tournament Blyde was leading the 2016-17 Series with 24 tries. She did not show any signs of slowing down when taking the field in Langford. She had a total of six tries on day one. The most impressive stat is that five of those came in one game. Michaela Blyde enters elite company by becoming only the third women in history to record five in a game. Kudos to the young star.
2 - Ashley Steacy Gets Honoured
Canada’s Ashley Steacy has had an outstanding and decorated career in a maple leaf jersey. She put her heart and soul into rugby for ten years, but has decided to make this HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series her last. In honour of the amazing things she has accomplished over her career her friends, family, teammates and coaches gathered at centre pitch for a touching tribute to the star player. After a few moving moments, Steacy left the audience with these words: “To all the little girls out there, follow your dreams & you can do anything you want.”
1 - Strong and steady Canada reamains perfect
The crown jewel of the day was having the home side, Team Canada, sweep through their pool to finish a perfect 3-0. The Canadians came out strong, looking focused and on top of their game. Standout performances from Bianca Farella and Charity Williams, along with stellar teamwork from all twelve girls, helped them comfortable handle Brazil, France, and Russia to move into the Cup Quarterfinals. The excitement from the grand stands couldn’t be missed. “There’s a lot of energy going on,” Williams said about the buzz of the home crowd. Canada will return to action in the first match of day two: 10:30am against England.
