(FREDERICTON, NB) - The UNB REDS are the 2022 Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) Women’s Rugby champions after beating the Holland College Hurricanes 44-12 on Saturday at UNB’s College Field.
Megan Stewart and Alex Morrell combined for seven tries to lead the REDS to their 7th consecutive ACAA rugby banner.
“It feels great to bring home another banner for the REDS,” said REDS’ veteran flank Taylor McAuley. “We worked hard as a team, and it was definitely an uphill battle for us this season. We had quite a few injuries and setbacks along the way, but we worked hard and were ultimately able to work together to pull out a championship.”
The Hurricanes came out of the gate with a fast start, applying tons pressure on the REDS defence off the opening kick. That fast start paid off when Rachel MacKay found a gap in the UNB defence to open the scoring and give the Hurricanes a 5-0 lead.
“We tend to play however the other team wants to play” said Hurricanes fullback Tori Hogan. “Today, we wanted to set the pace this game and decide how we wanted to play instead of matching up with them.”
UNB responded to Holland College’s quick score, as Stewart found space out wide in Hurricanes territory to run in the try and tie the game 5-5.
Moments later, Morrell helped the REDS grab the lead, bursting through the Hurricanes front row to make the game 10-5 for UNB.
“Our support as a team was great today,” said Morrell. “We were all there for each other. We were slow at first, on the rucks, but we refocused as a team and once we started winning the rucks that’s when it all came together.”
Stewart would then break things open on her most impressive try of the day. From deep in REDS territory, she found space in the ‘Canes’ formation and took off the length of the field to give UNB the 17-5 lead after Kate Bennett converted her first of two kicks on the day.
“Bailey [Andrews], our assistant coach, taught me to run for spaces, not faces,” said Stewart. “She was on my case about it today, but that really helps me see the field better and find my openings.”
There was no quit in The Hurricanes, however, as Hogan would find paydirt for Holland’s second try of the game, closing the gap to 17-12 at the half.
Coming out of the break, the REDS took over, scoring 27 unanswered points to close out the game, securing ACAA banner.
Both Stewart and Morell would add two tries in the second half, while Maddie Matchett added another, late in the match.
“It just took a little adjustment in the beginning,” said Stewart. “Holland came out strong, but we pulled it out in the end. As a team we came together and took some deep breaths and started playing our game like we have been all season.”
McAuley was named Player of the Game for UNB, returning to the REDS this season after a three-year hiatus from rugby, to lead The REDS to another ACAA title.
“It feels like I never left,” said McAuley. “I definitely feel old at times, but it’s nice to be back, wearing red and black, and bringing home another championship for UNB.”
Hogan was named the Player of the Game for the Hurricanes after her stellar performance. The Hurricanes reached the final in the program’s inaugural season.
“I’m really proud of our team,” said Hogan. “A lot of our girls had barely played before, and now we’re in the championship game. It’s crazy to think but it’s such a good feeling to take away from this season, despite the loss.”