Canada complete double over USA

Elissa Alarie scored the game winning try for Canada late in the second half, making for a close and exciting game, while Vancouver-native Andrea Burk was awarded the Shawnigan Lake School ‘Player of the Series’ award.

The USA women came out hard in a game that was significantly different than first game of the series played at Shawnigan Lake School on Tuesday. They clearly learnt from their mistakes by reading Canada’s game plan and continuously put pressure on them defensively.

Canada was able to put USA on their heels for a minute as Kayla Moleschi found some space but after a turnover, USA winger Amanda Street touched down for the game’s first try after beating two Canadian defenders. USA 5 - 0 Canada.

As the rain began to pour down in Langford, dropped balls were a weakness for Canada as the US continued to capitalize on the scrum advantages. USA scored their second try of the match by lock Sharon Blayney when she crashed over the line near the right corner. USA 10 – 0 Canada.

Canada didn’t let up and continued to defend as they spent the last five minutes of the first half defending their end zone. The half finished with USA in the lead at 10-0.

“We expected the USA to come out hard and they did just that. We had to adapt in the second half and give ourselves more space and create more opportunities for ourselves,” said flanker Jacey Murphy.

Murphy had a great game both offensively and defensively, slowing the ball down for Canada allowing her team to re group and create gaps needed for them to run. She shut down the opposition defensively also by taking away space and making a couple big hits putting USA on their heels.

At half time Canada made three substitutions and Ashley MacDonald, Hilary Leith and Tyson Beukeboom were put on the field. After a little enthusiasm from the crowd, Canada found space to run and drew a penalty from the US. Fullback Magali Harvey slotted a penalty from just outside the 22-metre line to put Canada on the board and the score stood 10-3.

Canada kept their intensity level up, and playing as a team they were able to hold the US from scoring a number of times and took advantage of USA’s mistakes. Nearing the 57-minute mark, USA number 8 Kate Daley was issued a yellow card from referee Sherry Trumbull and Harvey added three points off the boot. USA 10 – 6 Canada.

Canada used all of their impact players wisely as Laura Russell, Cindy Nelles, Julia Sugawara, Andrea Burk and Jessica Dovanne all made a significant differences when they made it on to the field, as Canada was able to pick up the pace and gain more ground throughout the second half.

Laura Russell took a brilliant feed to break the USA line and gave Canada the momentum they needed. Following Russell’s run, Elissa Alarie beat two defenders and crashed her way over the line to score the game-winning try. Canada 11 – 10 USA.

Canada continued with their momentum and pushed a maul over half after the re-start giving them an opportunity to break the gain line and gain some ground. They were able to benefit from a US penalty and Burk kicked for points giving Canada a 14-10 lead.

The four-point advantage was all Canada needed as they were victorious by a final score of 14-10.

“There are a lot of things we need to address from today’s performance but overall I was impressed with the team’s ability to come back from behind and win the game,” said Canada Head Coach Francois Ratier.

“I thought the camp at Shawnigan Lake School around the Can-Am series was very productive and we are feeling good leading into our New Zealand tour in June and the World Cup in Paris in August.”

To celebrate Canada’s 100th all-time test match, veteran Barbara Mervin presented Shawnigan Lake School with a jersey at half time to show Rugby Canada’s appreciation for everything they do.

The Eagles will host a Top-50 Camp May 24 to June 1 at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colo.

Following the Top-50 Camp, the Eagles will head to Wales and England for three matches. The tour will run from June 24 to July 7 and feature a match against Wales followed by two against England.

The three matches will be the Eagles’ final preparatory matches before heading to the IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup 2014 in France.

United States

1. Sarah Chobot

2. Katy Augustyn

3. Jamie Burke

4. Stacey Bridges

5. Sharon Blaney

6. Shaina Turley (C)

7. Lynelle Kugler

8. Kate Daley

9. Carrie White

10. Kimber Rozier

11. Erica Cavanaugh

12. Sadie Anderson

13. Emilie Bydwell

14. Amanda Street

15. Meya Bizer

Women's Eagles | Reserves

16. Sarah Wilson (@ 73')

17. Libby Berg (@ 58')

18. Samantha Pankey (@ 58')

19. Amanda Kingzett (@ 68')

20. Mel Denham

21. Jennifer Lui (@ 64')

22. Erin Overcash (@ 73')

23. Jacie Vonada

Tries: Street, Blaney

Conversions: None

Canada

1. Marie-Pier Pinault-Ried

2. Kim Donaldson

3. Olivia DeMerchant

4. Kayla Mack

5. Latoya Blackwood

6. Jacey Murphy

7. Karen Paquin

8. Kelly Russell

9. Stephanie Bernier

10. Kayla Moleschi

11. Elissa Alarie

12. Amanda Thornborough

13. Brittany Benn

14. Arielle Dubissette-Borrice

15. Magali Harvey

Canada | Reserves

16. Laura Russell

17. Hilary Leith (@ 40')

18. Ashley MacDonald (@ 40')

19. Tyson Beukeboom (@ 24')

20. Cindy Nelles (@ 64')

21. Julia Sugawara (@ 71')

22. Andrea Burk (@ 40')

23. Jessica Dovanne (@ 64')

Tries: Alarie

Conversions: None

Penalties: Harvey, Burk (2)