Despite a second half push by the Olds High School girls rugby team, the Spartans couldn't overcome a slow start against the Rimbey High School Spartans and were defeated 32-15 during the team's home opener Wednesday.
It was Olds High's second game in Central Alberta High School Rugby League action this season.
“It was a very slow start for us. We gave up way too much ground,” said Spartans coach George Grant following the game.
Grant said there were a number of missed opportunities that the home side could have taken advantage of, but because of inexperience the girls were unable to capitalize on them.
“This was a game that we could have and probably should have won, but when you have a slow start and give up three tries early in the first half, that's a pretty big hole to dig yourself out of – and we did – we got ourselves tied, but then we just ran out of momentum,” he said, noting RHS stayed patient and capitalized on opportunities that presented themselves.
Rimbey scored three tries in the first half before Olds stormed back early in the second half, eventually tying the game at 15-15. Rimbey then pulled away, shutting down the Olds attack for the remainder of the game.
Grant said he will be reviewing the game film with players and showing them opportunities they could have capitalized on.
“We're a young team, so I know that a lot of the girls, their perception of what they're doing and what they're actually doing is two different things so I think once they get a chance to see it on film and we can break down the film and show them … the opportunities that were missed,” he said.
Grant said once the players realize where the opportunities were, they will be better able to recognize those opportunities in future games.
“The growth of the team will definitely step up at that time,” he said.
The team's next game is against the Lacombe Composite High School Rams on Wednesday at the soccer pitch behind the Community Learning Campus.
"This was a game that we could have and probably should have won, but when you have a slow start and give up three tries early in the first half, that's a pretty big hole to dig yourself out of ."George Grant, coach, OHS girls rugby team
