The Olds High School Spartans girls rugby team was unable to overcome a slow start on May 22 and was ultimately defeated 30-17 at the hands of the Lacombe Composite High School Rams in Lacombe.
The Spartans record sat at 1-3 in Central Alberta High School Rugby League play following the loss.
“We just gave up too many points off the start and (were) trying to play catch- up. Time ended up being our enemy, not necessarily the opposition,” said George Grant, the team's coach.
Grant said the Spartans came up against a tougher opponent in the Rams than was thought.
“They were a little more aggressive than what we were anticipating. We kind of thought we were better prepared going in, and it was apparent that we weren't quite ready to take on the physicality that Lacombe brought to the game,” he said.
Grant said the Spartans have not had a full roster coming out to practices as of late, and that has cost the team in terms of their preparation to play.
The team was to have a busy week this week, with a game on May 27 against Oilfields High School of Black Diamond in Calgary. If the Spartans won that match, they were to play Highwood High School in Calgary about one hour later to determine whether they qualified for the South Central zone playoffs, beginning on June 6. They are also scheduled to play Lindsay Thurber High School and West Central High School of Rocky Mountain House on May 29 and 30 in regular league games.
“We've got the bodies that can win. We just need everybody to come together and just work on the same plays at the same time,” Grant said.
The team has beaten Hunting Hills High School while suffering defeats to Notre Dame High School and Rimbey Junior Senior High School thus far this season.
