The Cowichan Women’s Football League’s 40th season kicked off on Sunday, March 24 at McAdam Park. This year there are seven teams including the Crew, Ravens, Storm, Cougars, Wild, Ruckers and Law.
“Starting in 1984 with only four teams and about 28 women, who knew it would grow to the following it has today?” said organizer Chris Mann.
In Week 1 morning action the Law met the Ruckers and both teams had full 14-player rosters. The Ruckers had several rookies, however and the Law’s experience shone.
“The game was wide open with big passing plays and some rugby-style excitement,” Mann said. The Law won 28-7.
In the other morning game, the Crew maintained their dominance with a full field of veterans when they faced a new-look Wild, that featured two sets of mothers and their daughters: Rhi and Bella Kemmler and Ginette and Pipper Bilina.
“The Wild have been busy recruiting, bringing several rookies that complement their mothers’ play,” Mann noted.
When the dust settled the Crew had amassed 52 points while the Wild was unable to score.
The final game of the day pitted mother and daughter duo Dana Thorne and Jaeda Douglas and the Ravens against the Storm.
Both teams had short benches with the Storm declaring it a rebuilding year with only five returning players and five rookies.
“The game was as exciting and intense as every game was on Sunday with big plays on both sides of the ball,” Mann said.
It came down to the final minutes of the game with the Ravens holding on for the 19-12 win.
Week 2 will feature the Victoria Cougars playing their first game in the Cowichan Women’s Football League.