Stingers 93, Martlets 0: Concordia claims Kelly-Anne Drummond Cup
Stingers’ women’s rugby earn resounding victory in most important game of the season
Content warning: domestic violence
The annual Kelly-Anne Drummond Cup match was the perfect home-opener celebration for the Stingers’ women’s rugby team. Concordia displayed their potential for the packed crowd in the stands to see as they bested the McGill University Martlets by a staggering score of 93-0.
The game itself brings the rugby community together by honouring the memory of former Stingers’ women’s rugby player Kelly-Anne Drummond who was tragically killed in an act of domestic violence by her boyfriend on Oct. 4, 2004. Drummond played for the Stingers from 1999-2002.
“The rugby community is very aware of [the game’s importance]. It’s the most important game of the year for us,” said Stingers’ interim head coach Craig Beemer. “Doreen [Haddad], Kelly-Anne’s mom, was here again to speak to us prior to the match. As a coach, there’s nothing to be said […] I’m super happy with our performance.”
The Stingers got off to a hot start, scoring three tries within the first fifteen minutes of action. The team found success in creating breaks through the Martlets’ defensive line, utilizing savvy passing to make their way downfield fast. The sole nuisance was the early conversion struggles off the foot of captain and fly-half Mahalia Robinson. Regardless, Concordia led 15-0.
“Just keep going, even if you miss,” Robinson said when asked about her adjustment in mentality.
Robinson’s encouragement paid off, as she converted her next three attempts following tries from forwards Kinsey Adly El Tanani, Steve Kaladjian and inside centre Leanne Duncan. By the 32nd minute, the Stingers led 41-0.
“We went in [to the game] with a plan. We played a preseason game and came in with work-ons from that,” said Stingers’ scrumhalf Meaghan Comeau post-game. “We worked really hard to execute it, both at the starting lineup and when our impact players came on. We worked hard to keep our structure and keep our moment going.”
By halftime, the Stingers tallied an additional 12 points to their total, holding a commanding 53-0 advantage.
I’m proud to be a Stinger right now, I’m proud to be playing rugby. It’s possibly my last Kelly-Anne [Cup] as a Stinger. To be able to go off on a win like that surrounded by people I haven’t seen in a while, it’s like the family is home. — Mahalia Robinson
Concordia picked up where they left off in the second half. Madeleine McTavish started off the scoring, not to be outdone by teammates winger Emma Marshall, hooker Anicha Anli, left lock Joliane Dufresne-Roberts and Duncan once again. Headed into the game’s final moments, the Stingers held on to an 88-0 lead.
A final try scored by El Tanani sealed a 93-0 victory, and the Stingers’ celebration began. Alumni who gathered to watch the game took to the field in mass. Pictures were shot, hugs were exchanged, and Robinson hoisted the Kelly-Anne Drummond Cup surrounded by a sea of her fellow Stingers.
“I’m proud to be a Stinger right now, I’m proud to be playing rugby,” said Robinson. “It’s possibly my last Kelly-Anne [Cup] as a Stinger. To be able to go off on a win like that surrounded by people I haven’t seen in a while, it’s like the family is home.”
The Stingers look to keep the good times rolling as they head to Sherbrooke to take on the Bishop’s University Gaiters on Sunday, Sept. 10. Opening kick-off is set for 1 p.m.
