The First Boys and Girls Rugby Teams and the First Girls Soccer team each came away with a silver from weekend play.
First Girls Rugby
The First Girls Rugby fell 31-3 to Country Day School in the Division I Final Friday afternoon at CDS. However, for the first time in three matches this season against Country Day, the score was not an accurate reflection of the game. After giving up a very early try in the first half, the Tigers literally took the game by the throat and thoroughly dominated the eventual champions for the next 25 minutes. Just falling short on two excellent series of rucking phases, Ridley was finally rewarded with a penalty kick by Chelsea Fischer, who was once again, the engine of the Ridley effort. The first half ended 7-3, with CDS fraying as they showed signs of succumbing to the relentless pressure of Tiger tackling, led by the absolutely fearless and tenacious terrier, Morgynne Anthony – undoubtedly Ridley’s player of the match. Mention must also be made of the fine performance by rookie scrumhalf Sophie Ward who stepped in for injured Chibby Osakwe, and the lineout combination of Raquel Galante Zaga, Franziska Streit, Megan Miller and Natalie Aleven, who combined to win a significant majority of lineout chances. Sadly, the half time break did not serve us well, and the opportunistic and lightning quick CDS again capitalized on two mistakes early in the second half, breaking the game open and putting it out of reach. Ridley worked tremendously hard on both sides of the ball for the rest of the match, but could not break through. Again, despite the score, it was, by far, the best team effort and display of skilled rugby of the season, and one that made Ridley supporters proud.
First Boys Rugby
The First Boys Rugby team travelled to Lakefield. The game proved to be a defensive battle as Lakefield lead 3-0 at halftime. As the Tigers worked to find their chances in the second half LCS worked at the break down to disrupt the Ridley attack. And it was LCS that finally broke through with a converted try in the 59th minute that proved to be a cap on the score line for the 10-0 victory. The Tigers fought the entire game and had an incredible season ending with a 7-3-1 record.
First Girls Soccer
In a closely contested CISAA final, Ridley and Villanova battled for the play-off crown. Despite perhaps playing its best game of the season in terms of overall effort and performance, the visitors capitalized on their only clear-cut chance of the first half to score the opening goal that proved to be the eventual winner. It was very much against the run of play as Ridley had started well, creating many good scoring opportunities themselves. Eleeza Cox came close to putting the Tigers ahead after she tormented the visiting defenders on a series of great attacks. Kara Power, Erin O’Rourke, Victoria Dykstra, and Alanna Kit were winning the midfield battles and supplying the forwards with good passes throughout the first half. It was very much an even affair with both sides taking control of possession at regular intervals. The second half was played similarly, with even more clear-cut chances being created by the Tigers. Excellent defending, goalkeeping, and plain bad luck prevented the Tigers from finding the elusive equalizer. As has been the case throughout the season, Emily Van Diepen and her cohort of defenders were outstanding in front of steady goalkeeper Chelsea MacNeil. Although the Tigers were disappointed in losing their first game of the season in CISAA play, they will regroup this week before heading off to Chatham-Kent for the Ontario finals where a re-match against Villanova could very well be on the cards.
Rowing
The women’s senior quad and the men’s senior eight competed in the US Scholastic Championships. The quad finished second in their heat on Friday advancing to the final Saturday, where they finished fourth. The men’s senior eight finished third in their heat in 4:30.88, missing second place by less than a second. They rowed in a repechage to qualify for a place in a semi final today where they finished fourth. Competing in the senior men’s eight petite final, Ridley finished second in 4:39.61.
Tennis
Ridley sent more players than ever to this years OFSAA tournament and they represented us well. Darren Tang bowed out in the quarter finals after some fabulous wins. He saved 3 match points before succumbing to defeat. Julia Meni played 4 matches before she eventually lost in a tiebreaker. She is a tennis machine. Sonia Ngan and Briony Kemp-Griffin left the tournament after 4 matches on the consolation side of the draw. All players gave their best in 41 degree heat and Julia survived an almost major collision with a Canada goose who lost her flight pattern. All players represented the school with class and sportsmanship.
Golf – CISAA Finals
A beautiful day in Barrie and a challenging Tangle Creek golf course were the setting for the golf finals. Brad Burgess battled his way to a very respectable 76 (4th overall), and George Witzel had a second straight 81. Most consistent player (next to Brad) is Blake Mezzarobba who carded an 85 (his highest score this year in tournament play, which is remarkable for a rookie).
The girls faired better as a team, even without the sidelined Victoria Purcell. Mariana Hinestrosa (81) and Olivia Thompson (95) secured a silver medal for Ridley among the eight finalists. Congratulations!