The Toronto Valkyrie showcased a significant improvement in their second outing of the Ontario Women’s Rugby League Festival, delivering a commanding 26-4 victory over the Ottawa Tigers in Oakville on Saturday. This win marks a strong rebound for the Valkyrie after their opening-round defeat to the Waterloo Wyverns and sets up a crucial final day of competition.
Looking significantly more cohesive and disciplined than in their first match, the Valkyrie controlled the game from the outset. Co-captains Sara Canini and Tash Naismith were instrumental in their team’s performance, both through their leadership and their contributions to the scoring.
Fullback Sara Canini proved a constant threat, crossing the try line twice. Centre Geneveive Premesse also bagged a brace of tries, further bolstering the Valkyrie’s scoreline. Zoey Siciliano added the final try for Toronto, while Tash Naismith’s accurate boot secured three successful conversions.
Despite the scoreline, the Ottawa Tigers had a moment to celebrate as winger Lauren Laubach crossed for their only try. This significant score marked the first time an Ottawa player has registered points in a Rugby League match since 2012, a testament to their perseverance.
With the Valkyrie’s victory, the inaugural Ontario Women’s title will be decided in Sunday’s match between the Waterloo Wyverns and the Ottawa Tigers, which will be played in Brampton. The scenarios are as follows:
- Waterloo Wyverns win or lose by 18 points or less: Waterloo claims the title.
- Ottawa Tigers win by 19 to 24 points: Toronto Valkyrie claims the title.
- Ottawa Tigers win by 25 points or more: Ottawa Tigers claims the title.
TORONTO VALKYRIE 26 (Tries: Sara Canini 2, Geneveive Premesse 2, Zoey Siciliano; Goals: Tash Naismith 3) defeated. OTTAWA TIGERS (Tries: Lauren Laubach)
