Page 27 - QARANC Vol 18 No 1 2020

After 18 months of planning and meetings with the sports touring company, the AMS (W) rugby team deployed to Toronto, Canada to carry out the long-awaited tour, Exercise Canadian Medic II.
Prior to the flight, the squad of 29, including coaches, kit managers and players, met in Aldershot for some pre- tour training, a chance for everyone to get to know each other and do some team runs prior to the games. We were given a great opportunity to train within the Army Rugby Stadium in Aldershot with the Army Rugby Union rugby development officer and the Army (W) rugby head coach.
On arrival in Canada, the team went straight into several training days prior to the first game, where we played against the Toronto Saracens. Unfortunately, the game had to be cut short just after the second half due to an injury, however it gave the team a chance to highlight areas for improvement and a game plan of how we would move forward into the next games. Corporal Victoria Gilmartin QARANC was named player of the match and was presented with a club t-shirt. The following day, we had an active recovery session in the swimming pool to recuperate prior to a team debrief.
On completion of the training session, some of the afternoons were spent sight-seeing in Toronto and enjoying the surrounding areas. Many of the team did events such as paddle boarding, axe throwing and visiting the famous CN tower. This was a great opportunity for the team to bond and get to know each other more.
Kingston Panthers were the second team to host the squad at their local training ground on their annual club day. A very close game, the AMS (W)
squad came away with a win of 40 – 28, Lance Corporal Ria Hendrickson RAMC was nominated player of the match from the Panthers. The following day, our Director, AMS Corps Sergeant Major Lee Richens QARANC led an active recovery session in the pool which concluded in some free time to go and enjoy more of Toronto. Later that evening we thoroughly enjoyed a team social event which was held at a local country and western venue where the team enjoyed a three course meal, line dancing lessons and bull riding. Corporal Thornton QARANC took the top women’s prize for the bull riding, by beating the machine and the locals, to still be in the saddle at the 30 second buzzer!
After more training days, the final game was played against the Toronto Nomads; a very tough game, the Nomads came away with a significant win of 48 – 5. We later discovered that this was their senior squad and they were in the finals for the provincial championship the weekend after. We were scheduled to play their developmental squad, and even though we took a loss, we held our heads up high as the score should have been more in their favour. It showed us how close our team had become and that the training had brought us on in
leaps and bounds and we weren’t the team to be walked over.
Our time in Toronto was concluded with a stunning three course dinner cruise on Lake Ontario, before making the final leg of our journey to Niagara, Ontario. Here we spent three days of sight-seeing, taking in the stunning view of Niagara Falls and its surrounding area.
On the final evening, the squad came together for presentations and a farewell meal. We said goodbye to the AMS (W) Director of Rugby, AMS Corps SM Lee Richens, and the Head Coach, Sergeant Colin Lowe, who will be greatly missed, and we are forever grateful for their commitment to the team. Corporal Lindsey Aire RAMC received full sporting colours for her commitment to rugby union, and Sergeant Hannah Robertson QARANC received half sporting colours. Overall, a very successful trip for the team.
The AMS (W) Rugby team is always keen for new or experienced players to join the squad. If you are interested please email hannah.robertson101@ mod.gov.uk for further information.
Sergeant Hannah Robertson
The Gazette QARANC Association 25
AMS (Women’s) Rugby Tour to Canada – Exercise Canadian Medic II