St James prevail in Schools Rugby Final

Played under humid conditions, opposite the Botanical Gardens (the game was two halves of 15 minutes), Paul got the first try for St James in the sixth minute when she avoided a couple of challenges to race clear.

And Husbands extended the lead a couple minutes later to put St James 10-0 up midway in the first half.

The energetic Arissa Romany trimmed the lead to 10-5 late in the first half, breaking free in the middle of the field and racing clear to score unchallenged for Bishop Anstey ‘B’.

But Paul ensured that there was no way back for the Bishop ‘B’ squad in the 20th minute, as she found room on the right flank and sped to the goal-line to complete the scoring for St James.

Following the game, Husbands said she was proud of her team’s success. “Overall it was exciting because the team (was) a fairly new team. It was good, being a part of the team that started from scratch because they are all mainly new players,” she said.

Husbands added: “We all grew as a team.

It was great overall, the experience was nice.

Working with them individually, off the field and on the field, was amazing.” Reflecting on the tournament on a whole, she said, “The tournament overall was good, the referees were good, the linesmen, the coaches, interacting with the other teams, it was an overall good experience.” As far as her player/ coach role was concerned, Husbands admitted it was taxing on her to conduct both duties while also focusing on her school work.

“It could be a bit challenging, juggling school and coaching at the same time. But it also helps me to balance my time, with time-management, and it gives me a wider view on life,” she said.

The Lower Six St James Secondary student is looking to continue in the sport for as long as possible.

“I hope to be on the national women’s team soon, but that’s a process,” Husbands said, “I don’t mind taking it up professionally but, after Form Six, I would like to go into Sports Management and hopefully become an ambassador for the sport.”