Van Nordheim on the break /// Photo: Ernest Cardwell •
James River and Norfolk Storm were looking for their first win of the DII Mid-Atlantic season when they squared up yesterday. But it was James River that improved to 1-1 after a 29-10 victory over Norfolk (0-2).
James River adjusted its offensive strategies, moving the ball through the hands instead of kicking away possession, and it paid off. The team spread the field, secured their rucks and maintained good ball control, and the pay-off was significant time spent in Norfolk’s end. Captain and lock Rian Van Nordheim put in a massive performance, using her ball-running skills to set up several tries from the backs.
Some ball-handling errors marked the early part of the game, but the captain righted her team with a powerful run that helped set up Sarah McElroy for the first try from the 22 meter. Wing Ruby Mothershed, in her second game of rugby, converted in front of the posts, 7-0. After a bout with penalties, McElroy and Mothershed teamed up for another seven points for the 14-0 lead into halftime.
James River retained momentum, and once again Nordheim’s carries put her team into scoring position. Inside center Peyton Larus scored the team’s third try, and then replacement wing Zaire Canty finished a 50-meter spring in the try zone, 24-0.
A few injuries forced James River to make some adjustments in the pack. Meanwhile Norfolk began to take advantage of playing downhill and sent fullback Megan Gilmore into the corner, 24-5. The Storm surged from this moment on, and outside center Kendall Vaughn nearly took a turnover in for a long-range try. The break ended in a tackle and knock-on, but she was a redeemed with a try from a 20-meter penalty play, 24-10.
But James River had the final say, as Canty scored her second try of the match, 29-10 the final.
“It was a very hard game,” said James River head coach Margie Baker. “The ladies played extremely well. There was good ball movement throughout the game.”
“Today we play a lot of defense,” said Norfolk head coach Brian Dryer. “James River kept their ball really well.”
“It was a very strong win,” said James River assistant coach Stephiejo Edwards. “We had five rookies on the field so they played amazing.”
Both teams are in action next weekend, as James River travels to Brandywine, while Norfolk hosts Severn River.
James River 29
Tries: McElroy 2, Larus, Canty 2
Cons: Mothershed 2
Norfolk 10
Tries: Gilmore, Vaughn
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