Panthers to host AUS semifinal following 86-0 win over Saint Mary’s

The UPEI Panthers secured homefield advantage for next week's AUS rugby semifinal against the St. FX X-Women thanks to an 86-0 win over the Saint Mary's Huskies Saturday afternoon in Charlottetown, PEI.

The Panthers scored 14 trys on the afternoon with Brinten Comeau, Charlotte Branchflower and Jorja Cook scoring a pair each.

They were relentless in their attack from the start and it showed in the opening minutes as Emily McKenna spun a ball to her right to Emma MacLean who fought off a few defenders for the try from five metres out.

UPEI came right back in the seventh minute when Branchflower took a pass and burst through the right side for a 40-yard run and a 14-0 lead.

In just her second start of her AUS career, Cook put together another strong performance, as she scored the next two tries to make it 28-0.

On the ensuing possession, the Panthers willed their two another try as the pack pushed Comeau across the try line where she touched down.

Annika Wadlegger and Mia Fradsham added two more tries before halftime, where UPEI led 45-0.

UPEI showed off their physicality on the next three trys, as they consistently drove hard from five metres out and pushed around the Huskies' defence. After 55 minutes of play, the lead grew to 62-0 thanks to Frances MacWilliam, who scored first in the second half, followed by Olivia McLeod—who recorded her first try of the season—and Comeau.

Rookie Lauren Bull recorded her second try in as many games, as the speedy wing attacked the left side and sprinted 45 yards for the score.

Hannah Bertrand added her first try of the season on a hard-fought run in the 66th minute. And Sophie Carragher finished off the scoring with another try late in the game to give the Panthers the 86-0 win.

The Panthers will take on the visiting St. FX X-Women in next Thursday's semifinal.

Recap by Thomas Becker / UPEI Panthers Athletics
Photos by Mike Needham / UPEI Panthers Athletics