Tiera Thomas-Reynolds struck gold as a member of Ontario’s under-23 women’s rugby team at the recent national championships in Scarborough, Ont., July 2 to 4.
An international studies student at York University and a third-year player on the Lions women’s rugby team, Thomas-Reynolds started every game on the wing for the under-23 Ontario squad and scored five tries to help capture the gold medal.
Left: Tiera Thomas-Reynolds in action for the York Lions
The under-23 team faced little adversity en route to the title. Its closest result was a 16-5 victory over Nova Scotia in the first contest of the round robin. Ontario then went on to defeat Saskatchewan 38-0 in a second round robin game before posting a 79-0 thrashing of Alberta in the final.
Two former Lions were also in action this past weekend at the senior women’s national championships. Fullback Cheryl Phillips (BA Hons. ’07) and wing Natalie Tam both started every game for Team Ontario.
The squad advanced to the championship game with a convincing 43-0 win over Quebec in the semis. In the final, Phillips went six-for-six on kicks to score 17 of Ontario’s 22 points, but the squad had to settle for silver after falling to British Columbia by a 34-22 score.
York Lions head coach Joe Costello and assistant coach Bob Periard were both assistant coaches with Ontario’s senior women’s team at the event.
Two other Lions are still in preparation for their respective national championships. Incoming recruit Fedelia Omoghan will compete at the under-17 tournament for the Ontario team while second-year player Chelsea Maguire will suit up for Team Nova Scotia at the under-19 championships.
The Lions will return to the field for training camp in August and will begin play for the 2010 season on Saturday, Sept. 11, at 1pm on the road against the University of Toronto Varsity Blues. Their first home game is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 1, against the McMaster University Marauders.