The Western Mustangs Women’s Rugby team started the 2012 OUA regular season off right on Wednesday night, defeating the York Lions 52-22 in Toronto. 

With a short but effective training camp and pre-season exhibition schedule, the Mustangs were able to implement the game structure developed and find the tryline several times against York. 

The Mustangs opened the scoring mid-way through the first half with tries from team co-captain Lori Josephson and rookie Danielle Spice while co-captain Meaghann Buitinga converted on both tries to bring the halftime score to 12-0 for the Mustangs.  

Despite taking a lead in the first half, the Mustangs improved even more in the second half as powerful running and strong linear support, combined with a more disciplined approach to the point of contact opened up the field for the Mustangs. Team Canada 7s athlete, Arielle Dubissette-Borrice found the tryline in the 11th minute of the second half to get Western started in the second half. 

Further tries by returning players Caitlin Gillen and Nat Krieger, Josephson, Mackenzie Fane, and rookie Emma Clarke helped the Mustangs take a convincing lead over the Lions.  Buitinga converted on 5 of the 7 second-half tries. 

"This is a good start to our season,” said Mustangs head coach Natascha Wesch. “The coaching staff is pleased with the result, however we recognize the amount of work that still needs to be done to bring the quality of the on-field product the desired level.”

“Having strong leaders in our captains (Josephson and Buitinga), as well as the maturity and experience of returning player Jenn Russell, provides us with the necessary foundation from which to build a high-calibre product.  An added bonus was having two recruits, Spice and Clarke, score in their opening match.”