In a thrilling fifth-place play-off at the Vancouver Sevens tournament, Canada’s women’s sevens team secured a hard-fought 26-19 victory over the Fiji Airways Fijiana Sevens team, clinching fifth place in a pulsating encounter.
From the very first whistle, Canada set the pace. Claire Gallagher electrified the crowd with a lightning-fast try in the opening minute, quickly followed by Charity Williams’ powerful charge in the fifth.
Fijiana responded with a converted try from Atelaite Ralivanawa, who sliced through the defence in the seventh minute.
However, the home side answered immediately, with Carmen Izyk crossing for Canada’s third try in the eighth minute, and Carissa Norsten adding the extras to propel Canada to a commanding 21-7 lead at half-time.
Canada drew first blood in the second half as Carissa Norsten added a five-pointer, extending their lead to 26-7.
Fijiana responded in typical Fijian fashion, scoring two consecutive tries to close the gap.
Mariana Talatoka’s elegant finish in the 11th minute was followed by Adi Vani Buleki’s relentless drive in the 14th. Two precise conversions from Ana Maria Naimasi and Kelerayani Luvu kept the pressure mounting on Canada.
Despite Fiji’s spirited comeback, Canada’s early burst of brilliance proved too strong to overcome. The home side held firm in front of a passionate crowd, sealing a memorable 26-19 victory.
