REDS and Tommies Clash In Cronin Memorial Game

(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS and St. Thomas Tommies women's rugby teams clashed in the Mary Cronin Memorial Game on Thursday night at UNB's College Field.

"It's a huge honour to play for [Mary]," said REDS' veteran and Mary's cousin Rachel Cronin. "It was great playing with her. I miss her every day, but I'm really proud of the team and for taking the time to honour her."

"She's actually the one who got me into playing for this team back in my first year of university," added Cronin.

Rachel's sister Darcey was also in the starting lineup and scored four tries to lead her team to a 67-10 win.

In a remarkable show of sportsmanship, five REDS donned STU's green and gold jerseys so the match could go on, even though the understaffed Tommies had already forfeited the game by Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association rules.

"[UNB] loaned us some players in the spirit of the game," said Tommies' head coach Gabriel Kim.

"I can't even begin to express how thankful I am," said Cronin.

This game meant more than a tally in the standings. Red, black, green, and gold were set aside to honour Cronin.

REDS' head coach Bailey Andrews, who played rugby with Cronin, explained the game ball for the match had a special tie to the late Cronin.

"The ball is actually from our championship, and it's signed by all the members of the team, including Mary," she said.

Cronin and the REDS won the ACAA woman's rugby championship in 2019-20. Before that, she played soccer for the Tommies and was an accomplished keeper.

After the game, both teams turned to the fans and applauded, before posing for pictures together.

The REDS next action comes Sunday, October 20, at College Field, where they'll have a chance to complete an undefeated regular season.

UNB, having already clinched first-place in the ACAA standings, will host Mount Allison in a 2:00pm start.

RECAP BY: Peter Jewett/for UNB Athletics

PHOTOS BY: Lauren Tidd/for UNB Athletics