It was a day of mixed feelings for Canada's women's sevens team at the Rugby World Cup in Dubai.
On the women's side it was day one of the event, with Canada finishing 2-1, stumbling against Spain 12-0 before romping to wins over Thailand 52-7 and Brazil 38-0. Spain was undefeated - and got the easier draw against South Africa in the Cup round - while Canada must play against the New Zealand Black Ferns.
Victoria resident DTH van der Merwe showed he is back in nearly top form - scoring three tries against Japan with four in the tournament over all, while Lethbridge, Alberta's Ashley Patzer was on fire scoring three tries and four conversions in the match against Brazil and leads the tournament with 32 total points.
"It was amazing," said Canada's women's Captain Maria Gallo said at the end of the day. "It was totally what we wanted to do and show the fans what we can do. We think we got lucky with the draw in the pool, so we want to come out strong and obviously make it to the quarter finals and proceed from there."
Canada Women's Sevens
Spain 12 Canada 0
Canada 52 Thailand 7
Brazil 0 Canada 38
Canada U20 Men 10 Wellington Development 81
Women's Cup Quarter Finals
France v USA
New Zealand vs Canada
Spain vs South Africa
England vs Australia
