CW 'snows' UVic

What would be the odds of snow in Victoria on April 19th??  For CW fans, probably much the same as the Premier team being in the Final Four—at least that was the case in February!  Match day program saw two old warriors greeting fans to Windsor in what promised to be an interesting tussle.  For the home fans...are the boys the real deal?  Early play saw both teams to-ing and fro-ing, testing each other with physical defense, pace in attack and playing on the edge, so as to deny any advantage.  The Vikes, with a wind advantage, tested the back three but Hearn and Buckley rose to the challenge.  Penalties ensued as a result of the teams limiting chances to a minimum, CW paying the ultimate price with a yellow card to Daum.

Meechan and Moonlight for the students, showed early and UVic was rebutted at the 3m line. They maintained the pressure and were rewarded with a penalty, duly converted by Huriyama, late in the half.  CW's defense and patience held and despite near chances for the students, the score line remained unaltered and one had the sense that the home team had been patiently bidding their time, checking what UVic had to offer and selecting a strike weapon.  Perhaps there was a treat in store for starved home supporters and the many juniors present??

The second half produced 24 points in what could be fairly described as Cup Playoff rugby.  To the credit of a slightly depleted UVic squad, the scoreline was kept breathtakingly close.  Play started in a sprightly fashion when both Moonlight and Huriyama were caught in possession and a blocked clearing kick by 'Duey' Smith resulted in huge pressure.  Inoke and Goodland individually, and the pack collectively, maintained the pressure. A tighthead scrum win by the hosts at the eight min. mark, saw Daum claw the ball at the ruck and crash over for a well-earned tally.

CW tightened the screws, with O'Toole testing the defense and Goodland using football brains to "boot the ball to buggery" and the tight five working like tyrants.  A physically controlled ruck saw quick ball to Hearn who filled from the blind, displayed a great turn of pace and  flicked the pass inside on a delay to Daypuck who crossed under the sticks, untouched—ambrosia!  This ruck was a result of all forwards focusing and working hard, a pattern which will need greater discipline and consistency as the ante increases.

At 12 -3, O'Toole, Gay and Graf were conspicuous, however another indiscretion at the breakdown at the twenty minute mark, saw Huriyama reduce the deficit to 6 - 12.  CW came back and punished the #10 in his first game  against them, for his success, catching him in possession and pinching the ball.  Goodland grubber kicked but the resultant tally was ruled 'held up'.  UVic rebutted consecutive six and eight phases where Goodland showed as a man inspired.  The pressure finally told when Kleeberger was binned for a deliberate infraction and Daypuck increased the differential.

Despite a quality and well-organized defense and enterprising attack, the home team could not add to the score - full credit to a tireless and courageous defense.  Molia, Graf, Daypuck, Hearn and Inoke - all worthy of mention.  The plot was far from over when needless penalties saw CW on the back foot against opportunistic tap kicks, pace, support and finger-tip handling - all acts of desperation which paid off with yet another successful Huriyama penalty with six minutes remaining.  From the re-start, Gay caught Huriyama in possession and the resultant turnover ruck saw Daypuck stroke a smooth "droppie" to add the icing from 35m out and wide left.  Big prop, Stubl had a brief moment in the sun from the re-start and play ended with Graf pounding the ball to touch.

For CW, the "loosies" had the better of their opposite, more-vaunted trio and the tight forwards have obviously put in much time on the scrum machine and/or weight room, not just a "state of mind", since being pushed around by Burnaby seven weeks ago - no names mentioned.  Today was a heartening "payback" for a loss on the bell, eighteen months ago to UVic in the Barnard Cup Final at this same park.

"At the end of the day, I'm just gonna say, it's all right!"  One has a sense that this team has plenty in the tank for next week—keep the good times rolling', boys!

Brickbats - To those who call themselves "followers of the game,” from all clubs who seek ways to avoid a minor donation to watch the boys provide an afternoon of quality entertainment.

Late-breaking…to CW U14's, good job, tough luck in loss to Cowichan (congratulations), in the Island Final, Sunday at Herd Rd and kudos to CW U16's who finally made the breakthrough to beat the hosts in a very well played, U16 Final for the Ed Bryans Cup.  CW will play the mainland rep for the BC title, next Sunday, also at Herd Rd.