James Bay Complete Double-HeaderRecent weeks have brought much promise to the CW faithful who were present at both games today in numbers. It was heartening to see this support for the boys. The expectancies were thwarted with a lesson on Playoff rugby in both grades by rivals, James Bay. James Bay played to their strengths, doing the basics well (it is not a complicated game), almost error-free (particularly in Premier action) and nullified CW strengths. CW seemed duped into playing James Bay's style and tempo, something they did with far less acumen.
In the 1st Division contest, despite the affair being fiercely contested by the forwards, it was Sean White and center and captain, #12 who provided the icing , crafting overlaps with looping plays and running good lines. The scoreline at the half favored James Bay 17 - 0.
Despite losing the services of some key players at the interval, CW did respond to the challenge. The rivalry at #10 between the youngsters, White and Morris was intriguing. Tries by Mesa and Larsen reduced the gap to 17 - 14. After gaining momentum, CW made it easy for the ref to issue a series of penalties. After White had added three points and yet another penalty was awarded, the ball passed through six pairs of hands for a converted try to the visitors, taking the wind out of any organization CW had mustered.. Down 32 - 14, CW found themselves held up at the line on the final whistle.
On the day, James Bay presented as a well-drilled side, worthy of victory, with the scoreline being fairly representative of the difference. CW allowed themselves to be frustrated with the niggle throughout the game and never really got to their straps for any length of time.
The scene now transferred to McDonald Park and at the end of the day, it was just more of the same. The game was only five minutes old when a missed Daypuck penalty saw a strange bounce and it appeared that Gay had touched down under the posts, Referee Hudson ruled that from a JBAA knock on the try was not scored and CW was awarded a 5m scrum. Quick ball was transferred to Weingart who scored in the corner. From the kick off, loss of ball at the ensuing ruck resulted in transfer wide, to Robson, who crossed and raced under the posts. This little extra effort was typical throughout the match for the victors.
At 15 minutes, CW missed some tackles and Dalziel burst from the ruck to score beside the posts. At 23 minutes, O'Toole committed a "late tackle" and Robson retaliated. Both miscreants received a yellow card and Daypuck converted the resultant penalty. To CW's chagrin, with time running out near the half, the defenders were slow to commit to a JBAA drive and Carpenter bull-dozed over. Following this play, Morgan Williams fielded a Garryowen and was caught by O'Toole. The penalty for "holding on" was missed and the half ended at 21- 8 for the home team, playing almost error-free rugby.
Shortly after the re-start, Williams, Jeff, put CW in a deep pressure situation. From the ensuing lineout, the James Bay trademark, driving maul, saw Robson over for his brace. CW responded with debatably, the try of the game, when for the third week in a row, fans saw the same move - miss from #10 and inside "delay" to Weingart, who had to "knowingly" work for his second try, aggravating a groin injury in the effort. To score a brace against JBAA today was no easy effort. What a pity the CW backs were not sprung from "pure possession" more often! As stated earlier, James Bay took their opponent's strengths out of the picture. Daypuck's convert ended CW scoring.
Twenty minutes in, James Bay took further advantage from kicking exchanges and a scintillating burst from Harlow. Missed tackles enabled Rushton to gain yards and the ball went to Carpenter who "fended" the defense and opened space for Witkowski to finish. Rushton added a penalty to the parade. From the kick off Goodland made a good thrust and Hearn blocked a clearing kick and touched down for what seemed like a simple tally - only to be ruled offside! With about eight minutes left, substitute LeMay, obstructed a quick JBAA tap. This resulted in a melee and yellow card to Le May.
A clever grubber from Dalziel was ruled to be taken "in goal" by Goodland. The five meter scrum saw Carpenter fall on the ball against a very depleted and weary CW pack. CW did not give up pressing for another try, with Gay and Goodland seemingly tireless. After further hard yards from Dunkley and Carpenter, Rushton kicked deep and a penalty was awarded to James Bay. A fifteen meter drive, the ball came to Jeff Williams who placed a diagonal kick to perfection for 'Captain Canada' to claim and end the match. This vied for "try of the game" for the home fans. Final score JBAA 48 - CW 15, despite the score not really seeming to have mounted to this extent.
Credit to the victors, individuals have been mentioned however, it was the near flawless team execution (in almost every sense), that won the day. The addition of Williams, Witkowski and Carpenter, has further helped the cause and this scribe touts Carpenter as 'Man of the Match'.
For CW, Gay, Goodland and Daypuck stood out and everyone gave a sincere effort only to be bettered on the day. Thanks for the ride, CW - a 78% winning record over the past nine games has not been too shabby.
Kudos to referee, Hudson, who did not have an easy job, in the midst of the cauldron but who allowed the game to flow within the limitations that accompany playoff rugby.
Postscript;
David was discharged from hospital today. Diagnosis - cracked pelic girdle (one spot only) and prescribed cure is rest! David was pleased to let me know that Robson immediately came over when he was subbed late in the game, to check his condition......A call to David at 598 9288 would be appreciated.
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