A Full Dance Card

February 9, 2023 Posted in CW Rugby / Men's Reserve Div / Line-ups / Prems / Rugby Club / Victoria BC / News / B.C. Rugby / Fifteens / Senior Women / Senior Men

This Saturday CW will have four senior teams involved in action. Games will start at either Windsor or Carnarvon, (weather dependant) with Women’s Div.1 action against Cowichan RFC. This match will kick off at 11:00 a.m. Last week, the Div 1 team lost to a talented Bayside side but saw improvements in their personal games and teamwork. Practices this week have been strong and many of the younger players have been taking initiative alongside the vets of the team. Ella Gallant and Avalon Crawford will be taking charge of the forwards, with Caitie McNally, Stephanie Soloman-Ani and Sheridan Davis leading the backs, looking for quick lines and overlaps. Cowichan, with only the one side, will be a force to be reckoned with, and these local derbies always present good competition and post-game conviviality.

Men’s Divvies will take on Cowichan as well. This match will be at Carnarvon, with k.o. time being 12:30 p.m. The Divvies have shown enterprise in their return to competition, with their first two games resulting in solid wins. Cowichan always represents a strong opponent. At time of post we have not seen the selection but with a similar FRF to last week, and sparkling loosies, wolves, Corbin and Wallace hunting for ball and last week’s halves, any combination should give Cowichan all they can handle.

Women Vs Burnaby Lake, 2019

Action then reverts to the House of Windsor where the CW’s Women Premier team will showcase their past few weeks of hard practices when they take on the Burnaby Lake Rugby Club. The last time these two teams met in the Premier League was in 2019, with CW winning 39 - 17. Since then, Burnaby dropped into the Div 1 League for the 2021/2022 season, showing their ability was well above that level, winning the Div.1 title against Cowichan, 41-37.

Last season, CW finished 2nd in the Premier League and will be eager to challenge Burnaby in what will certainly be a great game of rugby! CW will see some familiar names on the Premier roster as well, with returning National player, Julia Schell taking the lead at #10, with speedy Emily Samek and Danica Pedrick supporting in the back line. In the forwards, returning players Lucy Beauchemin, Louise Erikkson and Jamie Beck will be in a strong pack. Kickoff is at 12:45 p.m.

Humphries Vs the Pride 2020.

Men’s Premier action at 2:30p.m. will be against The Pride, who lost their first game of the season last week vs UBC. The Pride will be out to prove that loss was an aberration and that they are worthy of their place atop the League. We welcome back to Windsor, Matt Klimchuk and Sion Griffiths.

On the other hand, although buoyed by their victory over UVic, CW certainly received a wake-up call and was made well aware that nothing will come easily. The pack receives a shake-up with a different starting combo, led by Finnemore at #6, this group will be looked to give a super effort to keep “young Canada” at bay. The backline sees Pilgrim returning from last season to #9, having recently been let go by the Pride, he will be out to prove the mistake made. Schelly slots into the centers and Suddsy deservedly retains his spot to partner him. Elliot retains the custodial position with the re-injury to Prevost. There will be strength aplenty on the pines, with the likes of Nott, Braddock, and newcomer, Fatt. The selection of Wallace, Corbin, Massyn and Duguid, to keep them company is a just reward for improvement and recent outstanding play.

CW hopes for a strong supportive assembly of the Faithful. Remember to cheer responsibly – you never know who is listening! Go, Ceedub - one club.

CW's Director of Rugby Vs the Pride, circa 2002.