A Weekend of International Bragging Rights

Will it be NZ or France; South Africa or England; Australia or Wales; Ireland or Argentina; Italy or Georgia; Canada or Romania; Scotland or Portugal; or our “own” Canada or USA?

CW’s Premier women face Seattle RFC tomorrow at 1:00 p.m.  This match will be preceded by CW VS JBAA women in Div. 1 & 2 competition.  The Tricolors will field a strong side, with several UVic players coming off the bench. USports competition is complete for the season and now, Westshore and CW are the beneficiaries of women playing club rugby. 

CW’s starting XV will feature a strong pack with Chanelle Edwards-Challenger returning to the lock spot, a strong and competent FRF, anchored by Kelsey McKinnon and a lively back three, centered around Kiwi, Laura Sadler.  The backs will field last game “four-bagger” at #10, Charlotte Hilton, speedster, Danica Pedrick returns to the fray being fed by Brown and Teasdale in the centers.  As stated, the bench will have the likes of Hill-Huse, Cej and Fry from UVic, all Age Grade “grads”.

These names will assist the investor in tonight’s auction.  Of course, there are others whose attributes will be “enhanced” at tonight’s 6:00 p.m. auction!  Our women remind tomorrow’s attendees that your grocery bill could be reduced considerably with a number of lucky gift certificate prizes from Thrifty’s for a mere $20 ticket.  Sellers will be available around the ground and there will only be 450 tickets sold!  Seattle sport a 0 – 2 record vs CW’s 1 – 2, promising an intriguing tussle.  Go, CW!

On the men’s side of the docket, the Div. 1 squad at1 – 4 will face a currently, very successful James Bay side at 4 – 1.  Both teams will be showing much improved club numbers this season with a list of 28 players.  CW’ s allowed 243 points is not a good stat.  This was further highlighted at Nanaimo last weekend when the Divvies gave up 48 to a bagel.  Coach Doug reports there is talent to turn things around, but youth and confidence are both mountains to climb.  From adversity, comes opportunity, and tomorrow will be another opportunity.  No predictions, but if you are a bettor that follows the odds….

The Premier encounter will be much closer despite a James Bay 1 - 3 record.  James Bay’s composition is basically “unknown” to this writer, except for former NSMT’s VII’s captain, Phil Berna.  New coach, Brett Buekeboom has instilled better discipline if results are anything, highlighted by a mere two-point recent loss to the Pride, a far closer differential than CW’s!  CW is on thin ice having lost to the Pride, with little resistance and last outing they failed to apply the screws, when in a winning position against Burnaby Lake.  Tomorrow is a “toss up”.  The forwards will be stiffened with the return of Humphries and Jack Wallace, taking over from the always pesty, Steve Pyke on the injured list.  Darn, ‘Irish’, I was going to back you for first tally!  Munoz will be on debut at #15, as will Daniel on the wing, with Nott continuing to captain from #12, and Tait returning to partner him. Haggar has gone awol being scooped by NSMT VII's for RAN Tournament in Trinidad.  Well done and good luck, Ethan.

The pines show Jack Marshall who is rewarded for his recent strong play.  Nick Carson adds experience, with McKenzie, McCallum, Tardiff and Dring all having experience at the Premier level as well.  Oh, I see Pykie at the bottom of the list, his try will probably come too late in the contest to win the pool!!  Tonight’s auction should be lively with Kratz, Fatt and Corbin from the FRF all fancying their chances, not to omit the remainder of the pack, all having crossed the stripe in recent times.  Then there are the halves, Pilgrim and Bowd and if Grady is reminded that is a try, not goal that counts for first score, he may not (no pun), ever let his Captain see the ball!! The there are the 'unknowns'.  Weather is not predicted to be primo, but the competition should be.  Come out and support our men and women.