Ceedub Conquers Caps

Saturday last saw the season’s biggest crowd assembled to witness the season’s best display from The Prems – a comprehensive victory over Capilanos, by a score of 52 – 12. From the kickoff, Horton grubbered a loose ball from the ruck to score wide out. From the ensuing kickoff, Armstrong alertly, took a tap penalty, fed to Fuly, Northcott and Buckley finished under the posts, 12 – 0! Zaruba (Caps) threatened but stolen ball saw Kleeberger put the boys on attack and three rucks later, Armstrong dummied and walked in untouched, 19 – 0!

CW may have eased up but a missed tackle on Sims, saw Zaruba away and the game was only ten minutes old when Caps retained, for some continuity and Zaruba “filled” for a deserved tally. This big unit came again and McKinnon deservedly crossed, rounding out the first half action at 19 – 12 for The Hosts. In summary, CW had a glut of good possession, Maestro’s kicking game was proving of importance, Fuailefau had returned with a vengeance….big and hungry, relishing the contest, Northcott was very “lively”, Armstrong made nothing but correct choices and there had been solid defensive work from all. It must be noted that Tied’s leadership, had the boys on the job, with good non reactions to some calls and adjustments, not to mention a set piece dominance. For Caps, Zaruba had been a handful and McKinnon had been nothing short of unreal, as he cleaned ball from the back of a pack going backwards at the rate of knots, made headway, linked and led from in front.

The second stanza was more of the same only with greater champagne, despite a valiant effort from Caps for the first 15 – 20 minutes. The Tricolors added four tries, all textbook and result of some very good hands, superior fitness and pace and, perhaps a little luck from intricate chances. It must be stressed that Caps did not “lie down” as that is not in their nature, they were just overcome on the day. This viewer liked the work of McCall and enough cannot be said about McKinnon, the players gave the MoM to Lanigan. In the backs, #9, Robinson was deemed best, Stephen Jones tried hard but was really nullified into frustration, credit to his counterpart’s defence as well. (Ed. Credit to the 1ST Div. forward who played almost two full games.)

There were many good ‘uns for Ceedub, as can be imagined. The TEAM effort cannot be understated and that came from the Captain, down. The FRF set the platform, constantly shunting the Capilanos pack backwards, establishing front foot attack. Kleeberger(MoM by Caps), played a blinder, by far his best outing as a Tricolor and we must recognise Hubert’s contribution today and these past four weeks, “tae noa kite whakatau ia ano matou”, “Moose”! We will follow your games with great interest in the Land Of The Long White Cloud. Hubert’s legacy is a solid work ethic, something which can only be hoped is contagious, with a mere six weeks of rugby left and the possibility of a prize for the effort.

For the piano players….actually, ALL of the backs on this day. It was somewhat a “Monro-stamped” game from go…when Horton opened the scoring to whoa, when Ander finished with 16 points. The ball beat the man all day – a very marginally assessed off-side line, and the laser darts from #9 out, to a bunch of willing runners, was a joy to behold. Fuli certainly passed his test, Bucks was “Bucks” and Johnny M, Horton and Chad deemed MoM by his counterparts, were full value. We will miss this little bloke in a week or two when he is off to Casey Dunning’s Nelson Bay graft. Chaddie, you are more than welcome to return and spread the good name of CW rugby! In conclusion, the plot was followed rather well gents…a couple of first up tackles missed, one or two errant (drop goal) kicks astray, otherwise near perfection. Just one more step. Thanks to Caps, always solid and respected opponents.
Well done….The Students and CW “grads” next Saturday.

FOOTNOTE: The Ones are not forgotten! A pretty solid effort, 0 – 0 at the half and three tries to a big, committed and quality side in the second stanza, Caps 15 – CW 0. Caps retain their spot, just behind Burnaby and The Norsemen. (This match was not observed by any writers.)