Downstreaming Disaster!

Couldn’t cross the pond yesterday however looked forward to first viewing of BCRU’s down streamed version of the “match-of-the-day”. Although I was late tuning in, I had missed nothing, as “power had failed”, so it was to be old-fashioned radio the rest of the way. I can’t be too critical, for I have never been in the position to give commentary on a game but the comments from the 2-i-c were farcical! The lack of understanding of infractions (at least admitted at one point, the referee; “proving me inaccurate"), player’s names and the fact that he insisted it was Cowichan playing Capilanos made a CW loss somewhat palatable, given the comedic value of the play by play.

To the game. It seemed as if play was hard and very close in a game punctuated by errors and whistles for a second week in a row. CW had the upper hand at the half, based on a Fat Jonny Morris tally and perfect striking from the boot of the other Morris – Welshy, 13 – 11. It sounded like the score-line might have been against the odds with what seemed like Caps advantages with possession and position, apart from solid lineout play from The Tricolors. It was disappointing to hear of the poor kicking from hand and restarts on the part of the Visitors. Failing to find touch on critical penalties is almost an unforgivable sin when crucial “rest” and distance need to be achieved.

The second stanza intrigued as the score line changed hands often. About ten minutes in, Caps went up 14 – 13, co-broadcaster admitting; “we do not got it”! Play ebbed between the 22’s with solid defense from both teams and big hits the features of the play. As usual, Glen McKinnon was mentioned almost in every phase. About 25 minutes, Welshy put the Visitors back on top, 16 – 14 and Caps seemed to have sense of the urgency of their plight as they upped the ante with retention and pressure. They were rewarded with an unconverted try from replacement, Rice (I think the announcers may have actually had this correct!), to lead, 19 - 16 With about ten minutes remaining, two yellow cards were issued for what sounded like a bit of a dust up, culminating stuff that had been brewing. With continued possession to Caps and CW having to play defense for too long, the wall broke for the final score of the game to Caps, taking them to a 24 – 16 victory. The curtain-raiser also went to Caps, 39 – 7.

I can only comment on names frequently mentioned and for the winners they were; Jeff and Glen McKinnon, Robinson and Yanagiya. For CW; Thornber and Albornoz, MacPherson and Frisby. It sounded like Panga did some good things, somewhat detracted from by poor kicking. Caps now place third, within striking distance of UVic and a game in hand and CW remains with sights set on Ravens with a game in hand. The Tricolor hosts The Raven at The Park next Saturday.

CW's congratulations to UVic Men & McMaster Women, University Sevens Champs for 2015.  UVic have now won back-to-back titles. The Vikes, led by Doug Fraser and Lucas Hammond (pictured), edged their opponents from U.B.C. Thunderbirds, 17 - 12 in the Final. Led by a Captain's brace, Luke McClosky also crossed (and made the Dream Team). CW notes, a special doff of The Ruggernut's cap to CW "grads", Fergus Hall, Jeff Nishima-Miller, Luke McCloskey and Joey Erlic, members of the winning side.  Further, Morgan Tate and Jackie Nyren played for The Norsemen who also had a good tournament.