FURTHER UPDATES

                                                            (photos, Keith Wells.)


                                                      REPORT FROM THE MAC

It has been a long time between drinks for the Men’s Divvies, but so it came to pass in the rain last Saturday when the Divvies, led by my man, Captain Kyle, notched a narrow 6 – 5 win over the Bays.  It was just six months ago when James Bay walloped CW 57 – 3 at this level.  Good job by both teams under appalling conditions, hypothermia just around the corner, and expertly adjudicated by W-i-M, Zussman.   The hosts had inched ahead 5 – 3 at the half.  It was a second half with CW running/slogging “uphill” that totally intrigued as play ebbed the length of the pitch.  About fifteen minutes in Charlie Kerr notched a trey for a 6 – 5 lead. When a boshing JB forward saw himself over the line only to knock on, it gave the CW cats their ninth life. CW posed some major threats in the red zone after grinding upfield, only to be thwarted by the greasy ball.

 
Let’s name some names for the CW victors.  The Aged Brigade of Ilnicki, Hohert and Kehoe were masterful, and loosie, Jack Goss reveled in their impetus.  The FRF, well substituted with notably Mikey Crawford and the veteran, Scott McCann being visible, came up with some mighty sets at key times against a heavier pack. Amazingly, both Mike and Scott did double duty, needing to help Prems later in the day.  What club guys! #9, Welsh, skillfully reduced the speed of his pass to give receivers a chance to plow forward, as he conducted the attack from side to side.  His #10, Charlie Kerr was the other half of a good combo.  Marshall Stove in the centers continues to stand out.  To all the backs, kudos for some energized tackling which presented a potentially dangerous opponent with real problems.  A massive thank you to the officiating crew.  It is so good for players at this level to be provided with quality officiating.

 
PREMIER - One knew it was going to be along afternoon when CW’s first two scrums were shunted mightily, resulting in penalties.  The first half saw most of CW’s possessions coming off the back foot whilst a bolstered Bay’s pack took possession forward with authority. Two team tries resulted, one from another disastrous scrum, and an alert, Burton intercepted a ‘gift’ for a third and 19 – 5 lead at the interval. CW's solo coming from a tidy thrust from the three-quarters and Rikkley-Krindle being the final recipient.

 
Aided by the ‘downhill’ slope, the bonus try was soon attained.  It was only brave defense that sought to stem the tide.  At one stage under dual yellow cards to CW, the line was not crossed.  Finnie finally slogged one over for the visitors, with James Bay adding the exclamation mark for the 29 – 12, good value win.  A further thanks to the officiating crew on this miserable day!  What a difference a season makes.  James Bay appears to be moving on up (2 – 2), and CW are currently the cellar-dwellers (0 – 3), a reversal of fates from last season. CW will play their first home game next Saturday against Capilano. The boys need your support.

Finally, from the BCRU website, JBAA Div.1 women k.o’d CW, 28 – 5.


                                                                ONE CLUB


AGE GRADE

                                                           U16 victors, Oakville.


DOWNUNDER

Jack Wallace carries the CW banner Downunder. Jack continued his try-scoring ways recently when he notched one for the Ballina Seahorses in their Grand Final win in the Far North Coast (NSW) R.U Championship.  Ballina went in as heavy ‘dogs, their opponents being undefeated all season, and it had been eighteen years between drinks for the ‘horses. One can only imagine the joy of their 25 – 19 victory.  ‘onya, Jack!

 

JOHNO RECOGNITION

This coming Friday, Brent Johnston will be recognized by Oak Bay Council for his community work, and he will be inducted to their Wall of Fame at the council chambers. The Ceremony will take place between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.  We do not have a specific time for Brent’s recognition as there will be two other people recognized. If you can attend, we suggest that the Brent tuxedo of white shirt and tie be worn. ‘onya, Johno!