GAME ON

The Prelims are over with local rugby and the real deal begins tomorrow at the House of Windsor.  It will be a quadruple-header, starting at 11:15 a.m., when our Div. 2 Women play James Bay.  This will be followed by the Premier Women’s game vs Seattle RFC at 1:00 p.m. Men’s action will follow at 1:00 when Div. 1 and Premier teams tackle James Bay.

The women's program is fielding two teams again this year, with one in the Division 2 League to encourage growth and skill, and one in the Premier/Division 1 League, looking to be more competitive this season. This year's coaching staff consists of Caitie McNally, Madee Berry and Louise Eriksson taking the helm, with various guest coaching appearances throughout the season.

The women's fall season is set up differently this year than previous years, as BC Rugby has combined the Div 1 and Premier league in a series of games that will carry over into the spring. This structure has been established to provide variety in match play and opportunity to compete against other teams to grow their programs. Following the end of this crossover, teams will be reseeded based on their final positions into Women’s Premier and Women’s Division 1. This exciting new format will allow for the Premier/Division 1 team to focus on building their momentum for longer than the usual “spring-only” season. 

With this background, the Division 2 women will be ready to take on the James Bay AA team. The last time these two teams faced off in official league was one year ago, and James Bay won 26-0. With a combo of new and returning players, the team is ready to bring their CW style to Windsor Park in a fast-paced opener. 

The Premier/Div 1 women will face off against Seattle at 1pm. With returning vets at the core of the team, there are several new players to CW who are more then ready to make their impact on the field. Josie Anzai will captain the Prem/Div 1 team this season, and has the support of Emily Samek in the backs, leading at #10. Despite the distraction of RWC the women are encouraging fans to pvr that big one and take in the action at The Park.

CW men will play James Bay for real tomorrow.  In a couple of exhibition games, the Bays have schooled The Tricolors, and the lads will be looking to change that tomorrow. The Divvies will kickoff at 12:45 and the prems at 2:45. Both teams have announced strong selections, a matter that has caused supporters signs of worry. Kyle Hohert will lead the Divvies and he will be surrounded by several newcomers. This group will be keen to avenge a recent loss to the Bays.

The Premier team sees a welcome return in Tricolor jerseys by Grady Bowd and Mike Fuailefau in a backline that looks very explosive.  The forward pack is solid and will more than hold its own, with depth on the bench.  Go, you good things, and let’s get the train on the tracks.