Is This the One?

It has been a rewarding “first half” of rugby for CW with The Ones finishing in third spot and the Prems in second – the only Island club with both teams in the playoffs! Of course, these placings pose a challenge on Saturday, with The Ones needing to travel to Port Alberni whilst the Prems need to have a strong bench as they seek to earn the prize, returning to MacDonald Park. First Divvies face a monumental challenge at Port, their second visit there this season, losing 34 - 11 on the first occasion. The Ones have had their ups and downs with their highlight being a one point loss to the undefeated “minor premiers”, Nanaimo, early in the season. A repeat performance of this would really push the Black Sheep. We wish Rogie and Noah and the boys, all the best. Play hard and enjoy the occasion.

The Prems, each time out vs JBAA have reduced their deficit from 12 to 9 and last week, as close as two points differential. Saturday’s outcome is very much in abeyance, as the winner of this one earns the hardware. The starting pack is the same as last week. James Bay will add Harriman and Martinez. It is the backs that will look quite different, as Stiles returns to #10 and Scholtz and Fraser are the center pairing with Jon Morris coming on to the wing spot for CW. James Bay will see the return of Phil Mack after a couple of very successful appearances at the National level again, along with Waldman in the centers. Promises to be another barn-burner, k.o. 2:30 p.m. @ MacDonald.

Hats Off, Day #1 – Canada NSWT Sevens seem to have picked up where they left off in their outing in Dubai. First up they showed some cobwebs against Brazil, however they went on to be undefeated on day #1, with a particularly satisfying game# 3 Vs England, coming away with a 24 – 12 win. The first report, written last night is very much negated by today’s news with the women losing to both Russia and Fiji for a disappointing sixth place.

Men’s Sevens, also in Dubai. First up good contest Vs Fiji, outscoring them in the second half and a close tussle with Argentina however it looks like the guys ran out of puff at the end of the day, losing one-sidedly to Wales

Other News – A recent open letter from R.C.’s Chairman, Tim Powers. Half of his missive was talking about communication issues within the rugby community and the rest addressed the matter of professional rugby. It was difficult to summarise what was inferred and what was actually said, given the aforementioned but it does seem as if any eventual professional involvement will lead to Canada having more involvement with Tier 1 nations. Reading between the lines, inclusion with the Aviva or Green King League, (or other), being the pathway and PRO Rugby receiving the definite kybosh. We’ll wait and see how this all pans out.