Monday's Musings

A large contingent of UVic grads suited up for the CW sides on Saturday and celebrated the pilfering of the late Howard Gerwing’s Shield.  Gerwing, a longtime coach, psychologist, psychiatrist, humorist, mentor, and friend of Vikes players is gone but his spirit survives in the form of the Shield. He was a man dedicated to his love of rugby football. To the games at Westshore.

Hats off to the Divvies for their bagel-busting 27 – 22 victory over a Premier Reserve club that will likely make the playoffs. Hall and Anderson at #9/10 were very good on this day and Kyle Hohert, as always, led by example and was given an unofficial MoM by an astute observer.

I preface today’s notes with a thank you to Riley Ilnicki.

In Premier action CW opened the scoring early, 7 – 0, only for an athletic lineout effort from Westshore’s Ndirangu with a lineout steal, and unstoppable romp in reply, 7 – 5. CW soon after with a try in the corner, after their pressure had coughed up an errant Westshore pass, 14 – 5. About seven minutes later, Westshore responded in kind, following a CW loss of possession, 14 – 12. Following a CW yellow card to CW, Westshore crossed again from a counter-attack kick to take a 17 – 14 lead in what was a close, and intriguing contest. It was then CW’s, Jordan Ng showing his speed and skill. Ng, dribbled the ball for some metres before retrieving it on a fortuitous bounce, beating a Kenyan defender and scoring in the corner, for a 19 – 14 lead at the interval.

CW opened the second stanza by playing to their forward’s strengths. A tight lineout drive early in the second half, saw a 26 – 17 spread.  Ten minutes later, Jordan Ng scored his brace, following a set piece from a penalty choice.  At this stage CW was having its way, sustaining pressure, and putting play on the front foot. The forwards kept it tight from their own 30m to earn a Westshore yellow card on their 10m. Another convincing scrum saw Pilgrim dart blindside and feed Ng for his hatrick, 36 – 17. Westshore were not finished. An alert tap penalty earned their bonus point try, 36 – 24. CW’s Wallace created turnover ball for a few phases to occur before Rio Apt scored under the posts for the final, 43 – 24.

For Westshore, it was a good effort however, fair to say, very individual from a talented, predominantly, Kenyan backline. One pundit sharing, “it was Westshore, and it was Kenya’s Sevens”. Big lock, Ndirangu, evidently had another good game and #8, Otieno, had his moments.

For CW, it was reported that Davidson more than matched his counterpart at lock, Fatt and Bossi showed out in the tight and the loose and the unity of the backs stood themselves well. Worthy mention is made of Gareth Sandner with four sideline conversions. With a hatrick of tries it was hard to go beyond Ng’s individual brilliance on this day as M-o-M. The men finally get to play at The House next Saturday against UBCUB Ravens, a customary nemesis.  Stay tuned during the week for a rundown.

As opined, the games were a delectable pre-prandial for yet another, most successful Annual Fun(d)raiser Dinner.  The club thanks all the generous attendees and willing organizers. We live to see another year!

FOOTNOTE: This blogger is extremely honored and humbled by his Lifetime Club Membership Award last night.



ONE CLUB