Monday's Musings

WESTSHORE CAPITALIZE

Last Saturday, Westshore Valkyries defeated CW in Premier League, semi-final action.  CW women opened the scoring when Rookie-of-the-Year, Bronwyn Zodichi drove hard for the line after a good build-up.  Westshore was quick to respond to a CW error and later scored a quality addition to go to the interval leading, 12 – 7.

Three tries to two gave the home team the advantage in the second half.  Center, Olivia Newsome scored one and age grade, ‘grad’ Gwen King, added the final score of the day.  Westshore were worthy winners, 33 – 17.  (Report – Frankie Fraser.)

POSTSCRIPT; This was an entertaining contest with CW having a second half territorial advantage which did not transfer to the scoreboard.  The defense of both teams was of a high quality and there was plenty of passion on display.  For CW, in the forwards, I go for #7, Madison Jumeau as W-o-M, a player I would predict, will make higher levels, and as W-o-M in the backs, #15, Talia Hoffman.  It was a tough loss for the ladies, who, rumor has it, felt optimistically confident about an upset.  Never-the-less, a successful season. 

I conclude with a comment, solely my own opinion, that the optics of the UVic Vikes Coach, registered and playing for Westshore are puzzling to this pundit.  The visual reeks of conflict of interest, although I am sure all is above board.  Westshore goes to the BC Final as worthy Island reps, seeking to revenge a recent league loss to UBC, a great turnaround for a club that needed to amalgamate with Cowichan in the fall to play competitive matches.  And so, the season for senior men and women comes to an end.  We will be looking to pick up on the many good things that came to light when things resume.  A thanks to all players and coaches and have a great, and safe summer.

Meanwhile, bouquets to our NSWT who flexed their muscles against the U.S.A. on Sunday.  The women came out on top with a 50 – 7 win over U.S.A. in the Pacific Four Competition.  CW Rugby had a great presence in this one with team Captain Sophie de Goede starting at #7 and scoring a brace of tallies, Olivia Apps, who has worn the Tricolors on occasion, coming in as a pre-game replacement at #9, Gabby Senft, starting at #8, dual-season player, Olivia De Merchant starting at tight head prop, and Julia Schell on the bench.  Good style, ladies.

The season winds down on all fronts and the U12 boys and U10 girls were at Shawnigan for a Finale Jamboree on Sunday.  Minis Rugby winds up next Sunday, with a day of terrific fun and celebration.