Monday's Musings

                      Credit and thanks to John Richardson Images (HERE)

           CW Women Field Triad in Season Opener

It is a tough ask to field three teams but a tremendous effort from our mushrooming women's program was on display for the first match of the new season.  On the scoreboard, the numbers were not as favourable.  The Div 2 & Premier women were on the 7:00 a.m. ferry, headed to Point Grey to challenge the strong UBC program.  Div 2 was a youthful and somewhat inexperienced collective, with Catie Mc Nally and Laura Erickson being the glue.  Final score was 59 - 7 in favour of the hosts.  Lucie Hemmingway crossed for CW's lone tally.

In the main game the visiting Tricolors took the wind out of UBC's sails early, leading 14 - 12 at the interval. Strong scrummaging,and powerful carries earned Chanelle Challenger-Edwards her brace, with Olympic silver medallist, Piper Logan replying with two tries of her own.  On debut from CW's Age Grade program, Kate Kristianson at scrum half, showed well.  Unfortunately, second half energy faded and a fitter UBC side changed tactics, putting the ball in the air, forcing CW's forwards to turn and chase and the flood gates opened. Laura Sadler, a newcomer from NZ also on debut, added a single and the final was 59 - 12 to last year's Premier Champs.  W-o-M for CW were Josia Anzai (forwards) and Emily Currie, on debut (backs). Matters auger well for this group as numbers swell at each practise.  'onya, ladies!

The third match for the women took place at Windsor where the Div 1 team hosted Bayside.  This one was much closer with a team reinforced with the likes of Sara Einarson, Ella Gallard and Danica Pendrtick.  The supporting cast was young and inexperienced, dropping a 17 - 0 decision.

(Thanks to Chris Shepherd for notes.)

This observer comments that the strength of this program last season was its backs-to-the-wall, never-say-die attitude and to have fun with the game.  It looks like it will be more of the same.

                                                       NSWT 46 - FRANCE 24

Bouquets to our women's team who played mostly "lights out" in their openeing WXV match yesterday. As opined by this writer pre-match, the crowd was sparse for such a match of quality.  It would be interesting to know "paying numbers".  There was much to like with some standout performances against a French team that battled hard in the early stages. The win sees Canada move to #2 ranked team in the world.  Lock, Laetitia Royer with a brace was deservedly voted W-o-M.  Fancy Bermudez, on the wing, also scored a pair from her customary hard running and one classic 'delay inside' ball.

It was not perfect.  For example, despite strong play in the loose from tight head prop, Menin, there were a few sets that could have spelled disaster. Tuttosi, Buisa and Senft were all money for me in the forwards.  In the backs, #9 Pelletier is a smart handful, Farries is always a threat and needs very little space, playing pounds above her weight.  She was competently backed up by Apps.  Tessier and particularly, Seumanutafa in the centres were also good value.  Next up will be Ireland who handed NZ a loss, so they will be no 'chopped liver'!

FOOTNOTE

Last year I referenced a comment to the women about their poor skill level, kicking from hand.  I must congratulate all for a much improved, skilled job which must have come from plenty of practise, determination and far better decision-making.  Well done.