Monday's Musings

Photo, John Richardson

Women’s Prems Chalk #2; Men’s Divvies Bust Bagel!

CW Women Vs UBC

CW women opened their scoring early with Kelsey McKinnon driving over following five or six good retentions. UBC responded with their speedy backs transferring the attack wide, asking questions of the defense.  Despite moments of concern, it was CW that scored again, mid-half, with Bronwyn Zodichi over the line, 12 – 0.  An alert tap penalty saw UBC’s Jamie Dickson sidestep the first tackler and out-hoof others over some sixty metres to score late in the half to close the gap, 12 – 7.  Not to be deterred, CW increased the heat, and it was the captain (#9), Emily Samek, who dummied and charged for the line, increasing the differential to 19 – 7 at the half.

The second stanza was only five minutes old when Lucy Beauchemin alertly picked off an errant UBC pass and outpaced the defense to see the board move to 26 – 7. A mere five minutes later, it was Samek for her brace, joining the attack from out wide and running an explosive line to space and a 33 – 7 scoreline.  At the midpoint, it was CW winger, Savannah King who fooled the defense with a clever dummy and a 15m scoot for the home team’s final score, 38 – 7.  Credit to UBC who kept coming with a number of willing bursts which were finally rewarded when their rangy lock, Maya Nowotny crashed over for a final score of 38 – 14.  This was a deserved try, for this lady was UBC’s W - o - M in my book.

For CW there were many who raised their hand on this day with none surpassing newcomer, #8 Laura Sadler, CW’s W- o – M for this pundit.  Others to impress, McKinnon (earning her program cover), Edwards-Challenger, Samek, Kristianson (4/6 converts) and Currey in flashes.  Hilton, a youngster on debut, at fullback and Josie Pusch off the pines, were also worthy of mention.  A shout out to today’s Woman-in-the-Middle – good job.

The curtain-raiser went to Meralomas in a mismatched affair.  Lomas looked like they were worthy of a higher league.  In fairness, clubs may not always know their strength pre-season when they nominate for leagues.  The posted score by BCRU serves nobody any good and if anything, discredits the game.  When there is such a discrepancy, why cannot 20 – 0 be the posted score?  Hats off to CW ladies, there will be better days.

Cross-town the Men’s Divvies broke their bagel, 36 – 26 against the Norsemen in what must have been an exciting match, as the scoreline waved to and fro.

And from the sideline and pen of Johno, we bring you his notes “By the end of 80 minutes filled with entertaining, running, rugby the CW Divies had bagged their first win of the 24/25 Season.  The smiles and laughter and back slapping made clear a very positive thing had been accomplished.  With agreement (special thanks to the coaches at UVic), CW listed 28 players for an extended bench to get game time for many new CW players.  While Scott McCann tipped the age scale (survey said he was of drinking age before any of the Norsemen had been born) there was a sizeable group of CW players, young and new to the Club.

From the opening whistle CW was on the front foot working up the pitch, only four times, the ball being turned over at mid field, and offence turned into frantic defence inside the CW 22-meter line.  Fortunately, the boys buckled down and started putting phases together, resulting in territorial advantage and tries.  Jack Marshall once again led the battle and stuck in a brace.  Others followed.  CW led the affair at the interval, 17 – 7.

As the second half began, it was apparent that the team had gone off the boil with errors occurring and match pattern seemingly forgotten.  It was enough time for the Norsemen to punch in two well cycled tries.  With handling and recycling sorted out once again the CW backs and forwards were up and down the pitch.  Lineouts had improved enormously from the previous Saturday and the set scrum was a point of dominance for the visitors.  Of special note was a season first try by the big man, Aiden Cole, a popular tally, lauded by teammates!  From being down 24 – 26, the lads finished with a flourish for the final, 36- 26.

Coach Hepp was superb in managing things, ensuring all had good game time, with players being substituted seamlessly.  A good accomplishment given so many new faces.  Numbers are very heartening for this group. Thanks to UVic for a good game and hosting.  Hats off to the ref on the day who kept a fast-paced game flowing and enjoyable to watch.”