Monday's Musings

A GOOD WEEKEND FOR CW

EVERYWHERE - BUT NOT ON ALL SCOREBOARDS!

CW’s senior men’s and women’s teams were in action against Burnaby last Saturday.  CW men opened their account early from a Bowd chip and a Tardiff close.  Burnaby responded with quick hands from turnover ball, and the score was tied.  Bowd notched a trey as play ebbed back and forth.  Burnaby created an overlap with a “fill” from #15 and a glaring missed tackle saw them jump in front, 14 – 10.  CW set piece, which was having its way, earned a penalty try and a 17 – 14 score change.  This should have stayed so, until the interval.  However, Burnaby was rewarded for their alertness at the breakdown, and it was six pairs of hands, good lines, and sixty meters against the flow, for a home side 21 – 17 lead at the interval.  Despite the scoreline, CW arguably had the better of the play.

Burnaby opened the scoring in the second half, following useful recycles, Dinbandhu, Bullions and Turner being prominent and a newcomer, #24 on the left wing danced in-field to score, being gifted by some “soft” tackle attempts.  For the visitors, “old hands” Kehoe and Finnemore were showing out.  Next, excellent set scrummaging from loose-head, Kratz was rewarded with a second penalty try and it was 28 – 24 in a tense contest.  CW recycled and threatened only to lose the ball on a turnover and further, to lose ground by incurring three penalties, in what was becoming a penalty-filled encounter.  Both teams sought the next five-pointer, with Burnaby having a marginal territorial advantage.  CW did persist with the scrummaging advantage despite liberal substitution, but nothing really became of it.  The Lakers finished the scoring when #15 Turner, eased into the line to create an extra man and a final missed tackle saw a dejected Tricolor XV take it on the chin 35 – 24 with no competition points earned.  This almost seemed unfair as the teams were very even.  Ineffective tackling hurt CW, something that seldom can be used as a reason.

For Burnaby, my M-o-M goes to #7, flanker David Dibandhu.  Mcaskie at #10 and Turner at #15, along with some lively bursts from wing replacement, #24, were the pick of the backs.  For CW, I must go for Finnemore.  All the forwards worked hard.  In the backs, Bowd and Nott tried to reduce the deficit, but it was not to be.

CW women were crosstown at United RFC’s ground.  The Div 1 team held a 19 – 17 lead at one point in the match.  The final score was in United’s favor, 43 – 24.  Danica Pedrick, fresh from Guatemala, contributed 14 points and Benning and Ashbourne added single tallies.

This curtain-raiser was good for the home fans who then were able to watch a well-drilled Burnaby Premier Women’s team defeat CW 46 – 27.  Burnaby’s play was highlighted by that of #10, Miriama Naiobasali.  CW had their counterpart, Charlotte Hilton, who managed a four-try, bonus point performance and Kate Kristianson added seven points.  As a result of the win, Burnaby retained their undefeated status.

UNIVERSITY CHAMPIONSHIP

Over in PEI the USports, University Women’s Final between UBC and UVic was taking place.    CW Age Grade ‘grads’ had been prominent all week in exciting competition.  The trophy was looking as if it might be serendipitous for UVic after they had defeated the #2 and #1 seeds in quarter and semi-final action as well as being the Runner-Up from last year.  In semi-final action, UBC defeated Ottawa with CW ‘grad’, Adia Pye scoring a brace, whilst UVic defeated Queens with Chloe Hill-Huse scoring. Strangely, after being Runner Up last year, UVic was ranked #7 in the tourney.  Another fact of interest was that no BC University had ever won a USports title.  And so, the stage was set.

Anyone who knows the rivalry between UBC and UVic in any athletic contest can appreciate how mouth-watering this would be. To cut to the chase, it was UBC with an 8 – 3 win, with NSWT’s 7’s star, Charity Williams, reigned in all match, finally escaping for a classic Williams burst and ‘don’t-argue’ fend-off to provide the margin. The match was a thriller, under inclement conditions and as the scoreline attests, defense was pre-eminent.  At one stage, UBC had to repel some twenty-plus recycles on their try line.  Sadly, for UVic, they were the bridesmaid once again, on a day when their performance equaled that of the bride!

SUNDAY AT THE HOUSE

It was not all scoreboards that were not in the tricolors favor.  W’s were on the Junior Boys scoreboards when they managed to blank the Bays in U14, U16 and U18 divisions.  The scorelines were a little lop-sided, the boys being buoyed on by a healthy crowd of parents and senior players. The Age Grade lads play the game at a good pace and the teams are showing good skill levels.  Next week’s matches take place at Cowichan, with results determining home field advantages for the playoffs.

 

                                                                             U16 Boys

In conclusion, an exciting script of news. Thanks to team managers for your notes and to our Junior Directors, Rob and Byron for your work.

 
ONE CLUB