Monday's Musings

December 9, 2024 Posted in Sevens / CW Rugby / Game Reports / Rugby Club / Victoria BC / News / Juniors / Girls Rugby / Refereeing / Fifteens / Boys U18 / Boys U16 / Girls U16-U18 / Boys Rugby

WE R THE CHAMPIONS

It was a tough conflict for this pundit on Sunday. On the one hand, the joys the game brings after battles on the pitch – everlasting friendships! On the other hand, live action which was the start of forming such friendships. I succumbed to the former and offer great thanks to my Viking brothers. For those supporters who ventured to Starlight Stadium to rage for our U16 and U18 boys teams in BC Finals, you were not short-changed! Normally, I would wax lyrical about the sequence of events that occurred in the contests. Today, it is not the case, as I am still working my way through BCRU Utube videos. Suffice it to say, both U16 and U18 teams were appearing in back-to-back BC Finals. This year they were the beneficiaries of the ‘home field’. Videos show a fair crowd, no doubt constituted mainly of family and friends and a smattering of club supporters. The game video I have seen warranted a better attendance.

In the Boys U16 game, Abbotsford was the opponent, having defeated last year’s champ, Bayside. This was obviously no fluke as Abby was scheduled in three of the four boys and girls finals, a credit to their junior development. Abbotsford was ahead at the break, 10 – 0. The second stanza belonged to CW, and they brought matters to 7 – 10 and finished with gusto. Plaudits to Abby for keeping it to this differential and earning the gold. This match can be viewed HERE. Kudos to all those involved working with this CW team and our special congratulations to the players.

SILVER MEDALLISTS

I interject this report at this point to offer “Island credits” to Comox Rapids girls, a club that is only four years young. Comox not only appeared in both the U16 and U18 Finals, but they were also the victors in both games over Abbotsford RFC. A special congratulations to the players for not only bringing the honors of victory to yourselves, your coaches, your club but also to Island rugby. Well done.

U18 BOYS FINAL

This was a repeat of last year’s event, UBCOB Ravens were the victors in last year’s match, in a tight contest in Vancouver, to repeat their title. Both teams had seemed destined to repeat this year as they waltzed through their opposition in League play. For CW, those close to the team could not be blamed for having measures of doubt, with three outstanding lads selected to play 7’s for BC at the Global Youth Sevens in NZ. To add insult to injury, another outstanding lad was reduced to “civvies” after a red card last week in the V.I. Final. And so, the stage was set. This game can be viewed HERE.

The score at the half, favored Ravens, 19 – 17. CW forged ahead and it was 36 – 26 with about four minutes remaining, CW tries coming late in the half. The closeness and intense competitiveness between the two teams was evident when Ravens scored again for the 36 – 31 final. A Ruggernut ‘onyas to all involved with this CW team. To the players who follow our U18 Girls Champs from last season, a great result. Your achievement will be forever displayed on our banners – no matter where they may hang. Well done, all.

A final comment, thanks to all officials on the day and hats off to Abby Rugby (3), Comox Rapids Rugby (2) and CW Rugby (2) for having multiple teams in the finals.