Monday's Musings

                                         Bear Truly Tamed

The scoring in this one started early, and in contrast to what has often been the case this season, it was in CW’s favor.  Bowd scythed a delicate seventy-meter, touch-finder and perfect lineout ball from Finnie was driven for Ogunlabe to touch down at four minutes.  James Bay reacted and when a CW lineout was spilled, several phases, highlighted by interpassing between Daugunu and Lloyd, saw them in the red zone, only for the ball to be jolted in one of many CW bone-crunching tackles on this day. James Bay did regain and kept pressure on for a short time.  It was a breakout from Nott and feed to Graham, on debut that next caught the eye.  Ronan showed fine pace, looking to score however he was thwarted as he swerved and tripped!  From this breakdown, JB was penalized and Bowd found touch for another perfect lineout win and drive for Fatt to cross at the quarter mark, 12 – 0.

 

Bowd kept the Bays under pressure with deep ball, showing tactical nouse that was missing in the pre-Christmas encounter. At twenty-eight minutes after good CW build-up, another break down penalty was earned.  It was deja vu all over when the clean lineout, compliments of the veteran Finnemore, saw Fatt unstoppable for his brace and a 17 – 0 lead. James Bay was noticeable, if only for the number of penalties they were incurring as they sought to gain some possession.  For CW, “AJ” was very noticeable.  This player, in the mold of Adam Zaruba, had a hattrick against Ravens last week.  CW had their mind on possession and attack and with the “downhill advantage” and 6/7 retentions, a wide ball “miss” or perhaps, miscue, appeared to give James Bay an interception breakaway.  In their forcing of the play, they were deemed to be offside and a subsequent chip from who else (?), earned a CW lineout and with dominant control it was another forward crossing the line.  Even the eyes of my spies could not i.d. the scorer!  This was the bonus point and saw the interval spell.

 

With the “uphill” task ahead, the Tricolors opened the half with good pressure and a perfectly stroked “trey” by Bowd to set the path for what was to become a tighter contest, yet what would end in a comprehensive victory.  Despite some James Bay verve, it was CW again, bursting downfield with AJ and Easson scooting clear.  This foray ended with another Bowd trey at ten minutes and a 30 – 0 lead.  To their credit, JB showed some life.  Aided by three CW penalties and their alert tap kicks, the ball went wide, and the bagel was avoided at twenty-five minutes.  CW’s defense was sorely tested with the home team being buoyed by their success.  It was character-building and withstood the test for the next ten minutes.  With minutes remaining, CW finished with the tally-of-the-match.  It was Bowd who broke in his own half and AJ almost made it, only to be bundled into touch after his forty-meter break. The Bays were penned in and when their clearing kick failed, Gamage returned it with interest.  His forty-meter break almost made it, but it took two recycles and five pairs of hands later for Nott to score with five on the clock. From the re-start and a couple of plays, CW captain, Ollie Nott, who had played a ‘blinder’ went down in a seemingly innocuous and clean tackle. Time was called by referee Thorpe, with Nott in excruciating visible and audible pain. Silence surrounded the pitch, making this comprehensive win very bitter-sweet.

 

WRAP UP: Thanks to referee Thorpe who did a good job keeping any miscreant play in check with his accurate decisions.  In my opinion, his officiating allowed the game to be an enjoyable spectacle for the healthy crowd assembled.  For James Bay, I give hooker Vai, and #8 Nhanala my shared M-o-M.  Their vaunted backline was denied ball and time, providing few opportunities for Fijian Sevens player, Daugunu.  This denial was led by the physicality of Bowd and absolute commitment of Easson and Tait.

 

For CW it was a great team win, highlighted by a superb and brave commitment to the tackle.  Every player could be named for some significant contribution.  After two early glitches, the lineout was money, even stealing three equally contested opponents’ throw ins. Finnemore and Thomas were superb in this department.  It is almost unfair to name players in a contest like this one.  As mentioned, it was bitter-sweet for Nott who was arguably the pick of the pack, and his leadership was superb.  His season-ending knee damage was most unfair.  On behalf of all players and supporters we wish him all the best for his surgery and recovery.  Daffyd Thomas had his game of the season, on Ollie’s shoulder at every turn and often leading the charge on defense.  I loved all the members of the FRF. Jack Wallace got through an amazing amount and Finnie was admirable.  All the backs played well with their tackling being a credit.  Bowd leads by example and Gamage had a ‘cracker’.  Big “AJ” has many attributes and is settling with his new club very successfully, possibly serving his cause with Canada as a XV’s, rather than VII’s player. I would be remiss in not mentioning Zech Pilgrim who has been asked to take on the custodial role and in this match he filled the bill without error.  Well done, men of the Tricolor.  Thank you for a most entertaining afternoon.

 

A shout out to Ceedub’s Ethan Hager who was on parade at Cape Town with the NSMT’s 7’s. The men finished in third place with a win over Japan.  They continue to the third-round tournament in Krakow in April to regain their place in ‘The Bigs’.  Go, Canada.

Heard the UBC make-up game is cancelled, and next action will be next Saturday when CW seeks revenge at The House against UVic.

 

There was earlier action at The Mac when James Bay women completed a brace over their CW rivals in Div 2 and Div 1 play.  For CW’s Div 2 women it was a satisfying improvement against a club that sits in sixth place on the ladder. Final score was, JB 27 CW 5. In Div 1 action, the Bay showed why they sit in second place with a lop-sided 57 – 3 win over the visitors.  There was also men’s Divvies action where fourth placed James Bay put the sword to CW, 40 – 10. I only caught the final minutes, but partisan CW fans opined it was not really a 30-point deficit!  There is still plenty to play for for the Divvies.