Monday's Musings

Credit - John Richardson images.

HOWARD'S RAIDERS REPELLED!

A couple of points as a precursor to this report.  This match was for the Gerwing Challenge Shield.  CW completed its fourth defense which is a record number of successes by any VIRU club since the inception of the Shield.  Second point, CW fielded six grads from UVic and UVic’s roster included six players who have played Age Grade or Senior rugby with CW, obviously, a very symbiotic relationship!  The conditions pre-match were symbolic of those of the Great Flood and the continuity of play was a credit to all involved.  Finally, apologies to John Humphries for a mid-week editorial blinder. 

This encounter promised much, with hopes high for the locals after a good win over James Bay last week.  The match started on a somber note, when from the kickoff, Hager was upended midair and was on his back for some time.  He eventually made it off the field, on his own accord and was (presumably), under HIA protocol. (Subsequently passed.) This transgression (imo, never deliberate), earned a "yellow". CW did hit their straps when fifteen minutes in, a driving maul from 20m saw Denver Fatt cross, 7 – 0. Play see-sawed with a notable break from UVic scrum half, Lachie Crooks, the first of a couple from this feisty character. It was to be CW again when Fatt showed the heels of a winger with a dummy and 30m break from the halfway, he fed Thomas who carried with interest, and he slipped a short ball to Bowd to finish and a 14 – 0 lead. UVic stiffened and in fact, were the next to score around thirty-five minutes, following 8/9 quality recycles, each producing small gains and big #5, Siebens crossed, 14 – 7.  Both Moller and Wiley were noticeable ball carriers in the lead-up.  This scoreline prevailed at the half. Just a personal observation - although CW had territorial advantage, there was not the dominance of last week. I almost had a sense that UVic was hanging around, combating a predictability with the hope of living off the scraps.


The second stanza opened with a nicely crafted CW tally after a penalty touch-finder from Bowd earned the lineout possession. “AJ” had filled from the off-wing, almost made it alone from thirty, and a quick recycle, saw Bowd dummy, feed Easson wide and the try earned, 21 – 7. Jack Wallace (CW), was very visible with a physical performance and high work rate. One of his carries earned a lineout in an attacking position only for there to be no fruition. CW did give up some unforced errors and “casual” spills. Ogunlabe forced all hands on deck when he blocked a UVic clearance and regained but his progress was halted at the twenty. At mid-point, Vike’s Alex Gamage created a 50-20 opportunity and the visitors waxed energy and ultimately, after 7/8 retentions they were rewarded when Siebens notched his brace.  It did take a lengthy consult between the AR and referee Schwalger.  CW's captain, Bowd, appeared confused as he sought clarity. From the restart, Jordan Tate blocked a clearing kick, regained and his forward progress was halted just short of the line. Akin to the Vikes, CW offered 8/9 recycles only to knock on, metres short. CW splintered the scrum and Wallace tackled a man, stole the ball for a turnover and, proved unstoppable at 23 minutes and a 28 – 14 score.  As mentioned, UVic’s Lachie Crooks, was having a ‘blinder’ and caused havoc with a quick tap penalty to no avail. Bowd stroked a penalty goal and with about 12 minutes left, looked to have sealed the deal at 31 – 14. However, Bowd was not done and with a deft chip ahead, Pilgrim out-sprinted the Viking defense to touch down and give a 38 – 14 lead to CW.   In the dying minutes a scrum penalty against CW saw Crooks with another alert tap and, on this occasion, he was deservedly awarded the try for a final 38 – 21 score.

For UVic, it was not a memorable homecoming for Powell, Levin, Sandner, Porter, Casey and Hamberg.  Having said this, it was a Vikes back, #9, Crooks to whom I give my M-o-M.  His counterpart was not as visible, however Gamage’s impeccable service did provide Bowd with sufficient time to control the proceedings.  The Viking pack battled hard all day and applied themselves on “D”.  With ball in hand #’s 1,3, 4, and 5, gained good yards.  For CW, I rate Jack Wallace M-o-M.  Bowd with 18 points was a valuable weapon.  His decision making and skill stood out.  Apart from Wallace, Ogunlabe and Fatt deserve mention in the forwards.

Divvies schooled by Norsemen!  Divvies drew a blank against the Norse in the curtain-raiser, 38 – 0. With the field conditions as they were, it was a treat to have Windsor East available, minimizing any field damage. It has been tough sledding for the Divvies this year, although the youth card holds a good promise for building for better days next year.                                               (Photo - Judy Teasdale).

Thanks to today’s officials and UVic players who toiled in far from optimal conditions. Both underwent some heavy sledging at times. Just a reminder to us all to CHEER RESPONSIBLY. Remember – this is the game they play in Heaven!

Also, a HUGE thanks to two lads who readily gave a hand for field setup today.  U16’s Evan Sickle and Matthius O’Brian readily gave a hand when asked, and Connor McKenzie and Andrew Easson chipped in as well.  Old Spice took the opportunity to explain to the lads just how our sponsors are so important to the club’s operation – a teachable moment and THANK YOU, sponsors.

STATESIDE - Our Premier Women gave a 25% advatage to the hosts.  CW 15 - Seattle RFC 19.

 
CW PROUD

Ceedub’s congratulations to Skye Farrish (upper photo) and Aida Pye (lower photo) who have been selected to the NSWT U20 to Tour Ireland for a couple of tests in May.
Skye was recently selected, along with Ella O’Regan to the Canada West University All Star team following Tournament #2 hosted by UVic.  All three ladies have come through CW’s Age Grade programs. ‘onya, ladies – give ‘em heck!  Whilst offering kudos, we add William Daniel who has been selected as an Assistant Coach to the BC Bears U17 Girls program.  

 

Next Saturday is Homecoming Weekend when Westshore RFC will provide the opposition. It is rumoured that there are five games planned for the docket!!   As evidenced here, Westshore always brings the crowd out.  Stay tuned.