Monday's Musings

"Despite shunting a few, no advantage was mounted"

TOUGH DAY AT THE OFFICE

It was a very different CW Women’s composition than that which defeated Westshore, 22 – 19 at Windsor two months ago. A depleted selection headed to the west shore to face a strong home team in the BCRU Semi final last Saturday.  The early stages witnessed some solid scrummaging for CW.  Despite shunting a few, no advantage was mounted.  The hosts opened the scoring at fifteen minutes after early midfield probing by both teams.  Westshore’s #15, Chiappetta, picked up a loose ball against the flow, scooted, dodged and fended her way through defenders for some 70m, a harbinger of the very dominant effect she would have on this day.  CW responded immediately, when Challenger-Edwards crashed over after 7/8 recycles. 

This 7 – 5 lead was a tease for fans as Westshore got their tails up and proceeded to have their way, although not without some resistance and determination.  The Shore added another brace before Gonzalez put her stamp on the proceedings.  The straw that really broke the Tricolors backs occurred with mere “ticks” left for a highlight reel score, Findlay and Gonzalez completing some good build-up and #2, Gillis finished the last fifteen, under the posts and a 29 – 5 lead to end the half.

The second half was more of the same with Gonzalez ending with a bag of four as Westshore stayed on the front foot with crisp passing, good lines, and support.  CW did make some inroads with Hill-Huse getting it to 34 – 14.  With 46 – 14 on the board, Samek ended it with a determined 25m run, 46 – 19. Officiating decisions or omissions were not always in line with the pundits, however thanks to Mr Brown and his assistants.

For Westshore, there were a number who stood out.  All members of the pack, led by #8, Findlay, were the goods in this one.  In the backs, Gonzalez earns W-o-M despite close value from Chiappetta.

CW did not “drop their bundle”.  It was a good effort from the FRF and Edwards-Challenger was a danger with the carry.  In the backs, Hill-Huse was tireless and competitive and earned my W-o-M.  Currey at #15 looked to find a way with every touch.  Westshore, representing the VIRU, we wish them well as they face UBC.  To a young CW group, most of whom have shown significant growth this season, well done. It is to be hoped the nexus of this team can be retained for their future looks bright.

...AND SOME FURTHER SNIPPETS