MONDAY'S MUSINGS

                                                    (Photo credits - Keith Wells)

At the quarter mark, after a strong build-up, Westshore’s Handcock (a handful on this day), crossed, and it was 8 – 7.  CW set scrums were showing “issues” and it was only the smart play by Thomas at #8 that saved penalties, witnessed by referee ‘Zuss’ putting the whistle to her lips but not exhaling!  Westshore came again with #10 Balaski showing some Australian flare with a 55m break, aided by some crafty ‘dummies’ and missed tackles, giving a 14 – 8 lead to the home side. The lead again exchanged hands when a rare CW set scrum withstood the pressure and #10, Easson fed Jordan Tate on an unstoppable line, 15 – 14 CW at thirty minutes. It was Westshore’s turn when loosie Ndirangu spotted space directly ahead at the breakdown, 21 – 15 Westshore.  CW responded with some useful phases only to be thwarted with unforced errors.  As has been the case in previous games, right on the half, with CW failing to cross from the red zone and penalty assistance, the play went the other way and former Kenyan 7’s player, Oyoo scooted from 40m for what was arguably, a ten-point swing and the interval saw the board at 26 -15.

The second half opened with great hope when some Gus Porter initiative saw him chip, grubber the ball onwards on a bad bounce, reclaim and add the extras, 26 – 21.  Unfortunately, this reporter had to exit at this point.  Maybe it was “fortunately” for by the time I arrived home it was 40 – 29 final.  Evidently CW secured a penalty try in the late going to show some “respectability” and earn a bonus point in the loss.  Yes, Westshore “dominated the last time these teams met” and this was the case on this day.

 
I must credit Hancock, Balaski and Isherwood from the action I witnessed.  For CW, bouquets to Daf Thomas and Easson.  All the backs had moments of threat, but it appeared that defensive patterns were not always quick enough.  My half-time assessment was “pray for some props”, or it will be a long season, with no offense to today’s lads. A shout out to today's Premier ump, Julia Zussman and all of today's other match officials.

                                         CANADA NSWT @ RWC

                                                         The train rolls on!

                             Brilliant exhibition sees Canada’s game come close to perfection.

 In a match where the opposition just had no answers, Canada, led by an All Star, W-o-M, Sophie de Goede, ably supported by Karen Paquin and Caroline Crossley and a wonderful cast of tight forwards, blew out Australia, on Saturday. Canada now moves on to the semi-finals. 

CONGRATULATIONS FROM CW RUGBY.

 

Meanwhile, taking place in the Antipodes, the Rugby championship has never witnessed such parity, with all four Nations sitting with 4 – 2 records, with Australia having a one-point lead at the top, based on bonus points.  The outcomes of the remaining games are totally unpredictable.


Now for the good news! It was mentioned in an earlier post that this Fun(d)raiser Gala would be a night with some differences.