Monday's Musings

Action on the “main pitch” then switched to Premier women, in conjunction with the Div 1 men on the #2 ground (thanks, Johno!).  Unfortunately, in the men’s game, Cowichan was only able to field 12 players.  Always a proud club, they refused to scrub the score and accept some CW players for a full fifteens match, so the show went on at 12 aside.  The final score was 36 – 5 in CW’s favor.  Led by Ilnicki and Hohert, this young group displayed patience with the process.  Their commitment, centered around the play of the halves, Welsh and Kerr, resulted in some lengthy backline forays. The team now sits at a mid-table, 4 – 3 record.  Again, thanks to the officials.  

Premier women action was exciting with a newly “promoted” Meraloma team being the talk of the town with their undefeated record at 2 – 0.  Lomas have made the right move for their club in this pundit’s eyes, seeking better competition in the premier League – grow the game!  Lomas started out using their well-drilled and sizeable pack to force the issue with sustained pressure and good field position but the points from this advantage were not forthcoming.  Things went awry when a Samek incursion from the blind side, against the flow, saw crisp handling and a try to CW’s MacPherson.  By the thirty-minute mark this had been pushed to 10 – 0.  And thus, the interval.

 

CW struck again shortly into the second stanza when #8, Corbett who put in a good shift on this day, pounded her way over the line and a 17 – 0 lead.  Lomas did have superiority in the set piece but swift clearance and adjustment of running lines compensated for the disadvantage.  Loosie, Lucy (Beauchemin) created the next tally with a fly hack of the loose ball, re-gathering and feeding Currey who had changed to the fullback spot. 24 – 0 at thirty-five minutes it looked to be “all she wrote” however, Remee Brown was to put her mark on it, and the exclamation point when winger, King, after a good take from a punt, sent the ball wide for the 29 – 0 final.  The last five minutes were truly epic as the big Loma pack strove to break the bagel, only to be just as determinedly prevented by the home team.

 

Indeed, this was a good outing for the ladies.  There are areas that need work if higher honors are to be sought but the infusion of the UVic trio was noticeable.  I give mention to locks, Kassidy Cej and Jamie Knaggs, 8, Corbert got through heaps of work and Zodichi at FRF, showed true grit, coming off with a worrisome, bloodied nose only to rejoin the fray.  All the backs played well whenever the opportunity arose.  For my money Emily Currey (mostly at #10), was W-o-M.  Shout out to referee, Chris Horsley and helpers, one obvious rookie – good for you, girl.  This was an inspirational win and the ladies next play Burnaby, with whom they are tied on the ladder, at home again, next Saturday.  Go, you beauties!


The afternoon concluded with the men’s Burnaby Premier encounter.  This one started brightly enough for CW despite a late start to the kickoff and gloom descending (a dispensation to our visitors, allowing for ferry reservations). Bowd fed Thomas on an unstoppable line for first blood at five minutes. The next try – a response from the Lakers #10, Bolacca, set the scene for what we were to see all afternoon, when a fortuitous bounce found its way into this man’s hands and 85 meters later it was 7 – 7.  Not to be deterred, the grind earned a response from Finnie after a committed build-up and the lead.  This was to be “all she wrote”.  The faithful were about to be treated to an exhibition of speed sealing the deal. Still the rest of the half was competitive until a tight head scrum saw Bolacca’s brace from ten metres, 19 – 12 Visitors.

 

The second stanza started with a bang when it looked like AJ was over at five minutes, only for the pass to be deemed forward.  Again, it was Bolacca from fifty meters, following another favorable bounce and silky mitts.  When he scored his fourth try at fifteen minutes, the gloomy sky transferred to the spectator’s mood. The parade continued to 36 – 12 and the M-o-M cheekily slotted a drop goal from 35m.  Grady Bowd, who never stopped trying, was rewarded with a solo effort and convert, 39 – 19.  The final act was a missed CW tackle that thankfully finished the debacle at 46 – 19.

 

There is not much point in lauding the victor’s praise too loudly in a one-sided affair.  We were treated to Pacific Islander’s skills with ball-handling, creativity and pace.  Burnaby had many standouts.  Hooker, Kelly was a tradesman, aided by open field work from Halliday, Johnston, and Odhiambo.  The halfback’s combo of Ngubane and Bolacca were superior to their opponents and Daugumu and Raturici put Du Toit in their shadow.  I would have to say this is the best team I have seen this season, but they faltered against UBC and Capilano.  For CW, Gavin Kratz was outstanding, Kehoe put in a good stint, Thomas and Finnemore are Trojans.  Young Chris Gamage is a bright light, and Grady and Zec just don’t know how to give in.  For the officiating crew, thank you, but I must say I have seen more opportune decisions from referee Pendrick.  So be it.  

 

A couple of points to close.  It seems a pity to me that clubs cannot have both Premier and Div 1 teams scheduled together.  It is better for bench strength and travel costs.  This should not be rocket science despite the wider inclusion of clubs in Div1.  Secondly, the import rule needs to be reduced to three.  It seems that sometimes imports are for the purpose of filling trophy cabinet shelves, and all clubs need to be involved just to stay competitive.  (Personal pov, solely.)  No further comment on this one.  Next up, at home again next Saturday to Lomas.  It was close at the Lomadome, can the magic return?

 

                                            RENEWED APPEAL FOR CWRFC SUPPORTERS CLUB

We have finally corrected a computer glitch which has frustrated many potential SUPPORTERS.  Apologies.  Just imagine supporting a club with 468 registered players and never to be haggled again at the ‘gate’ by our good and faithful, Peter Kilshaw!
                                                       (Give this link another chance)
 

FOOTNOTE

NSMT Follows Form.  As expected/predicted, the men lost to Georgia on Saturday, 38 – 17, after being down early 31 – 3.

CW U14's d Westshore. Westshore U16, U18 d CW in girls action.

CW boys won the hatrick with wins at all three age grades.