Monday's Musings

LET THE GAMES BEGIN

Two sets of eyes were needed in the early going on Saturday, however, as predicted, on Field #2 CW’s men’s Divvies earned a winning record at 5 – 4 with a 25 – 14 victory over the Rippers – the Aussie vernacular not achieved on this day!   I did catch glimpses and it was certainly far from one-sided.  Bouquets to a winless team.  Captain Kyle earned the honors for M-o-M for CW.  Others reported to have been noticeable were the halves combination with perennial ‘Wee Man’ Hickman a mainstay.   ‘Doc’ MacDonald and Vorster in the centers ran threatening lines all day.  Heard the brothers Ilnicki also reveled in joining up, and throw in an appearance from Gerhardt, the Divvies were ageless.  Well done, all.

                                                              A hat trick of Ilnickis!

In a precursor to this, United from Surrey notched a healthy “W” in a good workout against a combined Rising Tide/CW Islanders combo.  In the spirit of rugby, thanks to United for travelling and the contest – ‘onyas!

My primary attention was with the Women’s Premier encounter.  Ravens arrived at the park with a record of zero table points attained pre-Christmas.  Evidently their matches had been of an exhibition nature, and so it was today. (I did note BCRU awarding comp points??)  This being said, coach, Jake Thiel directed a more than competent and organized group.  CW opened the scoreline at thirteen minutes when Maddy Ardridge (?) crossed after a breakout from Jamie Knaggs somewhat against the run of play in the early stages.  The Birds immediately retaliated and were ‘under the posts’ for a 7 – 7 tie.  CW had the odd foray but at the thirty-minute mark the visitors led 14 – 7.  CW did respond for a close score 12 – 14 at the half.

I failed to keep constant observation in the second half.  Expansive substitution saw a very different home team, shunting set pieces, clearing more effectively from the breakdown, crisper passing, and running more threatening lines.  The scoring opened early with an interception from a careless ‘no-look’ pass and a 19 – 12 Raven lead. CW then hit their straps for three well-earned, unanswered tries to notch a 27 – 19 victory.  CW players from the pines being the impetus in a well-officiated contest.

I thought Raven’s captain, #9, Scramstad was good value, with winger McManus often posing threats.  The Raven forward pack was torrid in the first half; however, matters were reversed in the second half.  Overall, the commitment to defense was creditable, with energy waning as the game progressed and more questions were asked.  With a full contingent of 25 players, if this is a building season for the Ravens, the future looks rosy.  For CW we saw some new faces, and it was an outing to build on.  Loosies, Knaggs and Motherwell ran dangerously and worked hard.  One cannot help but like the diminutive winger, Savannah King, and others such as Skakum and Currey had their moments.  The passing was not sharp and will need work with speed and accuracy however the attitude appears to be that of total commitment.  The club wishes Chloe Hill-Huse the best as she ventures off to Brisbane.  Chloe will be a great CW ambassador and maybe recruiter, for CW – ONE CLUB.

The final foray for the day saw the Premier men in a game which opened horrendously for the hosts when a wide pass from a kick reception was telegraphed and intercepted at the three-minute mark for an alert O’Donghue, the start of too many unforced errors on this day.  Amongst the most noticeable being that of judicious kicks being allowed to go to ground, often with possession retrieved.  CW responded with some territorial position and was eventually rewarded with a well-earned try from Kratz, following hard yards by Pedersen and Finnemore.  Almost immediately Jacko Carson started a move in his own 22, deftly juking two would-be tacklers, sent Bains on his way for further yards and the inside pass came to Locke for the lead, not to be rescinded.  Raven’s #9, Wickham and his French link at #10, Sangiorji mixed up the attack skillfully.  For CW, Pederson was very visible with solid carries.  So, the interval arrived with the visitors leading 14 – 7.

On the day the Ravens were simply too good, and the score differential demonstrated the difference between second and ninth place.  CW certainly has talent, and on the whole a reasonably committed work ethic but today the tackling was not sharp and the chemistry for success seemed to be awry.

 
For the Birds, there were many who stood out.  I give my M-o-M to Joe Locke who was, once again, tireless. #10, Sangiorgi was a close second.  Carson, Whickham, Bain and Jensen represented potential threats.  The tight five seemed bigger and good value, complimented with a valuable loosies trio.

 
For CW I went for Gammage at #9 as my M-o-M, always sniping and showing great vision.  Gus Porter was an honest contributor.  In the pack, Mason Pederson, Gav Kratz, as usual, and Captain Finnie were in the thick of it all day.  The new Straith jerseys looked good!  Finally, thanks to all the officials on the day and a ‘get well’ to my old mate, Rick Bourne.

Victoria Pub Co., Straith’s Fine Clothes, Besolar, Cantec Fire Alarms, Phillips Brewing Co., Castaways Cricket Club and Carson Automotive.

Photos catch new Platinum sponsor & Carson Clan, surrounding Matriarch Mary on a sunny winter afternoon at the House of Windsor.