Monday's Musings

February 23, 2026 Posted in News / Victoria BC / Rugby Club / Game Reports / Prems / CW Rugby / B.C. Rugby / Refereeing / Fifteens / Senior Women / Senior Men

Prems M-o-M, Merlin M'Cloud. Photo credits, KEITH WELLS

ALUMNI DAY saw many memorable faces in the House. The visitors were mostly male that I recognized, as that is the main component of CW’s history to date, although Premier men’s game referee, Julianne Zussman was a wonderful addition. Alum going back to Mike Elcock, a Wanderer from the early 70’s, Alun Rees, a Castaway from an even earlier time headed such vintage as Ken Foote, Garth Cooke, Ty Spicer, Troy Mc Donald, John Graf, Morgan Tate, Mac Catto, Evan Cambridge, and a good support group. It was also unique to see BCRU at the House, in the presence of CEO, Matthew Carter.

Comox women set the bar high with their lop-sided win over our Divvies women. The differential was marginally greater than that of the November scoreline. Comox has done well in this promotional season, although strangely, their opponents have been mostly Island clubs. We heard that Lauren Sargent was unable to be present, however, she is still actively involved with the Kickers. The visitors also embraced the post-game, showing clean heels in the Boat Race!

CW was able to get payback in the men’s Divvies, winning convincingly, 40 – 12. It was tight first half with CW defending grimly to hold their 7 – 0 lead, the result of a delayed inside pass to Isaac for the try.

The second stanza started early when Hohert passed to Quinonez, and on to Vorster, 14 – 0. Comox responded immediately after a long breakout. Then it was CW’s Doc Mac who passed wide miss ball for Isaac’s brace, 19 – 5. Mc Callum was next up after a “don’t argue” ramble, 26 – 5. With territorial advantage for CW, it was against the flow when Comox broke out, I believe it was Thomas, to get it to 26 – 12. The hosts finished with another brace, five second half tries in total. Comox did well but was not the force expected. Loosies Wright and Gilmour and backs, Thomas and Nikkel were worthy of mention, with Joe Wright my M-o-M.

For CW, I credit them with playing with enjoyment, a measure of risk and enterprise. There were errors for sure but the moments of creativity and positivity by far outweighed them. Each game this group looks more like a playoff contender. I give my M-o-M to Marshall Stove, capably supported in the backs by Doc Mac, Isaac Woods and George Vorster. The FRF led by Mc Callum, and loosie, Mager, all worked hard. Thanks to referee, Brown for a job well done.

On the main pitch CW Premier women were taking Abbotsford apart. The writer saw very little of the action due to the imbalance of the match. Thanks to Abby. The Prems will truly test themselves next week when Westshore come to Windsor.

And so, the final curtain. Today I include a utube watch of the game, for those still shaking their heads and those who were unable to be present. I highlight the Pride’s lock, Jayden John as head and shoulders physically and performance wise, as the M-o-M and one to watch. Moir at #10 was good value, but for my money, #12 Jean-Louis Desgouttes was the pick of the backs.

CW’s three injury replacements in fifteen minutes was not a good omen. Things continued to unravel on a day when the Pride was precision plus. For CW Merlin M’Cloud gets my M-o-M with Fred Regan and the ageless, Gord Kehoe, tireless in support. In the backs, Gus Porter tried everything and Poulton finished with gusto. Next week Westshore visits the House. Thanks to referee Zussman for another consummate performance.