ODDS & ENDS TIE THE SEASON TOGETHER

Whilst on the field results on the weekend were not what might have been hoped for, things off the pitch were exemplary.  For starters, this writer offers bouquets to MCs of the Player Awards Dinner, Bronwyn Zodichi and Zec Pilgrim. Both are outstanding players, teammates and Board members and were duly recognized with awards as well!  The evening was classily hosted by the Grand Pacific hotel with some 60 – 70 formally attired attendees.

 
Pictured above with Catie and Ken, Premier Women’s and Men’s coaches, are winners of the Johnny Shepherd Award, voted on by the players for the Players’ Player, exhibiting outstanding personal and interpersonal characteristics, work ethic, loyalty and commitment.  This year Bronwyn Zodichi was the female choice and Ollie Nott and Zec Pilgrim tied for the male choice.  We congratulate these three committed CW leaders.

Premier MVP players - Josie Anzai and Gradyn Bowd

 


















There is not the ability to share the total photo gallery of winners, however they are named as follows.

WOMEN’s AWARDS

Windsor Warrior (Most versatile) – Chloe Hill-Huse; Rise & Grind (Most improved) – Josie Pusch; Rookie Award – Grace Goodwin; Div 2 MVP – Vicki Yu; Div 1 MVP – Kassidy Kej.  The Chris Shepherd Award was given to outgoing President, Karl Klashinsky for his commitment to the women’s program.  ‘onya, Klash!

 

MEN’s AWARDS

Young Guns Best Forward – Pearce Reimer; Best Back – Charley Kerr;  Div 1 Most Improved – Fraser Roethel; Div 1 MVP – Jack Goss; Prems Most Improved – Roanan Graham;  Rookie-of-the-Year – Dafydd Thomas; John Morley Award (Dedication) – Tayte St Peter; Kiwi Cup (Most Conscientious Trainer) – Antonio Corbin; Pig’s Trotter Award ( Committed Wallowing) – at hooker and flanker – Jack Wallace; Prems MVP – Gradyn Bowd.

                                                                   Thanks to our trainers.
                                                         
                                                                 AGM

Sunday came all too soon, and several players backed up for the club’s AGM.  It was well attended by some fifty folks.  Outgoing President, Karl Klashinsky gave an expansive report of the year’s activities related to all aspects of the club, with specific mention of credit to Brent Johnston for his work with field, shed and lighting projects.   We owe much thanks to Klash for his leadership during two terms of office and tremendous club growth.  Kerri Cooke was announced as incoming President; I believe a female first for BC rugby clubs.  Meet our President HERE. Karl invited everyone to honor our mini’s program, led by Rod Fraser, by attending the wind-up day on April 27th.  The new Treasurer, Ryan Kelly, was welcomed and outgoing, Linda Veitch, was thanked.  Ryan clarified some major deficits incurred this year and although disconcerting, they were not disastrous. The coming year has already covered considerable expenses.  The Secretary's books have been taken over by Joe Sheldrake from the long-serving, Jon Donald.  Bouquets and thanks to Jon.

 
Vice President, Rob Peel, presented an outline as to where the plans are at, so far as a new clubhouse on a Currie Rd site are concerned. A subcommittee has been assembled to explore the most exciting prospect in the club’s history.  This process will face many hurdles; however, it is hoped that a public meeting in June will be informed of significant progress.  A HUGE THANKS was expressed to those passionate volunteers who have given their time to serve the club.  This was carried with unanimous acclamation.

In-coming Board. (Ed. With thanks to returning officers.)

President – Kerri Cooke; Vice President – Rob Peel, Treasurer – Ryan Kelly; Secretary – Joe Sheldrake. 

Directors-At-Large; Byron McAllister (Jr Boys); Kelsey McKinnon (Jr Girls); Rod Fraser (Mini rugby); Merie Beauchamp (Communications); Gareth Rees; Brandon Gerhardt (Community outreach); McKenzie Eckardt (Community outreach); and Brent Johnston.

                                                 Klash presented with Chris Shepherd Award.



PERCEPTIONS ARE REALITIES.

1. The credibility of the BCRU Women’s League is in question in this pundit’s eyes.  The obfuscation by UBC with their “#1” and “#2” teams has been befuddling all season to this ladder watcher.  Further, UVic’s arbitrary releasing of players or not, to be available to play club rugby when there is no varsity XV or VII’s competition seems very inconsistent.  Specifically, a XV’s player suddenly seeing their scholarship eligibility enabling her to be available for VII’s selection was unfathomable for this observer.

2. What will Seattle RFC’s role in the BCRU be going forward?

3. And so, it came to pass. One week Westshore Women's RFC cannot muster a team to play league-leading UBC at home, yet the following week a side could be selected to travel to Burnaby to inflict a 46 – 26 win over the Lakers.  This was one of two late-season concessions/defaults/forfeits.  Certainly, there is a fine for such an event with the non-offending team being the recipient of a healthy sum, however, such a decision could have a more far-reaching effect for other clubs apart from the culprit.

4. The BCRU currently has no stipulations to the “import rule”. This is a farce as it has become very discriminatory and needs to have limitations. Hopefully all these issues will be addressed at the next AGM.

 

FINALLY, SOME GOOD NEWS!

The NSWT VII’s were bronze medal winners at the recent Singapore Sevens, defeating France for the placing.  Congratulations to all members of the team.  Whilst with women’s rugby.  CW gives a shout out to – recent past players, Caroline Crossley, Gabby Senft, Julia Schell and not so recent, Karen Paquin and Olivia Apps, who have been named to the squad to defend Canada’s Pacific Four title, commencing in LA in May.  Best of luck to all players and maybe their training workouts this month could be observed at Starlight Stadium?

 

WEEKEND WARRIORS

CW men will be on the road to take on Lomas at Brockton Oval, a very different outcome would be the case should UVic have defeated Capilano last week.  The team will be slightly depleted with a red card and an injury marring their full strength.  Never-the-less, this group has shown great grit and resilience. Go, you good things. CW's women will celebrate a decade of CW women's rugby when they face Westshore on 26th April in the playoffs.