Preview of Final Home Games

Tomorrow, the Lomas visit Windsor at the end of what must seem like a nightmare to current and former players of this long and storied sports club. Their demise this year has served notice to all clubs as to how fragile our existence at the Premier level might be. It would appear to have been a Perfect Storm at Lomaville – the loss of a number of very good players and the glue, one, Connie McGinley who had kept the knitting together. This being said, there is still life in the Loma and points earned tomorrow will be more than likely, hard earned.

Speaking of Family around CW this week, it will be the Bros Ilnicki who will lead the forwards into the fray. Keelan Chapman returns to the FRF, replacing an injured Braddock. Jon Phelan returns from injury to lock with Tieds. This will be the first look for local fans to get of this big man who has, more than capably replaced Aaron Flagg (N.Z.), Keogh reverts to his favored #8, with Dingwall and Ilnicki, deservedly flanking the scrum. MacPherson has earned the start at #9 and assuredly will give The Maestro speedy and accurate service. Molia has been promoted, alongside of Fuli. What a warrior, like the Eveready battery, going on & on. Buckley moves back to the Custodian spot. It has been a while since we have seen the reliability of a Buckley @ #15 (Paul, now having succumbed to fatherhood!) We know that Matt won’t disappoint. Morris and Horton have retained their wing spots. In all, a very solid selection. There is much impact that will come from the bench, with the likes of Kleeberger, Armstrong and Henderson. Final say about this one – the boys will be rather keen to solidify what was a mere one point victory in November!

Now to The Ones who finish their season tomorrow, one which has its highs and lows. A huge high was the first win over a good Nanaimo Hornets team on a roll in Times Colonist play. The lows are embarrassingly, better left unsaid at this stage of the season which overall is having a positive ending. The play of the Aussie Jump Ups – Oliver and Rocher has been a highlight, recent prop addition, the diminutive (size only – not muscle mass!), Hammonds has been a find; along with earlier, Chapman throwing his hat in with Ceedub; Grdic has been pretty consistent all season and can be a real “difference-maker”, maybe one day he decides to “go for the gusto” and forces his way for a place in The Bigs. Crawford, Haight, Daumer, Canet (in patches), Middleton, Heppy and Hodgey have all added their share. In the backs Henderson, newcomer Conway @ #9 and of late, Aden Jack have been shining lights. When the going got really tough, Captain Chips demonstrated how the tough get going and we owe him heaps for his service to his team mates and to the club – ‘onya, Chippsy. The Ones have a chance of hurdling from the penultimate basement placing, over The Raven, should they manage a bonus point W…go, you good things!

A word to The Faithful....I'm sure a THANK YOU can be offered from the players, your support to keep the show rolling is amazing - from monetary, to volunteer labour, it all helps to make CW, indeed, a Premier club.  Your club executive is group of hard working volunteers and we can always use more!  A final word to President, Chris Spicer, whose seat in The Chair as Pres for a term of yonks, comes to an end this season.  Old Spice - you're a "ripper", your leadership, humanity and hard work are without peer...you're leaving big shoes to fill but the show will go on - thanks, Chris.  Give Spice the old, 'thumbs up' when you see him wandering Windsor tomorrow.