Storied Club Visits Windsor

A brief Hornet History 101!  Being a Founding Father of the rejuvinated (1968), version of the Hornets, The Ruggernut actually has some credibility in reporting this story!  Nanaimo Hornets (originally, The Rovers), were instituted in 1888 when the Free Press reports; “The match between the Nanaimo Rovers and a team from Comox was played in Nanaimo on Wednesday afternoon in the presence of 300 or 400 people. The Nanaimo Rovers appeared in a new tunic, the idea of their captain, which is a great improvement.” The new attire must have helped the Nanaimo team as it ran out winners by three goals and a try to nil.

During the coal mining, economic bubble in the 20's and 30's when the seam was mined from Cumberland to Nanaimo by many Welsh colliers, rugby in the Hub City flourished, although the bubble burst during the Depression years. Following WWII, rugby disappeared as many of the "colonists" did not return and it was not until 1968, 45 years ago, when a group of rugby playing enthusiasts enticed some footballers and lacrosse guys to field a team.  The intitial season involved exhibition games and the team entered the VIRU 2nd Division in 1969 and the following season, won the competition.  Cheekily, thinking they could master the First Division, the club accepted "promotion" in its third season, only to suffer large defeats, not having sufficient depth to play at this level.  However, one memory comes fondly to mind and that was a sneaky victory at NDSS Field over Oak Bay Wanderers!  Other moments of mirth always occured when the Castaways came to town.  The teams played for the Nails Cup - a battered "potty" and post match functions at the Sons of Norway Hall were hours of great hilarity led by Alan Rees (sans teeth) and Dave Clarke.

For readers of this site, I mention a few names; Barry Millage (via Wellington, N.Z., Rowers and Cowichan), Cafferky (via Australia), Wingert, Beck & the Jeffs bros (via football and lacrosse), Lorton (troubador extraordinaire), Owens (via Nanaimo Fire Dpt), Mortimer & Turner (via Sth Africa), Wallace & Di Georgio (via UBC and tutored by Wallaby great, Dr Max Howell), Krall and Fulla (via JBAA) and McCullum (via football and NDSS), characters all and if they weren't to begin with, were soon encouraged to expand their extrovert side!

So, the Hornets who are having a successful season, visit Windsor to face a wounded and much maligned Wanderer, led by Jacob ("Chips") Lamb who will once again, lead by example, with the hopes of a miracle in mind. Kick off is 1:00 p.m.....weather forecast to be promising and also from the practise pitch, the effort commensurably promising.  We'll see.  Go, CW!!