This Has A Nice Look To It!

Today, we call upon The Sage on the Sidelines for a take on the weekend matches. “Saturday past saw CW men on the road for the first time this season. The Lomadome was the venue, facing a Reserve team that sat atop the table, undefeated and a Premier side in the cellar. The coaches, knowing full well of the challenges, had the boys well prepared for the fray. The pitch was in good nick however the falling rain saw some handling challenges in the curtain-raiser. Lomas II’s started well with a powerful pack and nippy backs causing issues. The visitors did manage to come close following quality work in the set and lineout re-starts and the commitment was good but despite this effort they were made aware of the “benchmark”, finding themselves down, 0 – 17 at the interval. CW was able to keep Lomas to one try in the second stanza for a final, 0 – 22 down on the day against a four-try, bonus point performance by the hosts. The boys gave the Hard Hat to Gareth Sandner. The Divvies close out their “first half” next Saturday at Piggy Park, testing themselves against the best of the Island II’s.

The Premier contest opened with pace and physicality. James Pitblado forced the pace of the game from his #9 position. The set pieces – lineouts being evenly matched, scrums being disparate to CW, a fact more noticeable as the match progressed; became a separating factor. I must note the leadership of the Captain, Nate Stewart; the playing to exhaustion of Mike Finnemore (player’s Hard hat Award) but especially, the effort of Matt Sutherland. Suddsy had been ill all week yet embraced his selection in the engine room, playing a ‘blinder’, ‘onya, Suds! In the backs, Cam Hall continues to inspire confidence and Owen gutted out an injury in brave fashion. The real danger men on this day, Kegode, Adibe, Dalsin and Schelly seemed to pop up “everywhere” to fashion three tries. The final score was 33 – 5, a bonus point win and a catapult into first place to end the “first half", undefeated and having an excellent defensive record. Thanks to our hosts, post-match time being ever so brief and thanks to the day’s officials.” The bus trip to the ferry was evidently epic. (Ed. The boys now go into hibernation until January 19th when they take on locals, Westshore “Valhallians” at The House. Well done all and keep an eye on the prize for you will have some very serious “second-half” challenges with that target on your backs!)