Too Much Fire Power From Locals

The Premier outing promised much but really did not quite deliver.  For the victors, the combinations were rusty, many having not played together, at least for a while.  Both teams tried constructive efforts but the plots were not really evident.  Play opened with good phases of retention for the Vikes but it was mere three minutes in when Dougie Fraser, brashly stepped up and intercepted for a 30 meter run and try under the sticks.  In the very early going the CW set piece made an impact statement, shunting the Vikes back to earn a penalty.  CW had field position and kept the hammer down but it was to be a creative individual effort that would make the highlight reel when from a defensive “short” lineout, Crosby Stewart took the ball on the long throw and quickly putting it into high gear, wrong – footed McCloskey, Schellie and out-gunned Pitblado for a 75 meter scamper and equalizing points.  CW responded with a nifty break by Owen which nearly put Fraser away and added some good running to counter Bowd’s kicks.  From one of these counters, Pat Kay, sliced the can open sending Stewart on a scything run, feeding Pitblado, on to McCloskey for a 14 -7 lead at the thirty minute mark.  So it remained for the next ten minutes to the interval as the sides tested back and forth with real commitment from the students.

The interval saw CW substitute liberally with Owen coming off with a hamstring issue.  Pat Kay moved to #10, Isaac Kay (welcome to Ceedub), came on as did Luke Bradley with a shuffle in the pack.  Luke Bradley’s decision in joining CW is a confirmation to the club of a mutual respect and bonding we have had over the years with Jas and his devoted Black Sheep.  Welcome, Luke and we hope your games with us are most enjoyable.  CW earned an early penalty, took a quick tap and went blind for McCloskey to show clean heels for his brace, 19 – 7.  Increased questions were asked and when Schellie moved to the #9 spot his ‘giddy-up’ seemed to enliven his outside men and good handling saw Isaac Kay over for his first as a Tricolor, 26 – 7.  Pat Kay was starting to find some telling gaps but it was Ollie Nott who had the next say with a fine individual effort, going some 45 meters and narrowing the gap to 26 – 14 with fifteen to go.  CW showed patience in their next build up and the ball came to Bradley, a subtle shimmy from Adibe on to Morra for 31 – 14.  It all became a little sloppy with not much shape to the attack, liberal subs and lack of cohesion apparent.  From some loose play in his own half, Pat Kay made a break and fed Mike Adibe who went 65 meters for the exclamation mark, outpacing a tiring Findlay in an exciting foot race.  Final score, 36 – 14.

Players voted Nathan Yue and Crosby Stewart M-o-M for the Vikes and Cam Polson and Schellie for the hosts.  For the Vikes, I thought Carson Oliver and Ollie Nott in the pack, deserved mention and Gradyn Bowd in the backs put in a solid day’s work, Nott’s lack of size, sadly probably limiting him from higher honors but he is a hard-working, talented player. For CW, Burger Thornber and Braddock labored tirelessly and despite a good game from Cam, I give Nate Stewart my nod.  The backs had fun and their lesser-known counterparts rose to their challenge not to make anything easy.  Pat Kay was my pick but I sure like the game Adibe put in.  It is early times and this plethora of talent will be seldom available but it was still a pretty good hit-out.  This writer wishes the Sevens players best of luck as the altercation they have with Head Office continues.  Thanks to today's officiating crews in both games - good job. Next week, the whole show – men and women, travel to the Hub City to take on the Hornets.

OPENING DAY and sixteen U6 registrants!