Wednesday's Ruck & Maul

September 24, 2014 Posted in Canada Rugby / Community / CW Rugby / Juniors / News / Rugby Club

MEET THE PREZ PART II

Last week we introduced readers to Don, we conclude that interview today.......

CW: You were very involved with rugby in Ontario. How does CW compare with your club in Ontario, Highland RFC? In your brief experience how does the growth, structure and playing strength of B.C. rugby compare with Ontario?

DS: Great question again. There are some similarities, and some striking differences. I’ll start with the differences. Our women’s program at Highland was quite strong. We had a few national team players including one who represented Canada in the most recent world cup. That is certainly something for CW to work towards, and this has started with our excellent and growing junior girls program under David Crossley’s leadership. Another difference I notice right away was the touring, Highland toured to England and Portugal while I was there and was preparing for another EU tour for their senior men this coming year. That being said, CW is a powerhouse. Our Elite men’s program, Premiership and Firsts is second to none, under the leadership of Brent Johnston and Ian Hyde-Lay and their excellent group of coaches and managers. Our juniors and Minis program is a cornerstone of the club, and really accounts for a great deal of my excitement about the potential of this club. Matt Gordon is off to a great start taking over from Macca with the minis as well as running the Thurds on the side, being a bonus to what he brings to the table.

A common element to both clubs was and is a commitment to the greater good of the community. I am really proud of that aspect of who we are and what we will continue to be as a sport.

CW: Don, thanks for taking time to thoughtfully respond. Our club thanks you for volunteering and we are fully behind you. Best of luck.

POST SCRIPT: Chris (“Old Spice”), Spicer served in this capacity for five years. Chris put our club on a strong footing, leading a re-vamped organizational structure, building old boy and community networks and marching CW to a more solid financial future as we tentatively progress to a “semi-professional” era. Spice gave countless hours to what at times must have seemed like a thankless task. He continues to be actively involved with the Board.

CW asked Spice what he hoped was the legacy he had left after his tenure.

CS: "I believe we have built a more structured and representative Board. I have seen our club broaden and enhance our fiscal situation, its management and health. Thanks to stalwarts, such as Ron Willems, we had a situation that was solid. With the addition of Brett Jackson (C.A.) as Treasurer, we have been able to achieve these goals. I have seen the club place greater emphasis on coaching, skill improvement and certification, from mini rugby, through juniors and girls to our senior men. Finally, I believe we have increased the diversity of our volunteer base."

CW: Thanks, Chris for taking the time to review your tenure. Thanks for all of your hard work and excellent leadership. ‘onya, Spice!

SATURDAY AT WINDSOR

This Saturday CW is pitted against cross-town rivals, James Bay. First Division action kicks off at 1:00p.m., followed by Premier action at 2:30. With both teams only playing two games to date and missing a number of players, it is a little difficult to predict too much. On paper, to this point, JBAA looks the stronger of the teams, winning both of their matches. Their early season form against UVic, a side which CW capitulated to last weekend, was solid, ending in 34 – 30 victory. The Tricolors will be marginally stronger this week but it begs the question, will they have enough?

Early season form from Thornber and Braddock has been good and Armstrong’s game last Saturday was encouraging. The backs are a young group and will need a super effort to negate two big centres and a slick #9/10 combo in blue. On the other hand, James Bay has shown their customary depth, particularly at the Premier level, where they seem to be able to field a host of quality players. We will post a pre-game prediction and teams later in the week.

SOCIAL MEMBERSHIP: Keep an eye out for Alun Rees and Jim Wenman at our games so that you can become a social member of CWRFC. $150 - includes free admission to all CW men's home games, access to special social events at home games, and sign-in and rental privileges at Discovery Sports Club. For those who wish to maintain social memberships while out of town, we welcome these supporters from afar!

BOOK IT: CW will be hosting a special night to celebrate Gareth Rees’ induction to the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame. On OCTOBER 10^TH, Garth will be recognised by CW at an informal gathering. Get this date in your diary NOW. It will be a cracker! Casual drinks at 5:00, stay tuned.

UNDER 18’s: The Tricolors open their fall campaign this Sunday at Gordon Head where they take on the Velox. The rivalry between these two clubs since many of these lads started as Minis, moons ago, has been fast and furious and we expect nothing less on Sunday – youth rugby is action at its best. CW embraces a new format to the competition this year which involves Island and Mainland sides in interlock play amongst three pools with teams from Victoria to Kamloops. Take it in and go, CW!