Monday's Musings

JOY IN MUDVILLE – NSMT’s MOMENTOUS WIN

(Photo - Rugby Canada)

It’s been a long time between drinks but total credit to the NSMT on their very solid victory over higher ranked, Romania on Friday evening.  This group has been under tremendous pressure to breach a drought of losses, so there is nothing but positives for the hosts in this one.  As the teams rolled out, there was a visible size difference in the forwards with Romanian ‘Mountain Man’, lock, Mahu appearing mammoth.  This did not deter the Canadian forwards with the Front Row Fraternity getting the W over their counterparts and hooker, Quattrin’s brace of tries, in the Ray Barkwill mold as a try-scoring hooker, putting the exclamation mark on the forward battle.  Canada’s lineout play was also more precise than that of their opponents.  Stand-off half, Nelson, with probably his best performance in a Canadian jersey, was instrumental in the first half 13 – 10 led.  Nelson booted eight points and initiated the try with a deft chip kick for winger, Benn, to outpace his man for the touchdown.

The second half saw a livelier Canada add three tries and clear away for the 35 – 22 win.  In summary, I credit a solid performance by the FRF, the locks had a high work rate with the loosies getting the better of their opposing trio, with Fryer, a late starter, on debut, and Flesch, being particularly noticeable.  In the backs, the attack design, pace of pass and retention were much improved.  Despite the Benn try, the wingers did not show breakaway speed.  Both centers ran good lines and tackled soundly.  Pick of the backs was Nelson who not just ‘played the piano’ but orchestrated matters as well.

The contest was officiated by Scottish referee, Hollie Davidson.  It currently being fashionable to analyze refereeing with UEFA and COPA events front and center, there were two calls of question for this pundit.  Firstly, a try recalled, and penalty issued from a Canadian lineout win, drive and score.  The penalty was called on the jumper who had landed and handed the ball to driving support, something that occurs at almost every lineout.  The catcher is in the middle of the mire, cannot extricate himself and the shunt is on without any obstruction call.  It was hard to tell just what the referee saw.  The second was a blatantly dangerous play when winger Manumua, (a player of South Pacific origin, one of five in today’s lineup), drove his shoulder, neck/chin high into Nelson after a superbly and bravely taken chip and chase leap.  A yellow card was a mild rebuke for a blatant action which did not come close to competing for the ball.

With a few more weeks together before the next game in Vancouver on August 25th, against Japan, it will be interesting to see what can be achieved.  For today, enjoy your achievement and indeed, “up the Beach”, Captain Rumball!

We mentioned the VIRU Tide Boys team winning the recent Provincial Regional Championships.  The team was undefeated over the two days. We have the names of CW lads in the above photo who were on the team.

Marcus Djurickovic, Jack Driscoll, Zack Zahn, Jacob Isaac, Sam Johnston, Josh Keast, Jasper Keast, JW Lee, Mason Levin, Finnley Lillis, Annan McAllister, Mike Oughtred, Eli Palov, Jackson Powell, Robert Reid, Declan Stove, Cormac Sweeney, Ewan Webber-Smith, and David Michell.  Congratulations to the lads and Coach Denver Fatt.

 
BC has selected Rep “Bears”, U16 and U18 Boys teams from recent tryout camps and we further congratulate, Henry Williamson (U16B) and Declan Stove, Ewan Weber-Smith, Mason Levin and Michael Oughtred (U18B) on their selections and wish all players well.

Two graduating CW juniors playing in their final high school game at the provincials.  Both received Player of the Match.  All the best at UVic in the fall to Mason Levin and Annan McAllister, from Claremont & Oak Bay HS’s.