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CW Coaching Team for 2010-2011
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CW Announce Coaching Team for 2010-2011 Season
from Ian MacLean
posted July 16 2010
Castaway Wanderers Rugby Football Club is extremely happy to announce the club's coaching team for the coming season. The coaching team is a highly accredited, well respected, dynamic group of men who bring past National Representative honors as players, coaches and officials to the table, to benefit those players who will come under their direction and tutelage. The model befits the need to cover expansive areas of the modern game, a task many are recognizing to be almost impossible for one person to handle. With the implementation of this group of coaches, CW is seeking to return to the pinnacle of BCRU competition.
The coaching team will consist of Spencer Robinson (Player with Rugby Canada VII's and Canada 'A'; Coach of Canada Mens and Womens VII's teams); Chris May (Captain of Pacific Pride Development Team and Co-Coach of Vancouver Reps; Physiotherapist with Rugby Canada Mens VII's); Lee Lindwall (Rugby League player - Australia; YDO/Technical Director Saskatchewan R.U., Asst Coach Prairie Fire, Coach CWRFC 2007-10) and Ian Hyde Lay (Rugby Canada XV's [3 caps and RWC, 1987]; Canada Referee Panel 1991-2003; 17 Test matches RWC 1999 and RWC VII's - 1997 and 2001; Co-Coach of Canada West [NA4], Rugby Canada U20's - 2008/09). Roger Robinson and Noah Molia will continue to work in their capacity with First Division players as well.
To add to this exciting announcement we have the return of last year's Captain, Ken Goodland and experienced players such as Ander Monro and Nanyak Dala (currently contracted to Rugby Canada), Paul and Matt Buckley and Seamus Gay already confirmed. We invite any players who are interested in joining our club to contact Kevin Poole at kghp@shaw.ca
Castaway Wanderers U17 hold on for win over West Monmouth School from Wales
from Ken Goodland
posted July 16 2010
On a beautiful sunny day in Oak Bay the Castaway Wanderers hosted West Monmouth School from Wales and put on an excellent display of rugby to come away with the win. There was a great feel to the day with many Oak Bay families taking on billeting and continuing the relationship created two years ago when CW travelled across the pond to visit Wales, with many of the same kids!
The game started exactly the way CW wanted, putting the travellers on the back foot with quick rucking and swift handling from sideline to sideline. The physicality of the home side took hold quickly and three tries were scored in the first fifteen minutes, two converted. The idea that the floodgates would open were promptly quashed however and West Monmouth settled in to play solid defence and dominate the second fifteen, coming away with a converted try and putting the pressure straight back on the home side. 19-7 at the half.
The second half saw more of a back and forth game, skilful, dedicated and full of passion. Some nice angled running by the Welsh boys put pressure on the defence of CW and only some great cross cover saved the day. However playing defence can take its toll and West Monmouth found the try line once again and converted. This lapse for CW provided a wakeup call and the hosts replied with another try of their own, unconverted, extending the lead and relaxing the fans. Both sides continued the terrific display adding some aggressive tackling and even a light purse swinging to illustrate their passion. Two more unconverted tries for the visitors and two for the hosts brought the final to 34-24 for CW.
Man of the match for CW was second row Steve Grdic for his relentless work rate and some of those cross-cover tackles. Other notables were Steve Thompson and his front row partners-in-crime Sean Kinsella and Tyson Monro, with Mike Dalsin, Evan Seale and Aden Jack being the most dangerous backs. It was a full team effort though and all who put the jersey on should be proud of their contribution.
For CW it was extremely satisfying and exciting to see that no less than 10 kids on the field made their way through its mini program and are quickly establishing themselves as the future of the club. The camaraderie they show on and off the field is great to witness and the club looks to be in good hands.
Again huge thanks to all the families who took in billets and put on the post game meal, enhancing the reputation of CW as one of the top clubs in BC to deal with and making West Monmouth feel extremely welcome.
Hard Fought Battle at Windsor but Caps Prevail
by Ian MacLean
posted April 29 2010
A windy afternoon but a good day for rugby at Windsor. CW highlighting the afternoon with their adios to Skins and fundraising to assist the Women's Nats.
Play opened with good pressure by the home team... the Maestro missing a long droppie but CW was first to score at about the ten minute mark when Captain Ken took a #8 pickup which almost looked too easy 7 - 0. Caps responded with sustained pressure for about ten minutes, much of which was inside the red zone. CW almost got off the hook but gave a penalty up at the breakdown (one of many at this facet of play during the match). Caps found touch, craftily drove the maul from the lineout in what is technically an offside mechanism, where the jumper is cleverly shielded in the air by blockers on either side, etc, etc, for the first score to Rhone. This was followed up by the try of the match when right from the k.o., in a sweeping movement involving about eight players, Sawyers put the exclamation mark down by outflanking the stunned watchers to put the Caps up 10 - 7.
Hard play from both teams followed, split fairly evenly in terms of ground gained and McKinnon (Caps), Buydens and Gay showing out. Although the first stanza ended three points in arrears and play seemingly even, the discrepancy in possession went Caps way and when the ball did come to CW's normally composed backs, the reaction was one which was apparent shock. Lineouts were a particular sparse source of ball for the hosts.
A good start was made by CW to the second stanza and a try by Matt Buckley, was negated owing to an offside call... guess one had to be there, as it appeared very close. CW suffered further penalties, putting themselves under real pressure but it was they who scored again and yet again, from penalties and a steady stroke from Munro to go ahead 13 -10. However, it was Sawyers who made another an elusive foray to see Caps eventually earn the lineout deep in CW's territory. A second rolling maul resulting in the try, put the nail in the coffin and saw the hosts trail 13 - 17. With twenty minutes remaining there was hope and both Goodland and Graf needed to leave the fray to be patched up but both returned to soldier on. With ten minutes left, Munro added another trey 16 - 17 but it was the old hands, Strubin and Larisch who crafted their way back downfield and Hilborn obliged with a penalty to end the scoring - game; bonus point for the hosts - set; and when the news came down from Gordon Head - match! A pair of "W's" to the visitors.
Not much to add - with Gay being recognised by his opposition as M-o-t-M... yet again. Smithy had a good game, as did young Grant, Buydens - a hard man, played as he only knows - full on but overall the pack was outplayed which set the platform for the W. For Caps, Sawyers was scintillating... a man who looks for work, recognizing his potential contribution and respected by friend and foe. Larisch was good when he needed to be and McKinnon and Langley were uncompromising. It was a hard match played fairly by both teams, some apparent inconsistencies however the ref kept control. These teams respect each other and the Caps turning of the Home and Away wins table, deserve credit. For CW... the first time for a long time with no post season action. Reflection will be long and hard by the powers that be, starting with the players but it would be unfair not to add a thanks for some of the most memorable tallies ever witnessed at Windsor Park.
A RUGBY EXTRAVAGANZA AT WINDSOR: CAPILANO @ CW: LAST HOME START FOR GRAF
Posted April 20 2010-04-20
From CW website for more details visit http://cw.rugby-portal.com/rfw/
Big scores were the order of the day last weekend, with CW leading the parade. Despite the overwhelming victory, CW finds itself in a must-win final game to make the Playoffs. There are a mere three points separating the last three Playoff contenders. Only two of the three will make the grade and all three find themselves against formidable opposition, with Ravens facing UVic at Home, and Bayside facing a riled up Cowichan side, also at Home. CW hosts third place, Capilanos and is in control of its own destiny. Home game victories by these clubs have been the order of the day over the past three seasons, with Caps having a decided points advantage in the previous outcomes. Saturday at 2:45 will open with a clean sheet.
Despite recently losing their Kiwi coach Turner, of some seasons, Caps, under the guidance of Tom Larisch have proven they still want the prize. With solid wins the past two weeks over the Vikes and a one-sided VRC victory this past Saturday, they have demonstrated their pedigree. Players the ilk of Trenkel, Tyler, Langley, Hillborne and Prochine are never to be taken lightly and it will take a totally committed effort to be in the mix at the end of the day by the Home team.
CW have proved to be a bit hot and cold this season and when they are on the boil, there are few to match but eighty minutes of consistency has been few and far between. Mental toughness and solid tactical preparation will be vital, as it certain that the desire needed will not be a factor. It should be a battle long to be remembered and hopefully it will be orchestrated in that fashion.
The spotlight on the thirty starters will focus and reflect (!!) on that wonderful rugby warrior, Johnny Graf. Graffie has done much since returning to his club from whence the chrysalis emerged but it is not the recent heroics that will come to mind when one reflects on John. It is the many years of service he has given to the Canadian game, not to mention the joys he has given to those who watch Canadian rugby. The sign of a good rugby person is the respect he/she engenders from their foes and to this end Graffie is probably bar none, amongst the most highly respected of players. In his last Home start, we wish him well and thank him for all the MANY years of service to club and National rugby. Later this week, we will offer specific tribute to John's achievements. It is a long list to compile, none of which is forthcoming from the man himself - the most humble of guys, another endearing attribute.
Around all of these happenings, CW proudly announces that Saturday's game is a tribute to the CANADIAN WOMEN'S NATIONAL TEAM who are off to the Rugby World Cup, ranked in fourth place. Some members of the team will be introduced and they will be taking donations at the gate, all of which will go to the women. Our National Team players are part of a "pay to play" program and CW wishes to assist with reducing their personal costs. The IRB and Rugby Canada and the Provinces do contribute to the program however, the women's true dedication is noted with their personal costs. We are asking for $10 donations for this cause and we hope you can manage that little extra to support the team. Their preparation has been lengthy and they are quietly confident about their chances. The women will also be serving burgers on the day and hosting an evening social at DSC. Go, CANADA, go!
Half time entertainment at this game will be provided by CW U12's Mini players. In all, a GREAT day at The Park.....get your friends out, those who we haven't seen in eons and those new to rugby. Go, CW!
CW Swamps Lakers: 54 - 5
by Ian MacLean
posted April 13 2010
Windsor witnessed a near flawless first forty last Saturday, a mastery of posession, position and pace. The second stanza saw liberal, not wholesale, substitutions and an opportunity for seamless continued attack to continue was there for the taking but fell rather flat with poor decision making and deficit of critical moments of support, coupled with some handling errors and an opposition who "dug deep", to hold the score at 12 - 5.
The first half Parade to the Posts started at the third minute and continued to the fortieth minute. It was intersperesed with a brief spell from Burnaby, led by the old Warhorse, Colin McKenzie and efforts from Hart and Luca, stemming the tide briefly, aided by some CW errors and penalties at the breakdown. Although they made the defence work, a try was not forthcoming. 42 points in forty minutes and six from six with the boot... two from very wide, was the first stanza summary.
The second stanza opened with more of the same for two early CW tallies. The tap then turned off, despite the odd flash and full credit to the visitors for a gutsy finish with a try of merit in the corner.
Men-of-the-Match, adjudged by the players - Gay and McKenzie. For the writer, I liked Grant, Mallory, Buydens and Dala in the pigs, with all of the backs when the run on crew were together, simply doing things right - great fun to watch.
It's over to our old mate, Spike and the students at UBC next Saturday, hoping to keep the train rolling and to even the W/L column or the season.
Cowichan Stalls Over The Malahat: CW 46 - Cowichan 15
by Ian MacLean
posted March 29 2010
CW offers its congratulations to all members of the successful, Sevens Bowl Winners in Hong Kong.
The CRFC/CW game was only five minutes old when Buydens made a break, passed wide to Crooks and on to Goodland looming even wider for the first strike. CW suffered an early blow when Canadian U20 #9, Kyle Armstrong went down with suspected knee ligament damage, to be replaced by the veteran, Graf. This day was not to be one that the visitors would relish, for CW had work to do and it was the visitors who were caught in some desperation at the breakdown and remitted a penalty, 8 - 0, CW. Territory was exchanged with some kicking. Quick ball was fed to an alert #15, Buckley (P) on a sudden injection and a great line to link in Crooks with a wide pass when he was tackled. Crooksy completed the compliment, breaking the tackle and thundering 30 meters for the try. CW 15 - 0.
Cowichan responded by annihilating two CW scrums however the CW defence held and it was Buydens again who emerged with a rollicking ramble, creating CW pressure. A penalty for a late tackle on Graf was awarded, 18 - 0. Cowichan's attempts at unsettling CW forwards and Munro were being met with firm discipline and action on the scoreboard. A penalty was awarded to Cowichan and a raking touch finder set up a threatening lineout, only to be pinched by CW. Still in the CW quarter, Wood executed a second dummy crash and delay to Gudmunseth which asked the question and CW had to interfere to avoid the tally. Wood obliged with the penalty, 18 - 3.
From the k.o. the ball swept from side to side, Larsen looked to be over but the knock on was brought back for a Cowichan offside. The quick tap went to Crooks who showed a clean pair of heels and simply overpowered the tacklers, 25 - 3. Again, CW came in waves. Goodland, Graf and Powell to Larsen but a penalty was called and Cowichan responded, full of running and it was only a desperate covering tackle from young Grant that kept the line intact. Then Munro saved a try on the other wing. The efforts from Graf, Munro and Co. on defence caused a knock on and ended the half.
Cowichan opened the second stanza with their patented, physical pick and drives but they were kept at bay at the 40m area with stout defence. As soon as CW got their hands on the ball Munro, Buckley and Smith surged forward and when it was quickly recycled, Munro executed a perfect dummy delay and a pop pass to Buckley (P), on yet another good line, to rocket over the last 30m untouched for the tally, 32 - 3. Graf finally left the fray after a huge contribution, Crooks to #9 and Wade on and it was he who made a good break. From the tackle it was Crooks, Munro to Smith, under the posts, 39 - 3.
Play grew scrappy as injuries and replacements disjointed both teams - Munro, amongst others but by then it was basically, all over. Cowichan made good ground which ended in a 5m scrum which was splintered over the CW line for Gudmunseth (L), to be credited with the try to the utmost joy of the Piggy Faithful and deserving reward for a quality front row effort, 39 - 8. From the kickoff, Gay caught the Cowichan passing skills on the ebb and welcomed the intercept with his second such try in back to back home games. With Buckley's convert, the score moved to 46 - 8. In the dying stages, Cowichan won a further two scrums and #10, Andrew Wood scored and converted - a just reward for this man's day. Final 46 - 15.
There are plenty of compliments to be given on the day, the greatest being for a focus on "rugby - the running game". It was a solid effort with much better discipline and concentration on the part of the Home team. The CW front row had its difficulties, as usual, the Cowichan pack thrives on its reputation (well earned) and their obvious work ethic on timing and technique. Apart from this area of the game, there was not a whole lot to compare. Improvements have been noted and final mention to Buydens, Goodland, Gay, Graf, Munro is only fair. Thanks to the ref, Pat Allard from Vancouver. Next game - at The Park vs Burnaby, April 10th.
For further news and game pictures visit www.cwrugby.com (Recent Results).
CW, ON THE IMPROVE HOSTS A TALENT-LADEN STUDENTS SIDE
by Ian MacLean
posted March 17 2010
With U.Vic sporting eleven players with International experience and CW with three – a veritable who’s who of domestic talent, it was a great pity that the RC AGM caused the absence of any representatives from the NSMT program at Windsor last Saturday. The real gem would be the contest at #10 with Munro and Hirayama in opposition, nor did they disappoint! They kicked 12/13 attempts at goal (a true, International performance), set up tries with good breaks and/or tactical kicks and one even received a yellow card!
The game was only minutes old when first blood went to Hirayama after a collapsed maul. Matt Buckley made headway after the re-start and it was soon after that Munro responded. CW had some miscommunication on D and it was only a desperate cross-covering tackle from Poole that saved the try. This gave CW some pep and the ball was worked back to the U.Vic half where Munro added another three pointer from 40 meters.
The pace of play picked up and the visitors, with a wealth of possession, began to really test the defense. Middleton was outstanding in response, Hodge and Grant were also noted but the skill of Hirayama and Mack was resulting in first line breaks and dangerous half-gaps, one of which resulted in an offside infraction and “Hiray” tied the score. Carr came on after eighty minutes with the Ones to replace Larsen who had started under duress with an injured wing and Carr subsequently put in a useful afternoon, although terminated with a yellow card. CW struck next after the ball quickly passed through five pairs of hands to Poole. He was 30m out and had some work to do, he pinned back the ears, offered a big sidestep and broke the tackle for a determined tally. Munro nicked the post from wide out, leaving the hosts at 11 – 6.
U.Vic used Mack and Hirayama again for threatening breaks and it was finally the #10 who ripped through the defense. A resultant penalty saw U.Vic take a quick tap, CW failing to retreat or yapping, resulted in a second penalty and Beukaboom crashed over for Hirayama to convert from the sideline for a 13 – 11 lead. It was the Front Row Club that immediately struck again with a bruising run from Peyton (grandson of the late Castaway and Wanderers patriot, Jim) and then Tiedemann crossing from eight meters out with simply, an unstoppable effort, for the second of three tight forwards tries.
These two quick strikes took the wind out of CW and the scoreboard looked like it would be... by how many? It was not that CW was playing that poorly but the U.Vic attack – lines, ball handling and pace was scintillating. Fortunately, Mr. Langridge ended the onslaught. U.Vic 20 – CW 11.
The second half was merely minutes old when CW found themselves penalized, 23 – 11. Further insult was added with a break by Grant, an off load to Hamilton whose pace in support for a tight forward, proved unstoppable. Another score for the FRC! At 30-11 things looked beyond redemption however, the CW players had not lost hope. What was about to happen, later described as arguably the finest thirty minutes witnessed at Windsor in many a year, was a resurgence of grand measure.
It started when Armstrong fed Buydens, on to Adams and Buckley (M) who added further yards then Buydens had the presence of mind to take a quick tap penalty and feed his front row mate. Racine was not to be stopped, bringing the total of three of the day’s tries, earned by the FRC and reducing the deficit to 18 – 30. U.Vic punctured the romp with yet another Hiarayama penalty. Mac Poole made another good run and a penalty for CW resulted and had U.Vic on the back foot. Dala tapped and took the half gap himself for a further seven points, 25 – 33.
With nine minutes left, “handbags” developed into a fully fledged donnybrook with the arrival of ‘Knuckles’ Nate – backs’ efforts which were applauded by the distant forwards – an event rarely witnessed! Full marks to referee Langridge who toiled in this tight one without any certified “touchies”, he handed out three yellow cards as a result of the altercation. CW tried desperately to take advantage of the extra man. First it was Dala and Buckley (P), then Adams was bundled into touch. A Garryowen was hoisted (either Armstrong or The Maestro), Matt Buckley was riveted and “pinched” the take, his immediate feed to Gay (in a better position), saw him outdistance the chasers, for a 30m tally. At 32 – 33, there was pandemonium everywhere – on the field, the sidelines and balcony! CW’S enthusiasm to steal U.Vic ball for another crack, cost them dearly with an offside penalty for ‘Young’ Spice to seal the deal at 36 – 32.
It was a rather amazing match and difficult to imagine its equal when based against some Academy game in North Wales, compared to this one. All players deserve credit and thanks, along with the referee. For CW it would be unfair to mention the efforts of one over another, in a game where they played for each other and left nothing on the field. This was yet another week of improvement. The compelling contest between the #10’s saw an edge go to Monro insomuch for his captaincy and leadership with Hirayama’s indiscretion detracting from his day.
CW congratulates Nanyak Dala and we wish him and his team mates all the best at the Hong Kong Sevens. The competition is becoming very intriguing, as so it should and the games ahead need to vindicate the earlier Home loss to Velox, to maneuver into a position of contention. Game pictures for viewing; www.cwrugby.com (Recent Results).
CW Fail to Close Gate on Lomas Late Game Comeback
attributed to "The Ground Gopher"
posted Mar 9 2010
CW left Victoria, quietly confident of the possibility of an upset to put them in a strong position for the second half of the competition. It turned out, not so after some lapses in concentration, failure to capitalize on opportunities and poor judgment cost them the W, in a close and entertaining match at Connaught Park last Saturday.
CW burst out the gate, applying pressure on the home team and after an early Monro penalty, this pressure was sustained and two additional were counted, for a 9 - 0 CW lead. A CW turnover and soaring downfield punt, ended with a defending five meter scrum to the Lomas. A penalty resulted and the ever alert Meraloma Skipper, Colin Brown was over in a jiff, leaving a couple of the visiting pack with hands on hips, still jawing at their mistreatment!
The next phase of play was ugly to say the least when Evans was the recipient of a stiff-arm, head high tackle when he cut back inside after scooping an errant pass only to be met by the offender. The resultant k.o. ended with a yellow card. A mere ten minutes for an injury that will leave a player out of commiss for a minimum of three weeks, to say nothing about one's confidence, seems hardly fair. In some small measure of payback, CW found touch and from the lineout, Paul Buckley niftily cut through the centers for a converted try and 19 - 7 half-time lead.
The second half opened disastrously for CW after a poor restart and it seemed like the next event was; Meralomas over the line! Further insult occurred with a penalty by the hosts, for the score to read, 19 - 15. Despite this mess, CW hung on to their slender advantage and was next to score with a penalty, 22 -15. The going was becoming much tougher as the Loma stiffened its resolve. They were duly rewarded when Mike Hall added a penalty to move the score to 22 - 18.
When CW was awarded another penalty, a laziness occurred that was justifiably punished. Almost a metronome, Monro lined up the goal, it was not to be and what a gift, when the Lomas looked up to note no pursuit! They moved the ball deftly through the hands working to space and ninety meters later, were rewarded with their third try - a ten point swing and the game. With barely six minutes remaining and Meralomas on the front foot, CW was made to work too hard for each yard and it was not to be their day. A deserved comeback for the host side in an all round entertaining game but a heart-breaker for CW.
Buydens had another very good afternoon. His example of tight play and energy in the loose is inspirational and a template for the CW young 'uns to follow. Gay and Dala again shone. Confidence in the team remains high and there are many good ingredients there as the boys take on the Eveready Batteries from the Mt Doug campus this coming Saturday. Is it possible to keep a perfect Home record intact?
CW Plucks Pair From Ravens
by Ian MacLean
posted March 2 2010
The curtain-raiser saw CW score early and score often, making amends for last week's lack-luster performance. The path was paved by The Front Row Club, capably assisted by Powell and Lamb (once again!) and Middleton. Pollock added quality lineout ball. The Morris/Straith combo as halves set up many opportunities for the backs and Inoke's late injection added insult to injury.
Halftime: 24 - 0 (a bonus point spread). Final: 38 - 7. Meralomas will test if it is real or simply Memorex. Spoken in jest, for credit was due on the day.
To the BIGS. Strange to see Graf and Fairhurst against each other - both nurtured at Windsor prior to commencing long careers in the BC and Canadian game. CW again, opened early, with Dala feeding Goodland, converted by Munro. Ravens came back with good interpassing but the try went a-begging with a forceful tackle by Buckley (M) to send the player into touch. Despite a number of penalties at the breakdown, the CW loosies were starting to assert themselves. CW pressure after a thrust by Larsen, resulted in a Munro penalty. 10 - 0. He was at it again with a 40 meter drop goal, followed by another penalty, heartening the hosts as they applied further pressure. 16 - 0 at the half.
Old Boys started with verve but it was CW's defense that did not crack. Then came "the most points for artistic talent" try of the day, when Munro dummied, fed inside to Larsen on a great line, making quality yards before feeding to Buckley (M) who threw a huge sidestep and sped 30 meters to the line, 23 - 0.
After a CW yellow card, a few cracks began to show with a number of substitutions but it was the back row, along with some crunching tackling from Buckley and Larsen that kept the doughnut. This seemed to give CW some inspiration for a little cheek on attack, with finger tip handling and risks taken. Fine to get the supporters oohing and aahing but all a little risky.
CW encamped on OB's line but was skunked with dominant lineout play from Burak. Another twist of fate (brought on by hard work), saw quick rucked ball come to Gay who fed Goodland for his fourth or fifth electrifying run in the contest and he fed Munro who pinned his ears and it was "shut the gate", 30 - 0. With less than ten minutes remaining, it seemed like the bonus try was merely a formality but it was not to be and The Ravens won quick ball against the flow and left the defense flat to score and convert. This feat was followed by a quality effort with six or seven inter-passes, vying for the try-of-the-match. Final 30 -14, perhaps a somewhat disappointing scoreline after a committed afternoon's work.
Buydens and Hodge (in his first run on) were effective and the backrow was a treat to watch, hunting as a group and linking and running hard on attack. The breakdown for both teams was far from clean and is still a source of consternation so far as the penalty count is concerned. This being said, overall (lineouts excepted), it was another week of improvements for the Home team. Graffie on half a wheel, persisted and his service enabled Munro to work some stuff. Munro's boot is invaluable, saving what had been persistent phone calls to MacDonald. Matt Buckley linked well with his #10 and made some good yards. This combo has huge potential. Buckley (P) was sound as the custodian and Wade continues to improve. The boys deserve credit for their efforts and a step up in fitness, perhaps with the last ten minutes best forgotten. So, to next Saturday and the Connaught Cauldron. Go, CW! ( www.cwrugby.com for all the news.)
Munro Shines with Boot but CW Fall to JBAA in Premier Action
by Ian Maclean
posted Feb 23 2010
The First Division encounter saw James Bay playing to prove a point. From the start they dominated what appeared as a somewhat uninspired effort from CW. Led by 'Eveready' Robson (hat trick of tallies), on and off the field and calmly controlled by Skipper Eckardt, their six try performance was overwhelming and certainly places them in the forefront of contenders. The win centered around a very big pack - for any level, let alone First Div but it was not simply size, it was the execution that was precise, confident and relentless. Final score - JBA 36 (6 tries) vs CW 7.
The Premier encounter could be summarized from a CW viewpoint as; "a perfect day for rugby, spoilt by the scoreline"! JBA opened with a Braid penalty (5min). Munro replied after CW missed a chance with a gaping tryline. 3 - 3. Munro struck again from 35m out, 6 - 3. The maestro was at it again, when from quick rucked ball he slotted a tidy "droppie", 9 - 3.
James Bay forced the action downfield and when CW failed to find touch an electrifying counter was set up, culminating in Mooner scooting 60m and leaving the defenders grasping! James Bay returned to CW territory and a poor 22m eventually saw Dalzeil punish the mistake, aided by some boys in blue, he spun, kept his feet and crossed under the posts. Munro got it close with another penalty. 15 - 12 JBA @ the half.
Sevens and new acquisition to JBA, John Moonlight, opened the second stanza with a strong run only to be foiled with a "crossing" obstruction. Play ebbed and ultimately an errant CW kick saw Morgan Williams take a quick "mark" about 5m out from his line, Harlow took the
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