BC YOUTH SPORTS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:

At the recent BC Sports Hall of Fame Recognition Dinner when former CW player and National Team record-holder, Gareth Rees was inducted, this youth award was also won by CW junior player, Andrew Crow.  Andrew captained SMU to the 2007 BC High Schools Championship as well as this year's 3rd place finish.  He also captained Canada's U17 team in their undefeated performance at England's, Millfield International Tournament.  Crow was named as the tournament's "Best Forward".  Andrew maintains a 93% average at school and is highly respected by his CW U19 team mates.  Well done, Crow!

VILLAGE VIBES:

Recently, whilst awaiting a haircut in Fernwood, I scanned a copy of the Village Vibe.  Hats off to CW's Premier lock, Clayton Daume and colleague, Matt Staples, co-coaches at Vic High Rugby.  Clay joined his players, sans high heels in the recent Women's Sexual Assault March in Victoria.  The idea came from Vic High's Student Leadership Group and Clayton took up the idea with his players; "Along with the privilege of playing comes responsibility".  He hoped that his players would lead by example - and they did!  What teamwork, support and confidence.  With this leadership, it was no fluke that they re-appeared at the BC High Schools Championship this year, after a twenty year absence.  Go Titans, good for you dudes and well done, Daumer!

REP RUGBY:

The recent Super League Competition, involving Vancouver Island's Crimson Tide was not a favorable campaign.  However, it is pleasing to note CW player's support and selection despite the heavy ardors of their recent season.  We don't like to single out individuals at CW but would be remiss to omit former coach, Spence Robinson and National Team player, Derrick Daypuck.  Spence donned the boots.  Unfortunately, he met an enforcer in his last match but his miraculous health battle, as a disease survivor has been a motivation to all of us.  Accolades to Puck in his Vancouver Island swansong. Derrick departs from CW and Vancouver Island to return to his native Ontario as a firefighter. This past season has seen Derrick epitomize everything he stands for, both in the game of rugby and his personal qualities.  Pucker - CW thanks you for your service to our club and the game and wish you all the best in your future, mate!

NATIONAL SR MEN'S PROGRAM;

CW's Ciaran Hearn, Jeb Sinclair and Chauncey O'Toole all earned National Team, 7-Aside honors during the Spring, playing in Scotland and a very successful tournament in London.  The future looks very bright for these young, hard-working CW players and we wish them well. Newcomer prop, Devin Stubl also earned NA4 honors this spring.

Special mention is deserved for CW's, Stu Ault.  Stu linked up with CW two seasons ago from Ontario.  Last season he required major surgery to his hip after slugging on with much pain and having to withdraw from the campaign mid-season.  Stu has worked very hard with his recuperation and has cracked a starting role in two recent Churchill Cup matches.  In last week's Bowl Competition, Stu came off the bench to provide fire-power in the big win over USA.  Well done, Stuart.  We look forward to observing your form against the Frenchmen this weekend.

GREATER GOOD OF THE GAME:

Hats off to CW volunteers for age-grade Rep rugby.  Evergreen, Roger Robinson is coaching the Crimson Tide U16 Selects.  Roger is assisted by his two CW Managers - Nigel Seale and Adrian Barwin.....good job, men.  At the U18 level, Wayne Kelly is Managing John Mc Millan's troops. The teams at these levels, along with U14 (BC Summer Games), have not been finalized as yet but many CW players have been trying out.  We wish them well and we are confident that the club will have a good showing in all of the teams as well as good results in the upcoming competitions.

TOUR TIME:

After many, many moons, there will be not one but two, CW teams leaving Canada's shores in the next couple of weeks to travel to the UK.  Our U14's depart this weekend, followed in two weeks' time by U17 team.  As you can well imagine much work has gone into the successful fruition of these ventures.  It is only fair to mention the two Managers - Michael Allabarton and Wayne Kelly and although there have been MANY others organizing tree chipping, bottle drives, advertising etc., etc. it is fair to mention great support from Tami Tate and Adrian Barwin.  Former CW and National team players - Denny Sinnott and Pat Trelawney will handle the technical end for the U17's and UVic's Doug Tate aided by Mark Catto will guide the U14's.  On behalf of all of us at CW we wish the boys well both on and off the field.  For any of us who have ever had the privilege of a "rugby tour", it is a life-lasting memory.  Represent the club and your parents to the best of your ability, enjoy the travel, make friends and come home a better rugby player - GOOD LUCK TO ALL.