First Divvies vs Norsemen

Posted 2012-Jan-26 22:31

With both teams tied atop the Ceili's Cup League with ten points the curtain-raiser should also be a barn-burner.  CW will feature a strong and experienced pack and a youthful backline, including the evergreen, Roger Robinson  to add balance to the three quarters. The Horsemen are guaranteed to feature their customary blistering speed, in all, well worth venturing out at 1:00 p.m.

The Mighty Thurds will also be in action on Sunday when they meet Velox at Gordon Head at 1:00 p.m.  The selection to date features a blend of youth and experience/aka old.  Go, CW!

GAME DAY PREVIEW vs VIKES

Posted 2012-Jan-26 15:46

With only 40% of last year's Finals, match day team starting, it might appear that the hosts have their work cut out against the students this weekend.  However, the coaching quartet has remained constant, led by Hyde-Lay and Lindwall, supported by Chris May and Spence Robinson.  This team will have to blend a number of newcomers into a force in a hurry. 

The word from the old boys at the training pitch is that newcomer, Tieds, has shown considerable character, so much so, that the coaches have given Andrew the reins  against his alma mater.  On the other side of the FRF is Hubert Bydens, successfully repatriated from knee surgery, whose stellar play at RWC, surprisingly did not earn him a contract.  CW welcomes Mike Pletch, transferring from Velox, starting at hooker and backing himself to impress National selectors with his play.  Best of luck and welcome, Mike.  Toby Peyton will join Daumer at lock and Toby brings the Peyton family full circle with CW connections, Toby being somewhat more aggressive than grand dad, Jim!  The back row will feature Deisel, Gillie and K.G. Dylan is improving with each outing as he learns the nuances and finesse of back row play.  Kenny knows that he doesn't have to pace himself to last 80 from the days when he was relied upon so heavily and will always give of his best.  Kyle is a player in the mold of Graeme Dodds (who, by the way, is leading a very successful Melrose campaign this season), a rugged, hard working, uncompromising man.  For sure O'Toole. Mac Sween and especially, Gay will have left a hole and time will tell if it can be filled but this trio will make a good case.

Armstrong returns, stronger, healed and hungrier to make up for lost time and his link with Buckley Matt will be a handful for the Vikes loosies.  Connolly and Savea give a very different look to Scholtzie and Thompson and will be truly tested.  The wing selection is money with consummate team man, Matt Weingart unfettered to use his speed and creativity and Super Sub, Johnny Morris with a year's maturity under his belt.  Buckley, Paul has the custodian spot and nothing needs saying about his reliability.

There is depth and youth on the bench and as the "second half" progresses, this pundit predicts this will be an area that will be a 'difference-maker'.  The Ones are tied atop of their League and there is great competition for spots.

UVic will have some missing faces, ready to depart with Canada Sevens and suffer a big gap with Phil Mack's absence.  That being said, they are still a very strong side, led by Beukeboom in the tight and Robertson in the loose, the experience of Keaton Styles and LaCarte in the backs.  They have a host of young Canadian rep youth including, Kay, Kelliher and Bussfield (was it really his dad I coached at UBC?).  We welcome the return of Mikie and Beau, always great to see our juniors progressing and Beau did a good job at the Mandela Sevens. 

Doug Tate and his team continue to produce a style of rugby that is an outcome of his players' strengths and always very entertaining to watch and this match promises to be no different with the special flavor of Tieds and Toby being on the "dark side".  Prediction? The hosts will have to hit their straps right out of the gate, as they have not had a run other than some hard work at practise.  Mmm, CW by 7.5, after all we don't want any ties on the oddset!  See you at The Park.

(Lineups for the weekend's games can be viewed by going to Schedule/Recent Results page and scrolling to lineups.)

The Ruggernut.

RUGBY CANADA VII's

Posted 2012-Jan-24 17:41

Rugby Canada has announced its selections for the upcoming Wellington and Las Vegas Sevens tournaments.  The selectors have gone for a mix of experience and youth with the option of having some real speedsters available. 

CW CONGRATULATES Nanyak Dala and Ciaran Hearn who are now considered old hands at the Sevens game, on their selection.  The group will obviously look to these players and the playmaking of Hirayama to fill the void created by Mack's absence.  Go, Canada.

THE SKINNY ON MINIS

Posted 2012-Jan-15 20:40

For all the news on Mini Rugby, CW style, go to;

http://www.cwrugby.com/rfw/content/index/1?menuId=6

BCRU RECOGNIZES CW STALWART

Posted 2012-Jan-15 18:18

http://www.cwrugby.com/rfw/news/community/0?menuId=9

CEEDUB THANKS PARENT VOLUNTEERS

Posted 2012-Jan-15 17:59

Bouquets to Deb Leonard and Lucy Barwin who were responsible for the recent successful Christmas tree chipping program.  The club adds thanks to Bartlett's Tree Services and Houston Signs. (scroll......)

http://www.cwrugby.com/rfw/news/community/0?menuId=9

YOUTH SEVENS

Posted 2012-Jan-14 20:32

Upcoming, BC will have three boys teams and one girls team playing in Las Vegas, concurrent with the Major Mens Circuit competition.  These events take place from February 9 - 12.  The BC Boys are fortunate to have a large donation to assist their program from a private donor and the girls have no such luxury, having self-selected and funded their team.  CW wishes all players the best of luck.  The 37 Under 18 boys will be fielding two "senior" elite teams and a "younger squad", playing in the Boys High School Division.

Competition will come from Washington, Utah, Colorado, Ontario, Prairies Selects Howlers, All Americans I and All Americans II - formidable competition!  CW offers heartiest congratulations to Evan Cambridge, Fergus Hall, Alex Kanty, Riley MacPherson, Morgan Tate and Jeff Nishima-Miller,  Stay at home reserves list includes Mac Boss, Jack Nygren, Dan O'Flynn.  This is terrific effort from these boys and their parents.  The boys have trained hard through the Summer and Fall and attended a number of camps under Shane Thompson direction.

All these lads are products of the CW Mini Factory - great stuff, guys!

IN TOUCH

Posted 2011-Dec-28 19:19

For the Winter edition of In Touch, click on;

http://www.cwrugby.com/rfw/news/community/0?menuId=9

Thanks to Editor, Matt Gordon.