January 25, 2009
Cowichan RFC starts off the new decade with two teams playing Premier Rugby...Men and the Women....Training has seen some good stuff with more players trickling in as we go along.
BIG GAMES FOR BOTH MEN AND WOMEN AT HOME IN TWO WEEKS! MEN vs BURNABY RFC & WOMEN vs JBAA SATURDAY, FEB 6th
Third Div. open their season Sunday, Feb 7th.
The full schedule for all teams is available on the Club's website
COMINGS AND GOINGS
Women's Rugby
The Women's 1st XV are getting more and more players out with an average of 22 players out for each session. With the solid core of repeat BC Champions back some new faces the women look to compete and win some games this Spring in the Premiership.
Other clubs in the BCRU Women's Prems include Capilanos(North Vancouver), Burnaby, Meralomas(Kitsilano), United RFC(Coquitlam) Bayside(South Surrey) and Velox(Victoria) The league will kick off Saturday, February 6th at home vs James Bay AA. (The first month of the women's season will see a regional competition as a prelude to the Premier League which kicks off March 6th) So, the women will be very busy this season with 10 league games playoffs.
Men's Rugby
The men welcome the return of several players to the fold which is great to see. Cowichan also seeing an influx of new Canadian players with experience out east.
The men's side were an improvement this past fall over the previous fall with many close games against the formidable Victoria bunch where some teams featured up to 7 carded players. The fall saw the boys play all the Victoria teams even up for 60 minutes where and 80 minute effort would have seen 2 or 3 victories (ie: 7-6 halftime score vs JBAA, 13-3 fulltime score vs CW with 7 players who went to Japan for Canada, 21-20 halftime score vs U-Vic.)
It is thought that this spring the club is much better stead than 1 year ago....Better schedule....1 year of Prems experience under our belt.....more confidence in key positions........
Probably one of the most dynamic centers in the country for his age, Ty Hamblin, returns to Cowichan RFC after spending a time at an Irish Academy this past fall. Ty hails from Ladysmith and was part of Shawnigan Lake's Gold Medal performance at the BC High School Championships. He looked good this past weekend up at the Canada U-20 trials. Ty is big, robust center that sees the field and is a great defender.
Another newcomer back in the fold is Kyle Geach. Raised through Cowichan's Junior program, Kyle went off to work and play in Vancouver where he has been a top performer for Burnaby Lake. In 2008, Kyle along with Robin McDowell were 1-2 in team scoring and were in the top ten for the league that season. Kyle is lightening fast, a tenacious defender and a treat to watch when on the field.
Judsen Garside is also back this Spring after taking the fall off to heal up and injury he sustained in the summer. Judsen is a quiet warrior who is the stabilizing influence for a very young pack. Judsen's experience and tenacity will be a welcome addition this Spring.
Gord Kehoe, the big back rower from Ontario is back and plans to spend the full season here. Gord was to make the Ontario NA4 squad this past summer but had to cool his jets due to an injury. Gord played for Cowichan the last two games this past fall and his size and skills will certainly be an asset this Spring. At 6'-4" and 260 lbs, this 21 year old gives Cowichan that needed size.
Several players from Ontario have also made there way west this Spring. The first to arrive is Tyler Cook. Tyler, who is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario where he played CIS football for the Mustangs and garnered a CIS East All Star nod at his Strong Safety position. You known he's a tackler if he played that defensive football position! Tyler has been playing for Balmy Beach RFC in Toronto for the last two years. Balmy Beach is a large club who are always competing at the top of their version of the CDI Premiership in BC. He recently played in the prestigious New York 7's tournament.
Preston Petrovich, out of Regina has also made his way to Cowichan where he has already been dubbed as "Precious" or "PP" by one of Cowichan's fathers. Preston, also of the Prairie Fire, brings a great attitude to the club and looks to fill in at Hooker or flanker.
Cowichan also welcomes back Jake Robinson out of St Albert RFC and the Edmonton Gold. Jake was out with us two years ago and can play any position in the backs.
Andrew Wood returns at 10 this Spring after demonstrating his abilities this past fall. Last Spring we started the league and finished without a bonafide #10, although Robin McDowell and Steve Wands put in yeoman performances for although playing out of position.
Speaking of Robin, he has made his intentions known that he will be returning this Spring for another season playing Prems.
There are a couple more surprises yet to arrive in the fold and there are hopes our supporters will come out and welcome all the players as they arrive in camp
The Piggies will see Pat Fraser back this Spring, another hopeful for the Canada U-20 squad. Pat is a very strong player who came through the Cowichan Junior program. Pat is a very talented player and has shown his dexterity from positions #9 through #15.
John Dubiel, out of Ladysmith and Scott McLeod out of Cowichan HS return this Spring bigger and improved after their first full season of men's rugby. Both have proven their metal in the top league this past fall and no doubt will be an asset playing in the Prems. this Spring.
Mike Stapleford also returns for Cowichan where he is steadily improving as he moves along.
All the regulars are out which makes for the solid core of rugby for Cowichan. With the likes of Dan James, Dave Hitchcock, Ian Manly, Andrew Gudmundseth, Louis Gudmunseth, Rob MacDonald, Marvin Seymour, Jordan McGarvey, Matt Melgaard and a bunch of others back in the fold we are in better stead for sure from 1 year ago. There are other players who have indicated their intentions of playing this year and they will fit nicely in the mix.
The one player we will miss though is Doug Wooldridge. Doug is our big prop who is living the dream of Professional Rugby in Wales with the 10 other Canadian players. They have played two games so far over there and came away with a victory this past weekend! Good luck Doug!
Youth Rugby
I would also like to congratulate our Youth Rugby Program once again. 3 of of our Juniors made the top 10 list for Junior Athletes in the Valley for 2009. Don Bodger and the Cowichan News Leader Pictorial once again have done a ton of work in compiling the list (which tops 100). Below is a copy of the article in a recent News Leader on the Cowichan group.
By Don Bodger
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial
Three Cowichan Rugby Club players are among the Cowichan News Leader Pictorial's Top 10 Valley Youth Athletes of the Year for 2009.
Cassy Stevens and Danielle Scott-Polson of the B.C. champion Cowichan Under 18 girls' club team were selected No. 4 and tied for No. 8, respectively, overall. Patrick Kay came in tied for No. 9. Stevens and Scott-Polson received their award certificates from Olympic bronze medal swimmer Ryan Cochrane, who was the guest speaker during a Jan. 3 brunch honouring the athletes. Kay was with the national Under 17 rugby team in California and unable to attend the banquet.
No. 4 Cassy Stevens
Cassy Stevens is like a live grenade on the rugby field, ready to explode at any time. A perfect example came during the B.C. Under 18 girls' championship at Cowichan Secondary School. Cowichan was trailing United 5-0 at halftime and hadn't generated many chances to score. But they had Stevens, a Grade 12 student at Cowichan Secondary School, capable of breaking loose at any time.
It only took a few seconds into the second half when she romped down the field for a try, leaving fatigued United players in her wake. It was a sign of things to come, as Stevens used her incredible speed to score two more long tries that sealed a 24-5 victory for Cowichan. It was an uncharacteristic first half for Stevens and her teammates but they quickly rectified the situation in time to prevail comfortably.
"I think we were just really nervous," Stevens said at the time. "Our hands, we were dropping the ball everywhere."
The fast pace Stevens set changed the momentum and opened the door for the team to play its usual game. "That gets our whole team hyped up," Stevens conceded. It's scary to think she was even playing with a separated shoulder that still had not completely healed. Stevens rediscovered the pain when diving over the line for one try.
"I was trying to do something cool," she laughed.
Stevens plays club, school and rep rugby. She only started in Grade 10 but has made amazing strides in such a short time.
"Playing in the centres, she is instant offense," observed Brad Skene, her high school coach. "Her strength combined with speed and hard running may make her the best ball-carrier in high school girls' rugby."
Stevens propelled Cowichan to an Island high school victory and eventual third-place finish in the provincial play downs. The team had a 23-2 record for the season and will enter the next high school season as either No. 2 or 3 in the province.
"With these players and their teams, they win a lot and at times by wide margins," noted Skene. "It seems like the competition is weak which in some cases it is, but the other side is these players are extremely talented and they have worked together to produce incredible results. They are great rugby players and athletes."
Stevens has been at the core of this very strong group of dedicated players. Her summer Island Tide team won gold in the Under 17 provincial regional playoffs during the summer.
Playing for the B.C. Under 17s, she was a starter and one of the captains on the squad that earned the bronze medal. Stevens has also been a mainstay on the volleyball court for Cowichan. She also has a track and field background that certainly shows in the pace of her rugby runs.
"Being one of the top athletes of the year is something I would like to thank my parents and coaches for," noted Stevens. "They supported me to strive to my maximum potential. Once her high school days are done, Stevens seems destined for further success.
"I plan on going to university, continue playing rugby and start my studies in the direction of becoming a sports therapist," she indicated.
No. 8 (tied) Danielle Scott-Polson
Early indications pegged late-bloomer Danielle Scott-Polson as a player who was going to make up for lost time by progressing to the highest level in the game quickly. And that's exactly what's happened to the Grade 12 Cowichan Secondary School student through a rapid succession of club, school and rep rugby seasons. That's kept her going virtually from the start of the calendar year to the end throughout 2007, 2008 and again in 2009 since she began playing rugby in Grade 10. High school rugby coach Brad Skene calls Scott-Polson perhaps the most skilled player who's been developed in school-age girls' rugby. Scott-Polson's attributes are many, Skene points out, describing her as "an outstanding defender who is ball hungry and can smash ball carriers, is the play maker who creates the offense for so many of her teammates, and she can run, pass and kick."
Whenever the opposition gets its hands on the ball, Scott-Polson is usually the first on the scene aiming for a quick tackle. She also spins the ball well and has sprung speedy teammate Cassy Stevens away many times with precise passing. Scott-Polson is also well-liked by her teammates and looked upon as a leader.
"Just finishing up the school season preparing for the next, I was made captain," Scott-Polson pointed out as her favourite moment of the past year. "To be noticed for all my heart and dedication was just the cherry on top."
Scott-Polson also lists winning the Joe McGeachy tournament with an almost all-rookie team, winning the islands by going undefeated and then placing third in the province with the school team as other significant developments that made it a memorable year for Cowichan rugby. Captain's status and winning the Pat Duncan torch award at the CSS athletic banquet were her individual rewards.
During the summer, success continued to follow Scott-Polson as a member of the island Under 17 regional team that won the gold medal for the first time in history. She was named a starter for the provincial team that captured the bronze medal in the nationals. The year ended with Scott-Polson playing a huge role in a B.C. championship for the Cowichan Under 18 club team with a 24-5 victory over United at Cowichan Secondary School.
"This game was tough, that's for sure," said Scott-Polson at the time. "The first half we were all really nervous, we wanted it so bad."
Cowichan trailed 5-0 at the half, but rallied behind the concerted effort of Scott-Polson and the other leaders on the team.
"It was such a team effort," she said. "Our back line is just so connected."
The scary thing for high school opponents is Scott-Polson still has another season of high school eligibility remaining in the new year before completing Grade 12. That's one of the reasons Skene expects Cowichan to go into the campaign as the No. 2- or 3-ranked team in the province. How that plays out remains to be seen, but it's safe to say Scott-Polson will be front and centre in her usual prominent defensive and offensive roles.
No. 9 (tied) Patrick Kay
Anyone who went anywhere near a rugby pitch in 2009 would have encountered Patrick Kay. The Grade 11 Cowichan Secondary School was everywhere during the year, playing for the full range of youth and adult teams. Kay even suited up for the Cowichan Rugby Club's Premier Piggies and fit into game action like a regular at that level. His play impressed coach Chris Evans, who knows a thing or two about the game since his son Matt is quickly becoming a mainstay with the national senior men's team.
"He didn't look at all out place," said Chris Evans of Kay after a game against UVic. "His presence reduced the average age of the team yet again."
The future of the club is in great hands with players like Kay in its midst. He also appeared in games for the Cowichan First XV as well as regular U17 and U19 junior teams.
Kay's perseverance was rewarded with a place on the national Under 17 rugby team and he's currently working out with the team in California until Jan. 3.
"My year in sports has progressed very quickly with me playing school and club rugby in the first half of the year to touring with the national team as the year ends," he noted.
Being selected to that national squad was obviously one of the highlights to Kay's year. There were many others, including: winning the Under 16 boys' provincial championship with the Cowichan club team; being chosen as Cowichan Secondary's junior athlete of the year; being selected for the U16 B.C. rugby team and winning gold at the national championships; and being selected as a starting fullback for the previously mentioned Premier side.
His talents aren't restricted to rugby, although that's obviously his forte. At year's end, he also made the jump from junior ball to being a full-time member of the Cowichan Thunderbird senior boys' basketball team. Kay's vision on the rugby field is unprecedented for his age. He has worked very diligently with Cowichan rugby veteran Robin MacDowell at crafting his kicking game.
Kay wants to be the very best at all facets of the game, and his kicking has progressed to the point where "he can kick just about as well with his left (foot) as he can with his right," said MacDowell.
Kay was given a basic working structure by MacDowell.
"I talk with him weekly and sometimes daily," said MacDowell. "We put into practice some things last January."
MacDowell had similarly worked with Kay's older brother Thomas, a member of the valley's top youth athletes of the year in 2007. Rugby has helped Patrick and his family to deal with Thomas' ongoing fight with cancer. MacDowell sees Patrick as a player who's going places in rugby not just because of his pure talent, but also due to his diligence.
"I think he's got all the attributes of a class player," said MacDowell. "He's years beyond his age as far as his natural ability, his speed, his strength and skill.
"I'm confident he's going to be on the senior national team in the next three or four years. He could potentially be one of the best fly halves to ever play for Canada.
"He's really a special one."
"My future plans include playing rugby to the highest possible level," Kay confirmed. "I plan to apply to UVic once I graduate because they have an excellent rugby program."
In Memorium - Art Rotherham
Cowichan Rugby is sad to announce the passing of Art Rotherham on January 10, 2010 at the too young age of 54. Art will be remembered for his wry humour and commitment to CRFC as Club Treasurer during the mid 1990s. Art was a member of the club excutive during the very difficult years when the Club battled for it's existence with the Provincial Agricultural Commission. He was instrumental in regaining our BC Gaming License and establishing a system of financial reporting that is still in practice today. His professionalism was sorely needed in a time of crisis and the Club will remain forever grateful.
A celebration of life will be held in Nanaimo on Thursday, January 28 @ 4:00 pm at the Nanaimo Golf Club 2500 Highland Blvd.
Donations in his name can be made to the Nanaimo Hospice Society, 1729 Boundary Avenue, Nanaimo BC V9S 4P3
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