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February 14, 2010

Cowichan RFC Weekend Scores

Prem. Women: Cowichan 0 vs U-Vic 25
1st Div Men: Cowichan 0 vs JBAA 62
Premier Men: Cowichan 20 vs JBAA 35

The club went O-fer on Saturday but yet some very positive stuff and signs of competitiveness were the observation of many a fan and supporter on the day. As usual, it was windy and cold but at least not raining down at McDonald.

The Premier Men probably played their most "complete" game against a formidable JBAA side in many years Saturday. JBAA, despite their all star line-up, were on their heels for much of this game and Cowichan was very unfortunate not to have scored another 4-5.

JBAA's side was once again formidable, with 4 carded players on the field and the likes of Neil Meechan and David Moonlight inserted into their lineup. Their 5th carded player played on their 2nd team.

As coach Evans said, "For all but 90 seconds in this game, we had the momentum and lots of positive stuff" as big prop "Steve "Chunk" Young said angrily after the game, "We cannot be camped inside their 5m line 7 times with penalties to us and come away without scoring.....Damn!"

The halftime score was 24-10 for JBAA when Cowichan came on early in the second half to close the gap 24-15. JBAA scored again to make it 29-15. The boys battled back and and pinned JBAA in their end for seemingly 30 minutes. Cowichan scored again to close the gap to 29-20. Lots of opportunities to secure that 4th, bonus point try, yet our youthful exuberance and perhaps showing some panic saw all 5 opportunities squandered. JBAA were able to release the pressure at the end of the game and did score their final try in injury time to end the game...score 34-20.

One of the highlights of the game was 325 lb. prop, Steve "Chunk" Young, stuck out in the backs receiving a nice pass from Andrew Wood then skillfully and quickly moving the ball 20m outside accurately to our winger who passed off to Preston Petrovich who went in for the nice try. Great to see such a big man showing this skill. "Chunk" played Junior "A" Hockey back east so his athleticism on skates know doubt helps his rugby.

The combination of #8, Louis Gudmundseth and #9 Adam Shouten was causing JBAA fits all day off of set pieces. Kyle Geach and Mike Roberts were also giving the JBAA backs a hard time with their hard running and tough tackles.

As a sum up I think this team is starting to gel. Clearly JBAA's experience of playing together for many years and having 6-7 old war horses in their 30's certainly helps in the trickery and knowledge of the game dept. helped them win the game. The final line out we had on their 5m line was a great example. JBAA anticipated a short throw and when young Muck was thrown up, their player grabbed his jersey just enough to disrupt the jump, the refs missed it. The throw went awry and veteran trickery once again prevailed........Cowichan was clearly a younger group again with an average age of 22 years. With the best skill set I have seen at the club in years a bit more experience playing together at this level I can see good things coming..

The 1st div game saw lots of youngsters on the field for Cowichan against a very experienced JBAA second XV who are defending BC Champions. There was some good stuff on our part and we did knock on the door many times throughout. Lots of work to do on our part in order to improve and win some more games. Clearly, JBAA will have great success again in the 1st Div.

Other scores so far....

Velox beat CW 21-19
Rowers bet Burnaby 19-10
UBC OB Ravens 19 vs Bayside 17