Week nine, u14s are island champs!
Once again we woke up to blue sky on the last Sunday in November and the Canada Field at Shawnigan looked very inviting for the young lads to play their final game of the season on the storied pitch. Last year’s defending champs CW showed up in big numbers, on their roster and entourage that almost made it feel like they were the home team. Our boys were unfazed to the spectacle about to unfold, warming up on the colts field with little banter, focusing on each drill coach Rattan put them through.
From the kick off, the team stayed poised, moving the ball and tackling well. Crossing the line early for the first score and though pressed in the first half with opposition having some big kids rambling with the ball, there was never a panic. Come the second half, like most games this season, the warriors kicked it up a notch and never looked back. Decisively winning 45 to 12, winning the Vancouver Island Champion for the first time in this division and only the second time for the club. Congratulations! To view the game video click HERE.
The context and outcome (s) of the second game needs a little explaining, so bare with me. First, I have to acknowledge the juggernaut of a youth rugby program that Castaway Wanderers is. Tons of kids, great coaching and organization that consistently produces winning teams, with this years u18 boys team no exception. They pumped us at home in league play, as they did everyone else through the year. Jumping back to last week’s semi final, Cowichan cited an incident in last week’s game that received a yellow card, contesting it should have been red, which suspended the player until he receives his hearing and is suspended from playing in the final. This impediment is significant because this player was a prop, which left us down a specialty player that would most likely force the island final to be played with uncontested scrums.
Okay this is where it starts to get murky. CW also received a suspension last week for playing an unsanctioned player through the season, which coaches and managers were suspended. To be clear, player exemptions are only eligible for player competency and the individual not playing to the level of his age grade. Of course we have been without two top players through the season that haven’t been allowed to be sanctioned because of their level of play. So assuming a pending blowout would benefit nobody, it was suggested (in dark corners of the universe) forfeiting the game and playing our unsanctioned players in an exhibition game. That is what ultimately happened, though not everyone was privy to the conversation with the suspensions hanging in the air. We weren’t suppose to win, which added another wrinkle but philosophically CW are better prepared to face Ravens in the BC final, having played in a very tough warm up.
Good luck to the defending Champions, keep that trophy on the island.
To view the game video click HERE.