Generally speaking it is a good idea to have multiple inter-club rugby games on the same field, for the sake of players and fans alike. Alas, such was not the case yesterday when a reliable car and GPS system were necessary if you wanted to watch all three of the JBAA rugby games.
The Third Division game kicked off at MacDonald Park at 10:00 am. The Bays, led by former stars named Meechan, Ramsay, Underwood and de Goede rolled to a 12 tries to 2 tries spanking of the CW squad in a spirited match reminiscent of old school rugby played for the sake of playing. Following the match players and the odd fan headed toward Carnarvon Park for the Premier Reserve kick off.
Carnarvon Park, home of the now-extinct Castaways club, had enough parking for the game and was conveniently located in the same municipality as the venue for the Premier game later.
Once the referee had his GoPro securely attached to his head, the game was underway. There was lots of back and forth action through the midfield for the first 15 minutes until CW drew first blood with a deserved try in the corner to jump into a 5-0 lead, At the 20 minute mark an obvious transgression by the CW team allowed Nathan Tough, the 120 Minute Man, to drill a three point penalty to bring the score to 5-3 . The Oak Bay squad replied with a vengeance and despite multiple tackles by Bays' fullback Jaden Prigione, are able to score in the same corner two more times to extend their lead to 17-3 by the time the whistle tweets to end the half.
The second half is slow to get underway as the ref has some difficulty getting the right tension on his head camera, but just as players begin to nod off, the camera is firmly in place and the second half begins.
JBAA now has a large unit in the centres, Hunta Marsh, who becomes a defining substitution, forcing multiple tacklers to become involved every time he carries the ball. At the 13 minute mark a slick back line movement gets the ball to Tough who springs the supporting Jordan Brown, giving him the chance to outpace the Oak Bay defense and score between the posts. Tough converts and it is a 17-10 game. Twenty five minutes into the game, Prigione gathers a CW kick outside of centre and with youthful exuberance and speed manages to jink, juke and sprint his way to a 60 metre solo try between the posts to tie the score at 17 each. Once again a Bays' score seems to energize the Tweed Curtain squad who reply quickly with their own score, bringing the scoreline to 24-17 for the home team. With 10 minutes to go tempers begin to get thin and the game gets scrappy....a very dangerous high tackle on Tough qualifies for a penalty try and the score is once again knotted, this time at 24 apiece. After the re-start a misfire on JBAA's lineout gives possession to CW near midfield. As the ref announces full time, the CW team, exhorted by a very vocal coach Roger Robinson, put together multiple phases and are able to score. The whistle sounds and the game is over....29-24 for the Castaway Wanderers.
Now time to hustle over to Windsor Park for the Premier game.
JBAA fell 18-13 to the Castaway Wanderers in a match at Windsor Park on Saturday that lacked any sense of continuity.
Mike Nieuwenhuysen scored the lone JBAA try, while Cooper Coats slotted two penalties and a conversion in what was an inconsistent encounter.
The first half involved two unconverted CW tries, one JBAA penalty kick, and one very questionable (they all are, aren’t they?) yellow card shown to JBAA forward, Nico Krawczyk. Seeing more than two or three phases strung together at a time were scarce, as was JBAA territory and possession.
The second half at times involved excitement, but it was often halted by either a knock on, or an injury, or the referee’s whistle, or somebody’s hurt feelings. Highlights included two or three JC Fidinde jaunts, some Cooper Coats and Kai Lloyd jukes, and a few boshes and clear outs rom JBAA players big and small.
With five minutes remaining in the match, the Bays score through Mike Nieuwenhuysen with Cooper converting, bringing the score to 18-13. JBAA press CW for the last four or so minutes, but the touchline twice stymies the Bays – JC first and then Carson shortly thereafter. Bays lose but will regroup and refocus for next weekend, when they finally return to MacDonald Park where they’ll host the Vancouver Rowing Club.