Capilano Premier and Premier Reserve Match Reports vs James Bay
by John Langley
Caps Men were on the road today for two games at James Bay. Two close games but unfortunately two losses.
It is always difficult to win away games on Vancouver Island. Our guys came to play and were in both games right up to the final whistle. We had some supporters today and they included four Capilano past Presidents, that span many years. Robin Dyke and Steve Cook were out in support along with Ken Robinson and Kes Kasha. Robin and Steve now live in Victoria and it was great to visit with them. All have made major contributions to the Capilano RFC. Also out in support was a large contingent of the Jones Family. Charlie who is making a late season comeback was out along with father Peter and retired 7s star, Harry and their sisters and mother. Our players really appreciate the on the road support! Thanks to everyone who was there.
The Premier Reserve Game
Caps have been hit by a rash of injuries lately and this always effects the lower divisions as players are moved up. Despite this the Premier Reserves put up a very impressive fight today and were unfortunate not to have won. James Bay won 20-17 after Caps had led for most of the second half.
Capilano opened the scoring with a try off a long penalty kick that took a friendly bounce and was downed by the Capilano winger. The convert was wide and Caps were up 5-0. James Bay answered with a penalty kick to get them on the board. This was followed by a try that was mauled in with a well executed movement. Their convert was good and the lead was now James Bay 10-5. Fish had a chance to narrow the lead but his kick missed. It was now half time. The second half started with renewed pressure from Capilano. James Bay was tackling hard though and Josh Wu a promising young prop was hit hard by a James Bay player and was down for sometime. Fortunately Josh recovered and actually went back on late in the game. Caps were being lifted by strong running from Mickey Rowlands, Brad Wightman and Mike Mulhall who had come in off the bench. Wighty made a break and passed to Nish Nereyeth for a good looking try. It was now 10-10 and the conversion, by Fish made it 12-10 for Capilano.
It was now James Bays turn to answer and they managed a try off a scrum in the middle of the pitch. The ball went out to the right wing and he scored. The convert missed but James Bay had a 3 point lead. Caps scored off a line out that was taken in by another promising young flanker Ashton Fink. The convert missed and Caps once again had the lead. The back and forth play continued and it looked like Caps might claim the victory. A strong run by James Bay number 11 gave them the victory as he burst through for the late try. The convert missed but the Bays had a 20-17 lead with little time left. Caps tried but time expired and James Bay claimed the victory. Congratulations to James Bay and thanks to the referee.
The Premier Match:
This game was won by James Bay 33-29.
Lately Caps have been starting fast and scoring early in games and taking a substantial lead. Todays start was slower and they didnt take advantage of several early chances. I thought today they did not put an early stamp on the game. Bays were coming in off a big defeat at the hands of Meralomas, a team Capilano tied. Caps were coming off hard fought win over a tough Castaway Wanderers side. Caps did score first but missed the conversion. Mike Moloney had an unusual off day kicking. Mike has won several games for Capilano with his boot but teams should not rely on their kicker to win each week. I heard through the grapevine that Mike dropped a weight on his foot at work and wonder if this might have been a contributing factor. He was hitting the ball well but was off target. That aside credit must go to James Bay who gained strength as the game progressed and at on point took a commanding lead before Capilano regrouped and fought back hard. James Bay showed ability to score on long runs, they have some backs that showed offensive power. Caps answered though with strong running, led by Johnny Franklin, Mike Moloney, Josh Wang and Cam Waddell also contributed.
Caps first try was scored by Cam Waddell who finished off a Johnny Franklin scamper. The convert went through and it was 7-0 Caps. Caps looked to repeat and a strong run looked promising but a poor pass ended that. Mike Moloney tried a long drop kick but it missed. Young Marcus Merenyi playing his first Premier game and he was very impressive. He made a good run and passed to winger Josh Wang who made ground but got isolated and penalized for not releasing. James Bay hit the touchline for a throw in and then mauled it into Caps in Goal but were held up. Caps clear with a goal line drop out but JB came back and their number 11 scored. The convert evened the score at 7. Caps started another run but a knock on ended that. James Bay broke the Caps defense and only a saving tackle by Mike Moloney stopped them for scoring.
Caps got their second try after a good break by their centres and a pass to the wing for the score. That made it 12-7 the convert attempt missed. A crash over try by Bays number 8 under the posts put them up 14-12. On the restart Jesse Ryan, Caps big prop, caught the ball and headed straight up the pitch it looked like something would come of this, but it didnt quite happen. Their hooker number 2 scooped up a loose ball and went in for another Bays try. The convert missed and it was now 19-12 for the home side. Then they managed to steal another ball and strolled in for yet another score. Caps appeared to be in disarray. It was now 26-12.
Wendy Cook who had joined her husband former Cap President Steve said I am cold and I cant stand to lose, I am going to wait in the car. Caps then regrouped and got it together. Following some good work by the forwards the ball went to Johnny Franklin who turned it on and scored. The convert was good and it was now 17-26. I said to Steve things have improved since Wendy left. Steve said she should have gone 10 minutes ago.
Caps number 6 Reid Brookes scored and with the convert it was now even at 26. James Bay answered with a try to make it 33-26 with the convert. Johnny Franklin raced in to charge down a Bays clearance deep in their end. The ball went over the goal line but Johnny wasnt able to ground it. Capilano continued the fight but the end was near. They managed to get a penalty around the Bays 25 meter line. The decision was made to take the penalty kick rather than go for the sideline and attempt to get the try and convert to even the score. Instead they took the 3 points to make it 29-33 with almost no time left. The kick off followed and James Bay was able to end it for the victory.
This had been a close battle with both sides having their moments but also several mistakes. Congratulations to James Bay and thanks to the game officials. Next week it is Seattle at home. Get out and support your Capilanos.