Ravens Grind out Win over Westshore Ravens 41 – Westshore 15: Report by Peter MacDonald
After weeks without sun and with plenty of rain of late this match was moved off the Westshore fields to Cowichan which generously hosted the two teams on short notice. But a soft pitch, on and off rain and a slick ball led to a defensive standoff for much of the game with no try from open play being scored till after 60 minutes.
It was 3-3 until 36 minutes when the Ravens scored the first of three pushover tries from 5 metres out taking the Ravens into half time with a 10-3 lead. Set scrum superiority cashed in again at 45 and 55 minutes and despite the solid Westshore defense the Ravens were up 27-3. From there both teams scored two tries with ball carriers actually crossing the line. Don Carson tallied for the Ravens after some smooth passing from Kaleb Whitelaw as did Hamish Janes who took a slick backhand pass from Logan Henry. Westshore’s Taylor McGuire ran in from 30 yards out, benefitting from the only real gap that opened up all day for either team, and a final Westshore tally came at 78 minutes.
Of note for the Ravens was Nick Blain going 7 for 7 in kicks at goal, a lean Chris Taylor doing double duty as head coach and tighthead prop, a squad of 14 forwards putting in strong shifts and now vying for selection for the playoffs and a solid debut for Jean Koorsten who came in in the early going to replace an injured Ethan Berry in the centres.
Westshore were strong defensively, positive and resilient. They kept running their stuff, putting pressure on the Ravens and never let the score or the set scrum issues affect their attitude or play. McGuire ran the show from #10, prop Nathan Groenewold impressed in the pack and centre Jeff Oluch in the backs.
Thanks again to the Cowichan club for hosting. Now it is four weeks till a semi-final game at Jericho. Keep the faith, the on again off again season will resume.
Thanks Peter for continuing to write up these reports! Westshore were good value for the day but Ravens had the forward depth. Canada should try to get the Ravens #3 involved. Remember watching him for UBC and then he fell of the face of the earth. Alot smaller than he used to be but still dominating scrums. Hopefully WS get our 7s guys back!!
Jeff………..to the contrary, he didn’t fall off the face of the earth…………..after he, Chris Taylor, #3, left UBC he joined the Ravens and played for a few years and then “retired” to become a very good and successful head coach of the Ravens. On occasion he suits up and still inevitably owns his opposite number and drives the pack in the sets. He’s won titles as a player and coach since UBC …………….nice to hear from a reader, thanks,
Peter M.
Thanks Peter – shame that RC don’t look at our BC Premier league for players