Travis Paterson

News staff

On paper it may look like two winless team’s going head to head this Saturday when Oak Bay’s Castaway Wanderers (0-2) host the Cowichan Piggies (0-3).

But CW are the clear favourites in their home-opener in the Vancouver Island Rugby Union schedule.

Despite going winless in their first two games - a 17-0 loss against the Vikes and a 16-11 defeat Saturday to James Bay - the boys of Windsor Park know they’re still a contender to do a lot of damage this season.

“We’re well on track but we’re mixing in a lot of new guys and are trying to change our strategy to be more free-flowing,” said coach Lee Lindwall. “It all takes time to gel. We gelled a little more (Saturday) but are one or two games behind where we need to be,” he said, adding, “We didn’t get our number one side out either (against James Bay). “

The game CW played when they suffered a shutout at the hands of UVic was a far cry from what supporters saw against the Bays. It was clear CW made a major improvement while Cowichan has suffered lopsided defeats in all three of their matches and have scored just 13 points for while giving up 132 points against.

Due back in the CW mix for the first time this weekend are new centre-backs Bryan Mackenzie, who was out with an injury, and Tim Crooks, who was also injured but made an electrifying debut in the second half on Saturday. “We’ll smoke (James Bay) next time, don’t you worry about that,” said the hard-hitting Crooks after Saturday’s match.The former under-19 New Zealand national is a fresh arrival coming off two seasons playing in Thailand with British Club Bangkok. “I didn't get a full game.”

Also due to return are Seamus Gay and Nanyak Dala who were both overseas.

Saturday’s match featured a big hitting effort from CW. The club held James Bay from scoring a try in the second half, a victory in itself for CW on a windy, rainy day in the Bays’ home territory.

“The future looks a little brighter, a little bit more rosy,” said Lindwall. “As the boys say, ‘we don’t take any backwards steps,’ we play a smart brand of rugby and if we can match that with our physical play we’re going to do well.

Captain Kenny Goodland was pleased, but admits that extra push just wasn’t there offensively. “Scoring we still have to find that little touch, our defense was a lot better. I’m really pleased with the score at MacDonald,” he said.

Looking ahead to this weekend, Goodland says the team is focused on improving their lineouts and getting first-phase ball going.

Kickoff against the Cowichan Piggies is 2:45 p.m. Saturday at Windsor Park.

sports@vicnews.com