The senior rugby team was given an enormous scare but rallied to defeat GW Graham 36-14 in their BC AA quarter-final today. The Cavs started the second half with a 12-7 lead but immediately made a number of mistakes which led to a Grizzlies score. Down 14-12, the Cavs were able to regain their composure and scored three straight tries to ensure that they will be playing in their 9th straight provincial semi-final tomorrow.
Although Collingwood was not sharp in the opening moments of the game, they took advantage of a Graham miscue when Cam Bruk intercepted an errant pass and romped 10 metres into the end-zone.
With a 5-0 lead, the Cavs let the Grizzlies build momentum through a series of mental and physical errors. Multiple scoring chances were squandered and an equal number of tackles were missed. Despite this, they clung to their lead. Finally, with six minutes left in the half, the Cavs got into their familiar pattern. Jack Allen, Matt Frost and Max Moyes began to hit it up hard. This tied in the Graham defence, which created space for the Cavs' backs. Finally, Jack crashed it over and Collingwood had a 12-0 lead after Cam Bird's conversion.
Unfortunately, the chance to blow the game wide-open was lost a minute later when a silly infraction cost the Cavs the ball. The Grizzlies took advantage of this to score a fine try and it was 12-7 at the halftime whistle.
When the Grizzlies took their 14-12 lead, the Cavs faced the real prospect that they were about to be upset. However, they quickly re-grouped and six minutes later Ethan Lucke scored in the corner to make it 19-14. Once again, the Cavs proved that when they hit it up hard with their powerful forwards that great things can happen.
A Cam Bird penalty kick gave Collingwood the all-important 8-point lead. Carter Proc then scored two sensational tries to seal the victory. Carter played like a man-possessed in the final 20 minutes. It was great to see the team captain leading from the front.
Collingwood now plays Brentwood tomorrow in their semi-final at 12:00pm.
Carter Proc scored two second-half tries to lead the Cavs to victory today.