VRC sweeps Surrey

Rowers hand Beavers three losses

Photos: Malin Jordan

Rowers celebrate after Caleb Hansen (centre) scored a late try against Surrey April 20.

STANLEY PARK--
It was all smiles April 20 as the Rowers completed a clean sweep of the Surrey club, dumping their Fraser Valley competitors at Brockton Oval in all three matches.

3RDS

Surrey's fly half tackles Andy Donn via Half Nelson April 20.

The Thirsty Thirds came out of the gate strong as they battled the Surrey Beavers and never looked back. The squad grabbed two early tries off some intense rucking at the breakdowns and led 12-0, carrying their lead into the mid-point of the first half. Surrey clawed back into the game with a try, but the Rowers stormed right back down the pitch to score again, restoring their 12-point lead as the half ended.

In the second half the Rowers played defense well, only allowing Surrey one more try. The squad's speedy backs also added some more tries, as the team notched another 17 points. Final score: 36-12.

2NDS

The Rowing Club’s Super Twos played strong in the second match of the day, but not mistake-free rugby, in their home-pitch victory over the Beavers. The Rowers drew first blood on the score sheet when Braden “Bee-Mack” Maccke pounced on a loose ball in the Surrey in-goal area after a blocked clearing attempt by the Beavers.

Braden Maccke (orange scrum cap) moves toward the Surrey in-goal
area moments before he pounces on the rolling ball for a try.

Maccke scores the try.

The set pieces gave the second division varying degrees of trouble all afternoon, as the Beavers’ pack put up a strong push. Ultimately, the home side was able to win enough of their ball to give the backs a suitable platform for attack. Two beautiful tries from Franco Scodeller stood out, one of which saw the young winger using very quick footwork to make several, much-larger defenders miss.


Substitutions played a significant role as utility forward Cabe Laderoute came on to replace concussed-hooker Max Buckle. Laderoute played well, despite being out of his natural position, delivering several long carries and a strong rucking presence.

Fly-Half Richie Thompson had an outstanding game (and was this writer’s man-of-the-match) as Thompson ran, passed, and out-rucked most men on the pitch. Scrumhalf Riley Trimble had break-neck game as well. The scrummy made good use of open space, finding Liam Hunter and Rob McDonnell for inspired runs into the in-goal.

The 52-22 victory puts the squad in third place behind Abbotsford and UBC, going into their final game of the season against United Rugby Club.

1STS

Joshua Schrieber dives for a try against Surrey April 20.

The First division treated Surrey as an important challenge, needing the win to stay relevant in the Lower Mainland’s playoff hunt. Surrey rose to the challenge, leading early by a score of 9-8 and contesting very well in the first half. The Rowers were able to put a rare smile on the face of head coach Jeremy Sabell as relentless effort at the breakdowns resulted in enough sustained possession to wear down the Surrey defense.


The Rowing Club’s quicker backs were able to break free for several exciting runs resulting in tries for Sean Hickson, Kevin Gurniak, Caleb Hansen, and an inspired dive beneath the posts for young, tireless-flanker Joshua Schrieber. Second-row forward Sean Dignan, playing in his second game of the day, was a key contributor to ball retention at the breakdown. Fly-half Henry Recinos kicked very well as the Rowing Club outlasted Surrey 27-19, banking the bonus point and moving them to fourth place in the standings behind Richmond, Abbotsford, and UBC.

Phil Hosie reels in a line-out April 20.

APRIL 27

All three teams play at Brockton this Saturday. It is also the VRC’s family day, and member-at-large Matty James is encouraging everyone to bring their family down to support the club.

THREES

The thirds are in tough in a playoff quarterfinal match versus a Burnaby team they lost to earlier this year 15-10. The match was a no-posts battle on the Plains of Winona. It’s do or die for the squad on Saturday.

TWOS

The seconds sit firmly in third place and play the United Rugby Club. It’s a nothing game as far as the ladder is concerned, but it’s an everything game as far as groundwork and mental preparation go as the Super Twos ready themselves for their first-round playoff tilt at UBC May 4.

ONES

The Rowing Club's first division side needs a win and a Richmond loss in order to make the playoffs or a bonus-point win and a Richmond tie, as they sit 2 points back in the ladder. According to the BCRU website, only the top-three teams make the playoffs. If the firsts do make the playoffs, they will likely play at UBC next week.

11:30 3rds vs. Burnaby “B” – playoff match
13:00 2nds vs. United – last game of the regular season.
14:30 1sts vs. United – last game of the regular season.

Chris Gaydon passes to a winger April 20.

Third div action April 20.

Jon Mergui fights off Surrey's eight-man April 20.

Richie Thompson scrambles in 2nd div action April 20.

Jon Mergui runs to block a kick.

Caleb Hansen scores a late try. The marker sealed the match for
the Rowing Club.

Rowers clip Thunderbirds; tame Bruins

Rowers dump Bruins at Telosky; 1sts take down league leaders at Battle of Wolfson--

Karl Mudzamba looks up after offloading the ball April 6 vs. UBC at
Wolfson Fields. The Rowers dumped the league-leading Thunderbirds
20-17 in first team action. Photo: Simon Jones.

APRIL 13 – 3RDS vs. MAPLE RIDGE

By Braden Maccke
It was a soggy day April 13 as the Thirsty Thirds took on the hometown Ridge Meadows Bruins at Telosky field. The game was a must-win for the Rowers as the squad is in the thick of the playoff hunt for 2013.

The Bruins struck first, notching an early three as the two sides fought back and forth for a tiny patch of ground between the Rowers’ 22 and 10-metre lines. The early war of attrition resembled trench warfare more than rugby as both armies sent volleys of bulk at each other in incessant crashes.

Both defences held well and the Bruins, despite their inability to cross the line, held a big territorial advantage through the first 20 minutes. As the first half wore on though, the VRC’s tough D found their stride, repudiating wave after wave of Bruin onslaught. Slowly the Rowers struck a foothold in Ridge Meadows’ territory. It was inevitable that they would strike for the line, crossing twice before the end of the half to take a 14-3 lead into the break.

But like ghosts of first-halves past, the Thirsty Thirds hadn’t overcome their eternal recurrence of falling asleep for the first 10 minutes of every game – they just postponed it that day to the beginning of the second half. And, as the final frame began, the Rowers found themselves on the back foot.

Ridge Meadows took advantage, scoring a quick try under the posts from a complex penalty play. Then the squad stormed right back after the kick off to squeak an unconverted try over the line in the corner. After 10 minutes of second half play, the Thirsty Thirds were down 15-14.

The thirds stabilized their D from that point and the forwards managed to prevent the Bruins’ front eight from gaining any significant yards. The squad also turned over a lot of Ridge Meadows’ possession in the late second half.

Near the end of the game, after some intensive forward-attack running, successive pick-and-goes paid off as the Bruins gave up a penalty in their end. Liam “Golden Pony” Carter converted the mistake from about 22-metres out, giving the VRC a 17-15 lead. The Thirties held from there and kept their playoff chances alive with a well-deserved win.

 

APRIL 6 – 3RDS vs. UBC

The Thirsty Thirds channelled their eternal recurrence April 6, as they opened their match with UBC by giving up two early tries to start the game.

After settling in, the two squads battled back and forth. Momentum swings produced try after try in a high scoring match that, at times, looked like it could top 100 points.

The O’Gorman Übermensch delivered punishing run after punishing run for the Rowers’ forward pack as he toppled young ruggers like nascent animals. Channelling an intense will to power, O’Gorman carried the ball over the line for a power try that put the Rowers back in the contest after they'd fallen behind again.

After a continiual back-and-forth, it seemd to be anyone's game until a miscommunication between Si D’Agrosa and Simon Taylor I. During the crossed-up interlude, UBC managed to punch in a try and their late momentum sealed the game. Final score: 41-37, UBC.

Kevin Gurniak outpaces a UBC defender en route to a 20-17 win.
Photo: Simon Jones.

APRIL 6 – 2NDS vs. UBC

The Rowing Club second team looked flat in the opening half against the UBC seconds team. Their ball retention was poor, their defense was mediocre, and the Super Twos did not exhibit the kind of quick lines and break-away speed that we are used to seeing from them.

Newly arrived English prop Jeff Craine was sidelined with a concussion early in the first half, altering the Rowers’ personnel for set pieces and forcing adjustments. Despite a lackluster effort, the second div squad only trailed 12-5 at the half.

UBC’s better fitness became apparent in the second half as they made good use of a dry pitch, carrying the ball into open space and making the Rowers defense look beyond inadequate. As the final whistle tolled, head coach Jeremy Sabell and his charges were aching to forget the 43-5 scoreline.

 

APRIL 6 – 1STS vs. UBC

The first division team started their match against UBC with aggressive play that they continued to build on throughout the match. UBC had a well-trained, fit, first team and looked very good from the outset. Their persistent, strong attack wore down the Rowing Club defense and UBC managed to score two converted tries.

Jon Mergui takes the ball into contact versus UBC April 6.

But giant utility-Irishman Sean Dignan, playing at second row that afternoon, kept the Rowers in the game after scoring a first half try. The Rowers went into the half trailing by nine points, 14-5.

The VRC Ones found an extra measure of what coach Sabell described as “will” in the second frame, as the tired side won battle after battle at the breakdown.

Missing their own starting fly half due to injury, regular nine, Henry Recinos excelled at the first receiver position, scoring a try and slotting a key penalty kick. Filling in for Recinos at the scrumhalf position, club veteran Duncan James did a formidable job running a quick offense. James also punched in a try of his own.

At full time, the VRC salvaged an otherwise miserable Club day as the First Team walked off the field with a hard-fought, and well-earned, 20-17 victory over the league leaders.

April 20

All three squads face the Surrey Beavers at Stanley Park’s Brockton Oval. The first game kicks off at 11:30.

Next week, April 27, the VRC hosts “Family Day” at the Oval. Watch Ruck Muck for details.

Rowers hand Caps loss at Brockton

Thirds come from behind to sink cross-bridge rivals

By Braden Maccke
Photos: Malin Jordan

"Gentleman Jim" Corbit stretches for a try in the Rowers' 24-22 win over
the Capilanos March 30.

After suffering a road defeat March 16, the green, green grass of home has since been kind to the Rowing Club’s third division squad. The side has now notched two victories in a row on the Brockton paddock after defeating their arch-rivals, the Capilanos, March 30 by a score of 24-22.

MARCH 30

It was brilliantly sunny day in Stanley Park as the Lions Gate rivals kicked off their match.

The Thirsty Thirds had trouble getting their hands on the ball early, and the Caps took advantage, running hard at the VRC, attempting to wear down the defensive line with heavy centre-crashes.

Scyler Dumas and Rob McDonnell bring down a Caps' player in second
half action.

The strategy seemed to work, as the squad from the other side of the bridge were able to penetrate the D, jumping out to an early 12-0 lead. Undaunted, the thirds fought back, contesting well at the breakdowns, fixing some early turnover problems, and showing more game control. The Rowers’ backs also managed to plug the gaps in the centres, effectively retiring the Capilanos' crash strategy for the rest of the game.

Liam “Golden Pony” Carter, representing the VRC youth movement, used quick feet to produce several good long breaks from mid-field. On one elongated jaunt, the Golden Pony offloaded to “Gentleman Jim” Corbit inside the Caps’ 22-metre line. After brushing aside several Caps’ D-men, Gentleman Jim offloaded to Übermensch Patty O’Gorman for paydirt and the Rowers were on the board. 

Si D'Agrosa almost loses his head as three Caps finally bring
him to the turf at Brockton Oval March 30.

Le Rouge et Blanc struck for one more unconverted try before the half and the first frame ended 12-10 to the side from the North Shore.

The Rowing Club started the second frame wtih solid tackling and rucking, which prevented the Caps from getting out of their half for a full 10 minutes. During this onslaught, wily forward Malin Jordan forced a turnover in a tackle by manhandling the Caps’ helmeted 8-man and turning him toward his own teammates for a crucial turnover. The VRC then swung the ball wide and DJ James scored to take a 17-10 lead.

After some back and forth play, the Caps notched two quick, unconverted tries to take a 22-17 lead. For the next 20 minutes, the game was a seesaw battle of bone-crushing tackles, superb rucking, and controlled kicking.

With two minutes left, the Capilanos again knocked on the door at the Rowers’ goal line with their hard-crashing forwards, but super-sub James timed a defensive charge perfectly, as he intercepted a ball, running it back about 75 metres. A quick offload to Jorelle Alameda around the 15-metre line kept the drive alive. Alameda then evaded the Caps’ fullback and juked for eight metres until the fullback managed to finally stop him. Alameda then popped to a streaking Gentleman Jim, who smashed through two Caps as the young lock revealed his goal line hunger writ large. Finally corralled at the five by the Caps’ fullback, Gentleman Jim walked with the lanky 15 on his back, falling short at the one-metre line. But just when all hope was lost, Gentleman Jim stretched his six-foot-plus wingspan out and placed the ball over the tryline to tie the match at 22.

Rob McDonnell adds two points after the Rowers' final try
versus Caps March 30, giving his team the win.

Rob McDonnell then gave the Rowers the lead for good after slotting the two-point convert from 10 metres. The Rower’s held on and the match ended 24-22.

Tries: O’Gorman, Corbit, James, and Scylar Dumas.
Conversions:  McDonnell (2).

MARCH 23

It was a rough day at the Oval March 23 as the Rowing club dropped two out of three games to Abbotsford RFC. The thirds saved the day by overcoming Abby in the second half to grab the only victory.

3RDS

The Thirsty Thirds didn’t burst out of the gate in their match and found themselves behind after the first frame. But with some grit and determination, the lads stormed back in the second half to take the victory 22-10.

Second row Andy Donn said the battle was significant. “A great win coming from behind at the half, with heart, and great play from one to fifteen.” He added the come-from-behind double-u was a real crowd pleaser.

Travis Sheppard scored his first try in Red and White and shot the boot afterward in punishment.

DJ evades tacklers at Brockton Oval.

Scoring

Tries: Travis Sheppard, Simon Taylor II, Donn, O’Gorman,
Convert: Conor Walshe.

 2NDS

It was a bad day for the Rowers Second division, who appeared unprepared for a tough, speedy, organized Abbotsford club, ending up on the wrong side of a lopsided 60-15 decision.

The Rowers started well, recovering the ball off their own kickoff and moving through several strong phases to set up flanker Jeff Craine with his first Rowers try in his first Rowers appearance. A failed conversion kept the score at 5-0. Shortly thereafter, the home squad gifted Abby three when they took a penalty on their own 22-metre line. Following a successful penalty attempt, the score was 5-3.

The second div’s tackling and defense was anemic at times and Abbotsford’s backline pounced on every opportunity on the Brockton pitch, finding the in-goal area more often than the Brockton faithful would have liked.

Captain Gareth Brown and centre back Nik Samija both scored unconverted tries in a losing effort. Final score: 60-15.

1STS

The Rowers top team didn’t fare much better than their understudies in their match versus Abbotsford's top side.

During the match both teams traded hard runs from forward pods early before the visitors finally put in an unconverted try to go ahead five-nil. Another try in the first half made it 12-nil, as the Rowers clearly missed the size and experience up front of second-row forward Phil Hosie.

Speedy fullback Kevin Gurniak added a tally in the second half, but the conversion failed, inching the final score line up to an underwhelming 28-5.

The loss bumps the Rowers’ first division team down to third in the Okanagan Spring Brewery League One behind Abbotsford RFC and the first place UBC Thunderbirds. The Rowers 2nds are also third behind UBC and Abbotsford, with Abbotsford in the top spot.

APRIL 6

All three squads face UBC at Wolfson Fields tomorrow. The first match kicks off at 11:30 a.m.

Jorelle Alameda carries the ball into contact at Brockton Oval.