Rowers cruise to victory

First division team advances to final
Photos: Malin Jordan

Steve Craig leaps over the try-line for the second Rowers' try in their 42-15
semi-final victory over the Seattle Rugby Football Club April 28 at Brockton
Oval. The Rowers face Bayside in the final May 5.

The Vancouver Rowing Club's 1st division squad cruised into the Okanagan Spring Brewery League One championship final on the back of a six-try performance April 28, downing Seattle 42-15.

The 1sts now face the Bayside Sharks in the final May 5. The Rowers split their two regular season matches with Bayside, winning the first tilt 37-35, while losing the second one 50-26.

April 28

Seattle travelled up to the Rowing Club's home ground in Stanley Park last weekend for the semi-final match, pitting second place versus third place. The Rowers snatched an early lead in the game immediatley after the kick-off when Kevin Gurniak jumped over the try-line and scored in the corner - roughly a minute or so into the contest. Matt James added the convert and the Rowers took an early 7-0 lead.

Matt James converts Steve Craig's first try of the match April 28. James
went six-for-six on convert attempts in the game.

A few minutes later, Steve Craig reeled in pass at the 20-metre line and raced towards the in-goal area, leaping over the try-line from five metres out. Soon after, Craig quickly ran in another tally and touched the ball down under the posts. After Matty James converted all three early tries, the Rowers were comfortably in control early into the first half, 21-0, and they never looked back.

Seattle played well and had some good chances, ultimately notching two tries, but they were no match for the faster running Rowers.

May 5

Both the 1sts and the 2nds play Bayside in both championship finals this weekend. The seconds kick-off their match against the Sharks at 1:30 at Klahanie Park, while the firsts battle Bayside at 3:30 at Klahanie.

Here is an excerpt form the match report written by Andrew Smith from the BCRU's communications department. The original article is here.

"We came out strong in the opening ten minutes going up by three tries. Seattle definitely suffered from their 'bus-legs' and the trip up here," Rowers head coach Jeremy Sabell said, alluding to the benefits of home field advantage. "You have to give them credit though because they didn't go away and kept fighting through to the end."

Seattle were stiff competition for the remainder of the opening half and trailed 21-3 at the break. The second half saw the visitors building momentum as they had much of the possession in the opening 15 minutes. The two sides traded scores throughout the second frame with the Rowers winning the try count 3-2.

By the final whistle Rowers tries were notched by Graham Keane, Matt James, Kevin Gurniak, Dave Hall and two were scored by Steve Craig. James put on a flawless kicking display converting all six tries for the extra 12 points.

Nate Olsen scored Seattle's two tries with Eric Forner kicking a conversion and a penalty.

"I'm very pleased with today's result," Sabell added. "I thought our wingers made good use of the ball and our forwards, especially Connor Dunn and George Richmond really led the pack. And of course Matt James showed he was a world class kicker today."

During the regular season, the Rowers defeated Seattle in both their meetings coming away with a 36-7 win on March 31st, and a 56-10 decision on March 3rd.

In other playoff action today, the Bayside Sharks defeated Richmond RFC 16-15 in the Okanagan Spring Brewery League Two semifinals. Bayside will now advance to the provincial final against top-seeded Vancouver Rowing Club. Tier Two playoffs will see Bayside versus Rowers match-ups in both Okanagan Spring Brewery league finals on Saturday, May 5th. 

Playoffs kick-off at Brockton Oval April 28

The Rowers host Seattle in the 1st div semi-final--

Wade Moore runs at a Seattle defender March 31. The Rowers cruised to a 36-7
victory in the contest at Seattle's Magnusson Park. Photo: Malin Jordan

The Rowers' first div squad faces Seattle this weekend in a semi-final match in Stanley Park. The Mighty-Firsts beat Seattle in both regular season match-ups, 56-10 and 36-7, but Seattle has recently looked stronger than those scorelines dictate. Kick-off is 2:30 at Brockton Oval.

Here's and in-depth look at the match from the BCRU site:


By Andrew Smith, BC Rugby Communications
VANCOUVER - The Vancouver Rowing Club will battle Seattle at Brockton Oval on Saturday for a berth to the 2012 provincial final of the Tier Two Okanagan Spring Brewery League One competition. The two sides are looking to secure the second seed and advance to the May 5th final against the top-seeded Bayside Sharks of White Rock, BC.
 
After missing out on qualification to the 2012 Premier League, the Vancouver Rowing Club turned their focus to developing a young squad and regrouped with an impressive season in the Tier Two Okanagan Spring Brewery League competition. The Rowers wrapped up the season  in second place with a 9-1 record, averaging a second-best 30.4 points per game in offence and led the league defensively allowing just 16.7 ppg.

"After missing out on the [Premier] league, our plan was to make this season about development and getting better in every game," said Rowers head coach Jeremy Sabell. "We have got a lot of young guys coming through our academy system we founded in 2008 and we have a mix of some very good veteran players. About half of our top two teams have come through the system. In my mind we have exceeded expectations a little bit this year."

The Rowers have seen a number of blue chips rise to the challenge including loose head prop Noah Barker and Gradyn Bowd, two players called up to the Canadian Under-20 national team for their exhibition series against Romania this past March.

Excelling in the back line, Matt James finished second overall in league scoring (65 pts) with three tries, six penalties and 16 conversions to his credit. The Rowers have also benefited from some strong leadership through the play of scrum half Duncan James.

"We like to think of ourselves as a very balanced team and we are able to attack from anywhere on the field," Sabell added. "We play a very up-tempo style of play and we have done well because at the foundation we are very organized on defence."

This weekend the Rowers will play host to Seattle RFC (6-4), a team that won three games at home, but struggled on the road during 2012 competition.  The Rowers defeated Seattle in both their meetings coming away with a 36-7 win on March 31st, and a 56-10 decision on March 3rd.

"Seattle are very unpredictable and they have the ability to draw on players from Super League side Old Puget Sound Beach," Sabell added of this weekend's opponents. "They have certainly improved throughout the season and we aren't taking them lightly."

Key offensive contributors for Seattle include Nate Olsen and centre Casey Cronk.  Saturday's match is scheduled for 2:30pm at Brockton Oval.

Rowers fight for win

Thirds end season with well-deserved victory--
Photos: Malin Jordan

Colin Robinson picks the ball from the back of a scrum in 3rd dive action
versus the Surrey Beavers April 21. The Beavers had to play in T-shirts for
the first half until their kit arrived.

The Thirsty-Thirds managed to end the 2012 spring campaign on a high note by topping the Surrey Beavers 38-24 on April 21 at Brockton Oval. The Rowers' win gives the squad a lot to build on for next year as many of the players who contributed to the victory, with solid tackling and some great running, were rugby newcomers.

Surrey started the game strong and scored an early try. The Rowers played the opening part of the match on the back foot, but they were able to hold Surrey outside the VRC 22-metre line for most of the opening half. They stayed in the match with some good set play and counter-rucking at the breakdowns.

The Beavers seemed to control all of the games' momentum until Jakey Curtis manhandled a Beaver near the 40-metre line. Curtis helped put the Thirsty-Thirds back in the match when his key tackle forced a turnover. The Rowers successfully converted the opportunity into points and the turnaround ensured the squad was firmly in the game.

Jakey Curtis gets ready to make a pass to Tugboat in the first-half against
Surrey April 21.

Thirsty-Thirds stalwart Robin Mallinder rushed onto the pitch in the second frame and rambled 40 metres for a try in the first five minutes of the half. He pulled off the exact same feat in the Richmond game earlier in the season, only this time he did not separate his shoulder diving across the line.

The game was tight in the second half as both teams traded a few converted tries. But 24-24 was as close as the Beavers got as David Hill and Alex Ackerley added late scores to put the game out of reach for Surrey.

Attilio Mastrota pops a pass to Alec Morrison.

Alec Morrison passes off to a racing Atillio Mastrota.

Regular season ends Saturday

Two games at Brockton Oval this weekend--

The regular season closes with two matches at Brockton Oval April 21. The 3rds play the Surrey Beavers and the 1sts and 2nds play an inter-squad touch match.

3RDS
The Thirsty-Thirds -- already out of the playoffs -- look to finish the season on high note by ending with a win. They could also spoil Surrey's chances at a playoff round birth in the process.

The Beavers, currently in 4th, need a big win as only the top three teams make the playoffs. Though they need to combine this with a Capilano 'a' loss to Richmond, which seems unlikely. So the die may already be cast for the Beavers' silverware bid this year.

The Thirsty-Thirds kick-off against the Beavers at 1 p.m. on Brockton Oval.

2NDS

The Super-Twos have a bye this weekend and -- regardless of the outcome of any other games -- finish alone in first place. With the first place finish the squad gets a bye into the championship final on May 5. Location and start time TBA.

(According the BCRU site, as of today, 4th place squads do not make the playoffs in the Okanagan Spring Brewery Leagues. Last week the site noted that 4th place squads did make the playoffs.)

1STS

The Mighty-Firsts also have the weekend off after the Cowichan Piggies RFC defaulted their scheduled match at the Oval. The 1sts get a bonus-point win out of the disappointing turn of events. They finish the regular season with 44 points and are alone in first until Saturday when Bayside faces the Velox Valhallians in South Surrey.

If Bayside downs the Victorian squad, and captures a bonus point in the process, they will again be tied with the Rowers for first overall -- each at 44 points. If that scenario works out, which seems likely, then first place will be determined by the tie-break process.

A muddy Braden Maccke enjoys 1st div action from
the sidelines earlier this year. Maccke is set to start
against the Surrey Beavers April 21.
Photo: Malin Jordan

I'm not sure how the tie-break works, but if the BCRU bases it on wins and losses, the Rowers would end up in first with a 9-1 record, while Bayside would be second at 8-2. If they base it on bonus points, Bayside would go through by virtue of 12 points against 8. If the process is determined by points-for, then Bayside would go through as they have (as of April 19) 397 points-for, to the Rowers 284. 

(As mentioned above, according the BCRU site, as of today,  4th place squads do not make the playoffs in the Okanagan Spring Brewery Leagues. Last week the site noted that 4th place squads did make the playoffs.)

CAPTAIN'S RUN & BBQ @ THE OVAL

The 1sts and 2nds play an inter-squad touch game Saturday morning, kick-off is at 11:15 a.m. The game offers players an intense run to help the team stay focused and match-fit.

"The run is non-contact, but (it will be) a vigorous touch rugby session that will keep up our fitness and help keep us sharp," noted team coach Jeremy Sabell.

The Weather Network forecasts Saturday to be a fair day with a lot of sunshine. The Rowers are inviting fans, families, and alumni down to have a BBQ at the pitch and soak in some citizenship in the VRC Nation.

"It will be a sunny day. I can guarantee that," said Duncan James. "(It's) a great chance for us to get together ... throw the ball around, and -- for a change -- be the social voice and support for the 3rds."

Two more wins for The VRC Nation

Rowers win on the road in Victoria, but lose in North Van--

Justin Parlato spoils a Capilano line-out throw in one of the
few highlights for the Thirsty-Thirds April 14.

It was a tale of two cities for the Vancouver Rowing Club April 14 as the 1st and 2nd division teams slotted two solid wins in Victoria, while the 3rd division team suffered a sound defeat in North Vancouver. 

3rds
The Rowers' 3rd division squad (2-5) took on the Capilano 'a' team (5-2) at Klahanie Park on a sun-drenched rugby day last weekend.

Unfortunately it was the worst of times for the Thirsty-Thirds as the Capilanos outpaced the Rowers and coasted to an easy victory.

The Caps started with two quick tries and the game didn't get any better for the Rowers from there. Missed tackles, knock-ons, and errant kicks compounded over the opening half to produce a 36-0 halftime lead for the Rowers' Lionsgate rivals.

Despite the lopsided scoreline, the Rowers fought hard in the second half and managed to piece together some good possession and running play. Notable second half performances: Justin Parlato and David Hill combined for some powerful tackling and breakdown turnovers; Nick Coles, Mike Santoro, Stu Holland, and Steve McGillivary put together some strong backline runs; and Jakey Curtis secured a lot of loose ball.

Despite the second half highlights, the Capilano try-parade continued and the game ended 70-0.

2nds
The Super-Twos (6-2) secured first overall in their division after beating the Velox Valhallians (1-6) in Victoria by a score of 29-19.

Dave hall and Steve Craig tore up the pitch with some energetic runs, forcing Velox to play on the back foot, which in turn produced a lot of missed tackles.

Stu Holland breaks a tackle for the Thirsty-Thirds
April 14 against the Capilano 'a' team.

"The pitch was a sandlot," noted front-row prop Braden Maccke. "We all looked like we'd been pressed through a belt sander." Maccke said the Velox side was young, fiery, and wouldn't quit. He also noted that the referee was filming the match. "The ref had a camera strapped to his head the whole time; that was weird."


With the win, the 2nds (who have a bye this weekend) finish the season with 30 points and lock down first place overall. Bayside has a game in hand, but they've only accumulated 21 points so far and can't catch the Rowers. 

1sts
In the last Rowers' match of the day, the Mighty-Firsts (8-1) topped Velox (1-8) by 20 points, 38-18.

The game started well for the Rowers when the forward pack stood strong early in a defensive battle, denying the Valhallians any easy points. In the second half, the Rowers' backs contributed to the victory with some experienced running and ball handling.

Mike Santoro spirals a pass to Nick Coles in 3rd div action April 14.

Late in the game the Rowers sealed the win when the sprightly, youthful Matty James popped a kick through for the rugged, experienced Karl Mudzamba. Mudzamba collected the arcing ball and crossed the try-line for 5 points.

A special mention goes out to Duncan James for a strong performance.

With the win the Rowers climb to 39 points overall and sit tied for first place.

On April 14 the Bayside Sharks (7-2) lost to Seattle 31-24, but secured two bonus points in the loss to remain tied with the Rowers for first place.

 The Rowing Club finishes out the regular season at Brockton Oval April 21 when the Thirsty-Thirds battle Surrey -- kick-off is 1 p.m. -- and the Mighty-Firsts battle Cowichan -- kick-off is 2:45 p.m.

We're on the road ...

All three squads play away April 14--

The Rowers soundly beat Velox at Brockton in
early February and will be looking to repeat their
success April 14 in Victoria.
Photo: Attilio Mastrota.

The Rowing Club is on the road this weekend as the 1sts and 2nds both travel to the Island to play the Velox Valhallians, while the 3rds drive across the bridge to face the Capilanos at Klahanie Park.

North Shore
The Thirsty-Thirds (2-4) haven't yet faced the Caps this season. Capilano 'A' (4-2) are holding down 4th place in the log and are on the bubble for playoff contention. The 3rds are currently in 7th and well out of the playoff hunt (only the top three teams make it). But playing the role of spoiler against an arch-rival should be enough to pump up the Rowers for "The Battle of Burrard Inlet." Kick-off is at 11:30.

Vancouver Island
The ones and twos catch the ferry early on Saturday morning for rematches against Velox. The Rowers firmly beat Velox the first time around at Brockton Oval, but Velox will be tougher at home.

The Super-Twos (5-2), still first overall, will need to shake the bus legs off faster than they did against Seattle if they hope to add a W to the win column. In their last match against Velox (1-5), the 2nds ran in 94 points.

The Mighty-Firsts (7-1) had a tougher match than the 2nds in their first game against Velox (1-7), garnering a 27-8 win. The Rowers are averaging about 31 points per game, while Velox is averaging about 13. Expect a tough match from Velox, but a similar scoreline to last time.

It's will be a big day of Rugby at the Velox ground as four games are on tap for the club, starting with two women's games in the morning. The club is hosting a pig roast after the matches for the visiting sides. 

Next week, April 21, all three Rowers squads play at home in the final weekend of the regular season. The thirds play the Surrey Beavers and the 1sts and 2nds play Cowichan.

VRC Nation: Photos of the Day

Arm tackle--

Gradyn Bowd makes a dash for Seattle's goal line March 31 at Magnusson Park.

The Rowers won the match 36-7.

VRC Nation: Photo of the day

Irish mash-up

  Conrad "Clonakilty" Lehane and Rob McDonnell crash-tackle a Bayside player in 2nd
division action March 24 at Brockton Oval. Photo: Malin Jordan

Rowers split on the road in Seattle

Firsts win; seconds lose tight match--

Henry Recinos beats two tacklers as he dives in for a try against
Seattle RFC March 31. Photo: Malin Jordan

The Vancouver Rowing Club first division team posted a runaway win over the Seattle Rugby Football Club at Magnusson Park March 31, while the Rowing Club's second division team lost a close, tough battle against Seattle's second division squad. Over at Marymoor Park, the Rowing Club third team faced Redmond's Eastside Axemen in a friendly.

1sts
The firsts (7-1) started strong and forced SRFC (4-4) onto the back foot early into the first half. Two quick tries bolstered their first half attack, putting the Rowers up 12-0. Some strong, penetrating runs from the back-line continued to smother the Seattle "D" and the squad from the Emerald City had to fight from inside their own 22-metre line for most of the half. Some great Seattle defense kept the score down.

The Rowers seized firm control of the game about halfway through the first frame when Henry Recinos took an off-load from Gradyn Bowd 18 metres out. Bowd's effortless pass unleashed Recinos who then zig-zagged past three tacklers before shooting across the try-line like an airborne spear.

Okanagan Spring Brewery League 1

OSBL 1 standings as of April 1.

The older FieldTurf pitch allowed for some speedy play and worked to the Rowers' advantage for the rest of the game as the faster squad held Seattle back and denied them any momentum.

The Rowers shut down the Seattle offense for almost the entire game, allowing their opponents only one try. The VRC then added an exclamation mark to their win when James Paladino raced in for a try (see below) from about 35 metres. Final score: 36-7.

Special honours for the match go to Duncan James for scoring a hat-trick.

2nds
The Super-Twos (5-2) started their game the opposite way the first division team started their game. Slow and lethargic, the squad seemed unable to shake off their bus legs in the first half. Continuous Seattle (3-3) running constantly drove the Rowers back into their 22-metre line. Only some strong tackling on defense, which included two held up tries after strong Seattle running inside the five-metre line, allowed the Rowers to keep the game within some semblance of reach. The Rowers could have easily been down by five tries or more at the half. As it stood, the first half ended 15-0 for Seattle.

Okanagan Spring Brewery League 2 

OSBL 2 standings as of April 1.

As the game wore on, Dave Hall managed to smash the Rowers' goose egg when he punched past four would-be tacklers. Hall raced 40 metres to score a try under the posts, narrowing the gap to 15-7. Hall's rewarding sprint seemed to wake up the Rowers and the game was on.

Seattle countered quickly though, touching the ball down in the Rowers in-goal area to stretch their lead to 20-7. But the Rowers started attacking Seattle on quick penalties from all over the field. The Super-Twos managed to punch in two more tries: one on the back of some stellar County Mayo-style rambling from Michael Jordan; and one on a pick from a set scrum inside the Seattle 22-metre line.

But narrowing the gap to 20-17 was as close as the Rowers got. Seattle counterattacked with six minutes to go in the match and pressured the Rowers inside the five-metre line. After a line-out win, Seattle mauled towards the Rowers' line and a tired defense granted Seattle the final try of the contest. Final score: 25-17.

3rds
The Thirsty-Thirds trekked down to Seattle for an exhibition match with Redmond's Eastside Axemen. The Axemen play in the Pacific Northwest Rugby Football Union and feature former Rower, Chilli Bean.

The Rowers and the Axemen meet for a post game photo at
Redmond's Marymoor Park March 31.

Although the thirds only brought a skeleton crew, the Axemen lent the Rowers a few bodies and both sides played an energetic game in the rain and mud of Marymoor Park. Final score: Axemen lots-Rowers a little.

The 3rds play a make-up game April 7 against Bayside in Whiterock, while the 1sts and 2nds have a bye.