Rowers take two from three

VRC hosts Crusaders and Ravens
Photos: Malin Jordan


Jamie Overgaard breaks for the ball in first half action versus Chilliwack Oct. 5.

BROCKTON OVAL – The Rowers won two from three Oct. 5 as the Club opened the CDI  Premiership at home against the UBCOB Ravens. In the curtain-raiser the Thirsty Thirds downed the Chilliwack Crusaders, the 1sts shut down the Ravens, and the premier side fell to the Ravens.

3RDS
The thirds sprinted out of the gate taking the game to the Crusaders almost immediately. The Rowers punched in a couple of quick tries off solid forward play and some stand-up "D" from the backline kept the Fraser Valley squad off the scoreboard early in the first half.

As the second half opened, the thirds continued their dominant play. Shortly after kickoff, Shaun Blythen took the ball into contact inside the Rowers' 10-meter line. Blythen then made a seemingly impossible pop to a streaking Jamie Overgaard who tap-danced down the sideline 60 metres for paydirt. The try seemed to seal Chilliwack's fate and the game was never in doubt after that. Final score: 60 to 10.

First division action.

First division action.

1sts.

1sts.

1STS

The VRC first division team looked evenly matched against their UBCOB Ravens counterparts early on despite conceding an early try and conversion to go down 7-0. But the squad fought on, battling back to cross the line twice as they went into the halftime frame up 14-7.

Fitness and execution ended up being the keys to a dominant 2nd half for the Rowing Club. Set pieces were near perfect, and the backs played on the front foot all day, outpacing their opposite numbers. The Rowing Club were dominant for the better part of the afternoon, only surrendering a try in the final minute for a final score of 55-14.

PREMIERS

The VRC's top side got a hard taste of their level-up into the province’s top division, being handed a 44-15 loss by the UBCOB Ravens. A talented and well-drilled Ravens side seemed to have the Rowers playing backwards throughout the first half. The Rowers backs were able to move the ball when they got some space, but could not put together a cohesive attack.

Coach Sabell used the lop-sided loss as an opportunity to impress upon his charges the “vital importance" of defence, and will no doubt be emphasising its importance in their coming clash with the Meralomas Oct. 19.

OCTOBER 19

10:00 a.m. 3rds @ Scribes (John Hendry Park – Trout Lake)

1:00 p.m. 1sts @ Meralomas (Connaught Park)

2:45 p.m. Premiers @ Meralomas (Connaught Park)

MORE PICTURES FROM OPENING DAY OF THE PREMIERSHIP

A thirds player breaks for the line to score one of the Rowers'
opening tries versus Chilliwack.

3rds.

3rds.

3rds.

Halftime.

Halftime.

Blythen imposes a straight are before offloading to Overgaard,
who subsequently sprinted 60 metres for the score (See
time lapse video below).

Rowers maul Bruins

Thirds roar to road win

Photos: Malin Jordan

Brett Russell scores a try to seal a 27-7 win for the Rowers over the Ridge Meadows Bruins Sept. 28.

MAPLE RIDGE -- Despite torrential rains, a lot of scrums, and some slippery play, the Vancouver Rowing Club ran out some great rugger Sept. 28 when they topped the Ridge Meadows Bruins. The thirds posted four tries to run away with a 27-7 road win at Telosky Stadium.

Jamie Overgaard crashes the Bruins' line in second half action.

The squad managed to out-race the Bruins to the breakdowns, arriving with better numbers and controlling most of the play in the mud and muck -- pounding out a well-deserved win in the trenches.

“They ground it out in the rain with what was essentially a kick and pressure game,” said coach Simon Taylor. “Balls squirted out of far too many tackles, but this was to be expected.”

Ryan Messer opened the scoring for the Rowers in the first half and Lendl Magsipoc added another tally before the break. At the end of 40, the Rowers took a two-try lead into halftime.

Shaun Blythen scores a try as Jamie Overgaard and Yooji Cummings provide support.

The Rowers kept the pressure on early in the second-half when their aggressive defense forced the Bruins to hurry an early clearing kick from deep in their own end. The errant effort gifted the Rowers a lineout near the Bruins 22-metre line. On the ensuing throw-in and drive, Shaun Blythen kept the ball tight to the back of the maul and rolled across the line for a try.

Jon Mergui lines up the Bruins' scrum-half before tackling him and causing a turnover.

The Bruins added a tally of their own later, but Brent Russell sealed the Rowing Club win when he smudged the green for five late in the second half.

Taylor said the thirds backline play was an essential key to the victory. “The guys got to work and exposed the opposition’s inability to react to the way we kept reversing our direction of attack.”

OCTOBER 5

The VRC is hosting Family Day tomorrow at Brockton Oval. Kick off times are:
11:30 a.m. 3rds vs. Chilliwack
1:00 p.m. 1sts vs. UBCOB
2:45 p.m. Premiers vs. UBCOB

MORE PICTURES FROM RIDGE MEADOWS

A lineout early in the second half.

Rolling maul - second half.

Mid-field play.

A well-deserved shiner.

Lendl Magsipoc.

Lendl Magsipoc.

Lendl Magsipoc.

Rowers down Old Boys

Thirds topple Mt. Old Boys at Brockton--

Stu Holland dives across the line for a third division try last year in this Ruck
Muck file photo. The Thirds downed the Mt. Old Boys Sept.14 at Brockton.

The Rowers completed a clean sweep of “Old Boys” at Brockton Oval Sept. 14. The thirds opened the day with a win over SFU’s Mt. Old Boys, while the first and premier division squads downed the UBC Old Boys.

 

3RDS

The Rowers kicked off their 2013 fall campaign with some less than perfect rugger. As the game began, the rust was evident and the Rowers’ couldn’t find any rhythm on attack. SFU threatened the VRC lines with long runs, but the Rowers’ “D” held early.

Travis Sheppard was then sent off, having earned his side a yellow card. Jamie Overgaard helped advance his team down the pitch with some big offloads from the deck. Then Yooji Cummings almost crossed the line, but unfortunately knocked-on the ball. The Rowers scored off the ensuing scrum when Marcus Schaper-Kotter smudged the green for a try in his first game back.

The Rowers finally shook off the rust in the second half and sealed the Old Boys’ fate. Final score: 17-10.

1STS

The Rowers firsts played solid rugby from the opening kick, eventually besting the Ravens by a score of 27-0. The Rowers pack played a very strong game, controlling their own breakdowns well and giving the backs space to operate. Centre-back Nik Samija, scored two tries, Mad Zaffer David Andersen scored one on a beautiful streak up the sideline, and Brett Russell – a game-day addition to fill an empty space – added another.

PREMIERS

The Rowers’ premier side played good rugby at home, beating a strong Ravens side 41-16. The Rowing Club pack, led by captain Phil Hosie, played very physical rugby, especially at the breakdowns.

Back-row forwards Quinn Cowie and Michael Jordan each scored tries in the win, while backs Sean Hickson and Kevin Gurniak also scored one each. Brian Derham and Billy Newman both “shot the boot” after the game, having been rewarded for scoring their first tries as Rowers.

Starting scrumhalf Darren Harris, and substitute scrumhalf Henry Recinos each notched two conversions and a penalty. Coach Sabell was pleased with the result, but emphasized in the post-game debriefing that to succeed in the premiership the Rowers will have to show stronger defense and better commitment.

The firsts and premiers don’t play again until Oct. 5 when they face UBC Old Boys again on opening day for the 2013-2014 CDI premiership.

 

BROCKTON OVAL

The thirds face the Kats Sat. Sept. 21, at Brockton Oval.

Masters at McCleery shines despite rainy weather

Successful tourney honours departing rugger--

Duncan "DJ" James (middle) takes part in his last event as a Rower.

Even though the weather decided not to cooperate for Duncan James’s Rowing Club swan song, by all accounts – and photos – things worked out well for the rugby club’s annual assault of the links -- and for DJ's farewell act.

“The golf tourney was a great success,” said organizer Dan Smith, noting that despite Mother Nature’s inclemency, the event would have gone ahead no matter what.

"(DJ) was great," Smith added regarding DJ's efforts on the fairways, the greens, and around the bunkers. "He had three birdies."

John Good won the "longest drive" award while Matty James took home the award for "closest to the pin."

Matty James’s foursome, which included Smith, Wade “One” Moore, and man-of-the-moment Duncan James, had the best overall score.

James was emotional after spending more than three years with the club.

“To the VRC players, coaches, alumni – The VRC nation,” he later wrote. “I came to this club 3.5 years ago burnt out from all things rugby – a shell of my former self – disinterested in what rugby had to offer me anymore.

"I now leave Vancouver humbled, proud of everyone involved in our club for what we have achieved together the past few years and passionate about this game we play. Both on but even more so off the field I have felt part of a community with the Rowers.

James completes a 119-second yard.

“My fondest memories from my time here are very much interwoven with this club. I look forward to reading about your new successes on the field and in the bar. I will go on to play for another club in London but the only club I truly will belong to is the VRC. Thank you so much everyone.”

The winning foursome. Left to right: DJ, Smith, Moore, James.

More pictures from the tournament

Preseason opens at Burnaby Lake

Rowers shake off some rust, take positives from exhibition matches--

The VRC battles Burnaby Lake in this Ruck-Muck-stylized file photo.
Both 1sts and 2nds dropped their exhibition matches to Burnaby Sept. 7.

An air of optimism surrounded the Rowers as they prepared for first preseason tilt of the 2013-2014 B.C. premiership campaign against Burnaby Lake RFC Sept. 7.

An offseason training regimen saw the familiar, returning players looking fit. And many of the new recruits carried themselves like seasoned rugby players.

2NDS

The 2nd division started strong, keeping ball in hand for the most part. They put together some solid phases and played convincing rugby during the opening part of the match. Their offensive play reflected some strong pattern and structure, but they lacked the rehearsed, free-flowing aspects the Rowers surely hope will come as they move through the season.

A well-drilled Burnaby team played strong defense and took advantage of turnover ball to put up more points than the Red and White. Final score: 43-20 to Burnaby Lake.

1STS

Mistakes near the in-goal area cost the Rowers’ top side more than one try, but overall good play from the forward pack kept the 1sts playing respectable rugby. Winger Sean Hickson stood out, showing that he belonged on the top squad with an impressive chase and tackle near the Rowers’ goal line.

Burnaby Lake made fewer mistakes than the VRC and they did a better job of capitalizing on opportunities created by the Rowers. Final score: 43-13 to Burnaby Lake.

After the game, Coach Sabell noted that while his club still had a long way to go in terms of conditioning and defense, he's encouraged by the fact that his charges appeared to be mentally and physically capable of playing rugby at the CDI Premiership level.

EXHIBITION

The premiership season doesn’t begin until Oct. 5., but Sept. 14 will be the last VRC exhibition match until the season begins.

SEPT. 14

11:30 a.m. 3rds vs. Mountain Old Boys, regular season (Brockton)

1:00 p.m. 2nds vs. UBC Old Boys, exhibition (Brockton)

2:45 p.m. 1sts vs. UBC Old Boys, exhibition (Brockton)

McCleery update

Last chance to sign up--

This is the last call to sign up for the ever-popular VRC Golf Tournament. So far the weather forecast is calling for a great start to the day.

The event tees-off Sunday, Sept. 15 at 11:30 a.m. at McCleery Golf Course.

BUT registration closes tonight at 7 p.m. You can confirm your attendance by registering online through our special golf tournament page.

See here for full details.

The Masters at McCleery

VRC rugby golf tourney set for Sept. 15

Twelve and 13 at McCleery.

The VRC Nation's annual golf tourney is upon us.

To celebrate the commencement of our new rugby season, we are hosting our annual VRC Rugby Golf Tournament Sunday, Sept. 15. This year’s event takes place at McCleery Golf Course.

Please see below for all the details. You can confirm your attendance by registering online through our special golf tournament registrtation page.

Steve claims his prizes at last year's event.

Shaun wins big last year.

The details

Who: VRC rugby players, alumni, supporters, and friends
What: VRC Rugby Golf Tourney
When: Sunday, September 15th – tee off is 11:30 a.m.
Where: McCleery Golf Course - 7188 Macdonald Street, Vancouver
Why: To support your club and have loads of fun at the same time
How: Visit this page

The cost for the day is $95 and includes: your green fees, a snack voucher (hot dog or deli sandwich), beverage (including alcoholic), dessert (chocolate bar, potato chips, or a cookie), and the opportunity to bid adieu to the golf tournament’s special guest just days before his "big escape." (Optional golf carts: $16 per player – please call ahead to book or secure on the day of the event – 604 257 8181.)

Prize winners.

There will be performance prizes for longest drive, KP, etc. We will also have a tonne of random draws for prizes donated by VRC alumni and sponsors.

Go to the website and register today!! Before it’s too late!!

Dan Smith

P.S. There may be a free six pack of Budweiser Crown bouncing around for a lucky registrant or two.