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.