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.