Rowers maul ’Lomas

Rowing Club downs Meraloma Club at Brockton Oval—

By Braden Maccke
Photos: Malin Jordan

The Rowing Club downed the Meraloma Club in both matches played in intense flurries at
Brockton Oval Feb. 22. Here the premier teams open their match.

STANLEY PARK--The Vancouver Rowing Club rebounded this week winning both matches against the Meraloma Club in a whiteout at Brockton Oval Feb. 22. The first division squad topped the ‘Lomas 54-0 and the premier side downed the visitors 34-10. The third division’s game against Kelowna was cancelled because of an avalanche on the Coquihalla.

Henry Recinos breaks for a 30-yard run in the opening seconds of the Rowers' first
division match against the Meraloma Club Feb. 22. Recinos offloaded to Romain
Plantey near the goal line for the game's first score.

First Division

The Rowers (4-4) turned in a dominant performance on a snowy Saturday afternoon at Brockton, putting up 54 points against their crosstown rival the Meralomas (0-7) and allowing none.

Flyhalf Henry Recinos set the tone early with a quick offensive carry, outpacing the ’Lomas defense for a 30-yard run, then offloading near the goal line to centre Romain Plantey to finish off the point-scoring ramble. Recinos finished the day with one try and seven conversions.

Nathan Tough breaks for space down the sideline on a north-south
burst, shedding tacklers and keeping his feet.

Young blind-side winger Nathan Tough had an outstanding day, showcasing exceptional speed and hands, even in the wet conditions. Tough drew an impressive cheer from the Rowers’ sideline in the first half when he scooped a wayward ball at full pace and continued up the edge of the pitch. He was slowed near the try line (but not brought to the deck) by no fewer than three Meraloma players as he bought time for his support.

Nik Samija offloads to a streaking Luc Gourdine.

Tough’s fellow winger Luc Gourdine also performed well, scoring two tries. The Rowers points parade continued at a torrid pace, which included tries by tight head prop Phil Lantheir, second-row forward Sean Dignan, Tough, and a second try by Plantey.

With the bonus-point win, the squad climbs into sole possession of fourth place.

Premier Division

The Rowers premier team (4-4) had no choice but to treat their match against the Meraloma Club (0-8) as pivotal, a loss potentially making a playoff game into a distant dream instead of a real possibility. That’ because there is a logjam in the middle of the CDI Premier League, with the Rowers, Caps, UVic, Old Boys, and CW’s all within four points of each other, and all very much in playoff contention.

Kevin Nanne beats four 'Lomas to cross the line for the Rowers' first try
of the afternoon.

Before the match, coach Jeremy Sabell impressed upon the players the importance of playing with desperation. He noted that it was vital the squad used it for strength rather than to let themselves be used by it.

The premier side didn’t disappoint. Undiscouraged by an early penalty, the Rowers demonstrated excellent ball-retention as they advanced with strong, simple carries through the middle channels.
Second-row forward Kevin Nanne broke the line for the Rowers first try (converted by scrum half Darren Harris). Nanne powered down the pitch and through four Meraloma defenders for the score. A converted try by the Meralomas followed, lifting the visitors to 10-7.

Michael "The Animal" Jordan breaks the line versus 'Lomas Feb. 22.

The Rowers stuck to their game plan though and were able to tie the game on a Harris penalty kick. The squad then took the lead on a try by Ottawa Irish import-hooker Chris Seyler. From there the home team never looked back.

It was an outing characterised by strong defense and an industrious use of space. Flyhalf Doug “Doug-E-Fresh” Crowe impressed everyone at the Oval with his intelligent ball distribution and his relentless attack into available space. Crowe finished the day with one try and two conversions.

Brian Derham sidesteps the Meraloma's centre back.

Richie Thompson, playing an out-of-character inside-centre position also attacked very well, adding a try of his own. Denis Barnett, a sub-in for wing, scored an insurance try in the second half on a characteristically-exciting streak down the sideline. Though he was kept off the scoreboard, Caleb Hansen turned in an excellent performance at both wing and scrumhalf.

With the bonus-point win, the premier side climbs into sixth spot in the log.

The atmosphere at the clubhouse following the games was one of exciting optimism. The Logjam continues in the CDI standings with Burnaby Lake (7-1) and James Bay (5-3) ahead of a pack of skilled and dangerous 4-4 teams in the middle.
-With files from Nadine Spuls.

March 1

1 p.m. 3rds @ SFU (Banting Middle School)
1 p.m. 1sts @ Castaway Wanderers RFC (Windsor Park)
2:45 p.m. Premiers @ Castaway Wanderers RFC (Windsor Park

More match photos from Feb. 22

George Richmond runs with the ball in premiership action.

Darren Harris picks the ball from a ruck in premiership action.

Scylar Dumas jukes past a 'Loma in the 1st div game. 

Sean Dignan breaks through a 'Loma arm tackle.

Braden Maccke races off the line. 

Romain Plantey makes a pass.  

Nik Samija breaks for space.

Nik Samija Brett Russell and Henry Recinos line up in defense at the
breakdown. 

Recinos hits one of his seven conversions on
the day. 

Jon Mergui receives a dressing down from the
referee. 

The first team mauls just as Phil Lanthier, number 3, peels off the back to ramble
down the pitch for a try.

Revised rugby schedule for spring 2014--UPDATE!

Update includes changes to 3rd division schedule--

VRC Nation.

March 1
1 p.m. 3rds vs. SFU (Brockton Oval)
1 p.m. 1sts @ Castaway Wanderers RFC (Windsor Park)
2:45 p.m. Premiers @ Castaway Wanderers RFC (Windsor Park)

March 8*
11:30 a.m. 3rds vs. Capilano ‘A’ (Brockton Oval)
1 p.m. 1sts vs. Capilano RFC (Brockton Oval)
2:45 p.m. Premiers vs. Capilano RFC (Brockton Oval)
*6:30 p.m. Captain's Dinner

March 15
11:30 a.m. 3rds @ Brit Lions 'A' (John Oliver Park)
Bye: 1sts and Premiers

March 22
1 p.m. 3rds vs. SFU (Brockton Oval)
1 p.m. 1sts @ UBCOB Ravens RFC (Jericho Park)
2:45 p.m. Premiers @ UBCOB Ravens RFC (Jericho Park)

March 29*
11:30 a.m. 3rds vs. Scribes (Brockton Oval)
1 p.m. 1sts vs. James Bay AA (Brockton Oval)
2:45 p.m. Premiers vs. James Bay AA (Brockton Oval)
*Family Day at Brockton Oval

April 5
11:30 a.m. 3rds @ Burnaby Lake Rugby Club (Burnaby Lake Sports Complex)
1 p.m. 1sts @ Burnaby Lake Rugby Club (Burnaby Lake Sports Complex)
2:45 p.m. Premiers @ Burnaby Lake Rugby Club (Burnaby Lake Sports Complex)

April 12
1 p.m. 3rds @ Kats (Balaclava Park)
1 p.m. 1sts @ UVic Norsemen (Wallace Field)
2:45 p.m. Premiers @ UVic Vikes (Wallace Field)

April 19
Bye:  All Teams

April 26
3rd Division: Mainland Quarterfinals
1st Division: Bye
Premiership: Provincial Semi-Finals

May 3*
3rd Division: Provincial Semi-Finals
1st Division: Provincial Semi-Finals
Premiership: Bye
*6:30 p.m. Rugby Awards Banquet

May 10
3rd Division: Provincial Final
1st Division: Provincial Final
Premiership: Provincial Final

Rowers to play crosstown rivals

Club to host Meralomas Feb. 22--

VRC Nation

STANLEY PARK--The Rowers will face the Meraloma Club Feb. 22 at Brockton Oval. The VRC host their second home matches of 2014 as the premier side kicks off at 2:45 p.m. and the first division side kicks off at 1 p.m.

The Thirsty Thirds will once again be on the outside looking in this week as their match against Kelowna was cancelled due to an avalanche on the Coquihalla. The Thirsties have yet to play a game in 2014 after three cancellations and a bye.

The 1sts (3-4) are sitting in 4th place and face a winless Meraloma squad (0-6).

The premier side (3-4) are in 7th spot with 13 points and face the 8th place Meralomas (0-7). The premiers have identical records with Oak Bay and the Caps, but are 1 and 4 bonus points, respectively, adrift of those clubs.

The Thirsty Thirds will play an inter-squad match at Brockton. Kick off is at 12 p.m.

Rowers fall to Oak Bay

Castaway Wanderers take two at Brockton--

By Braden Maccke

Duncan James dives across the goal line for a try in action versus Oak Bay Feb. 15.

STANLEY PARK--The Rowers faltered out of the gate to open the second half of the 2013-2014 CDI Premiership campaign. Both the premier and 1st division teams dropped their opening matches at home to the Castaway Wanderers Feb. 15.

FIRST DIVISION
On a wet day at Brockton Point, the Castaway Wanderers 1st division team played strong rugby and took advantage of the chances they were afforded, earning themselves a 12-0 victory over the Rowing Club.

The Rowers played a sloppy first half, conceding a try to the visitors in the tenth minute. Then the Rowers bungled a standard kick and chase play from Oak Bay, allowing the Island squad to add another marker.

The VRC’s team defense showed flashes of competence, but was far from complete. They allowed the Wanderers to gallop for line breaks on some pedestrian attacks from their very strong scrums. The first div squad will need to work hard on set pieces in the coming weeks.

The Rowers also lacked team discipline, drawing two yellow cards and more than one stern warning from the referee.

Veteran lock Marcus Schapper-Kotter had an outstanding game. He defended well and held up, what would have been, a third try for the visitors.

The Rowers attack the Castaway Wanderers line.

PREMIER DIVISION
The visiting Castaway Wanderers notched an exciting victory over the Rowers’ premier side with a last-second penalty kick. The three-point volley sealed a slow game that had morphed into a hotly contested match, despite the day’s inclemency.

The home team conceded an early try as Oak Bay attacked off of a driving maul, using their forward pack as a medieval battering ram. The Rowers answered with a penalty kick, but conceded the line again for a halftime score of 15-3.

The Rowers worked hard in the second half on the basics – keeping the ball in hand to limit the turnovers on a wet day. Tries by fullback Duncan James and speedy winger Kevin Gurniak put the Rowers back in the game. Halfback Darren Harris added a penalty and a conversion to pull the Rowers even at 15. But an offside call, as the clock ticked over to full time, gave Oak Bay a final penalty attempt. Slotting the gift, the Castaway Wanderers walked off the pitch 18-15 winners.

Despite two losses, the club played some good rugby. Both teams host ‘Lomas at Brockton Feb. 22.

Rowing Club to open second half of 2013-2014 premiership campaign

Rowers to host Castaway Wanderers at Brockton Oval--

Alex Ackerley unleashes a towering punt against the visiting Oak Bay Castaway Wanderers in
this Ruck Muck file photo from Feb. 6, 2010, while Duncan James looks on. Oak Bay downed
the Rowing Club in the premiership match 27-13.

STANLEY PARK--Rugby returns to Brockton Oval Feb. 15 when the Vancouver Rowing Club hosts Oak Bay’s Castaway Wanderers RFC. It’s been four years since the squads last met in the B.C. premiership. That match, played at the Oval Feb. 6 2010, resulted in a 27-13 victory for Oak Bay.

The Rowers (3-3) are 5th in the ladder with 12 points, while the Castaway Wanderers (2-4) are sitting in 7th place with 10 points.

The squads look close on paper and all signs point to the game being hotly contested. Both teams have similar points-for, Rowers: 97, Oak Bay: 95, and similar points–against: Rowers: 161, Oak Bay: 174.

Kick off times

12:45 p.m. 1sts vs. Castaway Wanderers RFC (Brockton Oval)
2:30 p.m. Premiers vs. Castaway Wanderers RFC (Brockton Oval)
Bye: 3rds

George Richmond steals an Oak Bay throw-in in this Ruck Muck file photo from Feb. 6, 2010.

R-POD

Rowers' Photo of the Day--

Photo: Malin Jordan

Darren Harris spirals a pass from a breakdown as the Rowers battle the Ravens last fall at Brockton Oval. The Rowers won the first division game 55-14.

The Rowers face the Ravens again March 22 at Jericho Park.