VRC Rugby: Caps top VRC

Rowers drop all three matches to cross-bridge rivals--

By Braden Maccke
Photos: Malin Jordan

Duncan James leaps for a ball early in the first half of the Rowers' premiership match versus Capilano
RFC at Brockton Oval. The ball bounced off James' chest and the miscue was indicative of how the
game would go for the VRC, as the squad couldn't get any bounces on the day.

STANLEY PARK--It was a rough day on the pitch for the Rowing Club March 8, as all three teams fell to Capilano RFC. Both the premiers and 1sts lost at Brockton Oval, while the 3rds lost at Klahanie Park.

3RD DIVISION

The Thirsty Thirds weren’t in their best game form March 8 as the Caps walloped their cross-bridge rivals 53-3. Administration woes plagued the Rowers even before the opening whistle as the Brockton Oval-scheduled game was switched at the last minute to Klahanie Park because of concerns that afternoon heavy rain would render Brockton unplayable for the premier match. Then the kick off was changed for some bizarre reason to 11 a.m. Then the thirds started the game in T-shirts and jackets, as the squad’s rugby jerseys hadn’t arrived at the pitch for kick off.

Despite this, the Rowers played with heart and determination, but were unable to cross the line for any tries. They played most of the game on the back foot as the Caps offered up some relentless, power-running from their backline standouts. The Rowers slotted a penalty in the middle of the second half to break their 60-minute goose egg.

1ST DIVISION

The Rowing Club’s first division suffered a 39-0 loss on their home pitch. The Rowers controlled the ball early. This allowed them to gain a penalty advantage at midfield immediately after kickoff. They then drove down to the Caps try line, but were unable to convert the foray into points as the home side promptly lost the ball 3 yards out with a miscue at the lineout.

As the game progressed, it was clear the squad wasn’t going to be able to put together a coherent attack for the rest of the game. Set pieces were acceptable despite the wet conditions, but the 1sts looked lost on the attacking side of the ball and less than adequate in defence.

Players from Capilano RFC swarm tackle the Rowers March 8 in premiership action.

PREMIER DIVISION

The Rowing Club’s premier-division side also suffered a loss to the Caps on their home pitch, falling 23-3. As the heavy rain began to fall, the Rowers were unable to seize any momentum and the squad suffered from being on the wrong end of all the bounces. This led to some key missed tackles and some key losses of turnover ball in the rucks. The Caps retained the ball well, tackled well, and didn’t seem to offer the Rowers any chances to capitalize on any Capilano mistakes.

More match pictures

Phil Hosie jumps to reel in a lineout.

Hosie.

George Richmond attacks the Capilano defensive line March 8.

Captains' Dinner pictures

The rugby section hosted its annual Captains' Dinner March 8. Former B.C. Lion Angus Reid was the guest speaker and indefatigable alumnus Bobby Flood was bestowed with the rugby section's lifetime achievement award.