Prems Finish With a Flurry, Beat The Ravens at Jericho.

The Rowers Scrum Was Dominant Against the Ravens Saturday (File Photo)

The VRC Prems put on a dominant performance this past Saturday, earning a convincing 27-7 victory against the Ravens at Jericho. The Elite Division came into the game with determination, anxious to get back in the win column after two tough losses to Burnaby Lake.

Brian Derham (centre) was 2 for 4 on conversions (File Photo)

The Rowers struck first following a brief feeling out period, as Brian Durham slotted a penalty kick to open it up 3-0. The Ravens answered quickly making it 7-3 on try that threaded the defensive line and a good conversion. Following the Ravens try, the Rowers were able to sort their defensive process out, and put on a clinic for the rest of the game. While definition and positioning played an important part in the Prems’ defensive success, outstanding individual defensive efforts by George Richmond, Brian Durham, Tommy Hanson and Michael Jordan were instrumental in shutting the door. Fullback Kevin Gurniak chased down a breakaway runner to save a try in a thrilling never-say-die episode that summed up his team’s attitude.

The Rowers’ were relentless in attack, finally finding the stride they had been looking for all season. The scrum was especially sound. A front row of Keegan Watcham-Roy, Jason Carton and Nico Crawczyk capably controlled the push in offense and defense, matching technique and looking thoroughly experienced against an excellent opponent. Halfbacks Andrew Meakin and Richie Thomas orchestrated a pattern that used the forward pack to wear out defenders before having a go out wide to exploit gaps in the defense. The strong runners in the pack would prove able to make the necessary yards on their own, though. The forwards stayed ready to run strong lines off of 9 when called, and picked from the base with an impressive urgency in the instances that Meakin found himself buried in the ruck. Watcham-Roy would put in a try, as would 8^th man George Richmond.

Kevin Gurniak (top left) executed the perfect chase-down tackle (file photo)

The back line ran exceptional yards, forcing the Ravens to chase them about the park and make cover tackles, eventually wearing down and frustrating the hosts. Winger Caleb Hansen ended up with two tries, and could easily have had three had play not been called for a questionable forward pass call that was followed by a dustup that drew red cards for two Ravens players and Rowers out-half Richie Thompson (who really didn’t deserve it).

Derham slotted 2 of 4 conversions to go along with his opening penalty tally. Several outstanding performances didn’t end up on the score sheet including an impassioned performance at centre back by Rory McClennan and a typically great (and quick) outing by “Greyhound” Brett Lucas. James Pond Jones was solid in the line out winning Rowers’ throw-ins and causing a decent nuisance on opponent ball.

The victory at Jericho avenged a heartbreaking 19-15 loss in what had to be the 88^th minute of the season’s opening game on a Ravens’ try by a runner who everyone but the touch judge saw step into touch. The win was well received by a Rowers core who had been on the wrong end of a tough first half that felt like a continuation of a very difficult second half the year. The Rowers’ fall season included the aforementioned theft of an opening game, a difficult 30-32 loss at rival Capilanos in October, and a 20-17 loss to Burnaby Lake last weekend. In their 6 losses, the Rowers’ average margin of defeat was 10.8 points. Factoring out a 34-6 loss to Mainland Cup Finalist and Premier League leader UBC in week 2, that margin drops to 7.4 points. To a man, the Rowers are confident in their talent and their ability to work together to play winning rugby in the BC Premiership. To the team that showed up on Saturday, a mathematical improvement of 12 points per game feels like an enjoyable goal over the coming Christmas break.

The Rowers Thirds play in the Mainland Third Division Plate Final Against the Brit Lions at John Oliver Park in Delta this coming Saturday November 28^th. It will be the final Rowers Game of 2015.

Prems vs. Burnaby, Thirds vs. Squamish Axemen November 14th.

Thirds

The Thirds played to a 17-17 draw against the Squamish Axemen this past Saturday. The Rowers came out strong, scoring a converted try early before soft defense allowed Squamish to put one in to make it 7-5. Another score made it 10-7 and some lackluster defense by the thirds allowed let an undersized but nimble Squamish pack to make yards and score under the posts, the conversion making it 17-7.

The Thirds battled back in the waning minutes with an unconverted try to make it 12-7. With no time left on the clock, flanker Luc Gourdine picked a ball up from the behind a ruck before the opposition saw it leave, shot by the posts and scored un-touched just outside the posts to tie the score. The Rowers conversion attempt went begging, solidifying the draw at the final whistle. 

Prems

The VRC First Fifteen lost in Burnaby Lake by a score of 13-27. Coach Sabell described the first half of  the game as “the best half of rugby we’ve played all year.”  The Prems were up 13-0 at the half on 2 penalties from centre back Brian Durham and a converted try from winger Kevin Gurniak. The second half started poorly with a number of unforced errors that proved tough to recover from. The Rowers then lost Eighth man George Richmond to a yellow card for tackling a quick tap without being back 10m. The Rowers then allowed 2 tries in under 5 minutes and were unable to get back on track. Substitutes made a late difference, especially tight head prop Chris Seyler, but it wouldn’t be enough, as the Prems lost in Burnaby for the second time in as many weeks.

Thirds are away at Surrey this Saturday, and the Prems and 1^st div are scheduled to play the Ravens away.

Burnaby Games Nov 6th 2015

All three divisions were in action against Burnaby Lake this past Saturday.

Firsts

Textbook Jackal by Gus the Bus
Photo by M..Cox

The VRC First Division played  excellent rugby at Burnaby Lake this past weekend, coming from behind to beat the hosts 25-10. The Rowers took care of the ball in wet, sloppy conditions, successfully working it through phases until they could get it to their impact players. On a day when points were hard to come by in all divisions, the Firsts  put up a resepectable 25 points, 20 of which were scored by Austrailan phenomenon centre back Adriaan Meiring, who didn’t seem bothered by the conditions. Young Trevor Canton, out for a run at fullback, was also able to put one in. The forward pack, led by a classic performance from Captain Brendan Fagan, asserted themselves in the rucks and made themselves hard to drop, creating the type of space they need to work in the muck. Will Andreucetti stood out at blindside flank, making several key tackles and carries, as did substitute 2^nd row Devon Moore, brought in  after a strong run with the thirds for an injured Sean Dignan (get well soon, Sean.)

Johnny O'Brien Slotted 2 Perfect Penalty Kicks
Photo: N.Spuls

Prems

Despite a physically strong and aggressive game, the Prems were unable to put any points on the board in Burnaby, losing 15-0 in the aforementioned sloppy conditions. The Rowers lost halfback Andrew Meakin to a questionable yellow card for what was deemed by the Referee to be an intentional knock on. The Prems didn’t lose the game for lack of effort. They trailed 8-0 until a very late try, knocking on the door several times but were unable to play the wide open, quick game that suits this team’s strength.

Johnny Brennan Secures Rowers Ball in the Lineout
Photo: N.Spuls

Thirds

The Rowers Thirds lost another heart breaker 7-6 in Burnaby. Despite failing to cross the line, the thirds played strong, hard rugby for all 80 minutes and looked like contenders. Fullback John O’Brien was 2 for 3 on penalty kicks in terrible weather. The Rowers defended well, shutting Burnaby down on their goal line twice, which was obviously one time less than necessary.

The Prems will get another crack at Burnaby Lake next Saturday November 14^th in the first round of a knockout playoff to end the first half. The Firsts will also have a rematch against Burnaby Lake. The Third division will try to go 4-3 against the Squamish Axmen at Brockton.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this post indicated that the Firsts were on a bye week instead of playing on the Burnaby Lake undercard . The Rowers Ruck Muck regrets the error.

The Rowers Tour to Remember is Big News

We're on TV!

Tour Captain Jamie Overgaard did us all proud on the 6 O'Clock news tonight.

Anyone interested in remembering Canadian and VRC Veterans can come down to the clubhouse this Wednesday November 11th around 4pm. I understand there will be a slide show from the Tour to Remember.

Rowers Homestand Roundup

Prems

The VRC Prems split their past two home games against the Meralomas and Seattle Seracens, respectively, ­­­in a continuation of a season in which they have trailed as the clock expired too frequently.

The Meralomas game Oct. 24^th made it clear that the top side was capable of making things go their way and playing elite rugby in this league, earning the win and a bonus point with a 45-17 victory. Flanker Connor McCann scored 3 tries, English eighth man Tommy Hanson scored his first as a Rower, out half Richie Thompson put in a beauty, and hooker Jason Carton looked excellent running one in from about 15 yards out. Brian Durham was near perfect on conversions, kicking six of seven, plus a penalty. The Rowers attacked at pace and limited mistakes against the Lomas, building momentum off of success and making the game seem easy against a talented team.

The Rowers Reset after their fourth or fifth try vs. the Lomas

The Elite division were less successful on the 24^th of October against Seattle, falling 23-14 in a very wet, very physical game. The Rowers were in the game, but couldn’t establish control or run pattern off of the front foot.  The Rowing Club defense looked good for periods but was spotty overall and not good enough to hold a big Seattle side’s consistent pressure back. Super-sub scrum half Duncan James scored a try for the VRC and Carton scored his second in as many games. Brian Durham slotted both conversions.

Firsts

The VRC First division scored four tries at home against the Maralomas, but were unable to secure a victory, falling 36-27 for what can only be described as a lack of defense. The firsts played hard rugby and moved the ball efficiently, but were unable to stop the Maralomas attack and avoid the sting of dropping a very winnable game at home. Fly half Andrew Meakin and blind side winger Nik Samija both scored tries, while noted score sheet hog centre Adriaan Meiring scored his usual two tries and one penalty kick, along with two conversions.

Matt Cox congratulates Simon Taylor on the All Blacks RWC victory.

The Firsts bounced back in the October 31^st games against Seattle, practically breaking the scoreboard with a 63-22 tally. The Rowers scored points early and often, running a wide open pattern and limiting mistakes with the ball in hand. Tight head prop Greg “Gus The Bus” Crowe played a phenomenal game, showcasing running and ball handling skills beyond what one might expect from a big man and scoring one of nine Rowers Firsts tries on the day. Captain Brendan “Baldy” Fagan also put one in, as did halfback Andrew Meakin. Centre Graham Turner, freshly arrived from Alberta, scored his first with the Rowers and fullback Brandon Balon continued a strong campaign with a try of his own. Open winger Kevin Gurniak and Meiring scored 2 tries each, Meiring kicking four conversions and two penalty kicks.

Thirds

The Rowers thirds disappointed the home crowd at Brockton on Oct 24^th, falling 29-20 to a strong Maralomas side that proved better at limiting mistakes and penalties than their hosts. The thirds were able to move the ball for the most part, but were unable to get the handle on some messy and poorly defined rucks. The first half was close, the Rowers even holding a one point lead (8-7) on a try by blind flanker Luc Gourdine and a penalty by fly half John O’Brien. But poor defending and excess penalties allowed the ‘Lomas to score three quick tries. Rowers mistakes in attack squandered chances at equalizing. The Rowers made another push behind a second penalty by O’Brien, and a try by 2^nd row Brett Illing, but would end up short. The thirds looked disorganized and were clearly in need of tighter unit work.

The third division would look for revenge the following week against the Britt Lions but come up only two points short, losing 20-18 to a strong but beatable team.

The Rowers fell behind early, giving up two early tries. As the game looked like it might get away from them in the first half, Kiwi player-coach Brett Russell – fresh off of watching his native All Blacks take home the Rugby World Cup that morning -placed a perfect cross kick into the hands of a quickly moving Evan Hughes right at the goal line to put the home team and the home crowd back in it. Hughes showed excellent skills at the open wing position for the whole game, proving nearly impossible to tackle with ball in hand. Blind winger Luc Gourdine also had a great game, scoring his second try in as many games, but it wasn’t quite enough. The Rowers mounted a final push trailing by two points but were unable to get close enough for points before time expired.

All three teams are away at Burnaby on Saturday November 7^th. We’ll see all of you there.