The future looks bright for the Rowers

Mini ruggers at VRC Club Day Sept. 22.

Successful summer bolsters club--

By Ian Cooper

This past summer saw some significant representative action from VRC Age Grade Rugby players, with a gold medal performance at the U14 Festival in Oakville, Ontario, gold medal performances in Sherbrooke from the U18 and U16 men, and Academy representation in the U20 IRB Trophy Tournament and U20 fixtures vs the USA.

VRC Academy

Academy players Noah Barker, Gradyn Bowd and Doug Crowe travelled with Canada to the U20 World Trophy this summer while Caleb Hansen trialled for Canada U20 vs USA and played in 2 matches for the BC Tyee Senior Men’s team in the CRC competition. Meanwhile, down in Brisbane, three Academy players are going into action in their respective Colts Divisions to vie for Grand Final titles: Sean Hickson, Connor Leduc and Ryan Chapman.

Gradyn Bowd crashes Richmond's line last year at King George Park.
Bowd travelled with Canada's U20 squad last summer along with Noah
Barker and Doug Crowe (not pictured).

U18

At U18, after a taxing semifinal against bitter rivals Ontario, BC hit their stride during Sunday's championship final as they recorded six tries en route to a 40-16 final victory over Alberta.  Vancouver Rowing Club U18 player Robert Fenton was a standout during all matches.

U16

During the U16 tournament, final play found a tightly contested final between the country's biggest rivals, the BC-1 Gold U16 men's team led from start to finish narrowly defeating Ontario-1 by a score of 15-13. BC took a comfortable 12-0 lead into half time through tries by Theo Sauder (Vancouver Rowing Club) and Jack Nyren (Castaway Wanderers RFC)  with Nyren providing the conversion.  Representing the Rowing club were stalwarts Alexi Bonnis, Marc Levin, Reegan O'Gorman and Theo Sauder.

U14

Mini ruggers at VRC Club Day Sept. 22.

The U14 Boy's National Interprovincial Festival wrapped up Sept. 7 with British Columbia's 'Growl' defeating Ontario 15-0 in the 15-a-side tournament final.  Four of our young stars represented the Rowers: Will Sauder (Theo’s younger brother), Owen Pitblado (James’ younger brother), Sam Turner, and Gavin Humphries. Congratulations to all.

The future looks bright for Rowers Rugby!

Rowers lose in Abbotsford

VRC suffers three losses in Fraser Valley

Photos: Malin Jordan

Henry Recinos slots three for the Rowers in their
29-3 loss to Abbotsford Nov. 3.

The weather was miserable, the pitch was soggy, and the nothing went the Rowers’ way Nov. 3 as Abbotsford soundly defeated all three VRC squads at CFV Exhibition Park. “We didn't get the results we wanted, despite the efforts, and sometimes that's they way it goes,” head coach Jeremy Sabell said after the matches.

3RDS

As the heavy rain began to pound the pitch, the Thirsty Thirds limped out of the gate. Their sluggish start was evident from the kick off as Abbotsford posted a try one minute into the match. Abbotsford added two more tries in the first 5 minutes and the Thirsties were down 21-0. After the third-try wake-up-call, the Rowers started to finish tackles and started to hit the rucks with force, making a game out of the match. Abby added a late try in the half to make it 26-0.

The Rowers continued to fight in the second, despite the lopsided scoreline. Abbotsford added two more tries in the half but they didn’t break the Rowers line for long runs like they did in the infancy of the first frame. Final score: 38-0. Next game: Shield playoff round, Nov. 17. (The probable match up is @ Klahanie vs. Cap “B.”)

2NDS

Duncan James off loads to David Andersen in 2nd
division action about 10 metres out from the goal line.

The Rowers 2nd division played well against Abbotsford in what had to be one of the muddiest games on record. Despite the conditions, the referee made it clear early that he would consider the ball free of the ruck the instant a player put two hands on it. This made for a much slower game than it already was.

Andersen carried two Abbotsford defenders five metres
before touching the ball down for a try.

But the Rowers rucked well in the muck, though they were unable to establish any momentum in a game characterized by frequent knock-ons, and a lack of fluidity.

Later in the game, the Rowers pressed for a try with a sustained goal-line attack, but it was cut short on a questionable knock-on call. The errant slip deflated a critical scoring chance. Following the knock-on, Abbotsford scored a try after a series of kick-and-chase punts that spanned 90 metres, and the Super Twos never recovered from there.

Abbotsford won the game 31-20 and came away with a bonus point. The Rowers are no doubt looking forward to the rematch March 23 at Brockton Oval. The squad (5-1) falls to third place with the loss. Next game: Nov. 24 at Surrey.

1STS

The day didn’t get any better for the Rowing Club when the first division squad took the field. Although the Rowers started with some momentum, playing in the Abbotsford end in the beginning of the game, they couldn’t convert their early possession into very many points.

The Rowers hit an early three but failed to build on it. Abbotsford played well and retained most of their ball in rucks and mauls. Final score: 29-3. The squad (4-2) falls to fourth place with the loss. Next game: Nov. 24 at Surrey.

Braden Maccke rambles through some Abbotsford defenders early
in the game Nov. 3.

Braden Maccke.

Braden Maccke.

Rowers win at home

Rowers deliver two wins on their return to Brockton--

Matty James takes a pop pass from Kevin Gurniak in a playoff game
against Seattle RFC from last spring. James then jumped across the line for a try.

By Braden Maccke


The Rowers continued their winning ways last weekend after taking two wins at home. Coming off victories over Richmond the week before, the VRC continued to build momentum by downing Seattle in both the firsts and seconds. The thirds fell to the Capilano “A” team in the first match of the day at the Oval.

1STS

The game began on a slick pitch, soaked by the rain, and mashed by three previous games. In a physical and muddy opening, Seattle struck first with two penalty kicks to go up 6-0.

Karl Mudzamba broke first for the Rowers after being fed a pass on the run just before the opposing 22-metre line. Mudzamba looked as though he was going to put the home side on the board as he streaked past defenders untouched. However, as he slid across the line, under the posts, he was ruled to have knocked the ball on. The call was roundly mocked on the Rowers’ sideline.

Seattle won the ensuing scrum and kicked the ball deep near winger Kevin Gurniak. Gurniak scooped the ball off the deck around the Rowers’ twenty-two and started to race toward the Seattle end. He carved his way through the opposition with incredible pace and crossed the try line, garnering the Rowers their first points of the day. Halfback Henry Recinos converted Gurniak’s try to put the Rowers up by a point, and they never looked back.

The game was a physical one, characterized by hard runs on a wet pitch. Dan Smith, Connor Leduc, Ottawa-import Ben Keith, and Henry Recinos all crossed the line. Recinos added a penalty and two conversions.

Seattle tried to work their way back into the match in the second half, scoring two tries, but the Rowers’ top side was able to hold on for a 34-23 victory, complete with a bonus point. The Rowers (4-1) are now in second place behind UBC (4-0). Kamloops fell to third after losing at home to UBC 16-5.

2NDS

The Rowers’ B-side came into the game undefeated in the Okanagan Springs 2nd tier, and eager to defend their home pitch against a hungry Seattle side.

The Rowers posted points early, scoring three converted tries before the visitors could reply with one of their own.

Gareth Brown jukes past Seattle defenders in this Ruck Muck file photo.

Brockton Oval was a rain-soaked mess and the Rowers played accordingly. Halfback Duncan James wisely kept the ball in the inside channels and gave the pack a chance to ruck well and consistently recycle their own ball. The Rowers were up 31-7 at the half.

Discipline was an issue in the 2nd half as flanker Quinn Cowie received a yellow card for a high tackle. The other side of the back row, Logan Seabourin joined his teammate in the bin less than a minute later for uninvited comments to the referee. (Seabourin was informed after the game that Rowing Club policy requires that all players who are penalized for back-chatting the ref must buy a round of drinks for their team. The rookie commented that he would “pay for it with [his] magical fairy money.”)

Seabourin and Cowie had three tries between the two of them on the day, helping their team to a solid 41-12 victory. Fly half Richard Thompson kicked very well and kept the home team in good field position. Thompson converted three tries in bad weather. Colin “John C” Robinson, the 8-man, was named man of the match.

With the win, the squad remains undefeated at 5-0.

3RDS

The Thirsty Thirds fell to the Cap “A” squad 24-0. The Rowers didn’t win a single lineout, but played well in all other areas of the game.

Nov. 3

All three teams are away to Abbotsford. Games kick off at 11:30 at CFV Exhibition Park. The Rowers’ next home games are Dec. 1 at the Oval when the first division squad will look to avenge their loss in Kamloops from Oct. 13.

Rowers bounce back with victory

Ones and twos win in Richmond; threes lose in Burnaby--

Jon Nadler prepares for a lineout during the Rowers' 16-12
win over Richmond Oct. 20 at King George Park.

By Braden Maccke

The Rowers 1sts and 2nds claimed two solid wins over Richmond RFC Oct. 20, while the 3rds, though falling short, played a hard fought match in Burnaby.

1ST Division

The Rowers top side took the field looking to get back into the win column after a disappointing match in Kamloops last week. The game against their Richmond RFC counterparts was pivotal, as the winner would join the playoff race in the Okanagan Spring Brewery League, while the defeated would face a much tougher task of making the post season.

Defense was the order of the day early on as both teams allowed only the shortest of yards and tackled well. The Rowers struck early as Henry Recinos hit a penalty from just inside the 22. The teams traded penalty kicks for the first half amongst strong defense and hard running, going into the half-time break tied at 6-6.

The second half saw the teams trade more close, hard runs, but neither allowed a try. When Richmond was pressing early in the frame, Phil Hosie caused a key turnover when the Richmond squad attacked near the Rowers line. The Rowers then worked the ball out of their end and deep into the Richmond half, trading possession, heavy running, and short yardage.

Eventually Jon Nadler broke for a 50-yard run, putting his shoulder into a defender to earn the coveted Hammer Award.

Richmond played very good defense for the rest of the second half and held the Rowers off the try chart until their 8-man, Ben Keith, found space, evading tackles for about 30 yards to finally cross the try line.

Easily their most intense and difficult game of the year, the first division side won by a score of 16-12.

2ND Division

The Rowers’ 2nds found themselves in a physical game early with a well-drilled Richmond side. Running on their home turf, the Richmond seconds used quick forward ball early to pound in across the Rowers’ defense, but were unable to penetrate a firm wall of defenders.

Coach Sabell rallies the second team.

Once the Rowers gained possession, the club moved quickly through their offensive pattern. The team missed a penalty kick early on, but made up for it with two unanswered tries.

Midway through the opening half, the home 15 managed to peel a man out from behind a maul that was formed after a lineout deep in the Rowing Club end. One of the players from the Richmond squad then sidestepped a Rower defender and slipped in for a score. But the Rowers punched in another try before the half to keep their lead.

Halfback Dillon Debono was removed at half time with an injury and Duncan James moved in from wing to take over. The Rowers were able to retain the ball and play most of the rugby in the second half, coming away with a hard fought and convincing 32-14 win.

3RD Division

Despite losing 26-14 to Burnaby, the Thirsty Thirds played some solid rugby at Burnaby Lake. The thirds rucked well and retained a lot of ball. At the half-time whistle the Rowers were up 7-5.

As the second half wore on the 3rds still played strong defence and managed to get in a few long rambles. After a Burnaby player received a red card for referee abuse, the Rowers took over the momentum and played the most of the second half in the Burnaby end.

Unfortunately Burnaby was able to break the Rowers line three times for 65-metre romps for tries under the posts. Final score: 26-14.

OCT. 27

All three teams play at Brockton Oval this weekend. The day kicks off at 11:30.

11:30 – 3rds vs Capilano A

13:00 – 2nds vs Seattle

14:30 – 1sts vs Seattle

20:00 – Halloween party

Rowers bumped from top spot

Firsts lose to high-flying Kamloops squad; seconds add to win column--

Matt Fabio Taylor Cox peers over a maul in 1st div action
earlier this year. The firsts were toppled from top spot Oct.
13 after losing away to Kamloops 32-25.

The VRC lost two from three Oct. 13 as all three squads faced opposition on the road. The Rowers’ first div suffered its first defeat of the regular season in a bonus-point loss to Kamloops, while the seconds added another big win. The thirds also fell to Bayside at South Surrey Athletic Park.

1STS

The firsts went into the weekend undefeated and sitting just behind Kamloops in the log as Kamloops had a game in hand. The Rowers looked to catch the team from the Thompson-Nicola region, but Kamloops was ready for the speedy VRC. The Rowers held their own in the match, and the momentum bounced back and forth, until late in the game.

“Kamloops scored a last minute try to win,” said Caleb Hansen. He noted his squad could’ve played better, but that Kamloops didn’t dominate the Vancouver side. He said it was an even match, but the Rowers didn't play very cohesively. Final score: 32-25.

It will be an interesting game Saturday, Dec. 1, at 2:30 p.m. on Brockton Oval as Kamloops (4-0) visit the Rowers for what will surely be a hotly contested rematch.

The Rowers (2-1) fall to fourth spot with the loss, behind UBC (2-0) in second place and Richmond (2-1) in third. The squad faces Richmond this weekend. Richmond is coming off a 38-20 home win over Seattle Sept. 29.

2NDS

The second division team improved their record to 3-0 with a huge 75-25 win over Kamloops. The Rowing Club opened the scoring in the first minute and the squad never looked back.

Kamloops added a try about 20 minutes into the first half, but by that time the Rowers had a firm grip on the game. The first place team faces sixth place Richmond (1-2) Saturday. Richmond last played Sept. 29 in a 23-16 loss to Seattle (1-2).

Dan Smith reels in a lineout throw in the VRC's 75-25 second
division win at Kamloops Oct. 13. Photo credit: Denise Dumas.

3RDS

The Thirsty Thirds travelled to South Surrey for a game against the Bayside Sharks. Bayside started the game strong by running in two quick tries. The Rowers replied towards the end of the half, but couldn’t retain any ball possession, thus they were unable to generate any momentum.

The thirds rucked better and tackled better in the second half and because of this the squad didn’t allow Bayside any points until the Sharks added a late try. Final score: 39-14.

October 20

The Rowers are all on the road again this weekend, but the squads are split. Here’s a breakdown of game times and locations:
11:30 – 3rds @ Burnaby Lake, Burnaby Lake Sports Complex
1:00 – 2nds @ Richmond RFC, King George Park
2:30 – 1sts @ Richmond RFC, King George Park

Photo credit: Denise Dumas.

Club Day is a huge success

Many alumni and families participated in Club Day at Brockton--

The Rowers' mini sides played matches during the half-time intervals
of the senior mens' games.

Most of time, the Rowing Club hosts their guests at the VRC clubhouse on Coal Harbour. But that wasn't the case Sept. 22 when the club hosted their alumni, family and friends at the pitch as part of their home-opener festivities.

There was a bouncy castle for the kids, a BBQ, a beer garden, and mini-rugby games during the half-time intervals. The Rowers also posted four wins on the day.

"A big thank you to all the volunteers that helped make Club Day a huge success," said Matty James, one of the club organizers. "It was a great indication that the club has a strong future with the mini’s and age-grade, teams, along with the academy, and fielding 3 senior teams. It was great to see all the alumni out in support." He added that the next big events are the Halloween party and the Christmas party, which he encouraged everyone to attend.

Peter Muirhead, past president of VRC rugby, said the recent fire that destroyed the Oval's changing rooms brought the club together. "Everyone stepped up and helped out."

Muirhead noted a lot of people came to help with the clean up including Evergreen ruggers, members of the cricket pavilion, and Rowers' alumni. "The parks board has been very cooperative too."

This weekend:

The firsts and seconds travel to Kamloops for two matches at Rayleigh Rugby Park, while the thirds face Bayside at South Surrey Athletic Park. Both Kamloops and the Rowers are unbeaten in the first division and while Kamloops has a game in hand, the Rowers could take over sole possession of the top spot with a bonus point win.

Pictures from the day:

Super Twos continue their winning ways

Rowers split with James Bay in exhibition weekend
Photos: Malin Jordan

Scyler David-Dumas scores an opening try against Jame Bay's second
division squad in the Ferguson Cup Sept. 29 at Brockton Oval. The Rowers
won the match 44-10.

The Super twos retained the Ferguson Cup Sept. 29 with a win over the James Bay reserves, while James Bay’s premier side retained the Cox Cup after cruising to victory over the Rowers’ first team. In the third division, the Rowers lost a close match to Surrey.

The storied Cox and Ferguson Cups are challenge cups between the Rowing Club and James Bay. In competition for about 100 years, the Cox Cup is one of the oldest challenge trophies in North America. (The Little Brown Jug, first awarded in 1903, is the oldest rivalry trophy.)


1STS
It was a long day for the first team as they faced tough competition. James Bay opened the scoring with an early try and they never looked back. Adding one try after the other, the Bays were up 43-0 at halftime. Former Rower Noah Barker started at prop for James Bay and played very well against his former teammates.

Carlin Wilkin runs up against Andrew de Goede (7) and Connor Braid (10)
in the Cox Cup game at Brockton Oval. James Bay won the match 64-7.

The Rowers played a better second half, scoring a try and holding James Bay to 21 points. With the win, James Bay retains the Cox Cup. Final score: 64-7.

Henry Recinos runs in for the Rowers only try in this year's Cox Cup

2NDS
The second division played a strong, solid game against James Bay’s reserve squad and captured early momentum with some penetrating running.

Dillon Debono, in his first start at scrumhalf, handled the Rowers offensive pattern particularly well, feeding the ball to opportunistic runners at key intervals.

The second division squad packs down against James Bay Sept. 29.

The Rowers showed both fitness and poise as they beat the visitors 44-10 to retain the coveted Ferguson Cup. The exhibition match allowed the seconds some good competition before heading into the bye week.


3RDS
The third team lost a close match 21-19 to the Surrey Beavers despite being largely outplayed in the first frame.

The Thirsty Thirds clawed back some points in the second half after scoring two tries, but the squad was unable to convert both of them, ultimately falling short by two points.

-with files from Braden Maccke

James "Hollywood" Paladino races around a James Bay defender, in this
and the following two pictures, before touching the ball down for
a try (fourth picture).