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.

Bob Flood accepts the rugby section's lifetime achievement
award March 8 at the annual Captains' Dinner.

Travis Sheppard (left) sings with Angus Reid
and Duncan James.

Karl Mudzamba (left) and Braden Maccke.

Rowers corral MOB

3rds down SFU, 1sts and premiers sink in Oak Bay

Photos: Malin Jordan

Steve MacGillivray passes from a breakdown in the Rowers' 38-7 victory over SFU March 1.

STANLEY PARK—Despite missing the first four matches of the season, the Rowing Club’s third team shook off the cobwebs March 1 to race to a 38-7 win over SFU’s Mountain Old Boys. On the same day, both the first and premier sides lost their away matches to the Castaway Wanderers by respective scores of 24-17 and 44-5.

3RDS

After field and highway closures prevented the 3rds from taking the pitch in February, the squad still managed to play focused rugby in their opening match of the spring season. On the back of superlative play from Gareth "Matt Damon" Brown, and some aggressive work at the breakdowns, the Rowers jumped out to an early 14-0 lead over SFU. By halftime the team was up 21-0.

The Rowers swing the ball out during the first half versus SFU at  Brockton
Oval March 1.

SFU battled back in the opening minutes of the second half and managed to cross the Rowers’ try line for 7. But the Thirsty Thirds took the play back down to the SFU end on the next kick off and played most of the rest of the half in SFU's end. Though the visitors fought hard in the second frame, Brown sealed the Rowing Club victory when he punched in his third try of the day. Brown showcased his superior rugby knowledge on the scoring drive as he ran a perfect line cutting back against the pattern of play. The brilliant run allowed Brown to cruise across 15 metres of space, unscathed, for paydirt. The hat-trick try also helped the stalwart back-rower earn Man of the Match honours.

The 3rds face SFU again at Brockton Oval March 22 at 11:30 a.m.

1STS & PREMS

Both squads travelled to the Island to face the Oak Bay Castaway Wanderers in a rematch from a couple of weeks ago. Though both teams came up short, coach Jeremy Sabell said the guys played well at times, noting that more work has to be done.

Utility front-row forward Brooksy, on loan from Sunnybank,
Aus., undergoes a quick blood-patching before being sent back
out to the pitch. The indefatigable Aussie played both matches
against the CWs in Oak Bay. Photo submitted.

The Rowers had  “good intensity to start,” he noted, but added that the average commitment throughout the matches weren’t high enough. “(Our) work ethic was reasonable in terms of getting up and back into place, getting to rucks etc., but commitment to the tackle was just not consistent enough overall. Handling was good and kicking was much improved from other games.”

All three sides are at Brockton Oval March 8.

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. Captains’ Dinner

March 29 – Family Day at Brockton Oval

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)

Stevie Mac.

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.

BCRU releases revised third division schedule

Rowers will enjoy three 'club' days at Brockton Oval--

All three divisions will play home games at The Oval Feb. 22, March 8, and March 29. The annual
Spring Family Day will be held March 29.

VANCOUVER--The spring schedule for the Province-wide Third Division was released this week and now a revised version is up on the BCRU website. Now the overall picture for the club's 2014 campaign is complete.

Both the 1st and premier sides open the second half with two homes games in February, a road trip to Victoria (Windsor Park) in March, two home games, and a jaunt to Jericho Beach. They finish the regular season on the road in April at both Burnaby Lake and Victoria (Wallace Field).

The Thirsty Thirds open their campaign Feb. 8 at home to the Brit Lions 'A' squad, hosting both of their February games at The Oval. The squad visits Balaclava Park twice in March and plays their other two games that month at Brockton. They finish the regular season in April at both Burnaby and Trout Lakes.

The Rowers' annual Captain's dinner is scheduled for March 8, the annual Spring Family Day is scheduled for March 29, and the awards banquet will be on May 3. Here’s a look at the spring schedule:

Feb. 1
2 p.m. VRC inter-squad game (Brockton Oval)
Bye: 3rds

Feb. 8
11:30 a.m. 3rds vs. Brit Lions ‘A’ (Brockton Oval)
Bye: 1sts & Premiers

Feb. 15
1 p.m. 1sts vs. Castaway Wanderers RFC (Brockton Oval)
2:45 p.m. Premiers vs. Castaway Wanderers RFC (Brockton Oval)
Bye: 3rds

Feb. 22
11:30 a.m. 3rds vs. Burnaby Lake (Brockton Oval)
1 p.m. 1sts vs. Meraloma Rugby Club (Brockton Oval)
2:45 p.m. Premiers vs. Meraloma Rugby Club (Brockton Oval)

March 1
1 p.m. 3rds @ Kats RFC (Balaclava Park)
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
Bye: All Teams

March 22
1 p.m. 3rds @ Kats RFC (Balaclava Park)
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. SFU (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 @ Scribes RFC (Trout Lake)
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 make gains in C.D.I. Premiership -- UPDATE!

Rugby club finds success in first half, more work to be done--

David Andersen creates a seam in a first-half game versus the UBC Old Boys. The Rowers
won the first division match 55-14.

STANLEY PARK--The Vancouver Rowing Club surprised many in B.C. rugby in 2013 with a power performance of sorts in their return to top-flight rugby. In the first half of the 2013-2014 season, both the Rowers’ top squads achieved success in the CDI Premiership and Ceili’s Cup leagues. The Rowers’ third division side also realised success after winning the third-division bowl championship for the fall season.

PREMIERS

The Rowing Club's premier side exceeded the expectations of many in the first half as they ran out three wins in Canada’s highest-calibre rugby division. Many observers do not expect a newly-promoted club to win many games after being elevated to a higher league, but the Rowers proved it could be done as they built on their success at first division, garnering a 3-3 record.

The Rowers' premier side rucks over the ball in their 12-8 win over the
Meralomas Oct. 19 at Connaught Park.

After winning two consecutive first division provincial championships, they had a lot of success to build on. The strong dedication to off-pitch training from a tight-knit group of players yielded tremendous results and generated exciting play for all six games of their first-half campaign.

The premier side dropped their opening match but then managed to string together three straight wins. Losing their final two matches, the squad finished the half with a .500 record. They have a lot to look forward to over the final eight games of the regular season, but the side knows that it will take a lot of hard work and dedication to be able to compete.

First-half results
Loss: 15 – 44 vs. Old Boys
Win: 12 – 8 @ ‘Lomas
Win: 25 – 22 @ Caps
Win: 18 – 11 vs. UVic
Loss: 19 – 47 vs. Burnaby
Loss: 8 – 29  @ James Bay

FIRSTS

The Rowers first division side (premiership reserves) showed flashes of complete-game fluidity over the course of their six matches, but they often lacked the consistency of 80-minute game play. This contributed to their up-and-down campaign as the squad won two, lost three, and finished with one win to round out the first half.

The Rowers' 1st division side runs out a 48-5 victory over the
Meralomas Oct. 19 at Connaught Park.

A big win at home over Old Boys was followed by another big win at ‘Lomas. A close loss at Caps (the 14-point scoreline gap belies what was a much-closer game) was followed by a big loss at home to UVic. And a twenty-one-point loss at home to Burnaby was followed by a strong road win over James Bay at MacDonald Park.

The hard-working squad take that .500 record into the second half with a lot of positives to build on. The group has proven they are dedicated, they have a high level of roster consistency, and they can score points in a tough league, as they were only held to single digits once.

Though the results from their three losses were rocky, the squad has shown it’s capable of playing at this higher level as they provided strong opposition for every team they faced in the Ceili's Cup league.

First-half results
Win: 55 – 14 vs. Old Boys
Win: 48 – 5 @ ‘Lomas
Loss: 23 – 37 @ Caps
Loss: 8 – 29 vs. UVic
Loss: 20 – 41 vs. Burnaby
Win: 31 – 10 @ James Bay

Both squads open the second half with two homes games in February, a road trip to Victoria (Windsor Park) in March, two home games, and a jaunt to Jericho Beach. They finish the regular season on the road in April at both Burnaby Lake and Victoria (Wallace Field).

THIRDS

The Rowers’ third team found success in the first half, taking home the third division bowl championship after downing the Brit Lions ‘B’ team in the final. The game was eventually played at John Oliver Park in Delta after the Capilano's field was closed because it was iced over. The Rowers scored 22 points to the Brit Lions 10 to take home the victory. See match report here.

Third division fall season bowl champs.

After a strong start out of the gate to open the Lower Mainland third division's fall season, the Rowers foundered for three straight games before wining their final two, garnering them some BCRU silverware. The Thirsty Thirds have a large group of players returning for the spring season as they look to build on the success they achieved in 2013.

First-half results
Regular season
Win: 17 – 10 vs. Mountain Old Boys
Loss: 10 – 27 vs. KATS
Win: 27 – 7 @ Ridge Meadows
Win: 60 – 10 vs. Chilliwack

Loss: 7 – 13 @ Scribes
Loss: 14 – 36 @ Capilano ‘A’
Loss: 17 – 46 vs. Brit Lions ‘A’
Bowl Playoffs
Win: 34 – 14 vs. Mountain Old Boys (Semi-final)
Win: 22 – 10 @ Brit Lions ‘B’ (Final)

The Thirds open the 2014 campaign Feb. 1 at UBC, though kick off and location are still to be confirmed.

Nick Coles straight-arms a Brit Lion player during the thirds' 22-10 victory in the
bowl final at John Oliver Park Nov. 23. 

NEXT MATCHES

FEBRUARY 1
1 p.m. 3rds @ UBC (Time and location still to be confirmed.)
***UPDATE!
11:30 3rds vs. UBC (Brockton Oval)

FEBRUARY 15
1:00 p.m. 1sts vs. Castaway Wanderers RFC (Brockton Oval)
2:45 p.m. Premiers vs. Castaway Wanderers RFC (Brockton Oval)