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).

Rowers sweep competition

All four teams run away with victories on Club Day
Photos: Malin Jordan

Duncan James chases down a kick in the in-goal area during the Rowers'
second division game against Langley Sept. 22. The seconds ran away
with the match 55-12.

The Vancouver Rowing Club steamed to victory at home Sept. 22 as the club posted four wins and swept the competition for their 2012-2013 home opener. It was also "Club Day" at Brockton and many alumni and their families and friends showed up to support the club.

Starting with the U-19s, and ending with a strong victory in the firsts, the wins complemented an already successful alumni celebration.

UNDER 19
The U-19 squad gave everyone a boost early in the day when they ran over Abbotsford 52-12 in the opening match.

"I was very happy with the U-19 performance," said club coach Jeremy Sabell. "But we know we have many areas to improve on and this coming weekend will be a big test versus Bayside.”

Sabell noted there are roughly 30 athletes in the program and the battles for starting spots each week offer a healthy internal competition. “It will ultimately help the performance on the field.”

THIRD DIVISION
The Thirsty Thirds were looking for a reversal of fortune against the Kelowna Crows after suffering heavily during their opening match of the season versus the Scribes. Kelowna managed to start strong, scoring two tries to go ahead early. But the 3rds’ tackling, ball retention, and backline play in the first half proved the squad was out to play.

Irish Richie almost loses his head as he dives in for a try against the
Kelowna Crows Sept. 22.

As the first half wore on, the 3rds managed to claw back some points after flanker Andy Donn notched two beautiful tries from set play. Brendan Flanagan also touched one down between the posts after running through several Kelowna defenders. At the end of the first half the Rowers were down 22-19.

In the second half the 3rds picked up the pace – led by the spry and functionally agile Patty O’Gorman – and the tourists couldn’t seem to keep up, despite some fantastic speed on the wing. Stu Holland and Irish Richie repeatedly led the charge into Kelowna’s end as the Rowers posted 5 tries in the half to the Crows 1. Final score: 44-27.

“Two tries after two years away!” exclaimed the thirds’ player/coach Jamie Overgaard. He was elated that Donn, after suffering through a terrible knee injury, played so well on his post-injury debut. Overgaard also noted that Irish Richie’s two tries on debut in the second half offered a great boost to the squad at key moments.

Stu Holland dives for a try against the Kelowna Crows.

Overgaard chalked up the win to a perfect combination of “youth and enthusiasm and old age and treachery.”

“The thirds were a pleasant surprise and it afforded opportunity for quite a few U-19 players to get more game time surrounded my more experienced players,” added Sabell.

SECOND DIVISION
The Super Twos picked up where they left off last week as they stormed to another victory, this time over Langley 55-12.

Rob McDonnell throws Conrad Lehane a miss pass in early 2nd division
action against the Langely club.

“The second division put out a comprehensive performance and again some young guns combined with more experienced players to put together a match that was fun to watch,” said Sabell.

“Young gun” Dillon Debono scored a nice try in the pavilion end of the pitch that seemed to solidified the seconds’ momentum. Shortly after that, Alex Ackerley ran 30 metres through – and around – several Langley defenders to touch one down between the posts, sealing the win.

Alex Ackerley straight arms a Langley defender before cruising
30 metres for a try.

FIRST DIVISION
The Rowers firsts trotted out for the final match of the day against a much bigger Langley side, but the Rowers held their own early against some solid tackling and rucking.

Graham “Hammy” Keane opened the game with some stalwart runs and later Tom Winter put the Rowers up with 20-metre romp for five points. In the second half, the Rowers traded momentum swings with Langley, but managed to keep them off the scoreboard for most of the half. The Rowers added two late tries to pull away from what had been an otherwise close match. Final score: 31-15.

“The first division was underwhelming,” noted Sabell after the game. “To their credit, Langley fielded a big, hard-working side who threw themselves into us with great energy.”

Sabell added that his squad struggled to find their rhythm in the game. “Nevertheless, we prevailed. We'll have to step up our efforts more than a couple of notches this weekend, though, as we face James Bay in the historic Cox and Ferguson Cups.”

SATURDAY, SEPT. 29
This weekend all four squads play at Brockton Oval:
10:00 – U-19 XV versus Bayside
11:30 – 3rd XV versus Surrey
13:00 – 2nd XV versus James Bay
14:30 – 1st XV versus James Bay

Tom Winter rambles for a try in the first division game.

Graham "Hammy" Keane bursts towards Langley's goal line.

The Rowers await a kick off.

Coach Sabell rallies his squad.

Weekend update with Matty James

Club Day set for tomorrow; alumni and families invited to the oval--

VRC member-at-large, Matty James.

Club Day at Brockton Oval is set for tomorrow and VRC member-at-large Matty James says it's going to be a great day.

James is encouraging all citizens of the VRC Nation to bring their family and friends down to Brockton Oval on Saturday "to support the club, to see the tremendous work the mini and age-grade coaches are doing, and to see the positive direction the club is going in."

The day kicks off at 10 a.m. with the U19's game and the third, second, and first grade teams all play afterward. (See below for a full schedule.)

Here's Matty's message from earlier this month:
Rowers Rugby would like to invite you to Club Day at Brockton Oval Saturday September 22nd. It’s a great opportunity to bring family & friends down to the famous Brockton Oval to enjoy a day of entertainment and to watch the future Rowers with the mini and age-grade sections providing entertainment with games during the half time of the first and second division games.

With lots of entertainment going on and off the field, there will be a bouncy castle to keep the children entertained and a licensed beer & wine garden for the adults to converse over old times or to welcome the new additions to the Rowers Family. Calabria meat’s will provide a Roast pig for the post match meals at the clubhouse and also for the BBQ at the field for everyone to enjoy.

We all hope you can make it out to Brockton Oval to show your support for the rugby club and lots of encouragement for the mini’s and age grade at the half time games, the club has been good to everyone over the years so let’s make CLUB DAY a tradition also a great introduction to the new members the proud history of the Rowers Rugby.

Saturday, Sept. 22
10:00 - U19s versus Abbotsford
12:00 - 3rd XV versus Kelowna
13:30 - 2nd XV versus Langley
14:10 - Half-time entertainment: Rowers mini rugby game
15:00 - 1st XV versus Langley
15:40 - Half-time entertainment: Rowers mini rugby game
16:30 - Post-match festivities at VRC clubhouse on Coal Harbour

Entertainment
Bouncy castle, face painting, music, beer garden

BBQ
Hot dogs, burgers, pig roast provided by Calabria Meats

"Everyone from the Rowers are looking forward to seeing our old and new members at Brockton," added James. "Wear red and white!"

VRC Nation: founded in 1886.

Images reveal fire damage

Here are some shots of the fire damage from Sept. 19--