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)

Rowers split matches in Victoria

Club holds onto Ferguson Cup, drops Cox Cup match

By Braden Maccke

The Rowers battle James Bay Nov. 23 in premiership action.
Photo courtesy of Judy Teasdale Photography.

The Vancouver Rowing Club travelled to Victoria Nov. 23 for matches in the premier and 1st divisions against the James Bay Athletic Association. The two clubs have been battling for more than 100 years and, in that time, two challenge cups have been added to the competition – the Ferguson Cup and the Cox Cup.

1ST DIVISION

The Rowers’ understudies played an up and down game against James Bay but finished the first half with authority. The late burst enabled them to play their way into a strong second half, ultimately earning a 34-10 victory in their Ceili’s Cup League game on the road at MacDonald Park.

1st division action. Photo courtesy of Judy Teasdale Photography.

The Rowing Club started off slowly, giving up an early try. Down seven to nil, the Rowers built on a successful penalty kick by scrum half Andrew Meakin with some strong runs by fullback Roman Plantey. Plantey added the club’s first try on the day and after the missed covert the Rowers were up 8-7. The 1sts conceded the lead a second time on a penalty kick before the half, but were able to finish the first forty on the front foot after some strong offensive runs.

The Rowers opened the second half with strong pace, good defense, and improved set pieces. Big Irish lock Sean Dignan scored a try. Plantey added a second try. Centre-back Nikola Samija scored on an exciting run from beyond the 22-metre line after cutting into space and breaking tackles in spectacular fashion. Substitute back-row forward Jon Mergui, and birthday boy, kicked the conversion on Samija’s try to finish the game.

A birthday wish granted.

The 1sts earned a bonus point for scoring four tries or more (five in total), along with the right to put their name on the Ferguson Cup, one of the oldest sporting challenge cups in Canada.

PREMIER DIVISION

The VRC premier side lost to James Bay 29-8, conceding the Cox Cup, and key ground in the CDI Premiership League.

Premier division action. Photo courtesy of Judy Teasdale Photography.

Despite staking the hosts to a 10-5 lead at the half, the Rowing Club’s top side played strong rugby and gave the crowd their money’s worth in a tough contest against the James Bay hosts.

The Rowers scrum was strong, though a few lineouts lacked their characteristic fluidity. Both teams defended exceptionally well, and played hard, entertaining rugby.

The Rowers failed to convert on several key opportunities, including a favourable 2-on-1 play down the wing, that will no-doubt haunt the premier side for some time to come. James Bay was able to pull ahead with two converted tries in the final 10 minutes to produce a score indicating a much greater difference between the teams than was apparent in the first 70 minutes.

The Rowers dressing room was disappointed after full-time. Coach Jeremy Sabell lamented “golden opportunities” that went begging. Though Sabell stressed his confidence in the ability of his charges remained unshaken.

More photos can be found here.

NEXT GAMES – FEBRUARY 15

3rds -- Location and time: TBA
1:00 p.m. 1sts vs. Castaway Wanderers RFC (Brockton Oval)
2:45 p.m. Premiers vs. Castaway Wanderers RFC (Brockton Oval)

Premier division action. Photo courtesy of Judy Teasdale Photography.

Premier division action. Photo courtesy of Judy Teasdale Photography.

Thirds win Bowl game

Rowers battle to victory at John Oliver Park

Photos: Malin Jordan

Third div Bowl champs.

DELTA, B.C.—The game may have started with a TKO, but it was the Rowers who delivered the final knockout Nov. 23 as they fought their way to a 22-10 win over the Brit Lions in the 3rd division Bowl Final at John Oliver Park.

The Rowers’ final match for the fall season got going one minute in when the Brits hit a three from inside the Rowers 22-metre line. Then, only a minute later, the Brits’ flanker, Derek “Doddster” Dodd, smashed heads with Travis Sheppard, playing at hook, knocking Sheppard out of the game with a concussion. It was early, but it seemed like it might be a long day for the VRC.

Travis Sheppard leaves the field after suffering a concussion Nov. 23.

But the Rowers’ forward pack settled in and played tough at the ensuing breakdowns, despite some aggressive and exceptional rucking by the Brit Lions.

About 7 minutes in, the Rowers built on that rucking and ball retention when Steve MacGillivray darted for a 20-metre power run, beating three defenders. MacGillivray offloaded to Tom Power at the 6-metre line and Power dove across the line for five points. The convert was missed and the score was 5-3.

 

Steve MacGillivray darts for the Rowers' second try.

Try.

For the next 15 minutes both squads fought it out in the centre of the pitch, rarely wandering inside either 22-metre line. It was a back and forth war of attrition with both squads rucking well and creating turnovers. The Rowers’ forward pack showed its dominance first in the rucks and mauls, then in the scrums, by running over the Brit Lions in each set piece.

But the Brits were able to capitalize on a Rowing Club turnover after they punted a kick-and-chase ball inside the Red and White’s five-metre line. Despite getting back to recover the ball, the Rowers lost the pill in contact and the Brits’ outside centre pounced on the prize, scampering a hard 10 metres for paydirt. After adding the convert, the VRC was down 10-5.

 

Jamie Overgaard and Brandon Kaye make a tackle.

The Rowers’ dominance in the scrums continued for the rest of the half (and game) and with about 10 minutes to play in the opening frame, the squad created a turnover ball by driving back a Brit Lions’ scrum. MacGillivray took a subsequent pop pass from Ben James and touched it down under the posts. With the convert, the squad was back on top 12-10.

For the final 10 minutes of the half the Brit Lions inflicted some incredible running and sustained pressure on the Rowing Club. The Thirsty Thirds did nothing but tackle as the play was all in their end. But defense held and the score at the interval remained the same.

SECOND HALF

As the second half opened, the Rowers continued their strong defensive play and scrum dominance. They imposed two run-over scrums in a row on the Brit Lions, creating turnover ball that was birthed at their forwards’ feet. And surprise forward Brandon Kaye offered some galloping, power runs down the pitch.

The Rowers were playing well, but they allowed little mental mistakes to creep in when they had the ball – though their defensive play was irreproachable. Whenever the squad ran with the ball, they seemed to knock it on, or lose it in contact – either by running in too high, or not going to deck soon enough. However, the dominance in the scrums prevented the opposition from converting these mistakes into precious points.

Second half.

The pattern continued for about 15 minutes until the Brit Lions fullback was penalized for a high tackle. On the ensuing lineout, Jamie Overgaard took the ball at the back of a driving maul and forced the pack to surge forward. The squad then worked the ball across the field through hands and Franco Scodeller scored in the corner – 17-10 with 15 to go.

The Brit Lions fought back for the next ten minutes and exacted intense pressure. The Delta squad was running hard and had the Rowers on the back foot. After the Rowers gave up a penalty near their own 10-metre line, a big Brits’ kick looked like it would give them a lineout near the VRC five-metre line.

Second half.

But Nathan Tough launched himself into the sky at the boundary and speared the ball with one hand. He pulled it into his body and in the same motion counter-punted the ball back down the field. His kick narrowly escaped the hands of a streaking Brit Lion who chased his side’s penalty-punt offering. Tough’s kick bounced once near the 50-metre line and veered 90 degrees west, floating into touch to the cheers of the Rowing Club supporters.

It was the definitive moment of the second half, as the Rowers seemed to garner renewed momentum from the play and they stormed back down the pitch. With three minutes to go, Andy Donn sealed the Bowl victory when he lunged over the line after taking a pop from Overgaard. Donn was first hit at the four-metre line, but he folded the would-be tackler in half and rambled on to touch the ball down, stretching the score to 22-10.

Overgaard offloads to Andy Donn. Donn would score one second later.

In the final minute Ben James was awarded a red card from the referee for chirping and he took a long, slow walk across the pitch to Nick Coles’ beer cooler.

Defense was the key to the game as the Rowers made a number of first-up tackles, aggressively attacked defensive scrums, and held the Brit Lions off the score sheet for the final 58 minutes of the game.

Scoring summary

Tries: Power, MacGillivray, Scodeller, Donn

Convert: Scodeller

NEXT MATCH

February 2014

MORE BOWL FINAL PICTURES