Buckle Up: Williams Lake 2015

The "Romas"

For the fourth year running, the Rowing Club and Meralomas entered a joint squad in the annual Williams Lake Rustlers Stampede summer tournament. The Rowers Ruck Muck was on hand to cover all the action as the “Romas” laid down an exciting performance, winning all 4 of their 40 minute games and coming home with the coveted Williams Lake Rodeo Buckle.

L-R "Greyhound" Brett Lucas, DJ the Killer Kiwi, & Cool Hand Luke Baker. Not pictured: the rest of the cow.

Editor's Note: Game sheets were unavailable and our reporter’s notes aren’t good, so readers will have to do without scoring details.

The Friday evening arrival hours set fun expectations. Carloads of talented players rolled in as the sun set over a pitch full of vacationing rugby players visiting and drinking. Between the anticipation and the hard ground, there wasn’t much sleep. Last minute roster addition Brett “Greyhound” Lucas was fetched at the bus station at 5:30 am to fill out the roster. Purportedly, he slept on the bus.

Environment Canada lists the temperature at kickoff in Williams Lake for the Romas first game against Abbotsford at 25.3°C, with 29% humidity, but it felt like at least 40°C. Electing to forego a warm up to save energy, the Romas kept even early against a physical Abbotsford side (dubbed the “S.H.I.T.S” and sporting a decidedly vulgar game kit), before using speed and talent to pull ahead in the second half. Young Aussie centre Luke Baker found holes in the defense and seemingly broke for long runs and tries at will. Super-sub back row Brendan Fagan put in hard minutes in a sweltering 2^nd half, only to collapse from heat exhaustion and have to be attended to by medics at the final whistle. He would recover and go on to stand out again on Sunday. The Romas won their opener convincingly, and tried to cool down to get ready for their next pool game.

Kickoff temperature for the 2^nd game against the host Williams Lake Rustlers was 27.4°C, and it felt like a bushfire. Halfbacks Chris Nolan and Duncan James distributed well to the talent around them, setting up exciting tries for “Greyhound” Brett, Nick Samija and several standout Lomas regulars. Tight head prop Chris Seyler (who would end up playing every minute of every game) ran a commanding crash ball that gave the Romas back line more space than they needed. After finally getting some ball in the 2^nd half, the Rustlers tried to use their size, picking from the base for multiple carries, making very few yards against a Romas defense content to hold on for the win and get back into the shade.

Recollections of Saturday night are few, but the Ruck Muck has received a thank you card from the United womens’ side addressed to a certain tattooed centre who apparently conducted strong diplomatic relations. Noted social butterfly and hard charging prop Jason Carton was puzzled by repeated rejection. Maybe next year, J.

Having won their pool, the Romas had a bye in the morning game slot on Sunday, and faced the arch rival Capilanos to earn a spot in the finals; kickoff temperature 29.2°C. It felt like a supernova. The Romas looked shakey, going down by 3 tries early. Strong defending by 2^nd row Justin Parlato and hooker Scott McGinley– who jackled exceptionally well – kept the Romas in it. Several fierce restart contentions by BYU 7s Standout Ben Keith kept the Caps from going even further ahead, but they enjoyed a commanding 3 try lead at the half.

Out half Duncan James impressed upon an under performing team that this was a winnable game. Substitute centre Nick Samija came on with fresh legs to make good yards and retain the ball well, and left a layer of skin the size of a dinner plate on the dried out pitch in the process. As the Romas put 2 tries in behind excellent attacking into space and pure speed, a big, tired Capilanos team must have felt it slipping away. The final try equalized it and an expert conversion put the Romas ahead by 2 with no time left. Nick Coles received the restart, kicked the ball into touch to end the game, and put the Romas in the final against Burnaby after a dramatic second half comeback.

Back Row Brendan Fagan, fresh off a nap

The Romas annihilated Burnaby in the final. Temperature at kickoff was 31.4°C and it felt like buckle weather. With one thing on their mind, the Romas back line flat out dominated as Cam [Last name unknown] got into repeated footraces that all ended in the Burnaby end goal. The Romas tries started to look like replays. Dan “Dee Smitty” Smith, his playing days now behind him, played a crucial role in keeping the side well hydrated running what may have been the best sideline shade-and-water operation in history, despite little to no help and punishing conditions.

The Coveted 2015 Stampede Buckle

Romas Captains Accept The Trophy

Background:Rugby Slip n Slide
Foreground: Your Reporter, Obscured by Heat

Your 2015 Stampede Champs

Soundtrack for the final paragraph.

At the final whistle, on the way back from a victory in the finals, we hit the slip and slide in the high heat, took a photo under the sticks and came on up to the house to get strapped up as the 2015 Williams Lake Stampede Tournament Champs. The 2015 Romas was a patchwork quilt that somehow went well together and refused to quit while facing a score deficit and intense heat. We took pictures with the cow-scull trophy and enjoyed a welcome sunset and wore grins that still haven’t faded. Next year, the tournament will be different and the team will be different and this year will live on as a legend to be lived up to. But last Sunday night, on a pitch that had been cooked dry by punishing heat, an uncontrollable Frankenstein of a rugby team, destined to exist for only three summer days and nights, went out on top.

3rds drop one to the Kats, Captain's Dinner a Success

The Rowers 3rd division lost an away game to the Kats 22-15. The thirds played hard in the first half, defending well and leading by 3 at the intermission. The defense couldn't hold, so they were sent into the bye week with another loss. The Thirds have a bye next week while the Prems and First division take on UVic at home. The thirds play next March 21st away at Kamloops.

In better VRC news the annual captains' dinner was a terrific success. This reporter has scant recollections of the event, but this video was recovered.

Wild times!

Fortunately for Ruck Muck readers, the Captains' dinner was live-tweeted by the Rowers own @NotJeremySabell, so I'll use that to piece it together.

A pleasure to be at the @VRCRugby Captain's dinner with players who were players when players were PLAYERS.
— sabellfish (@NotJeremySabell) March 8, 2015

First, a polite request for civility.

Would the Chatty Cathys at the back kindly SHUT THEIR YAMMERING GOBS!? thanks.
— sabellfish (@NotJeremySabell) March 8, 2015

Followed by a bit of a history lesson (no substitute for experience).

2 of 7 @VRCRugby alumni stories involve people jumping off the mast tower. FACT.
— sabellfish (@NotJeremySabell) March 8, 2015

A bit of legal advice. This had to do with a Tom Braidwood story, IIRC.

No no no. You can't be an accessory after the fact if the guy telling the story is an attorney. FACT.
— sabellfish (@NotJeremySabell) March 8, 2015

Some practical encouragement...

Anyone trying to backchat O'Gorman is going to have to speak LOUDLY.
— sabellfish (@NotJeremySabell) March 8, 2015

O'Gorman now pattering on about loyalty, trying to start the most boring cult EVER.
— sabellfish (@NotJeremySabell) March 8, 2015

Philosophy...

Some are inclined to ask WHY we have a rookie gravy chug. Those people are FOOLS with NO imagination.
— sabellfish (@NotJeremySabell) March 8, 2015

And it all started falling apart.

This room is getting harder to shush.
— sabellfish (@NotJeremySabell) March 8, 2015

Textbook yard execution by Trevor Cheon. TEXTBOOK. Good luck at @sunnybankrugby.
— sabellfish (@NotJeremySabell) March 8, 2015

In any case, make sure not to miss next year's event. While the specifics are fuzzy, VRC captains from as far back as the 1950s gave talks that showed how the club has grown and how proud all of its members are to be a part of it. Big thanks to Timmy Shaddick for putting it all together so well. We'll see you all next year!

Rowers Drop 3 at Klahanie

The Rowers lost all three matches away at the Caps this past weekend. Despite disappointing results, turnout remains strong and all sides are playing high-effort rugby. All 3 teams will be at home March 14th, and the Thirds play next weekend at Balaclava park against the Kats.

Prems

VRC’s top side lost a close, well contested match to the Capilanos on the road, as they fell to their arch rivals 15-10. The Rowers continued to play strong and tireless rugby, exhibiting tremendous conditioning and toughness, but failed to put enough points up for the victory.

The game was an entertaining one with numerous breaks in both directions and fierce defense. The Rowers fell behind 12-0 early on, but did not give up. They ran hard attack lines and persisted with a sustained assault before substitute 8^th man Michael Jordan put in a try, and Romain Palantey slotted the conversion. It looked as though the Caps were prepared to put it away, as they ran multiple hard charging attacks at the Rowers’ endgoal in the second half, but the defense held and the Rowers were able to survive to mount an attack of their own. The Capilanos’ defense was also tough, denying the Rowing club a run at pay dirt before taking a penalty about 10 yards out. Down 12-7, The Rowers elected to take the points and Plantey (fresh off a short rest from a yellow card) slotted the penalty kick. The Caps were able to answer with a penalty kick of their own to make it 15-10 and, despite a valiant late effort and a few strong attacks by winger Nick Samija, the Prems were unable find the equalizer.

Coach Sabell, while no doubt disappointed with the result, appeared proud of the effort from his top side. The Prems will be in action next on the 14^th of March at Brockton against the U-Vick Norsemen.

1sts

The Rowers CDI First Division side lost to their Capilano counterparts by a score of 37-15. The Rowers got off to a slow start, allowing the Caps to put 17 points up before answering with a try by the hooker, Jason Carton. The Rowers lost their tight head prop, Keegan Watcham-Roy, on a straight red card in the 25^th minute for what the referee judged to be an intentional dump-tackle.  The Capilanos defended well and put up a tireless attack to earn the victory. Liam Carter was able to kick a penalty, and convert a late try by Charlie Waddell, but it wasn’t enough. The Firsts will be working on defense and ball retention at training in the bye week. Their next match will be March 14^th against UVic at home.

Thirds

Sparse attendance at practice this past week was made up for on gameday as the Third Division turned up in numbers on Saturday for the first game of the day away at the Capilanos. Despite a strong turn out by eager veterans and maximum effort by the Thirds’ core of tireless rookies, the Rowers 3rds fell to their rivals by a lopsided 35-5. Plagued by a lack of fluidity (and a lack of a place kicker), the Thirds weren’t able to put themselves in a position to win. The Capilanos played strong rugby in a victory that wasn’t as lopsided as the score line indicates. A combination of bad luck and poor execution is to blame for a strong VRC effort resulting in only one try on the day. Young lock Keegan Carter drove in for the lone score on a hard and spirited sprint from 8 yards out.

Running the ball in simple phases worked effectively for the Thirds, but they weren’t able to do it consistently enough for points. They’ll no doubt try to build on their strengths next week against the Kats at Balaclava.

Rowing Club vs. the Ravens Feb 7th 2015

BC Rugby was at UBC with a full production crew yesterday, as the Ravens and the Rowers kicked off the second half at UBC. The Rowers Ruck Muck was on hand to bring you the blow-by-blow.

Prems

The VRC Premiere Division side started the second half of the season looking prepared and serious as they turned out a high-tempo victory against the UBC Old Boys Ravens by a score of 18-10.

The Rowing Club got on the board first as French fullback Roman Plantey slotted a penalty kick from around the 20 meter line. The Ravens were able to answer with a penalty kick of their own to tie the score early. From there, the teams traded hard phases and solid defense around mid-field. Wet conditions made for more direct tactics and difficult handling. Both packs turned out strong set pieces early, despite soft ground. The 3-3 deadlock was broken in the first half when fly half Henry Recinos found enough space along the outside to get loose just inside the Ravens’ half and was able to show off his speed all the way to the end goal. Plantey slotted the conversion to make it 10-3, and another penalty kick to make it 13-3 for the Rowing Club at the half.

The Ravens didn’t quit easily, scoring another converted try in the 2^nd half to make it 13-10, but the Rowers defense held strong. Team tackling was very good, several strong open-field tackles by Brandon Kaye were audible on the sidelines. Substitute flanker Scylar “The Salmon Arm Charm” Dumas put in a well-earned insurance try to seal it.

The pack looked very strong in an exceptionally physical game, with new hooker Jason Carton and 8^th man Lockland Campbell showing that they are integrating well with their new club.

1^st Division

The First division also got off to a strong start against the Ravens, beginning their season with a 15-11 win. Young fly half Trevor Canton opened the scoring by taking advantage of a penalty opportunity 25 yards out and giving his team a 3-0 lead. The Ravens were able to answer with a penalty of their own, but had trouble moving the ball against a well-drilled Rowers defense that was executing well, and making strong tackles behind the gain line. Blind side winger Kevin Gurniak carried one in along the touch-line to put the visiting side up 8-3 on the neutral UBC pitch (both Brockton Oval and Jericho were deemed unplayable by the Parks Board). Andrew Meakin made good on a beautiful corner conversion to give the Rowers a 10-3 advantage. Shortly after the Gurniak try, fullback Liam Carter put an exclamation point on a strong run, finding the mud of the end goal and extending the Rowers lead to 15-6 at the half.

The Rowers 1^sts held on through both mental and technical errors in the second half. The Ravens looked stronger and ended up playing more of the rugby and moving in a positive direction for much of the period. The Rowers conceded a late try but held on strong for the victory. Hard forward play and fundamental defense were clearly the 1sts strong points. They’ll be looking to improve of those aspects through the break.

The scheduled Third Division game against new league entrants Squamish was called off due to poor pitch conditions. The Ruck Muck is tracking chatter that the game is to be made up on February 14 at Brockton, as the rest of the league takes a break for the Las Vegas 7s tournament, but have been unable to confirm with BC Rugby. 

The 1^st Division and Premier League are next scheduled to be in action February 21^st at home against the Castaway Wanderers. The Third Division is away that weekend against the Capilanos at Klahanie.

Original reporting by Braden Maccke
Highlights courtesy BC Rugby

T'was the Thursday Night Before Rowers Christmas

For those who missed the reading at the Rowers Christmas dinner: Rowers Ruck Muck is proud to present "T'was the Night Before Rugby", a festive poem.

Twas the Night Before Rugby.

T’was the Thursday Night before the Rower’s Christmas and all through the bar,

There were players and coaches from near and from far.

They downed the odd jar and obeyed all the rules,

Except when they didn’t, and acted like fools.

As the noise level grew and the staff fled in fear,

The Rowers reflected on their 106^th year.

T’was a summer of workouts crafted by Si Taylor Two,

And fitness with Coach Ben, where we ran ‘til we puked.

We hosted some prize-fights, cuz the club’s strapped for cash,

Where Skylar & DJ had each-others’ faces smashed.

As the days shortened up and the sun sunk down low,

A bunch of U20s started to show.

Two strapping young back rows from the isles out East,

Named Pat and Dave Matthews who ran like wild beasts.

The Kootney Connection brought Bjorn and Kane,

Who walk between raindrops and play like freight trains.

With Matt Bacon and Vince and Ben Johnson up front,

The academy looked like a promising bunch.

But wait! What’s this? Around goes the word;

Lack of numbers club-wide – they’ll all have to play 3rds.

To Kelowna and back with a bus jammed with beer,

We made the round trip, barely lost any gear.

Gaden and Yankee at 9 twisted passes like screws,

The Godfather made us an offer we couldn’t refuse.

Under the careful direction of new coach Brett Russell,

What the thirds lacked in brains they made up for in muscle.

Nate Tough and Andy Donne and Nick Coles and Rob Crowe

Saf, Trev and Rice all put on a show.

The thirds lost some players to call-ups and pains.

They dropped a few games and their fortunes did wane.

But when news of the trouble reached field agent – Jake Chahwan,

He sent Jaden and Chayse, the original French Connection.

With size and with courage they owned the front row,

The 3rds rolled over Burnaby, and had one more place to go.

A determined squad showed up hungry at Klahaney,

They’d earned their cup final against U-B-C.

At 9 was Josh Dougherty, at flank Brian Andrews.

It felt on the sidelines like the Rowers couldn’t lose.

The cameo cast featured Nikki Grease & Fagan

With support from The Gus Bus barreling in to the station.

John Fitzy ran twelve and some good solid lines,

And captain McGlivery broke through for a try.

They bled white and red for their spot at the dance,

And the great 3^rd division walked out league champs.

The cup sat and shone in the carver room case,

We got one more round to close down the place.

When out on the deck there arose such a cacophony!

We fell over the couch on the way past the Christmas tree.

And there on the mast tower, his clipboard in hand,

Stood square-jawed and determined a coach with a plan.

He raged a cold fire, not a bit self aware,

His bark left no doubt: it could only be Jer.

“What the hell are you doing?” we heard him exclaim,

“Resting on laurels will bring only pain.”

“There’s weights to go lift! Don’t just drink and get fatter!”

“We’ve only 8 weeks to work on the pattern!”

“On Seyler, on Cowie, on Chapman & Richmond!

On Henry and Brandon, Parlato and Nickelson!”

“I need Michael Jordan at 8, and Brett in the centers,

Get on Facebook, you guys – we’re already short numbers!”

A great laugh erupted from the VRC faithful,

For that dedication is what set the table.

From Bice’s diplomacy, Pete Muirhead’s support work,

To Mark Smith’s tireless game-day help network.

The club has been blessed with a big-hearted fanbase,

Who back all divisions whether in first or last place.

Timmy Shaddick, Bob Flood & The alumni come out in force,

Amy, Nadine, and Pat Sorge, of course.

It feels good to look over at the sidelines all jammed,

It never gets old to know we have fans.

And so we all drank a toast to a great Rowers Year

To the feeling of union we all feel in here.

As ‘014 closes, ‘015 promises so much more,

For Cam Tompkins is hard at work on our World Cup Tour.

Recent Rowing Club highlights

Close games leave Rowers wanting

By Braden Maccke

Here are some results from recent matches:

Thirds at UBC

The Rowers came out of the Thanksgiving bye with energy and enthusiasm. They looked prepared and ready to face an equally young and fit UBC squad. Second row forward Bjorn Morris opened the scoring with a well earned try built from strong phase play. UBC was able to equalize by taking advantage of a fortunate bounce, leaving the sides even.

Young fly half Trevor Calin showed great speed and a knack for taking advantage of space in a 50-yard run to pay dirt, and slotted the conversion for good measure. A successful penalty kick by fullback Mike Santoro left the Rowers' 3rds and UBC tied 17-17 at the half.

Both teams defended well in the 2nd half. The thirds ran in to handling errors when opportunities for unobstructed advances showed up. Neither team was able to find the in-goal area nor the sticks as UBC and the 3rds finished tied at 17.

First Division at UBC

The Rowers Understudies had a tough go of it against UBC, ending up on the wrong side of a 60-21 score line. Fullback Cannaon Karena put in 2 tries and substitute fullback Jesse Yankee put in one of his own. Adrian Meaning was perfect on conversions.

The Firsts avenged the loss the following weekend against the Ravens at home. Standout Irish flanker Brendan Fagen led with three tries as Trevor Caton and Adrian Meining scoring one each. The first looked like a team doing everything right in a 40-12 home victory. They’ll look to keep that momentum going.

Premier Division at UBC

The Premier Division was on the wrong end of a 34 – 27 loss away at UBC. The Prems trailed early, took the lead towards the end, but lost it again as a strong UBC squad rose to the occasion on their home pitch.

Lachlan Campbell, Brian Duram, Kevin Gurniak, and Dennis Barnett all scored Rowing Club tries as fly half Henry Recinos slotted 2 conversions and one penalty. Pack leader Chris Seyler spent 10 minutes in the bin on a yellow card.

The following weekend, the Prems mounted a poor showing against the rival UBCOB Ravens at Brockton, scoring only a penalty kick in a 34-3 loss. A feeling of determination has taken over the Prems training pitch and video room, as they try to right the ship.

Thirds vs. Kamloops at Brockton

The following week a 3rds pack thinned by injuries was clearly out-sized as a large, capable Kelowna team scored early and never quit. Defense was poor and, as a consequence, possessions were few.

Handling errors pocked the Rowers attack, and they were never able to establish any momentum on either side of the ball. Veteran 2nd row forward Maverick Seed played a very strong game despite the unfavourable result. The thirds will try to improve from the 45-3 home drubbing in their next match.

November 8

11:30 3rds @ Surrey (Sullivan Heights)
1:00 1sts @ Castaway Wanderers RFC (Windsor Park)
2:45 Premiers @ Castaway Wanderers RFC (Windsor Park)

Rowers to host annual Family Day

Full slate of games set for Brockton Oval

The Rowers challenge for a lineout in Kelowna Sept. 27. The third division side lost
the match 48-5. See here for more pictures.

It’s Family Day at the Oval Oct. 4. The Club will host Burnaby Lake for a full slate of matches and the annual family event will feature face painting for the kids, along with other games and events. It is also the opening day for the 2014-2015 premiership.

3RDS

The Rowers 3rd division traveled to Kelowna Sept. 27 for a game against KRFC Crows. The match provided a difficult spectacle for participants and spectators alike. Kelowna were the better team on the day, running out a 48-5 victory.

The visitors, for a lack of mental preparedness, could not properly harness the considerable fitness and talent they displayed the previous week against Burnaby. Many of the young Rowers on the squad were making their first rugby bus trip. The youngsters learned the hard way what road games are all about as they battled, futilely, against a very organized, very talented Kelowna team playing at home.

The Red & White showed flashes of eye-catching talent on offense, with long runs and broken tackles that amassed many yards. But the simplest aspects of the game proved to be the squads undoing. Poor tackling and weak defensive shape plagued the thirds and a lack of support caused turnover ball deep in Kelowna territory. After the match, many thirds were eager to show improvement versus Burnaby at Brockton Oval for Family Day.

Oct. 4

11:30 3rds vs. Burnaby (Brockton Oval)
1:00 1sts vs. Burnaby (Brockton Oval)
2:45 Premiers vs. Burnaby (Brockton Oval)

Oct. 11

Bye week: Thanksgiving Weekend

Oct. 18

11:30 3rds @ UBC (Wolfson Fields)
1:00 1sts @ UBC (Wolfson Fields
2:45 Premiers @ UBC (Wolfson Fields)

For the rest of the schedule visit this page: Rowers 2014-2015.

2014-2015 Season for the Vancouver Rowing Club

2014-2015 SEASON AT A GLANCE:

2014:
Oct. 04 - Rowers vs. Burnaby Lake Rugby Club
Oct. 11 - Bye week
Oct. 18 - Rowers @ UBC (Wolfson Fields)
Oct. 25 - Rowers vs. UBCOB Ravens RFC
Nov. 01 - Rowers vs. James Bay AA
Nov. 08 - Rowers @ Castaway Wanderers RFC (Windsor Park)
Nov. 15 - Rowers vs. Capilano RFC
Nov. 22 - Rowers @ UVic (Wallace Field)

2015:
Jan. 31 - Bye Week
Feb. 07 - Rowers @ UBCOB Ravens RFC (Jericho Park)
Feb. 14 - Bye Week
Feb. 21 - Rowers vs. Castaway Wanderers RFC
Feb. 28 - Rowers @ Capilano RFC (Klahanie Park)
Mar. 07 - Bye Week
Mar. 14 - Rowers vs. UVic
Mar. 21 - Rowers @ Seattle (Exhibition)
Mar. 28 - Rowers vs. UBC
Apr. 04 - Bye Week
Apr. 11 - Rowers @ Burnaby (Burnaby Lake)
Apr. 18 - Rowers @ James Bay AA (MacDonald Park)

Stay tuned to Ruck-Muck for all the latest new and post-match reports.