Because I had to be at work after the games today, here are the results from the weekend….
Both third division games were cancelled, the Three B’s game because it looks like the Rogues have folded; the Three A’s because of frozen fields so early in the morning. The Women’s team played the Capilanos and continued their winning ways with a 24-0 win. The men’s first division didn’t fare so well, although they had a good first half and enjoyed a lead going in to the second the fitness of the Capilanos took them to an eventual one sided win.
The featured game of the day was the Premier men’s match. The North Shore squad came in to the game as the defending champions, and they were coming of a loss the week before. They would be looking for a solid win. The Burnaby Lake squad is has been undefeated thus far in the CDI Premier League season. Some people would say that they have faced less favored competition, but their wins have not come easily. This would be a true test. Throughout the game both sides enjoyed leads, and at times both sides were down players due to professional infractions. The Caps struck first and early with a penalty 0-3. Not long after this was matched by Burnaby 3-3. The Caps again took the lead with another penalty around the halfway mark of the first. 3-6 Capilanos. Soon after a binning against the visitors gave the advantage to Burnaby who capitalized with a converted try to make it 10-6. As the half was closing Burnaby was on the receiving end of a yellow and the Capilanos in turn made sure that the opportunity was not wasted. At the close of the half they drove over the line and scored an unconverted try to again take the lead 10-11. Shortly into the second half the home side regained the lead with a textbook try scored by the untouched inside centre. The try was converted and Burnaby took the lead 17-11. With Burnaby in control at this point they again stuck with another try. The scrumhalf was pushed over the line by some strong support from the forwards; the try was not converted and so the score stood at 22-11. At this point Burnaby started to tire. The Capilanos were coming on strong and Burnaby was looking ragtag. The home side still managed to hold the line, but it was clearly the Capilanos who were controlling at this point. This continued for a while, Burnaby playing some strong defense but losing ground and Capilanos moving the ball and slowly working their way towards the line. There were some excellent defensive plays but the Caps showed why they are a top team with patience that paid of with a tally in the corner. The kick was missed and so the score sat at 22-16. This score revived the Burnaby side and they again where playing both offense and defense. The game proceeded in both ends with each side making strong runs only to be taken down with strong coverage from the back three. Burnaby’s lead was put in jeopardy when the captain received his second yellow of the game and had to hit the sidelines. This gave the Caps the advantage for the short remainder of the game. Burnaby fought hard to keep them out but failed. Caps scored another one, but missed the kick to make it a one point game. Burnaby 22 – Capilanos 21. As always a nail biter. With the final whistle immanent neither side was willing to give in. The Capilanos pushed hard and controlled the ball in the Burnaby end; a lost ball gave the home side the break they needed and a great kick left them inside the Cap 22. Burnaby managed to regain possession due to a penalty and pushed hard for the final score. Burnaby 27 – Caps 21. There was still some time left and the Capilanos side was not going to give up. They took the ball on hard and controlled it to the final whistle where they drove over the line. Unfortunately for them the ball carrier was isolated and the home side held it up. The ensuing whistle marked the end of the game.
The game was a entertaining one with both sides in it from the beginning. While Burnaby won, both side played well and showed that they are contenders.
Scoring detail will follow.
