Walt Brandl has kindly submitted his take on the Women’s opening game of the second half….
BLRC Premier Women vs. United
Jan 28/06
After all the weeks of training in the rain and wind Burnaby Lake and the Douglas-Pocomo merger club now known as United welcomed the opportunity to actually play rugby. This showdown had been rained out twice in the first half and the teams were sitting 1-2 in the standings with United holding a one point cushion.
Neither team was averse to moving the ball wide in the light rain and soft field resulting in a spirited contest. Early on Burnaby Lake was able to establish some territorial advantage that would serve them well throughout the game. Ten minutes in Shannon Lowe crashed over from a breakdown in close to open the scoring. Within another ten minutes a long break by Rosie Cobbet set up more pressure on the United try line and Sabrina Neufeld was able to exploit a small crease in the centres to weave between three defenders and score. United, although obtaining a fair share of possession, was unable to gain territory and just before the half, Burnaby winger Dawn Williams capitalized on a loose ball in the United backline to chip through to the goal line, recover the ball and score. At half-time Burnaby Lake held a 17-0 lead.
After the break Burnaby Lake was able to make use of its long bench to keep the game up-tempo. Territory remained in Burnaby’s favour and flyhalf Anna Schnell was able to move the United defense around enough to work the ball inside the 10 metre line where inside centre Kary Steele was able to slash through the mid-field off a set scrum to score between the posts. United answered by efficiently moving the ball into the ball up-field and after sucking the Burnaby defenders into the middle of the field moved the ball quickly wide to score on the outside. The final try of the day saw Burnaby opt for a line-out off a penalty in close. The ball was secured by Burnaby jumper Erin Lockwood and driven to the goal line where Emma Hadfield cut off the side and dove over. Final score Burnaby Lake 31, United 5.
Regardless of the conditions, both teams played constructive, expansive rugby and I am sure they look forward to another meeting. These two teams will meet at least once more this season and will possibly see each other in the play-offs.
The Burnaby Lake Women have a bye this week before playing Meralomas on February 11th.
