Saturday March 19th 2011 – The first week of the new premier league structure pitted the BLRC’s premier and first division sides against the Bears of James Bay. Burnaby would draw first blood winning 19-13 in a fine first division effort. James Bay would answer back with a narrow 24-17 victory in the premier division. The third division men were in Surrey and defeated the Beavers 14-0.
In the third division game the boys continued their unbeaten streak with a solid 14-0 victory. Tries were scored by Roger Yue and Mike Kajander, both converted by Nolan Shelley. Great games by Roger who came on to play hook for the first time ever, Craig McLaughlin at 7 and Andrew “look at my baby” Gardner at fullback. Aaron Goddard also came in for 20 minutes.
In the first division game the boys got back to winning with a 19-14 come from behind win against James Bay. Tries were scored by Rain de Guzman and Isaac Bainivalu (2). One convert by Bainivalu and one convert by Carlos A. Periera. Great games were had by Johnny Walker and Angus Fisher.
In the premier match the blue and white were looking to improve on last weeks performance against the Sharks. The boys traveled to the island cool and collected in anticipation of the match. The game
started off with James Bay testing the Burnaby back line defense. Would be penetrating runs were turned away by the Burnaby backs and the game quickly changed to a field position game. James Bay were the first to score. The Bays played a methodical attack slowly taking field possession. After eating away time and space they mauled a line out ball for a score. The conversion was missed and the game stood at 5-0 Bayside. Burnaby would respond quickly. The boys crashed and bashed putting in a workman like effort. The backs would then execute a move, freeing up Gareth Marsden for a score. Rolls with the convert. 7-5 Burnaby.
The teams went to kicking rugby. The back three of both teams would kick and chase looking for a hole in the opposition cover. The ball boomeranged between the twenty two metre lines. James Bay however, would regain the lead off a back line move that saw their center cut to the corner for a score. The kick was good. 12-7 JBAA. The Bears would again assert their field position game when a Burnaby clearing kick failed to find touch. James Bay quickly countered and pinned Burnaby in their own half. Burnaby’s twenty-two metre defence would hold back the attack but not before a yellow card. James Bay took the opportunity and drove in a scrum for a try in the corner. 17-7 James Bay.
Burnaby, with their backs against the wall came on strong. Off the kick off their balanced attack saw the forwards take the ball on before being spun wide to the backs. The Blue and White executed
numerous phases of rugby and pressed towards the James Bay line. Stretched and scrambling the James Bay’s defense gave Josh Rolls just enough space to slice through and score underneath the uprights. The conversion was good. 17-14 James Bay at the half.
The second half was much the same. James Bay would play their grinding attack, maintaining possession and eating seconds off the clock. Burnaby would counter with strong attacking rugby through
their back line. Both teams played solid defense on the day able to contest and turn away sustained attack. The second half’s scorelessness was broken however when James Bay won line out ball and
mauled in a try. 24-14 James Bay.
With time winding down Burnaby stayed true to their system and worked the ball up the field. When a break in the back line saw Burnaby’s Joe Dolesau make a break James Bay would again scramble. James Bay would bring Joe down but would commit a penalty at the breakdown. Burnaby took the opportunity to draw closer and Rolls made no mistake. 24-17 James Bay. The game would end minutes later, James Bay victorious, Burnaby would earn the valuable bonus point.
Thank you to James Bay for two well contested matches. Thanks to the match officials and to the supporters.
Next week Burnaby are at home to the Ravens.
www.burnabylakerugby.com