The BLRC 2011/12 campaign started on Saturday September 10th, 2011 in the glorious sunshine.
The 3rd div got to work off some rust in an exhibition game vs Rowing Club and despite a stronger showing once kinks had been worked out came up short 25-7 to a well organized and well drilled Rowing Club XV. Strong performances from Gabe Raymond, Craig Mclaughlin and Scott Breadon. Captain Rick Flello will have the boys practicing hard this week to keep up the improvements.
BLRC 1st Div and Premiers were hosted at Connaught by the Meralomas in defence of the Palmer Cup which they won for the 1st time last season.
Meralomas being under the guidance of their new coaching director Greg Cargnelli were looking to regain the coveted trophy.
In the 1st div contest new Captain Aaron Reed had his team well prepared and the hard work on the training paddock paid off as they were victorious 62 -13. Once the team gelled the Burnaby team was consistently to the fore. The Back row led the way with Mark Whelan making huge yards from both set piece and open play with Fuku Vikilani and Aaron Reed the main beneficiaries. Fuku collecting a hat trick of tries before 1/2 time. Geoff Ryan on his return to Burnaby colours had a strong game mixing good handling with intelligent kicking and also showing his prowess goalkicking with one successful penalty from halfway playing up the slope!!
The 2nd half saw more of the same with Mike Wong, Brad Mchugh, Paul Murphy and Walter Homewood showing well and Guiseppe Laudisio and Garrett Grimshire scoring tries on their debut appearance for the blue and white.
The Premier result was again favourable to Burnaby by a score of 63-18. Despite the margin of defeat the Meralomas played hard throughout the game but were unable to stop Burnaby’s transition play once multiple phases were put together. Brock Staller gave the Lomas an early lead from a penalty kick, which was followed by 4 Burnaby tries Ryan Mchollister, Jeke Gotegote being amongst the scorers. The reliable boot of Nolan Shelley kept the scoreboard ticking with the score being 24-6 Burnaby at the half. This was Nolan’s 1st start in a premier game and was significant for the continual development of rugby in Burnaby as Nolan has now played at every level for BLRC from minis to Premier. Everybody that has coached him along the way should be proud of this achievement.
The 2nd half saw Burnaby playing up the hill and continuing the assault on the Loma line. Having to work hard for every score BLRC added 39 points in the 2nd half. The Loma cause was not helped by a red card to Sean Mercier midway through the 1/2. Brock Staller added a try + a convert for the Lomas with a fine individual kick through and regather and the Lomas added 1 more unconverted try to round off the scoring.
BLRC would like to thank the BC Referees society for making the games possible and the Meralomas for the hosting. Next week sees BLRC match up against Rowing Club at Brockton Oval in the 1st CDI qualifying game of the season. Hope to see everyone out at Brockton on Saturday.
