Saturday January 28, the BLRC Nation traveled across the Burrard Inlet to take on the Capilano Rugby Club in an eight team battle royal. The two sides split decisions with two wins each, the BLRC taking wins in third division (29-17) and premier (25-0) match ups. The Caps took the first division (30-10) and other third division match (12-7).
The first match of the day was waged between the newly minted BLRC 3 Blues lead by captain Marvin Omaque. The Blues opened up the day with a solid effort, but narrowly lost to the caps 7-12. The game was well contested, and a great way to start the day off. Club on club. In the end, the Caps’ experience showed as the winning try came with a quick tap and go that caught Burnaby off guard. Burnaby’s points came from Darryl Schack, who scored a try, and after his smoke break, converted for two more points.
Good games were had by Mike Cavezza, Gabe Raymond and Steve Rennick.
The second 3rd division game was to favour Burnaby. The team dubbed the BLRC 3rd Division Whites were fortunate to come away with a 29-17 win over a strong Capilano side.
Led by Adam “The Duke of Sooke” Dowhy’s, hat trick and the double by former standout junior and UVic grad Gareth Morrey Jones who lived up to his nickname “the hammer”. Captain Rick Flello was happy to come away with the victory as the side lost to Caps by 40 points in the fall. The team really came together despite being down early, a testament to the work they put in over the break.
Great games by Adam Dowhy who with ever improving game shape, proved what a force he is going to be. The thirds played an open game through Dean Villares, Butters Fairs, Alan Tanger and Dan Schinbein. Fly half Rory Love controlled the game well and managed to orchestrate a second half playing to their strengths and the conditions.
Burnaby also welcomed back Coach Andy Fell. We are delighted to have Andy back. His pleasant persona and soft spoken coaching style, crafted while serving in the British Army, are a perfect blend with the third div. lads.
In the first division game the boys got their spring campaign off to a not so pleasant start in a 30-10 loss to the Caps 1sts. Lewis Hart and Angus “VP” Fisher scored Burnaby’s points. For the first team it was a rude awakening. Their provincial title is going to be tough to defend.
Even with possession being 50-50, credit goes to the Caps, who capitalized on the numerous Burnaby errors. Despite the boys’ best efforts, a strong Capilano defense kept the BLRC to 3-4 phases before turning the ball over. Fly half Nolan Shelley had a strong game making numerous tackles.
Coach Dave Murphy is aware that the team need to redouble their efforts next week against Uvic to get back into the win column.
The North Shore team was lead very well by Nick Belmar who proved that he is still a very good rugby player.
In the Premier match Burnaby came away with a 25-0 win over the Caps.A lot of things worked well for Burnaby, and the Caps showed some rust making a bunch of mistakes.
Early in the game there were lots of knock ons as each team tested their attacking combinations. Scott McKay set the tone with an early crunching tackle in the first three minutes.
The first points came via Cole McQueen to make it 5-0, 10 minutes into the half.
Burnaby turned up the heat and pressured the Caps early and often. A nice up and under chip kick by Giuseppe Laudisio lead to a Burnaby break down the sideline which was almost touched down for a try but for a knock on just over the try line.
Around the twenty minute mark Capilanos were penalized and Burnaby added 3 points on Geoff Ryan’s boot making it 8-0 Burnaby.
Just before the half a quick tap off a penalty by Captain Mike Gough led to an offload to Joe Dolesau who stepped outside one defender and offloaded to a supporting Evan Thomas who scored the try. Geoff Ryan curled the ball into the uprights to go up 15-0 leading into the break.
The second half got off to a slow to start, score remained 15-0 ten minutes into the half. At the fifteen minute mark Burnaby added to their point total with a successful kick by Ryan to make it 18-0 Burnaby Lake. Consistent pressure and well placed kicks kept the Caps pinned in their zone for a good chunk of the second half. The pressure
lead to Burnaby’s third try by fly half Adam Martin who twisted and turned in for the score. Vintage. The try was converted by Ryan to bring the final score to 25-0.
Great games were had by Admir Cejvanovic, Nate “Go Packers” Mantle, and Scott Mackay who all had their best games in a Burnaby shirt. New comer Evan Thomas displayed his “moves like Jagger”.
After the game, Colin McKenzie advised everyone that the win meant nothing unless the team could perform the same week in and week out. Burnaby’s challenge is to maintain the same high standard throughout the season. BLRC host the rematch in three weeks.
Thanks to match officials Sherry Trumbull, Gerry Clayton, and Drew Sagar. Thanks Caps for the post game food and hosting. Thanks to the BLRC Nation for the boisterous support, cheering loudly for all four games!
Next week we host the University of Victoria.
Visit www.burnabylakerugby.com
-30-
