Burnaby Lake Women Win Third in A Row

Story By Walt Brandl
The Burnaby Lake Premier Women came into their home opener against Capilano Rugby Club looking for a third straight victory this season and featuring 7 line-up changes from their successful trip to Kamloops. Gone was the dominant centre pairing of Steele and Miyazaki, replaced by new club member Alicia Noger and Devon (pick a number) Luca. Changes were also made in the front row, second row, back row, fly-half and wing positions. Burnaby wasted little time in finding a new, improved chemistry. Led by strong scrummaging and great vision by Maria Gallo, Burnaby applied constant pressure and was in the end-zone within 10 minutes off a run by Gallo. Alicia Noger quickly created space for herself between the centres to add to the score line. Continuing the relentless attack, Kim Donaldson provided some outside support to winger Abby Tacal who managed to keep the ball alive and feed the blazing Donaldson who turned the corner to find the try line. Burnaby then failed to adapt to the new found requirement to playing defence as Capilano outside centre Alicia Morris broke three half-hearted Burnaby tackles to score a 40 metre try. Julia Sugawara added a penalty and a convert to round out the first half scoring.
In the second half Burnaby was not able to produce as much quality ball for the backs and as a result the game was played in much tighter quarters, somewhat stifling the flair of the Burnaby backs. Regardless, dominance continued and Captain Katie Larson found a gap in the Caps post up defence and squeezed in from 10 metres. The Capilano’s spirit was not dampened and eventually fly half Andrea Burke (last year’s BCRU Women’s Premier player of the year) had her athleticism rewarded with a 30 metre try. Final score was Burnaby Lake 27, Caps 15. Based on early indications in the Women’s Tier 1 league and the potential of a young Caps team keen to improve, Burnaby Lake may be seeing more of the Capilano’s in the play-offs. Final score in the game was Burnaby Lake 27 and Caps 15.
Of interest:
The line-up included 3 new club members and 4 started who finished last season on the Burnaby Lake 2nd division team.
This is the fourth time in 10 years that the Women’s Premier team has started the season 3-0. Of the previous three, two resulted in championships.
Former Capilano player and current Burnaby Lake back rower, Nancy Radman celebrated her first game against her old club as well as her birthday by being named player of the game.
The BLRC women play SFU at Burnaby Lake next week, 11:30 kick-off.