October 22, 2011
For the first time this season the Burnaby Lake 2nd div team was able to field 15 players. Many of the 2nds have been playing in the premier team this year and have fit in well, and with the prems having a bye they were welcomed back to the 2nds.
The 2nds are a very young team up front with an average age of just over 16 years in the front row. That being said the scrums were solid all game, and we were able to turn a couple over, which is a testament to the work being put in at practice. On to the game.
Abbotsford started strongly with the lions share of the possession in the first 15 minutes. Abbotsford ran their larger forwards at the Burnaby backs with good effect, however a turnover from a poor kick found it’s way into Gen Gratton’s hands, and Gen did her best road runner impression speeding her way through the gaps in the defence to dot down. Conversion missed and Burnaby was up 5 – 0.
Abbotsford ground their way down field aided by Burnaby mistakes at the breakdown which were punished by the referee. Eventually Abbotsford worked their way through the defence with their forwards and touched down to tie at 5-5.
This started a real see-saw battle between the teams. Abbotsford would grind through the middle and Burnaby would answer out wide, with Gen Gratton, Aly Govorshin, Deb Caps, Abby Tacal and Pam Goddard all finding gaps for good runs.
With one substitute available to Burnaby and more for Abbotsford, Abby was able to play a game of attrition. Despite the best efforts of the Burnaby forwards, a lack of bodies eventually told the tale for the final result. Great defence from Desiree Noger and Pam Goddard time and time again eventually snuffed out the threat from the Abbotsford forwards.
With two tries from Gen Gratton and one from Pam Goddard and the score at 20 – 15 for Abbotsford, Burnaby went down to 14 players when Kevenza Murphy left the field with a knee injury. Burnaby courageously battled through the adversity to hold the score and give themselves an opportunity to win, but it was not to be.
Congrats to Abbotsford on a well fought game, and a bigger thank you to the Premier women who came out to Abbotsford on a wet day to support the 2nds. BLRC again proved we are many teams but one club!
