Last Saturday the Burnaby 3 Blues took to the field (Wearing Pristine White) against the young guns of UBC. The 3B bench would be bolstered by numerous spares from the 3A squad who found themselves game-less after field closures in Burnaby and by Burnaby Lake legend Colin “Yeller” McKenzie who suited up for his 1st game of the season at #8. Yeller would be matched up against a handsome young stud named James McKenzie who donned the #8 jersey for UBC.
The game started off slow with knock-ons + dropped balls the story of the first 25 minutes. Seemingly out of nowhere, a break from Scott Breadon created some space + the ball moved through the hands of Peter Dove to FB Taichi Kashima who out legged the UBC defenders to score in the corner. UBC answered back with some quick ball, spreading the BLRC defense thin before …I believe the UBC #13…crashed through just wide of the posts. Whichever player scored, he’s a hard runner. The half ended with the score tied 5-5.
The 2nd half started with a determined BLRC squad ready to use their advantages (larger…wiser forwards) to create some space for the fast/young BLRC backs. #9 Titus Le, #10 Wayne Lawson, #12 Tyron Stojanov , #14 Tom Menzies and #15 Taichi Kashima are all products of the BLRC junior system who have plenty of pace. With Yeller + (captain) Marvin Omaque creating some space from the front, the young horses left the stable and made some great runs that took the Blue + White inside the UBC 5 meter line where flanker Mike Wu, making his 1st appearance in Men’s rugby after graduating from the BLRC U-19 program, dove over to add another 5 points. The conversion sailed just wide. Coach Neil McLaughlin, made a few changes to the lineup and the BLRC kept their foot on the gas pedal for the rest of the game. With about 10 minutes to go, proud father, Colin McKenzie barreled over the line for 5 points. The opposite #8 was seen taking notes. The UBC kickoff was gathered in and moved left where Dean Villares took a great offload from Stojanov to race 60 metres for the try. Colin Thompson made both conversions and the score would end 24 to 5 in favour of the Blue + White.
The BLRC would like to thank the referee who was tasked with officiating a challenging, muddy game and the UBC squad who were great opponents and excellent hosts. (Rumour has it that the new showers featured hot water!!) I’d also like to thank the hard working junior coaches at BLRC. Today, 15 members of the victorious 3B squad were graduated BLRC juniors!
This weekend the Men’s Premier and 1sts battle the new look UBCOB Ravens at Jericho at 1pm + 245pm. Be there or be square.
Many Teams~One Club
