Saturday, March 24th the Blue and White hosted the Bays in the first round of a home and away match-up that pushed both teams to their physical limits. With a scoreline of 15-21 only two kicks separated the BLRC from attaining victory over the top seeded Bays.
In the first division match up, a rematch of last year’s Ceili’s Cup Final, the BLRC started out slow but played the system well and wound up forty three points to five victors against the first division James Bay squad. Great games by Nolan Shelley, Brad McHugh, and the front row.
The third division blues didn’t fair so well losing 20-5 to a strong Kats team. Good games by Marvin Omaque, Alan Tang, and Craig McLaughlin.
In the Premier match of the day the BLRC started quickly with tries coming from Joe Dolesau and Evan Thomas. Geoff Ryan was able to convert the first and the boys were up twelve to nil early on. As the game wore on the Bays were able to respond with a Connor Braid penalty kick.
Minutes later James Bay would inch closer scoring a try in the corner to make the score 12-8. They would take the lead five minutes later crossing over near the posts. Braid would add two to put the Bays up 15-12.
Burnaby would level the table right before half when Geoff Ryan struck the ball true from the thirty to bring the score to 15s.
The second half was a game of defensive attrition with both teams favoured kicking high and long tactical kicks.
Both teams’ back three fielded the ball with skill and counter attacks looked dangerous. The centre pairing of Dolesau and Villarus provided plenty of offense for the BLRC on the day.
At the game’s three quarter mark Braid would provide a three point lead via penalty kick. With five minutes remaining the Fly half would strike a drop goal through to push the lead twenty one points to fifteen.
The game was very much up in the air until the final seconds when Burnaby’s final drive resulted in a turnover ball which was then cleared out of bounds by JBAA. The game would finish with the islanders taking the match 21-15. Burnaby would walk away with an all valuable bonus point in the loss. Great games by Evan Thomas, Joe Dolesau, Doug Breadon, Admir Cejvanovic and Dean Villarus.
Congratulations to James Bay who proved why they are a force in this league – coming back strong and playing a steady tactical game.
Cheers to the match officials, the hits were hard by both sides but Referee Dave Smortchevsky and his touch judges officiated with skill and discernment. Thanks to all the supporters who came out on the day.
Next week the boys head off to the island for round two.
Burnaby Lake Rugby Club – Many Teams, One Club
@burnabylakerfc
