Saturday March 27th, 2011, the Burnaby hopeful gathered for what was a fine spring day at the lake. The third division men remain unbeaten but had to settle for a default victory as United called the match off. The first division got the day off on the right foot winning 39-22 over the UBC Old Boy Ravens first div. The Premier side however did not fair as well losing a tightly contested match 16-19 to the Raven’s Premier side.
In the first division’s best performance of the season the boys put the records straight against the Ravens having been defeated by them for the VRU title in the fall. Burnaby came out the gates firing and found themselves 22-3 up with 25 minutes played. Isaac Bainivalu creating havoc in the backline with the quick ball that was produced by the pack. At this point Burnaby deviated from the game plan and played right into the hands of the Ravens full back ex BLRC player Robin Macdowell with sloppy plays and errant kicks. With these gifts and the support of his team mates the Ravens scored 3 quick tries, 2 converted to tie the scores with a few minutes to go to 1/2 time. Burnaby managed to regather themselves + an excellent set piece lineout ended with Angus Fisher slicing through the centres to score under the posts 29-22 Blue + White at the half.
A request from coach Andy Fell at half time for a commitment to the game plan was heeded and Burnaby played a very controlled final 40, welcoming back Aaron Goddard as he returns from injury and also Nolan Shelley for his 1st taste of action at this level.
Nolan tallied a penalty and showed his growing prowess with a touchline convert of Angus Fisher’s 2nd try to seal the victory. Strong performances by Brad Mchugh,Dave Birchmore, Matt Campbell,Kelly Hirakida and multiple try scorers Angus and Isaac.
The Burnaby premier side followed the example of their 1st div lads and came out of the gates firing; the Blue and White side keen to show to the returning Kris De Scossa they were ready to go. Their excellent start resulted in a 6-0 lead courtesy of 2 penalties from Josh Rolls. The Ravens responded and came back into the game with 2 well struck Fairhurst penalties. The game tied 6-6 and all to play for. The match on the day was consistently physical and tough. The wear and tear took it’s toll on players from both sides, hookers Yeganegi and Sabic required treatment but continued with the attrition. There was very little separating the sides. At half time the score was 9-9 courtesy once again of the boots of Rolls and Fairhurst. Yellow cards too were even at one a piece.
The 2nd half started out much the same as the preceding half for both sides. Rock solid defense sparked with occasional bursts of inspiration from either backline.
During one such stand Burnaby was deemed by referee Ferguson to have transgressed and Fairhurst once again did the honours, splitting the uprights for a 12-9 Ravens lead. With just over 8 minutes to play the Burnaby backline kicked into gear and a beautiful exchange of passes and great lines of running ended with Esava Nakalanaisa scoring under the posts. The convert by Rolls was a formality. With a buoyant BLRC sideline in full force the boys took a 16-12 edge.
Statistics argue that sides are most vulnerable in the 2-3 minute window after they have scored. Unfortunately statistic proved correct on the day, credit the Ravens for executing. Just minutes after the restart a turnover at half way would see the Ravens moved the ball to the wing where speedster Minty won a chip and chase and touched down in the corner. Fairhurst would convert from the touchline to give the Ravens a 3 point buffer. 19-16 Ravens.
The Ravens showed experience in running the clock down from at the restart. A late turnover did provide a spark that Burnaby needed to release one of their dangerous runners. Unfortunately for the Burnaby hopeful, it was not to be as the Ravens won the ball back and kicked it out leading to ref Kyle Ferguson to signal the end of the game.
Burnaby will take the Bonus point and look to build on this for next weeks encounter with Abby in the continued quest for a playoff spot.
BLRC would like to thank the Ravens, the referees and the supporters on the day.
A hearty blue and white welcome was also given to Kieran Crowley who was a keen spectator on the sideline.
See y’all at Abby next week as all 3 teams take the trip east down the highway.
www.burnabylakerugby.com
