Burnaby Lakers vs. Ridge Meadows
The ever improving and growing Burnaby Lakers squad notched an important milestone this weekend defeating the always tough Ridge Meadows Bruins.
Ridge Meadows plays an upfront game with a big pack and speed in the backs. Larissa Chatt at scrum half leads by example, and is a constant threat.
The game started with the Lakers taking the game to Ridge Meadows, and after sustained pressure on the attack, and even better pressure from the defence when Ridge had the ball, the Lakers were rewarded when Sue Griffiths dove over the line at the right hand corner for the first try of the game.
Ridge Meadows responded with pressure of their own, as they upped the pace of the game, putting the Lakers on their heels. Ridge was able to hem the Lakers inside the 22 and eventually manufactured a turnover that resulted in Lindsay Hull scampering over for her first of two tries.
The Lakers responded, upping their work rate and tempo while applying their defensive lessons. The half see-sawed back and forth with both sides keeping it between the 22’s until Burnaby was able to penetrate the Ridge 22 and earn a 5 metre scrum. With a solid platform from the put in #8 Shannon Fedewa picked and ran to a narrow blind side corridor on the right to touch down just inside the touchline for a 10 – 5 Lakers lead.
The second half started with both clubs again working the ball between the 22’s looking for openings. As with the first half, Burnaby possession was punctuated by strong runs from Megan Twist, Malak Kammourieh and Shannon Fedewa. With a renewed commitment to aggression on defence, Burnaby was able to turn over possession to find gaps on the outside for Suelyn Wirth, Abby Tacal, Sue Griffiths and Daamo Skelton. A well worked series of phases found Michelle Young within 10 metres of the goal line and one dummy and shimmy later, she powered her way over for the third Lakers try. Becky Querido added the extras and the score stood 17 – 5.
Same story after restart. Ridge pressed hard, and Burnaby was able to respond with strong defence and ball control after the turnover. Devon Luca smartly started to press Ridge back with timely kicks to open space, inviting the Burnaby backs to chase and hem Ridge Meadow inside their half. Continued pressure from Burnaby resulted in a penalty that Anh Tran fed to Megan Twist. Megan drove to the Ridge line and while denied the score, the swarm of Burnaby forwards ensured that possession was retained. Anh Tran spotted a hole in the defence and without hesitation took the gap and dove over for the try. The conversion hit the post and Burnaby had the lead 22 – 5.
Ridge fought back through string runs up the middle, to try and create some space on the outside. Eventually their efforts were rewarded as Lindsay Hull was able to take the ball in for her second try. Burnaby 22 – Ridge 10.
Burnaby finally snuffed out any remaining Ridge Meadows hopes for a come back when Shannon Fedewa took advantage of some great work by the Burnaby forwards and backs to drive their way up the pitch when she was able to break away through the middle of the Ridge defence to score her second try. Becky Querido converted.
Final Score Burnaby Lakers 29 – Ridge Meadows 10
Burnaby Premier vs. Bayside Premier
The strength of the Bayside program has always been its ability to mine the strong High School programs in the White Rock area. The unfortunate impact on the Women’s program is that many of these provincial caliber players elect to play in the CIS, and while it does present an opportunity for the depth players to step up, it can also lend itself to some lopsided scores as the team progresses up the learning curve. Bayside never gives up, and any scores against are earned.
Burnaby is itself on a journey. With players back from post world cup time off, a “new” flyhalf in Maria Gallo, Julia Sugawara and Mel Miyazaki again enjoying fine seasons. The pack is brimming with leaders from Kim Donaldson, Corrine Jacobsen, and Laura Harmse. Deb Caps at Openside Flanker has been wreaking havoc on defence and always seems to be in the right place for support. Captain Katie Larsen has been an inspiration leading the team while her baby daughter watches mummy from the sidelines. Youthful enthusiasm from Lauren Tagg and Kevenza Murphy only add to the mix.
There is only one way to play the game and that is full out. Burnaby did just that with the full squad wearing down Bayside for a 52 – 0 half time lead.
Substitutions came in at half time, and with a reconfigured backline other subs in the forwards, the rest of the match played out to a 10 – 5 scoreline for Burnaby. With Tanya Leigh providing the lone score for Bayside.
Final Score Burnaby 62 – Bayside 10
Tries:
Kim Donaldson -2
Deb Capps – 2
Corinne Jacobsen – 2
Kary Steele
Melissa Miyazaki
Erin Jang
Daamian Skelton
Converts:
Julia Sugawara – 6
