Saturday April 2 saw the Burnaby Lake Rugby Club win all of its Senior Matches on the day going 5-0. The women’s 2nd side won their second game in a row with a 29 – 12 win over Ridge Meadows. The Premier women won 62 – 7 over Bayside. The third division men won a tight 13-12 decision over Abby to remain unbeaten. The firsts thumped out a 53-12 victory and the Premiers did what they had to do with a 26-13 bonus point victory over the Abby Premiers.
In the men’s divisions, General Lee’s lads eeked out a 13-12 victory in the midst of a tempest, with an Abby touch line that resembled Lake Huron. Great games were had by young guns Nolan Shelley and Walter Homewood. Special mention to Chris ‘Guns &’ Amoroso and Allen Furlong who both came right out of the woodwork.
In the first division the boys came out ready to battle. They asserted dominance early on through the hard crashing of forwards Brad McHugh and Alec Douglas. Great performances in the backs by Isaac Bainivalu and speedster Paul Murphy. All credit to the youthful Abby side who played a determined game and scored two tries at the end to finish off the game.
In the premier division Burnaby were looking to get a big ‘W’ over a game Abby side. Their preparation was short and precise and the boys came out ready to play. With the weather having eased to a light shower the Burnaby men looked to use their pace to their advantage.
The game started with a kick off.
Burnaby took the ball on in the forwards, impeccable on the day, and drove it up the sideline. Mr. Rolls elected to play a kicking game, putting the Abby back three under pressure. Abby would countered well, their speedy back three covering the pitch easily. Burnaby’s defense would turned the ball over and commenced an offensive through their forwards, who took the ball into the Abby 22. Mr. Dolesau would finish off the drive with a weaving, Rokocoko-esque run to score under the posts. 7-0 Burnaby.
Abby would respond. After regaining possession of the ball Abby’s centres spearheaded a drive down the centre of the field. Abby’s fast breakdowns forced Burnaby to concede a penalty and Abby turned it into 3 points. 7-3 Burnaby.
The game slowed to standstill as both offenses went on hiatus. De fences tightened up and the muddied pitch gradually ground the offensive gears. Burnaby would spot a hole but the pitch didn’t allow any breakaways. Abby would find gaps through Ryan McWhinney’s lines. Burnaby was first to break the lull with the powerful running of the Riddler. The backs kicked into gear and linked up to score a nice try in the corner. 12-3 Burnaby.
Abby would have a chance at another three points but would miss the shot.
Burnaby’s offense slowly gaining momentum would spend the rest of the half taxing the Abby defense. But Burnaby would come up empty handed and the half ended 12-3 Burnaby.
The second half saw the sun stop by to say hello.
Burnaby would take to the offensive early through powerful running in the centres. The hit-ups were followed by forward phases that beat Abby around the corners of the ruck. Abby would concede a yellow card penalty and Burnaby would use this advantage in the forwards to dominate the set piece. Burnaby went to work slowly making their way up the field through numerous phases of running rugby. Burnaby would get near the line, but would turn the ball over and Abby would clear. With the sin binned player set to come onto the field, Burnaby executed one final strike play sending Esava Nakulanisa through a gap and in for a try. 19-3 Burnaby.
Abby were not about to fold. Showing determination and poise Abby went to work catching Burnaby off guard. They slowly ground up space and pushed into the Burnaby 22. Burnaby were slow at the breakdown and were penalized for their transgressions. Abbys scrum-half darted into a gap, and then took on two defenders to dive over for a try, conversion missed. 19-8 Burnaby.
Burnaby and Abby would struggle for the next score. One instance saw Burnaby’s Plums and Esava break through the centre of the field with one to beat, but Abby’s fullback gambled and won picking off the scoring pass. But Burnaby would gain the upper hand when a centre crash sent Esava Nakulanisa in for his second of the day, earning Burnaby a valuable bonus point. 26-10
Abby showed a resurgence and finish off the scoring and the game with a try at the final whistle. Final score Burnaby 26, Abby 13.
Thank you to Abbotsford RFC for hosting all three men’s divisions, thanks also to the match officials on the day. A big thanks to our supporters who were smart enough to bring two giant tents!
On another Note. Burnaby Lake Mini Jamboree a Success!
Congratulations to the BLRC Mini Program who hosted their own Mini Jamboree this weekend. An estimated 200 kids from clubs all over Metro Vancouver and beyond showed up to have some fun. A great time was had by the BBQ crew lead by the Legendary Tom House (Ketchup Guy), aided by Club Captain Mike Gough (Ketchup Assist/Mustard), President Mike Devlin (Til and Juice boxes) and the terrible twosome of Angus Fisher and Anthony Luca (Wieners).
Thanks also to the parents who set up the field. The coaches Rain, Dan, Mike and Lauren…and William =) And an especially big thanks to the Magnificent Krystal Steele who put it all together!
Burnaby’s grade 1s are looking on form to run around and not know what they’re doing. And the Grade 4s are getting better at stringing two passes together.
Cheers everyone!
www.burnabylakerugbyclub.com
