Saturday April 9th, 2011 Was a great day for rugby at the lake. With the rainy weather deciding to drift further east, the grounds were ready for fast paced rugby. The thirds were at Burnaby Mountain. While boys fought valiantly, they lost a close 17-20 decision to SFU. The firsts continued their win streak notching a 28-19 tally against a game UVic side. The premier side lost by the slimmest of margins, 39-38 in a shootout, to UVic’s Varsity side. They did manage to qualify for the post season with a solid two bonus point performance.
In the third division the boys lost their first game of the spring. Two tries were scored Dave Pankratz snagging one of them, 2 converts and 1 Penalty for Nolan Shelley. Great games were had by Scott “the better” Breadon.
In the first division, the Div 1 men won 28-19 to a young UVic side. With the win Burnaby claim second spot looking ahead to the Div. 1 playoffs. Tries were scored by young Fuku Viklani, Matt Campbell, and one Isaac Bainivalu. Carlos A. Pereira with one convert and four penalties. Good games were had by Cory Turkington, Dan Schinbein and Javier Valle.
In the premier division, the Blue and White came in having had solid preparations during the week. Burnaby were first to receive and elected to clear the ball out of their 22. The first minutes were scoreless as each team played soft defense in the midfield, not allowing any major breaks. Burnaby were first to slice down the sideline when Esava Nakalanaisa and Gareth combined for a nice run before being taken down just short of the try line. UVic recovered and cleared the ball following a huge “bonesaw” tackle by Riordan on his old team mate Mike Gough. Burnaby were unlucky in the opening minutes as knock ons and penalties would stop them short of scoring points. Edvin Sabic for instance took 3 defenders to the line, but knocked the ball on reaching to score. A penalty, sailed just wide of the posts.
UVic however were more precise. Burnaby knock ons were readily snatched up and turned into offense. UVic seemed to be one step ahead in the early going. A clever lineout call by Patrick Riordan lead to a give-and-go score in the corner. At the 20 minute mark, UVic hand built an early 19-0 lead. To spectators it was starting to look like a one way track meet.
The BLRC however, remained composed. The ensuing kick off took a bounce and found its way into Burnaby hands. The ball was spun out wide and Joe Dolesau penetrated deep into Viking territory. The forwards then took the ball on and then a dicing Gareth Marsden came crashing in on the short side for a try. Having regained some momentum, Burnaby again took the kick off and attacked the Vikings defense. This time it was Jeke Gotegote who scored, taking on two defenders and crashing his way over the line. Gough again converted and the BLRC drew closer. 19-14 Vikings.
The half would see no more scoring as each side tightened defenses and resorted to territorial play.
At the start of the second half Burnaby played inspired rugby.The kick off was caught by UVic but Doug Breadon forced a turn over on the covering tackle. The ball was collected by Anthony Luca who bulled his way up the 15 meter line deep into Viking territory. Nate Mantle would do the rest, receiving a pass and crashing over for a score. Gough would coolly slot the conversion. Burnaby took an 21-19 lead.
Sensing the momentum shift in favour of Burnaby, the Vikes veterans quickly stepped into action. The kick off was deep into Burnaby territory, who elected to clear the ball. The Vikes moved the ball up the field using the maul taking a sizable chunk of the field. Spotting a hole in the Burnaby defense the Vikes’ scrum half, Phil Mack, penetrated the backfield. Burnaby’s scramble defense would hold them from scoring but would commit a penalty. The ball was tapped through the mark quickly by Phil Mack and touched down for a converted try. 26-21 UVic.
Burnaby were not going to fold quite so easily and came back with a score to respond. The backs executed a clever play to the center of the field where Josh Rolls recieved the ball with only the fulback to beat, a clever tick tack toe through the hands saw the ball into the hands of Joe Dolesau who side stepped and scored to the crowd’s delight. Try converted, 28-26 Burnaby. The Vikes would respond. A Vikes attacking phase was slowed by a Burnaby defender and Nathan Hirayama split the uprights for 3 to take the lead 29-28 UVic. Burnaby would slot a penalty of their own, taking a slim lead with fifteen minutes left in the game. 31-28 Burnaby.
UVic would answer with back to back tries from their speedy back line. 39-31 UVic. With the game in the Vikes favour, Burnaby mounted another offensive, a tight defense turned the ball over in the midfield. The BLRC backs handled out wide and then found inside support. The ball ended up in the hands of Gough who would not be stopped as he carried 2 defenders over the line to score. He converted the try to draw Burnaby within a point. 39-38 Vikings.
At the ensuing kick off, Burnaby handled the ball in the mid field before the backs found space out wide. Electing to kick the ball down the field, the Vikes gathered the ball and counter attacked. Burnaby would commit a penalty giving the Vikes the opportunity to clear the ball and seal the victory.
A hard fought battle which tested the mettle of both squads. Outstanding games were played for UVic by local boy Pat Riordan, Nate Hirayama, Phil Mack & the always dangerous Sean Duke. For BLRC local boys Doug Breadon & Anthony Luca got through a tremendous amount of hard graft & Ryan Ackerman continued to show the improvements he has made to his game & that the hard work is paying off. Despite the loss, Burnaby managed to gather two valuable bonus points that landed them in sixth place. Now the BLRC look to the playoffs where they will face a very tough & experienced Ravens side in a road game
The learned gentlemen of the Burnaby Alumni on the sideline were good enough to comment that this was the best game of club rugby they had witnessed in many a long year.
Thank you to the match day officials. Thanks to the supporters who celebrated BLOBs Day.
Next week the thirds look to rebound at home to the Kats. The firsts have a bye, while the Premier men are in Jericho to take on the Ravens in the Quarter Finals.
