Saturday April 16th the third division and premier men were in action while the firsts had a bye the first week of their playoffs. The Third div men lost a thrilling 19-13 encounter to the Kats at the BLRC. The premiers would bow out of the premiership playoffs with a 35-18 loss to the Ravens.
In the third division the boys lost a close game that determined first overall in league standings. The Kats brought a determined side to the match. For the BLRC Matt Campbell scored 1 try. Nolan Shelley would notch 2 penalties and a convert.
In the premier game BLRC started strong scoring in the opening minutes with Joe Dolesau scoring in a boggy left corner. Try converted by James Gough. 7-0 Burnaby. The Ravens would respond with a chip and chase try to tie the game ten minutes later. Burnaby would then gain the upper hand with a penalty. 10-7 Burnaby. The Ravens Fairhurst would tie the game up shortly thereafter. The Ravens managed to score a try just before the half to take a 15-10 lead into the half.
In the second half the Ravens started off by kicking a penalty to increase their lead 18-10. Using the wind they pinned Burnaby in their own end where Burnaby were sin binned for an infringement on the five metre line and the Ravens managed to score a converted try to pull away 25-10. Burnaby were able to reduce the deficit with 3 points by James Gough. But the Ravens responded well scoring a try in the corner to pull further ahead 30-13.
After a Burnaby offensive a break in the play resulted in a little bit of a melee. Four forwards, two from either side were sent off. The Ravens quickly scored off the ensuing set piece to bring the score to 35-13.
Burnaby would manage to score a try through Esava Nakulanisa who bashed his way to a try near the end of the game. The game would end 35-18.
Congratulations to the Ravens on a hard fought victory. Thanks to all the great support and to the match officials on the day.
While the premier men are out, all the other senior teams are in preparations for their playoffs.
On April 30th the third div. men, first div. men, and premier women all have games at the BLRC. Come and show your support!
