Dave Carmichael has written a report on the performance of our U-19 team in their season this past fall…
Although the season record was 2-3-1 and we lost in the playoffs, which certainly are disappointing results, there are many positives for the team and the future of the junior program. Of the starting Fifteen in our last game, with a team hit hard by injury and players unavailable due to family committments, only three were graduating juniors. We had the depth to field a competive, never say die team that came within inches of advancing in the playoffs. Turnouts at practise were good all season long.. This means that there are many returning players for next years squad, which is very promising indeed. In total, seven players have graduated from the junior team, Sean Carmichael, Nick Eyford, Alex Clulow, Shanye McCoy, Matthew George, Gordie Greer and Justin Manaigre.
Alex and Shanye saw their first action for Burnaby 3rds against the Rowing Club in the first game of the second half. Most of the graduates have already shown up for practise on Tuesday and Thursdays at 6:30. Grade 12 players Gareth Morrey-Jones, and Kelly Hirakida have also been spotted at practise along with coach Brian who’s looking fit enough to play for the 1st div.
Brandon McArthur, Matt Campbell, Gareth, Mauro Perrizzolo and Chris Amoroso were all invited to Shanwigan Lake for a BC U18 training camp in December.
In addition Mauro Perrizzlo achieved top honours for club and country, by touring to England with Canada’s U17 team.
The players are either participating with their school rugby or turning up at the club for practise on Tuesday and Thursday, or hopefully both!
The team is also preparing for their Spring Break tour to England with much anticipation.
With the returning players and those graduating from the U16 program this spring, the 2005 season for the Burnaby Lake Rugby Club U19 looks promising indeed.
Cheers,
Dave Carmichael.
