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| ServiceMaster Clean Weekend Predictions - February 18 2012 |
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Weekend Results: Bays Edge Lomas; Caps Dominate Lakers; Ravens Repel Vikes; CW Blast Abby; Valhallians Stop Seattle; Rowers Paddle Richmond; Sharks Devour Piggies
updated Feb 18 2012
Thanks to David Benoit and ServiceMaster Clean who sponsor our expanded predictions. Visit their website at: www.svmresidential.ca, they offer a number of residential cleaning services in the greater Vancouver area.
Meraloma Rugby Club 10 at James Bay AA 16 (MacDonald Park) 2:30pm
The weather probably had a big part to play in the flow of the game but it wasn't one for the record books. I can't remember seeing so many balls mysteriously disappearing in a ruck and showing up as turnover ball. The Lomas seemed to be masters of the black arts in this game as many times the Bays took the ball into contact, bodies flopped over and the ball would be turned over. It was the sort of slippery conditions where no one was keeping their feet at the ruck and the ref just stopped calling it. The Bays won the battle of attrition but there's not much between these teams and it's a toss up on who will win the return match in Vancouver. It was the boot of Connor Braid who kept the Bays in the lead and our MVP David Moonlight scored their only try. There was a bit of controversy late in the game when the Lomas appeared to have scored a try in the corner but the touch judge ruled the ball had been knocked on.
Andrew Smith writes:
In a defensive standoff that featured just two tries, James Bay (5-1) recorded all of their 16 points in the opening half, eventually defeating Meralomas (1-4-1) by a score of 16-10. Former Canadian international Dave Moonlight scored James Bay's only try, which was converted by Sean White. Canadian Sevens national team player Connor Braid tacked on another nine points with three conversions. The Meralomas (1-4-1) are now 13 points back of the Bays in the standings and will have a tough time chasing down the top four teams. BC senior men's provincial team standout Bryan Tyrer scored all the Lomas' points notching a try, conversion and a penalty. The Lomas will be disappointed with the loss but securing a bonus point could prove crucial, come time for the playoffs.
This should be an excellent matchup now that the Lomas have found their fighting form. They tied CW last weekend which indicates their current strength. The Bays have Sean White and Thyssen De Goede back and Taylor Paris might make a reappearance this season for the Bays. This will be our MVP hoodie selection match this weekend and there’s lots of talent to choose from. I’m going to call this even on current form but give the edge to the Bays on home field. Prediction: Bays by 3.
JAMES BAY
1. Scott Warren
2. JT Rowbotham
3. Russ Ward
4. Luke Tait (carded)
5. Adam Drury
6. Zach Coughlan
7. Thy de Goede
8. Nolan Miles
9. Spence Dalziel
10. Jeff Williams
11. Dan Harlow
12. Hugo Belanger
13. Connor Braid
14. Dave Moonlight
15. Sean White
MERALOMA
1 Mile Racic
2 Alex Boyd
3 Joe Scale
4 Brian Erichsen
5 Pat Service
6 Josh Clarke
7 Aaron Akehurst
8 Lynyrd Hall (I)
9 Eric Wilson - Captain
10 Bryan Tyrer
11 Spencer Whyte
12 Sam Jenkins
13 Brock Staller
14 Charlie Allan
15 Simon Caccioppoli (I)
Andrew Smith from the BCRU writes:
At 1-3-1, the no.5 Meralomas have steadily been climbing the standings during the Spring season and will look to close the gap between them and the top four teams. After a dismal Fall season, the Lomas have gone 1-0-1 since the winter break and last weekend drew 28-28 with reigning Premier League champions Castaway Wanderers. Led by their charismatic captain Eric WIlson and the league's second highest scorer in Bryan Tyrer (48 pts), the perennial contenders appear to have things back on track. The Lomas know what it takes to win in the province's top flight, having made four straight appearances in the Rounsefell Cup final, and last won it all in 2009. The Lomas and reigning Vancouver Island champions James Bay (4-1) have had some historic battles in recent years, including both the 2009 and 2008 provincial finals. The '09 championship game was a ruthless encounter which saw a last minute penalty by Loma's kicker Eric Wilson seal a 11-10 win at UBC's Thunderbird Stadium. The veteran Bays squad are currently tied for top spot in the standings, level at 19 points with Burnaby Lake Rugby Club and Castaway Wanderers. The Bays are fresh off a 31-6 win over UVic last weekend which saw them lift the 2011-2012 Vikes-Bays Challenge Cup. Leading the Bays offensively is Ontario product JT Rowbotham who has four tries and ranks 7th in overall scoring.
Capilano RFC 28 at Burnaby Lake Rugby Club 8 (Burnaby Lake Sports Complex) 2:45pm
A bit of a surprise but then not really. The defence of the Caps apparently stepped up and limited Burnaby to 8 points. The fields this weekend were water logged and I imagine that nullified any high flying backline and probably hurt Burnaby more. Caps are looking like contenders for a spot in the title match, no team has really put their stamp on this competition yet and there are 4 or 5 teams that are still looking like viable contenders. Caps are in 3rd place, 2 behind the leaders CW while Burnaby trail in 4th spot with a game in hand.
Andrew Smith writes:
North Shore outfit Capilano RFC (5-1) avenged their only loss of the season on Saturday, downing Burnaby Lake Rugby Club (4-1) by a score of 28-8. Burnaby had thumped the Caps 25-0 back on January 28th, shocking the reigning Lower Mainland champions. Capilano are on the road next week against Abbotsford, while Burnaby head to the Island to face off against the UVic Vikes.
Another great matchup, Caps are finding their form and will look to get a little revenge for the opening week loss to Burnaby 25-0 at home. Burnaby were idle last week and I’ve heard a few comments already questioning why the Burnaby v Abby game couldn’t go ahead when all other games were full on. I hope there’s not a weekend of “real” inclement weather with postponements or this could get messy. So will the extra week of rest help or hinder Burnaby against the on form Caps. I expect the Caps will start strong and their defence will be the key against some high flyers in the Burnaby backline. It definitely will be closer than the 25 point spread last meeting. Very tough call but I’m going with the home team by a sliver. Prediction: Burnaby by 1.
BURNABY LAKE
1. Micha Govorchin
2. Preston Petrovitch
3. Scott Mackay
4. Nate Mantle
5. Mike Gough (capt)
6. Aaron Goddard
7. Doug Breadon
8. Admir Cejvanovic
9. Geoff Ryan (i)
10. Adam Martin
11. Giuseppe Laudisio
12. Jeke Gotegote
13. Joe Dolesau (i)
14. Evan Thomas
15. Cole Macqueen
CAPILANO
1-Daniel Fiss
2-Evan Mallory
3-Jesse Ryan
4-Robbie McCall
5-Ron Johnstone
6-Mike Langley
7-Christoph Strubin
8-Glen McKinnon ©A
9-Matt Yanagia
10-Charlie Jones ©
11-Brady Carpenter
12-Nate Rees (i)
13-Akio Tyler
14-Cody Buchamer
15-Gordie Sawers
Andrew Smith from the BCRU writes:
For Lower Mainland rugby fans, Burnaby Lake Sports Complex will play host to one of the top matches in the entire Premier League rugby schedule. These two sides have been battling for top spot in in the region this year. Capilano (4-1) downed Burnaby by a score of 20-11 back in December's Miller Cup Final, but it was Burnaby (4-0) who shocked their bitter rivals on January 28th, blanking Capilano 25-0 at Klahanie Park. For the first time in the series, Capilano are the underdogs and it's Burnaby who have to put their perfect record on the line. Burnaby are fresh off a bye weekend while Capilano are riding high off a 43-8 win over UBCOB Ravens last saturday. Leading the charge for Capilano is former Canada U20 scrum half Matt Yanagiya, who with 52 points leads the entire league in scoring. Ranked third in offensive production is Burnaby's Jeke Gotegote who leads the league in try scoring with nine to his credit. Sparks will fly on Saturday and the winner will take home bragging rights as the top team in the Lower Mainland region.
UVic Vikes 25 at UBCOB Ravens RFC 26 (Jericho Park) 2:45pm
The Vikes are in a funk now, even with Hirayama and Duke back in the lineup they weren't able to secure a win against the Ravens who were one spot above cellar dwelling Abby. It's almost time to say the Vikes, Ravens and Abby are unlikely to contest for the title as only the top four progress to the playoffs. Fairhurst turns out to be the difference slotting a conversion at the whistle.
Leo Fumano writes:
Ravens 26-Uvic 25, Uvic went up early 8-0, then the Ravens scored 19 unanswered points to lead 19-8 early second half, but Hirayama and Duke were dangerous and lead Uvic to 17 unanswered points with minutes remaining, however, the Ravens with a series of at least 10 pick and goes scored with no time left on the clock followed by a very difficult conversion from Ed Fairhurst on his first attempt of the day lifted the Ravens to the last second win.
Andrew Smith writes:
The UBCOB Ravens (2-4) left it late on Saturday to down the UVic Vikes (1-5) by a score of 26-25. Ravens winger Nick Waggott broke through in the final play of the game to score. With no time left on the clock, UVic alumnus and Rugby World Cup standout Ed Fairhurst slotted the conversion to see his side secure the narrow victory. The Vikes come away with two bonus points but continue to slide in the standings, failing to win a match since the winter break. The Ravens are still ten points shy of a playoff berth, and will look to close in on fourth place Burnaby Lake. Next Saturday, the Ravens are at home to Meraloma at Jericho Park.
Vikes haven’t had the results so far this spring but with a lull in the 7s action they may get Duke and Hirayama back. We’ll post rosters when we get them. Ed Fairhurst was back in action last weekend for the Ravens but that still didn’t help the Ravens pull off the W against the Caps. Both teams with only one win out of 5 games. If Vikes have their 7s players suited up I’ll give them the edge even though the Ravens are at home. Prediction: Vikes by 3.
UVIC VIKES
1. Callum Busfield
2. Jake Ilnicki
3. Casey Cavers
4. Shea Wakefield
5. Brett Beukeboom
6. Liam Murray
7. Struan Robertson
8. Nathan Stewart
9. Tony La Carte
10. Nathan Hirayama
11. Remi Anctil
12. Sean Duke
13. Beau Parker
14. Willem du Plessis
15. Kane Wyatt
UBCOB RAVENS
1. Garrett Garbe
2. Jimmy Yeganegi
3. Pat Dessaulles
4. Mike Burak
5. Kyle Wisniewzski
6. Ian Manly
7. Nick Waggot
8. Tom McKeen
9. Ed Fairhurst
10. Ben Thomson
11. Alan Benckysuen
12. Benz Henrikson
13. Neil Adamson
14. Tristan Elliot
15. Dan Wainwright
Andrew Smith from the BCRU writes:
Both the no. 6 Vikes (1-4) and no. 7 UBCOB Ravens (1-4) have struggled in the top flight this season, surprisingly after both sides advanced to the 2011 Premier League semifinals. The Vikes have been without their Canadian national sevens players Nathan Hirayama and Sean Duke who could give them the edge this weekend. The Vikes offensive output has been led by Canada U20 and Cowichan product Pat Kay who ranks fourth overall with 28 points. Dan Wainwright has been a bright spot for the Ravens ranking sixth overall with 22 points. The Ravens offence currently ranks last overall averaging just 10 ppg.
Abbotsford RFC 14 at Castaway Wanderers RFC 36 (Windsor Park) 2:45pm
This looked like Abby's strongest lineup to date with Chris Pack and Brodie Henderson of Bayside suiting up for the Fraser Valley team. I ended up being within a few points on the prediction though. This wasn't even CW's strongest lineup so I think CW have to be early favourites to repeat as Prem champs but a lot of rugby to play between now and May. Their match against James Bay next weekend will be a true test of their potential.
CW RFC: 36
Tries: Toby Peyton; Ken Goodland; Kyle Armstrong; Mike Scholz (2); Mike Pletch
Converts: Paul Buckley (3)
Penalties:
Abbotsford: 14
Tries: Brodie Henderson; Some Mosogau
Converts: Chris Pack (2)
Andrew Smith writes:
The Castaway Wanderers (4-1-1) went top of the table with an eight six try victory over Abbotsford RFC (0-5), downing the Fraser Valley outfit 36-17. CW speedster Mike Scholz marked his return from national team duty with the Canadian sevens team with an impressive two try performance. Tries were also notched by Toby Peyton, Ken Goodland, Kyle Armstrong, Mike Pletch, Johnny Morris and Pita Savea. Paul Buckley kicked three converts for CW. Brodie Henderson and Some Mosegau both recorded tries for Abbotsford and both scores were converted by Chris Pack. CW will look to hold down top spot next week when they host cross-town rivals James Bay in the 2012 Battle of the Bays at Windsor Park.
This matchup has all the makings of one way traffic unfortunately for the visiting Abbotsford team. CW with so much talent they may not be able to fit them all in the Prem roster with the 3 carded player limit. CW held to a draw last weekend but if the 7s players like Dala, Hearn and Scholz suit up it could be a long afternoon for the visitors. Prediction: CW by 18.
ABBOTSFORD
1. Harry Toews
2. Some Mosogau
3. Ryan March
4. Aaron Flagg
5. Matts Batryn
6. Konrad Rybkowski
7. Jared Douglas
8. Chris Chalmers
9. Lucas de Beer
10. Sam Evans (i)
11. Graeme MacRury
12. Ryan McWhinney
13. Chris Pack
14. Shea Bourquin
15. Brodie Henderson
CASTAWAY WANDERERS
1. Toby Peyton
2. Mike Pletch
3. Hubert Buydens
4. Clayton Daum
5. Jason Hodge
6. Sam Powell
7. Riley Ilnicki
8. Ken Goodlamd (c)
9. Kyle Armstrong
10. Matt Buckley
11. Fletcher Evans
12. Mike Scholz
13. Pita Savea
14. Jon Morris
15. Paul Buckley
Andrew Smith from the BCRU writes:
The reigning Rounsefell Cup champions Castaway Wanderers (3-1-1) appear to be on course for another run to the cup. Their 29.6 ppg offence ranks second overall and features an arsenal of Canadian national team standouts. Speedster Jonny Morris, a member of the BC senior men's provincial team leads CW in scoring with four tries but it has been the Oak Bay forward pack that continues to provide a steady platform for the attack. CW are skippered by new recruit and UVic grad Andrew Tiedemann, who partners with Rugby World Cup starter Hubert Buydens in the front row. Abbotsford (0-4) are still looking for their first win as they look to assert themselves as a Premier level club. The side has already eclipsed their 2011 season, as they have two bonus points in the standings. A win for the Fraser Valley's only Premier League side is not far off but a young Abby squad will have a tough time this week against the reigning champs.
Seattle 19 at Velox 24 (Velox RFC) 2:30pm
Velox claim their first win of the season against the visiting American team. After scoring only 13 points in two games they were able to almost double that figure today. The win vaults them over winless Richmond into fourth place in the standings table. Bayside and Rowers still proving to be the class of the division.
Velox winless so far this year, it has not been a stellar year for the Saanich based team. Seattle were drubbed by Bayside 91-0 one weekend but came back to defeat winless Richmond the next so it’s difficult to assign a consistent form to the visitors from south of the border, and I assume it’s who’s willing to cross the border that determines the strength of their road team. Velox held Bayside to 22 points last weekend so they should be able to better that figure this weekend. It depends how many they can put on the board as they’ve only scored 13 points in 2 games. It should be a low scoring affair and I’ll give the edge to the hosts. Prediction: Velox by 1.
Richmond 12 at Rowers 18 (Brockton Oval) 2:30pm
Closer than expected, the weather perhaps being the great equalizer. No bonus point for Rowers so they fall into second place behind Bayside. A bonus point loss for Richmond sees them fall to the bottom of the standings with 3 points. Cowichan has 4, Velox 5, Seattle 6, Rowers 14 and Bayside 15.
Richmond are winless and on the road so it’s not looking good for them in this matchup. Rowers and Bayside are the two top teams lining up for a return to the Premiership next year. Rowers with a 2-0 record, an average of 28 points per game against a team that allows an average of 24 points per game. Prediction: Rowers by 14.
Cowichan 5 @ Bayside 36 (South Surrey Athletic Park) 2:30pm
Bayside keep rolling along and they may end the season with no losses as only the Rowers look capable of stopping the Sharks. A bonus point for Bayside sees them at the top of the standings. Next weekend they host the Rowers with a winner take all scenario for top spot.
Cowichan on the road against a team that can score points and needs bonus points to keep abreast of the Rowers. I expect at least a 4 try performance for the home team, Cowichan score an average of 16 points per game. The Piggies will be hard pressed to come away with points on this road trip. Prediction: Bayside by 12.
OTHER SCORES
Ceili's Cup League (Tier 1 First Division) - Sat. February 18th:
Meraloma Rugby Club 0 - 34(+1) James Bay AA
Abbotsford RFC 17(+1) - 24(+1) Castaway Wanderers RFC
Capilano RFC 28(+1) - 10 Burnaby Lake Rugby Club
UVic Norsemen 46(+1) - 0 UBCOB Ravens
Women's Adidas Premiership - Sat. February 18th:
Capilano RFC 0 - 43(+1) Burnaby Lake Rugby Club
Bayside Sharks 0 - 17 United Rugby Club
SFU Rugby 0 - 79(+1) Velox Valkyries
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