Weekend Results: CW Muzzle Bays; Lakers Steamroll Ravens; Caps Plunder Vikes; Rowers Paddle Lomas
First of all congratulations to all the teams that played their games today, there were some lower division games postponed but all the Premier games went ahead. Good to show the rest of Canada that BC doesnt come to a stop with a little snow.
Castaway Wanderers 24 @ James Bay 15
The game proceeded according to script with the larger and more experienced CW tight five controlling the set pieces. Their dominance in this area was very clear. The only time they gave up a penalty in the scrum was when they pushed too early. They won a few penalties by overpowering the JBAA pack and from that dominance the platform was set. No matter how good the backs are, if they don’t get go forward ball and are starved of quality possession, it will be a long day at the office. Even though the CW forwards definitely were the engine room driving this victory, the CW backs proved they were a match for their JBAA counterparts. We would have given the MVP hoodie to the tight five if we had enough of them but it was our man of the match, Keenan Horton, who put the Tricolors over the try line to start the scoreboard ticking. There were a few outstanding performances from CW, among them Ciaran Hearn who outshone his fellow national team players in the backline. It was a total team effort and difficult to select just one player but Horton outplayed his more illustrious counterparts on the wing and dotted down for both CW tries. After the first try, Hearn just kept slotting penalties created by the dominance of the CW pack. It went 8-0, 11-0, 14-0, the half ending at 21-10. CW slotted one more penalty to make it 24-10 and then the Bays blocked a kick to finish it off at 24-15. If CW can keep this tight 5 together for the rest of the season then they will be a force to be reckoned with. CW jump up to 18 points but still remain in 6th place. The Bays remain in 2nd with 26 points but Burnaby are pulling away from them at the top. CW host Rowers and Bays visit Ravens next weekend.
PREGAME
This should be an epic battle, one team with the national team tight five, the other team with the national team backline. It’s not quite that black and white but that’s the appearance at first glance. CW put out for their tight five Andrew Tiedemann, Jake Ilnicki, Hubert Buydens, Jon Phelan all current national team players. The other front row is John Braddock a Scottish Kiwi import [John’s Dad set the record straight, 7th generation Kiwi with Scottish roots] who is very mobile for a prop. Interesting that Buydens is listed as a second row starter? There’s going to be a lot of go forward for CW in the scrum with four props, I’m predicting they win that battle. They also have Ciaran Hearn back from 7s duty in the centres and former national #10 Ander Monro orchestrating the backline. It’s the best lineup CW have put out this year. Even Canada U20 prop, Djustice Sears-Duru, can’t break the Prem lineup and starts on the 2nd team. The James Bay lineup doesn’t look too shabby either. They’re missing the two USA Eagles in the tight five, pity that would have been even more epic, but their backline looks strong. Patrick Parfrey from the Rock gets his first start for the Bays at #10 going against the veteran Monro. The centre pairing of Blevins and Braid could be a future national team combination. Clayton Meeres, Jordan Wilson-Ross and Sean White round out the backline. I think you throw out the form guide on this one as these are two unique lineups, especially the CW one. The obvious scenario is CW controls the scrum, therefore that gives them an edge in possession and key turnover ball. A quick #8 pickup for the Bays with Taylor Dalziel will be key and brother Spencer Dalziel at #9 has lot of experience to manage a volatile scrum. The Bays may surprise in that area, it’s a wait and see scenario. Once the ball gets out wide I’ll give the edge to the Bays, but not by much. The loose forwards may be the tipping factor in the game, no senior national team players there but the Bays’ Jack Smith is a Canada U20 player. There’s lots of small battles to watch in this game, a must see for Island rugby fans. Have to go with Bays at home though, always get stung when I bet against them at MacDonald Park. Prediction: Bays by 2.
JAMES BAY
1.Noah Barker
2.Sterling Vidalin
3.Blake VanHeyningen
4 Jim Degoede
5.Vince Herlaar
6.Jack Smith
7. Rain Slavica
8. Taylor Dalziel
9.Spencer Dalziel
10. Patrick Parfrey
11. Clayton Meeres
12. Nick Blevins
13.Connor Braid
14.Jordan Wilson Ross
15. Sean White
CASTAWAY WANDERERS
1. John Braddock
2. Andrew Tiedemann (c)
3. Jake Ilnicki
4. Hubert Buydens
5. Jon Phelan
6. Riley Ilnicki
7. Miles Dingwall
8. Gord Kehoe
9. Riley Macpherson
10. Ander Monro
11. Keenan Horton
12. Matt Buckley
13. Ciaran Hearn
14. Jonny Morris
15. Chad Northcott
16. Doug Middleton
17. Keelan Chapman
18. Clayton Daum
19. Justin Conway
20. Graham Dodds
21. Jordan Henderson
22. Joe van Heerden
Burnaby Lake 29 @ UBCOB Ravens 5
No surprise as Burnaby keep rolling along and look a sure bet to finish top of the league with 6 games remaining. They jump up to 35 points, 9 points clear of second place James Bay. Ravens fall to 5th place and out of the last playoff spot as Capilano now own that. Try scorers for Burnaby were Dolesau, Cejvanovic, Gotegote and Mackay. Burnaby host the struggling Vikes next weekend while the Ravens host the Bays.
PREGAME
The Ravens ran into a hot James Bay team last week and were dominated. Burnaby will be measuring themselves against that result. Burnaby have been untouchable this season and sit on top of the standings with their only loss coming at the hands of the Capilano. They have Jeke Gotegote back and teamed up with Joe Dolesau they prove to be a devastating centre pairing. They have a strong forward pack and their lineup is normally consistent, there’s no need to consult the tea leaves to see who will be in town on any given weekend. You won’t see their lineup studded with national team players but there are several players on their squad that deserve a better look from the national team selectors. The Ravens may have Conor Trainor back in the lineup as some 7s players are being released for XVs action this weekend. A centre matchup against Dolesau and Gotegote is one worth watching if that’s the case. The Ravens have a solid forward pack as well. I think Burnaby have too many weapons throughout their lineup and play with a confidence that breeds consistency. Prediction: Burnaby by 8.
BURNABY LAKE
1 Anthony Luca – Capt
2 Andrew Lackner
3 Ryan Ackerman
4 Gurvinder Kalar
5 Mike Gough
6 Kyle Wizniewski
7 Gareth Morrey Jones
8 Admir Cejvanovic
9 Cody Rockson
10 Geoff Ryan
11 Evan Thomas
12 Jeke Gotegote
13 Joe Dolesau
14 Matt Alexander
15 Cole Mcqueen
UVic Vikes 19 @ Capilano 35
For a team that was averaging less than 20 points a game, this was a good offensive effort from the men of the North Shore. More proof that a strong forwards game is necessary to get a winning result. The Vikes had speedsters like Sean Duke in the backs but the Caps had the forwards to control the game and dictate its pace and ultimately its result. The Vikes have lost 4 in a row and even though they’re tied with the Caps at 22 points for 3rd/4th they are a team on descent while Caps are on the rise and the Ravens and CW press to close the gap. The Vikes travel to Burnaby next weekend – it doesn’t get easier for them – while the Caps host the winless Lomas.
PREGAME
The Caps are a strange team this year, they’ve defeated the top two squads Burnaby and James Bay but lost some easy games to lower ranked teams. They play a physical, no retreat, style of game that strangles the life out of their opponents attacking game. They held Burnaby to 3 points and James Bay to 7, those teams average about 30 points a game. Caps don’t score a lot but their defensive structure is sound and often their opponents score less. With recent rains the field will likely be mucky which would favour the Caps game style. The Vikes are on a 3 game losing streak, they have a lot of youth and haven’t been able to lift themselves out of the rut they find themselves in. If they can solve the Caps stingy defence they have the horses to run all day. Sean Duke is back in the lineup from the 7s program, we’ll see if that makes a difference or if he gets much ball out wide. I have to think the Caps know what works for them and will control the game, lots of action close to the rucks, keep possession, spin it wide only when the outside defenders have been drawn in. Prediction: Caps by 5.
CAPILANO
1-Jesse Ryan
2-Clayton Hunter-James
3-Evan Marshall
4-Robbie McCall
5-Taylor Clark (I)
6-Sam Lanigan
7-Gareth Dyer
8-Glen McKinnon ©
9-Chris Robinson
10-Charlie Jones ©A
11-Matt Yanagiya
12-Joel Hulett (I)
13-Adam Zaruba
14-Brady Carpenter
15-Matt Sims (I)
16-Andrew Crandell
17-Craig Rice
18-Mackenzie Mills
19-Mike McDonald
20-Jeff McKinnon
21-Arash Solaimani
22-Bruce Bowman
23-Sam Franklin
Meraloma 10 @ Vancouver Rowing Club 34
I think this is the final nail in the coffin for the Lomas in the Premier league. They sit 13 points away from leaving the relegation zone with only 6 games left. The Rowers are now tied with CW for 6th/7th and only 1 point behind the Ravens in 5th. The interesting race for the remainder of the season will be the race for the final playoff spots. Burnaby have virtually locked up one, the Bays likely another despite today’s result, the Caps look strong for 3rd and the Ravens, Rowers and CW are looking hungry for the 4th spot. The Vikes need to get back into the win column soon to restore their playoff hopes. The Lomas face Caps next weekend while the Rowers travel to CW in a key match.
PREGAME
A very important game for these teams that sit in the bottom two positions in the standings. If Rowers win, I think we can confidently predict the Lomas are going to be relegated. They sit 8 points adrift with only 7 games left, they have to beat the team above them to have a chance. If the Lomas win, then it’s game on for the relegation battle. The Rowers narrowly lost last weekend to a CW team that had brought back a national team tight five, so it bodes well for the strength of their program. The Lomas haven’t shown any spark yet this season, they’ve given up 105 points in the last two games so defence isn’t a forte. Prediction: Rowers by 7.
Around the Leagues
A number of postponements in Division One, actually only two games took place, so kudos to Velox and Port Alberni and UBC and Abbotsford for playing with a dusting of snow on the ground. The results confirmed both Velox (37-19) and UBC (41-7) as top of their respective leagues, Velox on the Island and UBC on the Mainland. Seattle no doubt will be pleased that Langley postponed while their national players are away at camp. Apparently the Cowichan v Nanaimo match could have been played if the venue had been changed to Cowichan, but it didn’t happen.
In the women’s Premier, Burnaby and Velox continue to look the top teams with Velox getting by a tough Capilano side 19-12 and Burnaby dominating the Emerald City Mudhens of Seattle 60-7. They remain the only two undefeated sides in the Premier.
FULL RESULTS
MEN’S LEAGUES
Canadian Direct Insurance Premier League – Sat. February 22nd:
Meraloma 10 – 34(+1) Vancouver Rowing Club
Burnaby Lake 29(+1) – 5 UBCOB Ravens
UVic Vikes 19 – 35(+1) Capilano RFC
Castaway Wanderers 24 – 15 James Bay AA
Ceili’s Cup (First Divisiion) League – Sat. February 22nd:
Meraloma 0 – 54(+1) Vancouver Rowing Club
Burnaby Lake 53(+1) – 10 UBCOB Ravens Rippers
UVic Norsemen 25(+1) – 17 Capilano RFC
Castaway Wanderers 10(+1) – 12 James Bay AA
Okanagan Spring Brewery League One – Sat. February 22nd:
UBC Thunderbirds 41(+1) – 7 Abbotsford RFC
Seattle RFC at Langley RFC POSTPONED – WEATHER
Bayside AA at United Rugby Club POSTPONED – WEATHER
Kamloops Rugby Club at Richmond POSTPONED – WEATHER
Okanagan Spring Brewery League Two – Sat. February 22nd:
UBC 39(+1) – 0 Abbotsford RFC
Seattle RFC at Langley RFC POSTPONED – WEATHER
Bayside AA at United Rugby Club POSTPONED – WEATHER
Kamloops Rugby Club at Richmond POSTPONED – WEATHER
Lower Mainland Third Division – Sat. February 22nd:
POOL A: SFU 22(+1) – 27(+1) Scribes BPs TBC
POOL A: Brit Lions-A 0 – 15 Capilano-A
POOL A: Kelowna at Vancouver Rowing Club POSTPONED – WEATHER
POOL A: Burnaby Lake 19 – 7 Kats
POOL B: UBC 0 – 5 Abbotsford RFC UBC DEFAULT
POOL B: Ridge Meadows 19(+1) – 22 Richmond RFC
POOL B: Brit Lions 0 – 5 Surrey Beavers BRIT LIONS DEFAULT
POOL B: Chilliwack 5 – 53(+1) Capilano-B
Vancouver Island First Division – Sat. February 22nd:
Cowichan at Nanaimo Hornets POSTPONED – WEATHER
Port Alberni 19 – 37(+1) Velox Valhallians
Vancouver Island Third Division:
Sat. Feb 22: Cowichan at Nanaimo Hornets POSTPONED – WEATHER
WOMEN’S LEAGUES
Women’s Adidas Premiership – Sat. February 22nd:
Velox Valkyries 19 – 12(+1) Capilano RFC
Burnaby Lake 60(+1) – 7 Emerald City Mudhens
SFU at Abbotsford RFC POSTPONED – WEATHER
United Rugby Club at Bayside AA POSTPONED – WEATHER
Women’s Division 1/2 – Sat. February 22nd:
SFU-2 0 – 5 Brit Lions SFU DEFAULT
Kamloops Rugby Club at Meraloma POSTPONED – WEATHER
Cowichan at Ridge Meadows NOT REPORTED
Kelowna Crows at United-2 POSTPONED – WEATHER
FULL SCHEDULE
MEN’S LEAGUES
Canadian Direct Insurance Premier League – Sat. February 22nd:
Meraloma at Vancouver Rowing Club (Brockton Oval) 2:45pm
Burnaby Lake at UBCOB Ravens (Jericho Park) 2:45pm
UVic Vikes at Capilano RFC (Klahanie Park) 2:45pm
Castaway Wanderers at James Bay AA (MacDonald Park) 2:45pm
Ceili’s Cup (First Divisiion) League – Sat. February 22nd:
Meraloma at Vancouver Rowing Club (Brockton Oval) 1:00pm
Burnaby Lake at UBCOB Ravens Rippers (Jericho Park) 1:00pm
UVic Norsemen at Capilano RFC (Klahanie Park) 1:00pm
Castaway Wanderers at James Bay AA (MacDonald Park) 1:00pm
Okanagan Spring Brewery League One – Sat. February 22nd:
UBC Thunderbirds at Abbotsford RFC (CFV Exhibition Park) 2:30pm
Seattle RFC at Langley RFC (Crush Crescent) 2:30pm
Bayside AA at United Rugby Club (Coquitlam Town Centre) 2:30pm
Kamloops Rugby Club at Richmond RFC (King George) 2:30pm
Okanagan Spring Brewery League Two – Sat. February 22nd:
UBC at Abbotsford RFC (CFV Exhibition Park) 1:00pm
Seattle RFC at Langley RFC (Crush Crescent) 1:00pm
Bayside AA at United Rugby Club (Coquitlam Town Centre) 1:00pm
Kamloops Rugby Club at Richmond RFC (King George) 1:00pm
Lower Mainland Third Division – Sat. February 22nd:
POOL A: SFU at Scribes (Trout Lake) 1:00pm
POOL A: Brit Lions-A at Capilano-A (Klahanie Park) 11:30am
POOL A: Kelowna at Vancouver Rowing Club (Brockton Oval) 11:30am
POOL A: Burnaby Lake at Kats (Balaclava) 1:00pm
POOL B: UBC at Abbotsford RFC (CFV Exhibition) 11:30am
POOL B: Ridge Meadows at Richmond RFC (King George Park) 11:30am
POOL B: Brit Lions 0 – 5 Surrey Beavers BRIT LIONS DEFAULT
POOL B: Chilliwack at Capilano-B (Klahanie Park) 1:00pm
Vancouver Island First Division – Sat. February 22nd:
Cowichan at Nanaimo Hornets (May Bennett) 2:30pm
Port Alberni at Velox Valhallians (Velox RFC) 1:00pm
Vancouver Island Third Division:
Sat. Feb 22: Cowichan at Nanaimo Hornets (May Bennett) 1:00pm
Sun. Feb 23: James Bay at UVic Saxons (Wallace Field) 1:00pm EXHIBITION
Sun. Feb 23: Velox at Castaway Wanderers (Windsor Park) 1:00pm
WOMEN’S LEAGUES
Women’s Adidas Premiership – Sat. February 22nd:
SFU at Abbotsford RFC (CFV Exhibition Park) 11:30am
Velox Valkyries at Capilano RFC (Klahanie Park) 11:30am
Burnaby Lake at Emerald City Mudhens (Magnuson Park) 11:30am
United Rugby Club at Bayside AA (South Surrey Athl Park) 11:30am
Women’s Division 1/2 – Sat. February 22nd:
SFU-2 0 – 5 Brit Lions SFU DEFAULT
Kamloops Rugby Club at Meraloma (Connaught Park) 11:30am
Cowichan at Ridge Meadows (Thomas Haney) 1:00pm
Kelowna Crows at United-2 (Hume Park) 11:30am
AGE GRADE LEAGUES
Vancouver Island U14 Boys – Sun. February 23rd:
Cowichan at Nanaimo-North Island (May Bennett) 11:30am
Velox at Castaway Wanderers (Windsor Park) 11:30am
Lower Mainland U16 Men – Sun. Feb 23rd:
Capilano-1 at Richmond (King George Park) 12:15pm
Chuckanut at Rowers (Brockton Oval) 12:15pm
Capilano-2 at UBCOB Ravens POSTPONED
Lower Mainland U14 Boys – Sun. Feb 23rd:
Vancouver Rowing Club at Capilano Gold (Klahanie Park) 11:15am
Meraloma-Burnaby at Capilano Black (Connaught Park) 11:15am
Lower Mainland U13 Boys – Sun. Feb 23rd:
Capilano at Meraloma (Connaught Park) 11:45am
Abbotsford at Bayside (South Surrey Athl Park) 11:15am