BC Premier Week 3 Lomas Top Caps; CW Blast Westshore; Ravens Soar Past Bays; UBC Edge Vikes – Coastal Cup TWU Fall to Pride: Rosters and Results
Week 3 of the BC Premier kicks off tomorrow. We count at least 7 players in action who are part of the 32 travelling to Spain with the national team, and another 3 who are in the non-travelling reserves. There are 3 undefeated teams to date Lomas, Pride and Burnaby. Burnaby have a bye this week and the Pride play in a Coastal Cup match this week.
Meraloma 48 v Capilano 7 @ 14:30
Referee: David Smortchevsky AR1: Dan Cvitanovich AR2: Mark Abercrombie
Venue: Connaught Park
The Lomas continue to roll and go to 3-0 and are tied at the top of the standings with the Pacific Pride with 15 points. The Caps are in 9th at 0-3 and 1 point. Next week the Lomas host UBC and the Caps host Westshore.
PREGAME
The first teams to have their rosters published this week. The 2-0 Lomas hosting the 0-2 Caps.
I caught the Lomas in action last week and was impressed with their Welsh wing Dewi Williams and NZ fullback Louis Whellan. Dewi’s sister plays for the Wales national team. The players of the match selected by the team were their #10 Monty Weatherall and Giovanni Guizzetti in the forwards. All four players mentioned are back in action this week. Finton O’Sullivan comes into the second row and there’s some shuffling from reserves to starting roles. We’ve adopted a last week/this week format in the rosters below, so readers can compare roster changes.
The Caps are looking for their first win and have a new head coach for the rest of the season, Neil Courtney, best wishes to him for the season ahead. Jason DeFreitas moves from openside to hooker, Logan Weidner starts at blindside flanker and Flynn Heyes at openside. Cam Perrin comes into the roster at fullback. Veterans Chris Robinson and Glenn McKinnon look to make an impact off the bench.
It’s difficult not to make the undefeated, home team the favourite in this one.
Prediction: Meraloma by 6.
Meraloma
1 Mark Rickard / Geoff Brooks
2 Scott Bowers / Mark Rickard
3 Conor Turley
4 Brian Hayden / Finton O’Sullivan
5 Giovanni Guizzetti / Brian Hayden
6 Gil Cann-Vaana / Giovanni Guizzetti
7 Ethan Jaques
8 Jalan Farris
9 Pete Hurst / Trent Ormsby
10 Monty Weatherall
11 Dewi Williams
12 Joe Thomas
13 Conrad Kuita / Jad Hamade
14 Keith Graham / Conrad Kuita
15 Louis Whellan
16 Max Graham-Shoad / Gil Cann-Vaana
17 Geoff Brooks / Connor O’Flaherty
18 TBC / Scott Bowers
19 Aaron Hickey / John Willis
20 Ollie Branigan / Evan Galvin
21 Trent Ormsby / Pete Hurst
22 Jad Hamade / James McTurk
23 TBC / Keith Graham
Capilano
1 James Ritzema
2 Ethan McCarthy / Jason DeFreitas
3 Mackenzie Mills / Jesse Ryan
4 Nick Pearce
5 Armin Teimoori
6 Flynn Heyes / Logan Weidner
7 Jason DeFreitas / Flynn Heyes
8 Reid Brookes
9 Chris Robinson / Brandon Power
10 Mike Moloney
11 Matt Nicol / Josh Wang
12 Johnny Franklin (C)
13 Cam Waddell
14 Mahyar Hosseini
15 Josh Wang / Cam Perrin
16 Keita Dueck / Ethan McCarthy
17 Jesse Ryan / Mackenzie Mills
18 Joe Britt / Andrew Paton
19 Sam Eifler / Tyler Wong
20 TBD / Glen McKinnon
21 Brandon Power / Chris Robinson
22 Ben Cameron
23 Casey Paddock / Sam Franklin
UBC 31 v University Of Victoria 25 @ 14:30
Referee: Bradley Schwalger AR1: Kristine Lovatt AR2: Rachel Morrison
Venue: UBC- Gerald McGavin Centre
UBC pulled out the win and with the +6 margin take home the Wightman Boot trophy. We’ll have to wait for the University ranking poll but there’s a good chance they’ll be ranked #1 again. Next week UBC visit the Lomas and the Vikes visit CW. UBC sit in 7th place with 6 points, the Vikes are in 6th place with 7 points.
PREGAME
There has been a turn around in the national university rankings with UVic on top and UBC 2nd after UVic’s defeat of UBC two weeks ago. That match didn’t count towards the BC Premier, it was listed as a Coastal Cup match, it did affect university rankings and it was round one of the Wightman Boot, the home and away series between the teams.
UVic had a convincing win against Capilano last week in the BC Premier and they’ve made a few changes from that roster. Only loosehead prop Brent Hamberg retains his starting role, the second row is also rotated with Merlin M’Cloud out and Muiredach Casey in. The loose forwards remain the same, the halfbacks are changed with the Gamage brothers starting. Ethan Smith comes in to take the fullback role.
UBC lost to the Ravens last week, they’ve only made a few changes. Raymond Chou comes off the bench to start at loosehead prop, Callum Arnesen comes into the roster at openside flanker. Stephen Webb rotates into the starting scrum half role, and Alastair Marshall comes back into the roster on the wing.
UBC will be keen to make up that 5 point deficit in the Wightman Boot and also reclaim that #1 spot in the university rankings. It was a 5 point match at UVic, will home field make the difference for the T-Birds? UBC have a history of improving as the season progresses.
Prediction: UBC by 2.
UVic
1 Brent Hamberg
2 Jack Marshall / Jordy Auger
3 Phoenix Moller / Owen Kokan
4 Merlin M’Cloud / Muiredach Casey
5 Alex Gordon / Brendan Kim
6 Tucker Nadeau
7 Henry Down
8 Jaxson Jones
9 Ethan Smith / Chris Gamage
10 Rhys Patterson / Alex Gamage
11 Graeme Norris / Lockhart MacGregor
12 Andrew Easson
13 Shane Rikley-Krindle
14 Morgan Di Nardo
15 Dylan Cleaver / Ethan Smith
16 Jordy Auger / Jack Marshall
17 Nic Willey / Phoenix Moller
18 Owen Kokan / Nic Willey
19 Brendan Kim / Alex Gordon
20 Ryder Heaney-Corns
21 Chris Gamage / Graeme Norris
22 Lockhart MacGregor / Dylan Cleaver
23 Marcus Lott
UBC
1 Koen Buckingham / Raymond Chou
2 Jacob Bossi
3 Payton Teneycke
4 Izzak Kelly / Hillyard Carson
5 Hillyard Carson / Izzak Kelly
6 Sol Jacques
7 Callum Brown / Callum Arnesen
8 Relmu Wilson-Valdes
9 Jacob Bourne / Stephen Webb
10 James Biss
11 Jared Andrews Almack
12 Kieran Martin
13 Talon McMullin
14 Niko Andrianos / Alastair Marshall
15 Takoda McMullin
16 Emmet Allen
17 Raymond Chou / Koen Buckingham
18 Graham Francolini / Akihito Yoshida
19 Joe McNulty / Sandon Gupta
20 Sandon Gupta / Joe McNulty
21 Stephen Webb / Niko Andrianos
22 Caleb Seumanutafa / Jacob Bourne
23 Brady Reeleder / Dillion Hamilton
Castaway Wanderers 57 v Westshore 12 @ 14:30
Referee: Cole Pedrick AR1: Andrew Owen AR2: Olivia Ross
Venue: Windsor Park
The only prediction we got wrong this week, we thought Westshore might get their first Premier win in a long time, last season they were winless. It wasn’t even close. Reports from the field indicate Gradyn Bowd was a key factor and linked well with Josiah Morra, a few cross kicks from the maestro found their mark out wide early and it was 31-0 at the half and game over. The comment from the field was, “CW was ready and new what to expect” so kudos to coach Ken Goodland and staff in their match preparation. CW go to 3rd place with 10 points and are tied with the Ravens. Westshore are in 8th place with the 2 bonus points from last weekend. Next weekend CW host UVic and Westshore visit Capilano.
PREGAME
These teams met in the preseason and it was a +11 for Westshore. Last week Westshore lost a narrow one to the Lomas while CW struggled in a loss against the Pacific Pride.
CW are missing John Braddock and Gavin Kratz starts at loosehead prop, Antonio Corbin gets the start at hooker. Nick Carson is missing this week and veteran Gord Kehoe returns to the roster. Gradyn Bowd is back which is a huge boost to the side, also Josiah Morra gets the start on the wing. Ollie Nott is also back in the roster at inside centre. Nik Hildebrand is on the bench as reserve prop.
Westshore have Matt Oworu and Emerson Prior in the reserves. Admir Cejvanovic is listed at #18, a prop debut for the former loose forward? Brian Waraba switches places with Matt Evans and starts at blindside flanker. Jeff Oluoch moves from the wing to inside centre.
It has been a long time since Westshore had a win in BC Premier but this could be the week. Was the preseason match a precursor or will the Gradyn Bowd factor be a trump card.
Prediction: Westshore by 3.
CW
1 John Braddock / Gavin Kratz
2 Jace Peters / Antonio Corbin
3 Denver Fatt
4 Nat Dring
5 Tom Davidson
6 Mike Finnemore / Gord Kehoe
7 Steve Pyke
8 Nick Carson / Mike Finnemore
9 Keegan Hall / Zech Pilgrim
10 Zech Pilgrim / Gradyn Bowd
11 Gabriel Smith / Josiah Morra
12 Matt Sutherland / Ollie Nott
13 Sion Griffiths
14 Hugh Mager / James Mitchell
15 Jack Shaw
16 Antonio Corbin / Jace Peters
17 Gavin Kratz / Chris Carson
18 Conor McKenzie / Nik Hildebrand
19 Ayo Ogunlabe / Conor McKenzie
20 Jack Wallace
21 Marshall Stove / Matt Sutherland
22 Josiah Morra / Gabriel Smith
23 Will Nemeth / Hugh Mager
Westshore
1 Justin Tasse
2 Brian Waraba / Matt Evans
3 Kane Perrett
4 Matt Weir
5 Nathan Groenewold
6 Matt Evans / Brian Waraba
7 Tom Heuser
8 Alvin Otieno
9 Yuya Kimura
10 Johnstone Olindi
11 Nelson Oyoo / Darian Morrison
12 Darian Morrison / Jeff Oluoch
13 Braedan Bespalko
14 Jeff Oluoch / Alex Mentiply
15 Jacob Brown
16 Simeon John / Emerson Prior
17 Harrison Langi
18 Parker Smith / Admir Cejvanovic
19 Quinn Baak / Witt Nevins
20 Admir Cejvanovic / Matt Oworu
21 Liam Clark / Mitch Nuie
22 Seth Recalma / Liam Clark
23 Alex Mentiply / Nelson Oyoo
UBCOB Ravens 57 v James Bay AA 19 @ 14:30
Referee: Nathaniel Hight AR1: Lance Davison AR2: John Hight
Venue: Jericho Beach Park
A dominant win by the Ravens despite some reinforcements in the Bays backline. Next week the Ravens host Burnaby Lake while the Bays host the Pacific Pride. The Ravens are tied with CW for 3rd both teams with 2-1 records, the Bays are in 10th place with 0 points.
PREGAME
The 1-1 Ravens host the 0-2 Bays. The Ravens took care of UBC last week while the Bays lost to Burnaby.
The Bays have super sized their backline this week with the addition of Ciaran Breen, Josh Thiel and D’Shawn Bowen. Crosby Stewart moves from his usual scrum half position to get his first start at flyhalf. Sam Reimer joins the side at scrum half.
The Ravens have no changes in the backline that features Aaron McLelland at #10, Harjun Gill at inside centre and Andrew Coe at outside centre. A couple of new loose forwards enter the roster Aga Ligamy at blindside and Taiyo Minami at openside. Missing are David O’Donoghue and Grant Crowell.
Normally Ravens would be clear favourites but with the boosted Bays backline, it introduces some doubt. Also David O’Donoghue usually captains the side so his absence could be a factor. Still have to go on current form.
Prediction: Ravens by 2.
Ravens
1 Yo Hasegawa
2 Jesse Mackail / Josh Tweed
3 Kaleb Whitelaw
4 Frank Carson / Matthew Chan
5 Don Carson
6 Matthew Chan / Aga Ligamy
7 David O’Donoghue / Taiyo Minami
8 Grant Crowell / Joe Locke
9 Billy Wickham
10 Aaron McLelland
11 Tsugunosuke Hirai
12 Harjun Gill
13 Andrew Coe
14 Cole Keffer
15 Nicholas Blain
16 Riku Conrad / Billy Hornaday
17 Josh Tweed / Tom Kaijaks
18 Armin Gurdic / Christian Tasi
19 Joe Locke / Jayden Gesche
20 Henry Bibby
21 Jack Scher / Bryan Tyrer
22 David Thompson
23 TBC
JBAA
1) Andrew McPherson / Dakota Lachance
2) Wyatt Pilz
3) Kyle Steeves / Andrew McPherson
4) Dakota Lachance / Jack MacIntosh
5) Jack MacIntosh / Asfi Saeed
6) Jeremiah Gonevou
7) Tyler Grom
8) Tom Richardson
9) Crosby Stewart / Sam Reimer
10) Mike Newenheusen / Crosby Stewart
11) Jack McCarthy / D’Shawn Bowen
12) Mostyn Findlay / Josh Thiel
13) Tom Burton / Ciaran Breen
14) Joeli Gonevou
15) Keegan Neary / Tom Burton
16) Toby Ng
17) Tajoniel Forbes
18) Travis Best / Kerry Park
19) Jake Slobodian / Travis Best
20) Nicky Mouret / Mike Newenheusen
21) Malik James / Ryan Boothroyd
22) Craig Mitchell-Herman / Malik James
23) Kai Khan / Nicky Mouret
Coastal Cup
Pacific Pride 31 v TWU 17 @ 15:00
Referee: Julianne Zussman AR1: Morgan Davidson AR2: Martin Thornton
Venue: Cowichan
A close game, we said Pride +12 and it was a +14 win, TWU will be somewhat buoyed by that result with the University championship coming up. TWU aren’t in the Premier, they probably should be. The Pride resume Premier action next weekend against James Bay.
PREGAME
The Pride have already claimed the Coastal Cup and that will be presented after the match.
The Pride have made a number of changes from last week, bringing players in and rotating players. Tyler Matchem is back at tighthead, Matt Klimchuk moves from #8 to openside and Charles Taimani starts at #8. Ben Logan gets the start at scrum half this week and Liam Poulton and James Thiel form a new centre pairing.
TWU have some changes from last week, Grayson Hardie comes in at tighthead, Sam Tsoi at openside and Genardo Gandolfo at #8. The halfback pairing of Lourens and Marengo remains the same, Guiseppe du Toit returns to the roster at inside centre. The only backline player to retain their starting role is Matthew Willemse at fullback.
The Pride haven’t lost yet this season, TWU haven’t won yet.
Prediction: Pride by 12.
Pride
1 Sam Miller
2 Sam Mace / Austin Creighton
3 Tyler Rowland / Tyler Matchem
4 Jaiden John / Karl Hunger
5 Karl Hunger / Jaiden John
6 Braden Bruce / Alistair Bruce
7 Ben James / Matt Klimchuk
8 Matt Klimchuk / Charles Taimani
9 Jesse Kilgour / Ben Logan
10 Mark Balaski
11 AJ Kosemple / Ian Jones
12 Noah Flesch / Liam Poulton
13 Liam Poulton / James Thiel
14 Ian Jones / Rhys James
15 James Thiel / Jack East
16 Austin Creighton / Sam Mace
17 Theo Espagnol
18 Spencer Cooper
19 Alistair Bruce / Noah Kyneston
20 Reid Davis / AJ Kosemple
21 Paddy Kirwan / Jesse Kilgour
22 Kyle Tremblay / Tyler Buchanan
23 Rhys James / Tyler Driscol
TWU
1 Ben Tindall / Ben Graci
2 Joseph Goroza
3 Tim Zimmer / Grayson Hardie
4 Leo Chen / Martin Zubiri
5 Martin Zubiri / Josh Halladay
6 Caleb Van Til
7 Genaro Gandolfo / Sam Tsoi
8 Nate Schroeder / Genardo Gandolfo
9 Jan Lourens
10 Keegan Marengo
11 Isaiah De Peiza / Josiah Levale
12 Ty Dayton / Guiseppe du Toit
13 Ken Paul / Fynn Murphy
14 Liam Olafsen / Lynden Duggan
15 Matthew Willemse
16 Josh Olafsen / Seth Klassen
17 Dominik Krajsek / Ben Tindall
18 Ben Graci / Tim Zimmer
19 David Wegert / Josh Olafsen
20 Josh Halladay / Kyle Finan
21 Brady Howlett
22 Connor Gibbons / Connor Bernardin
23 Collin Lagat / Liam Olafsen