Vancouver Wave Upset UBC Thunderbirds; Pacific Pride Defeat UVic Vikes; Van East Dominate Trinity Western
We’ll add more info as it becomes available but here are the scores from the weekend.
Van East 45 – Trinity Western 11
It was a decisive victory driven by a dominant forward pack. Van East have a bye next week and sit at 1-1. It doesn’t get easier for TWU as they face Vancouver Wave who look to be one of the top teams after their inaugural win over UBC.
Pacific Pride 33 – UVic Vikes 23
An exciting match that was the curtain raiser for Canada v Chile and certainly more entertaining. The Pride now go 2-0 and the Vikes 0-2. The Pride play Vancouver Island Tide next week while the Vikes face old rivals UBC. Scoring for the Pride, Sion Griffiths (2T), Dawson Fatoric (1T), Gabriel Smith (1T), Liam Murray (1T), Mark Balaski (4C).
Photos (44) from the match at nationalrugbynews.com
Vancouver Wave 34 – UBC 22
The Wave have put their mark down as one of the favourites in the competition after defeating UBC. The undefeated teams going into Week 3 are the Pride, Tide and Wave. Vancouver will face TWU next week while UBC host the Vikes.
*Coastal Cup Week 2: Van East @ TWU Spartans, UVic Vikes @ Pacific Pride, Vancouver Wave @ UBC Thunderbirds – Predictions & Rosters*
Week 2 of the Coastal Cup kicks off on Saturday with 3 matchups, the Island Tide have a bye this weekend. Our match predictions and the team rosters are below. Also a preview written up by Mark Janzen is appended.
The following links point to the Thunder Jersey auction (Pride v UVic) and the YouTube channel for the Coastal Cup.
Thunder Jersey Auction
Coastal Cup Live Stream Channel
Van East @ Trinity Western
Willoughby Community Park – Friday 19:00
Van East ran out of steam against the Pride last week after being up four tries, it shouldn’t be a factor this week although the TWU squad under Andy Evans will have his team running for 80 minutes. Van East have switched O’Toole into the second row and moved Catterson to blindside. Other than that the forwards remain the same. In the backline, Neil MacLaine moves from #12 and gets the start at #10 replacing Geoff Ryan. Andrew Porter comes into the side at #12.
For TWU the big change is no Guiseppe du Toit in the lineup, he scored both their tries last week against UBC. He’s on the injured list this week. The big match for TWU now is the one against UVic on October 23 to qualify for the Canadian University Championships. They’ll be looking to fine tune their combinations leading up to that match.
This should be a win for Van East, they’ll have a clear advantage in the forwards and if they put in a 80 minute performance this week, they should reap the rewards. Prediction: Van East by 18.
Van East Rugby
1. Adrian Longbone, Hull, UK, Burnaby Lake Rugby Club
2. James Kelly, Surrey, BC, Burnaby Lake Rugby Club
3. Daniel Cooper, Sunderland, ON, Burnaby Lake Rugby Club
4. Mike OToole (C), Vancouver, Burnaby Lake Rugby Club
5. Reegan OGorman, Vancouver, BC, Austin Gilgronis / Marist Albion RFC
6. James Catterson, Omagh, Northern Ireland, Omagh RFC / Burnaby Lake Rugby Club
7. Connor McCann, Belleville, ON, Burnaby Lake Rugby Club
8. Lucas Albornoz, Burnaby, BC, Houston Sabercats / Burnaby Lake Rugby Club
9. George Daly, London, England, Burnaby Lake Rugby Club / University of Bath
10. Neil MacLaine, Omagh, Northern Ireland, Burnaby Lake Rugby Club
11. Darren McCrory, Tyrone, Northern Ireland, Burnaby Lake Rugby Club
12. Andrew Porter, Burlington, ON, Burnaby Lake Rugby Club
13. David Dinbandhu, Suva, Fiji, Burnaby Lake Rugby Club
14. Jack Gelbart, Berkhamsted, UK, Burnaby Lake Rugby Club
15. Brian Fitzpatrick, Tipperary, Ireland, Burnaby Lake Rugby Club
16. Dylan Vermette, Surrey, BC, Burnaby Lake Rugby Club
17. Juan Videla, San Juan, Argentina, Burnaby Lake Rugby Club
18. Wes Black, Williams Lake, BC, Kamloops Rugby Club
19. Cooper Johnston, Burnaby, BC, Burnaby Lake Rugby Club
20. Doug Breadon, Burnaby, BC, Burnaby Lake Rugby Club
21. Cian Keegan, Cork, Ireland, Burnaby Lake Rugby Club
22. Geoff Ryan, Limerick, Ireland, Burnaby Lake Rugby Club
23. Nolan Shelley, Burnaby, BC, Burnaby Lake Rugby Club
TWU Spartans
1. Scott Bowers, New Westminster, BC, United Rugby Club
2. Caleb Gerth, Langley, BC, Surrey Beavers / Langley Rugby Club
3. Favour Olaniyan, Gibsons, BC, Capilano Rugby Club
4. Erik Niebuhr, Surrey, BC, Bayside Sharks
5. Tinashe Chirara, Harare, Zimbabwe, Old Georgians RFC
6. Caleb Van Til, Tsawwassen, BC
7. Nate Schroeder, West Kelowna, BC
8. Wikus Kriel, Beaumont, AB, Nor’Wester Rugby Club
9. Jan Lourens, Smoky Lake, AB, Clansmen RFC
10. Keegan Marengo, Johannesburg, South Africa, Xerox Golden Lions
11. Ethan Bernardin, Langley, BC
12. Collin Lagat, Dallas, TX, Dallas Reds RFC
13. Sam Wegert, Langley, BC, UBC
14. Tamilore Awonusi, Dublin, Ireland, Clontarf RFC
15. Matthew Willemse, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, Langley Rugby Club
16. Seth Klassen, Surrey, BC, Bayside Sharks
17. Kyle Morfitt, Langley, BC, Langley Rugby Club
18. Grayson Hardie, Chilliwack, BC
19. Daniel de Vries, Duncan, BC, Cowichan Piggies
20. Isaiah de Peiza, Edmonton, AB, Nor’Wester Rugby Club
21. Fynn Murphy, White Rock, BC, Bayside Sharks
22. Connor Bernardin, Langley, BC, Langley Rugby Club
23. Lynden Duggan, Burnaby, BC, Burnaby Lake Rugby Club
UVic @ Pacific Pride
Starlight Stadium – Saturday 13:30
Coach Phil Mack has rotated the props from last week with Emerson Prior and Nik Hildebrand getting the start and MacIntyre and van Heyningen in the reserves. Liam Murray is moved to second row giving the engine room some extra push in the scrum. Matt Oworu is brought into the roster at #8 and Ciaran Breen at #14, two players fresh off their performances for the national 7s team at the Edmonton 7s. Max Stewart is a Canada-eligible South Afican, 19 years old, who plays 10 and 15. We’ll be interested to watch him when he gets into the match. We’ve just learned that Ciaran Breen is out at #14 and Taylor de Souza will move from the reserves to take the #14 jersey.
For the Vikes the front row stays the same, except Cooper and Fatt reverse positions. The rest of the pack remains the same. The backline also remains the same from last week with changes to the bench, Ryder Heaney-Corns as reserve prop and Graeme Norris as reserve backline player.
Last week the Pride were given a bit of a shock when Van East scored 4 first half tries but superior fitness allowed the Pride to rebound in the second half to win the match. The fitness gap shouldn’t be a factor against a young UVic side who can also run the full 80. The Vikes lost a close back and forth match with the Tide last week. The Pride, led by captain James O’Neill, have more experience and more marquee players in the roster. Nick Carson for the Vikes is their star player and notched their first try in last week’s match. Prediction: Pride by 8.
Pacific Pride
1. Emerson Prior, Brockville, ON, Perterborough Pagens
2. Dewald Kotze, Edmonton, AB, Strathcona Druids FC
3. Nik Hildebrand, Nanaimo, BC, Burnaby Lake Rugby Club
4. Liam Murray, Langley, BC, JBAA
5. Callum Botchar, Vancouver, BC, UBCOB / JBAA
6. Matt Klimchuck, Regina, SK, Regina Rogues
7. James ONiell, Cochrane, AB, Calgary Canucks / UVIC
8. Matt Oworu, Calgary, AB, Pacific Pride
9. Sam Reimer, Pickering, ON, Oshawa Vikings
10. Mark Balaski, Castlebar, Ireland, Buccaneers RFC
11. Isaac Olson, Vernon, BC, Okanogan Coos
12. Jarvis Dashewitz, Victoria, BC, Castaway Wanderers
13. Sion Griffiths, Cowichan, BC, Cowichan RFC
14. Taylor De Souza, Ladysmith, BC, Nanaimo Hornets
15. Dawson Fatoric, Ottawa, ON, Barrhaven Scottish
16. Tyler Wong, North Vancouver, BC, UVIC Vikes
17. Morgan MacIntyre, Summerside, PEI, UPEI Panthers
18. Blake van Heyningen, Courtenay BC, JBAA
19. Ethan Fryer, Issaquah, WA, Eastside Lions
20. Gabriel Smith, Nanaimo, BC, Nanaimo RFC
21. Lucas Scheck, Cactus Lake, SK, Macdowell Rugby
22. Max Stewart, Cape Town, South Africa, Pacific Pride
23. Oliver Mackenzie, Victoria BC, Queens Football / JBAA
UVIC Vikes
1. Denver Fatt. Vancouver, BC
2. Carter White, Victoraia, BC
3. Spencer Cooper, Vancouver, BC
4. Ayo Ogunlade, Calgary, AB
5. Benjamin Newhook. St. Johns, NL
6. Henry Down, Victoria, BC
7. Nathan Yue, St. Albert, AB
8. Nicholas Carson, Victoria, BC
9. Chris Gamage, Calgary, AB
10. Andrew Easson, Oakville, ON
11. Shane Rickley-Krindle, Montreal, QC
12. Jonas Robinson, Victoria, BC
13. Gabriel Casey, Ottawa, ON
14. Noah Bain, Abbotsford, BC
15. Ethan Hager, Brantford, ON
16. Owen Kokan, Vancouver, BC
17. Ryder Heaney-Corns, Sannichton, BC
18. Asfand Yar Saeed, Victoria, BC
19. Nathan Bice, Comox, BC
20. Zarija Djurickovic, Victoria, BC
21. Ethan Smith, Vancouver, BC
22. Graeme Norris, Victoria, BC
23. Austin Pinnell, Edmonton, AB
Vancouver Wave @ UBC
Gerald McGavin Centre 14:30
The Waves first match and at first glance it looks like a Ravens/Capilano/Meraloma side. A couple of key players from the UBCOB Ravens who helped them get to the BC Premier final the last couple of seasons are Brian Moylett at #8 and Colby Mason at outside centre. Johnny Franklin on the wing from Capilano is a proven try scorer. The Wave look a strong side.
UBC have brought Owain Ruttan in as openside flanker and shuffled the Carsons around with David Carson moving to reserves. Jacob Bourne is moved from scrum half to fullback and Kilick Saxer takes his spot. Evan Norris is replaced by Forrest Scarrwener on the wing. Cali Martinez is back, there were rumours he had moved on from rugby but good to see him back. In 2019 we polled BC Premier coaches for an All Star team and Cali was the choice for loosehead prop but also received votes at hooker.
I like the look of the Wave team but don’t want to tip the prediction in their favour until seeing how they do against a top contender like UBC. Prediction: UBC by 2.
UBC Thunderbirds
1. Connor Sampson, Vancouver, BC
2. Jacob Bossi, Victoria, BC
3. Bryce Worden, Saint John, NB
4. Izzak Kelly, White Rock, BC
5. Frank Carson, Vancouver, BC
6. Donald Carson, Delta, BC
7. Owain Ruttan, Cobourg, ON
8. Alfie Scopes, Tonbridge, England
9. Kilick Saxer, North Vancouver, BC
10. Takoda McMullin, Surrey, BC
11. Landon Clironomos, Vancouver, BC
12. Ethan Berry, Vancouver, BC
13. Connor Byron, Abbotsford, BC
14. Forrest Scarrwener, Vancouver, BC
15. Jacob Bourne, Vancouver, BC
16. Calixto Martinez, White Rock, BC
17. Joshua Tweed, Surrey, BC
18. David Carson, Victoria, BC
19. Ryan Leskiw, Vancouver, BC
20. Joshua Downes, Chelmsford, England
21. Flynn Heyes, North Vancouver, BC
22. Dillon Hamilton, Vancouver, BC
23. Tom Abercrombie, Victoria, BC
Vancouver Wave
1. Jake Schwartz, Aylmer, QC, Vancouver Rowing Club
2. Mattias Suez, Buenos Aires, Argentina, UBCOB Ravens
3. Neil Courtney, North Vancouver, BC, Capilano RFC
4. Liam Doll, North Vancouver, BC, Capilano RFC
5. Dave Matthews, Ottawa, ON, Meralomas Rugby Club
6. Jalan Farris, Wainuiomata, NZ, Meraloma Rugby Club
7. Jake Ikeda, Vancouver, BC, UBCOB Ravens
8. Brian Moylett, Ballina, Ireland, UBCOB Ravens
9. Thomas Viljeon, Meraloma Rugby Club
10. Adam McQueen, Canmore, AB, UBCOB Ravens
11. Johnny Franklin, Bowen Island, BC, Capilano RFC
12. Isaac Winter, Palmerston North, NZ, Meraloma Rugby Club
13. Colby Mason, Clermont, Australia, UBCOB Ravens
14. Phil Lelievre, Thames, New Zealand, Capilano RFC
15. Mike Moloney, Lyndoch, Australia, Capilano RFC
16. Pete Ingoldsby, Totnes, Devon, England, Capilano RFC
17. Mark Paddock, Maple Ridge, BC, Langley Rugby Club
18. Tom Ruffalls, North Vancouver, BC, Capilano RFC
19. Alex Carmel, Montréal, Québec, Meraloma Rugby Club
20. Darragh Foley, Tipperary, Ireland, Meraloma Rugby Club
21. Robbie Jones, Vancouver, BC, UBCOB Ravens
22. Jesse Hocking, Wellington, NZ, Scribes RFC
23. Josh Powdrell, Cape Town, SA, Scribes RFC
Week 2 Preview by Mark Janzen
The second week of action in the Coastal Cup brings the Vancouver Wave into the mix and provides a rare Friday night game under the lights, with three exciting matches set to build upon a thrilling opening week of competition.
Trinity Western hosts Van East Rugby in the first under-the-lights game of the season, with the Spartans welcoming the Burnaby-based boys to Willoughby Community Park for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
Click here to WATCH the Coastal Cup LIVE throughout the season.
Van East Rugby @ Trinity Western | 7 pm Friday | Willoughby Community Park
The opening match of the weekend features a pair of teams looking to earn their first wins of the competition. TWU dropped a 34-13 decision against UBC in their season-opener, while Van East lost 36-24 against the Pacific Pride.
Van East rolls out a largely unaltered squad, with Andrew Porter coming in at inside centre marking the only new starter in the lineup. While a few moving parts within the starting 15 has the side looking slightly different, the squad still features the likes of Canadian internationals Lucas Albornoz and Reegan OGorman in the pack alongside captain Mike OToole. After a brace against the Pacific Pride, fullback Brian Fitzpatrick will be one to watch, along with fellow try-scorers James Catterson and George Daly.
The Spartans will run with different looking front row one that sees No. 8 Caleb Gerth move to hooker while also making a few changes in the backs. After taking a knock late against UBC, Guiseppe du Toit, who tallied both of TWUs tries against the Thunderbirds, will be replaced by Collin Lagat, while winger Ethan Bernardin gets into the lineup for the first time this year on the wing. Wikus Kriel takes over at No. 8, while Keegan Marengo, who slotted a penalty for TWU in the opener, will wear the No. 10 shirt.
Vancouver Wave @ UBC | 2:30 pm | Gerald McGavin Centre
The all-Vancouver matchup sees the Vancouver Wave enter the competition against a UBC side that put together the most decisive win of the season-opening weekend.
UBC will operate with a very similar forward unit, with Owain Ruttan the only personnel change, as he jumps into the mix at openside flanker. KIlick Saxer moves into the starting scrumhalf position, while Forrest Scarrwener enters on the wing. Five different try-scorers touched down for UBC against the Spartans, but its only Jacob Bossi and Connor Byron who will trot out in a starting capacity this Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Vancouver Wave enter the competition this week with former UBC Thunderbird Adam McQueen leading the charge at flyfhalf while former T-Bird captain Jake Ikeda slots in at No. 7. Australian rugby standout Mike Moloney will also no doubt play a key role from the fullback position.
UVIC Vikes @ Pacific Pride | 1:30 pm | Starlight Stadium
The contest between the Vikes and the Pride will be the curtain raiser for the World Cup qualifying match between Canada and Chile at Starlight Stadium in Langford, B.C. The match also features both teams wearing specially designed jerseys by West Coast Indigenous artists, with the jerseys being auctioned off after the game to raise money for the Thunder Indigenous Rugby program.
After opening the year with a win over Van East, the Pride have made several changes, with Emerson Prior and Nik Hildebrand moving into the front row as starters. Liam Murray also comes into the second row, while Matt Oworu returns to the team at No. 8 after representing Canada in the abbreviated World Rugby Sevens Series. A bit of a juggling act in the back sees Isaac Olsen and Taylor Desouza in on the wings.
Conversely, the Vikes starting 15 is entirely unchanged. After a last-second loss to the Crimson Tide in front of a sizable UVic crowd, Vikes coach Scott Manning is backing the same boys to take on the Pride. In their season-opener, it was Nick Carson, Shane Rikley-Krindle and Andrew Easson scoring the tries in a hard-fought battle at Wallace Field.