Ravens Form Continues Ravens 64 – Burnaby 5: Guest forwards invited to join Mexico Tour May 16-23
Report by Peter MacDonald
Excellent field conditions and sunny weather were the backdrop for another strong outing by the Ravens. While the hosts had possession and ran at the Ravens in the early going it didn’t take long for the Ravens to notch a few tries and dampen the hopes of the home crowd.
The 33-5 half time score included two tries from lock Don Carson, two on the overlap by winger Cole Keffer and one from scrum half Billy Wickam with winger Hayden Mulgrew tallying for Burnaby after a nice break by fullback Ethan Drongool. The second half was quiet till a no look inside pop pass from Aaron McLelland to a bursting Nico Leonard unlocked the Burnaby defence and opened the floodgates again, 40-5 at 52 minutes. Number 8 Joe Locke, centre Etan Berry, reserve #9 Sam Walton-Sexton and reserve hooker Viaan Wolmarans were the try scorers as time wound down.
Set scrum superiority, consistent lineout success and big talented forwards set the platform for success with the dangerous backfield at the ready to chip in. Joe Locke’s motor ran all day, flanker Grant Crowell was a gain line crosser every time and captain David O’Donoghue was leading the tackle count. McLelland and Leonard posed problems as always and Ethan Berry had a strong game timing a big hit on Drongool that got the crowd’s and his teammates’ attention.
Referee Derek Horton, son of the late Dave Horton a long serving Vancouver Island referee and friend and mentor in refereeing to the writer, managed the game with aplomb. With guidance from the likes of referee coach Al Hudson he has lots of room to run as a referee with his calm manner, easy movement and knowledge of the game.
Congratulations to Ravens hooker Riku Konrad who continues to impress at the premier level and has been long listed for the Canada U20 squad along with a number of other current or former Raven youth players.
According to the club’s historian Leo Fumano this is the first time in his 31 years affiliated with the club that the Ravens have topped the table at the end of the regular season. We’ll see if they can now go from strength to strength in the playoffs when play resumes April 27 against the winner of the CW/UBC game.
In the meantime, the Ravens 50th anniversary tour to Mexico to play the Mexican National team and relax in Purta Vallarta is happening from May 16 to 23. The Ravens are looking to fill out the squad with some guest players from other clubs. If any forwards or sponsors have interest you would be most welcome and should contact Aaron McLelland at “ravenstomexico@gmail.com”.