Ravens’ Good Form Continues Ravens 45 – Burnaby 14: Report by Peter MacDonald
After a Thanksgiving break, an election and heavy seasonal rains, I mean an “atmospheric river”, interrupted league play it was the hardcore faithful who rolled up to take in the games at Burnaby Lake on Saturday. But the break in play did not detract from the Ravens’ form as the Rippers won 27-17 in Div 1 play and the premier team carried on with another solid performance.
Four Raven tries in 20 minutes staked them to a 24-0 lead with fullback Noah Bain taking advantage of a couple of gaps to score from distance and left winger Ethan Berry and #10 Aaron Mclelland tallying as well. Good handling by Cole Keffer and scrum half Gaspard De Ligault opened things up for the try scorers as did a turnover at the tackle by flanker Sean Beckett.
Burnaby had almost equal possession in the half and put the Ravens under pressure forcing them to defend their line for about 5 minutes around the 30 minute mark. But a first up low tackle by Keffer one metre off the line followed by Beckett’s quick arrival forced a not releasing penalty against the home side and the danger passed. However, just before the half Burnaby did cross the line after they mauled a lineout inward and then swung the ball quickly blind to lock Andrew McIntyre who dove into the left corner, 24-7 at the half.
There was no respite for the hosts though in the new half as 5 minutes in Frank Carson ran off McLelland whose well timed flat pass sent him through on a straight 20 metre finish to the posts with a defender bounced off his big hide on his way in, 31-7. The Ravens soon after sent in six subs with a number of the Carson boys passing one another going in and out. Hillyard, who had his first start with the team, was among those heading out and scrum half Jack, debuting with the club, was heading in. The Ravens play remained strong and the sets which had been even were now favouring the Ravens.
Two Raven tries and one from Burnaby then followed. Bain, seeing an opportunity, lofted a long almost sideways kick to Keffer on right wing who took it cleanly and turned it in to flanker Iwan Shelton who finished easily. Burnaby’s winger Hayden Mulgrew then weaved through some defenders at speed to answer and finally Don Carson tallied after Bain and Keffer worked their way up the right sideline with McLelland making the final pass.
Mulgrew and flanker Todd Bullions stood out for Burnaby. Apart from those already mentioned, Ravens prop Josh Christy had a strong game in the sets and carrying the ball, centre Tsugo Hirai put in text book tackles, kicked at goal (5 of 7) and ran well and #9 DeLigault showed classy movement and ball handling worthy of his patrician name. Bain has spent time in New Zealand and in MLR and has raised his game. Lock Andrew Crane from PEI was recently playing in NZ as well adding to the deep group experienced of forwards.
Next week it is off to UBC followed by a week off and a November 9 celebration of 50 years as a club.