Ravens Still in Form Ravens 58 – Meralomas 0
Report by Peter MacDonald
On a beautiful late summer day at Jericho the proceedings began with a moment’s silence for Joan Porter who passed away this summer. Joan was a leading supporter of BC Rugby and the four clubs her family were involved with over three generations, the Rowing Club, Meralomas, Ravens and Scribes. In recent years Joan would bus to Jericho, watch the game and mingle, then hang at the clubhouse and pick up a ride home like a 19 year-old with whomever was heading her way. She was loved and will be missed by the Ravens family.
With a friendly against Seattle, “The Battle at the Border”, the week before, the Ravens entered league play with the benefit of a meaningful game under their belts (and a cool $5,000 US in their pockets). That preparation gave the Ravens the confidence to spread the ball around early and the fitness to keep it going. New players were fitting in seamlessly, young scrum half Max Kahler from Australia, Brian Ndirangu from Westshore at open side flanker and Niko Andrianos from UBC in the centres.
Some general observations might be more interesting than a game narrative. Brian Ndirangu turned more ball over at the tackle in one game then I recall ever seeing in a local game. He almost matched a steal for every try scored. And his tackling, lineout jumping and work rate were also elite. Max Kahler looked to have both quick feet and a quick release but unfortunately suffered a leg injury and had to come off. Hopefully he recovers quickly. In his place Gio Sangiorgi stepped in and played very well orchestrating a try from a blind side attack and scoring one of his own. Lewis Ahrens, a former Ravens junior player, slotted in like a veteran at fullback and showed his off his composure and ball running.
Amongst the vets, Joe Locke and Frank Carson looked fresh with the summer layoff adding some jump to their step. Josh Tweed, Don Carson and Josiah Morra laid out some solid hits in leading the defence. Andrew Coe did a little bit of everything at #10 and then gave way to debutant Jamin Hodgkins who kept things humming.
The Lomas had their moments in both halves where they were about to score but desperate defending kept them out. Mark Rickard in the mauls, lock Ronan Coffey, flanker Alijah Khan, #9 Ethan Chambers and centre Aaron Leahy stood out for me.
Coaches Graham Turner and Bill Chamberlain seem to have eliminated the slow September start. UBC next week will be a test as we move into fall.
Photos by Alistair Palmer
Andrew Coe at #10 with the offload
Frank Carson at second row on a rampaging run
Josiah Morra on the wing finds open space
Brian Ndirangu at openside flanker dives over the line for a try