Bus Ride to the Interior Ends in Big Win

We came, We saw, We Conquer!!!
Coach Ian puts his thoughts to paper during the Trip To Kamloops

My alarm goes off at 4:45am...ON A SATURDAY. Yes 4:45am. How does Kamloops do this?

The new and improved schedule was released the week prior, and when this match showed up, we knew it would be a challenge. One we would have to rise to (and rise early I might add again...), as Kamloops shows the commitment to visit the mainland for their games we knew we had to reciprocate.

The trip was made easier largely by Erin Agostini arranging a comfortable bus for us to travel in and remove the driving issue for us, Rachel catching up to us after her shift was canclelled. Yes she caught up to us in Langley. Roko as always was there for us, making sure our kit, balls and water were there waiting for us. Roko also made sure that Brandon got to the bus on time! Shaylyn Ronald's parents drove up to cheer us on. Thanks to all of you!

The biggest surprise however was the appearance of head coach Walt Brandl to see us off. With boxes of Tim Horton's muffins no less!

The whole morning was a shining example of the way this club pulls together!

The trip up was an opportunity for everyone except Corrine and Kary (the early morning people) to catch up on some sleep. By 9am we all were awake and ready to take in the trip, finally arriving in Kamloops at 10:45 for a noon kick off.

Injuries and outside commitments had taken it's toll on the roster with 12 players injured or not available, including all of our current National team players. Players that normally found themselves as key members of the 2nds were in a starting role, and they rose to the occaision. Other regular members of the prems found themselves out of their familiar positions, and they also rose to the occaision.

A quick reminder to the squad in the pre-game that the coaching staff liked what we had for the day, that we had a great mix of youth and experience, that our identity as a team is founded on a pressure defence, and that the second row was made of Steele (Krystal and Kary). Steel doesn't bend. Steel doesn't break. Just like Burnaby Lake. The team was then captain Corrine Jacobsen's to take over.

And take over she did. Corrine was a force throughout the game, ably assisted in the leadership department by Laura Harmse, Mel Miyazaki and Becky Querido.

Burnaby opened with a try from Mel Miyazaki, and then we were quickly reminded that if you give Kamloops space and time, Emily Young will make you pay. The score by Kamloops galvanized Burnaby and from that moment on the pressure was relentless. The backrow of Deb Caps, Tanya Hamilton and Laura Harmse did not let up throughout the match. Deb Caps in particular ran riot in her homecoming constantly pressuring the Kamloops halfbacks.

Mel Miyazaki found the line three times. The third try was an example of never giving up when you support, as Mel was at the right place at the right time as a support runner for Laura Harmse. After another strong run, Laura was tackled inches from the line, with Mel having naught to do but scoop up the ball and dot it down under the posts.

Although the post match festvities were cut short due to travel requirements, we all took advantage to renew friendships and congratulate an opposition that never gave up. Hopefully with five high schools to draw from as well as Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops will be able to one day get the numbers they need to compete in the premier league.

Scorers for Burnaby:

Tries: Mel Miyazaki (3), Corrine Jacobsen (1), Kary Steele (1), Tanya Hamilton (1), Laura Harmse (1), Erin Jang (1), Daamiann Skelton (1)
Conversions: Devon Luca (1)

Scorers for Kamloops:

Emily Young (1), Erin Conelly-Reed (1)

Final Score: Burnaby 47 Kamloops 10

Posted by Roko at November 6, 2009 07:38 AM