Firsts and Elite win, Thirds suffer first loss of season.

Saturday November 13th - In the wet and muddy conditions at UBC's
Wolfson Field Burnaby Lake Rugby Club came away with victories in the
First and Elite divisions. The Thrids suffered their first loss of
the season going down 15-21 to a young, fit and well organized UBC
side.

UBC had a hold of the momentum at half time with a fourteen to
nil lead. Strong words by captain Joe Lee pushed the boys to up their
performance in the worsening conditions. However Burnaby fell short
of the comeback, but ended the game on a high note scoring on the last
play of the game.

The firsts have been Burnaby's most successful team this season having
won all of their games. Their play on Saturday showed why they are
the team to beat in first division. Right from the get go Burnaby
scored points in the opening minutes. The firsts also used the windy
conditions to their advantage pinning the UBC firsts in their own end.
In the second half Burnaby stretched their lead through their strong
work in the scrums. Prop Ryan Ackerman provided a steady base that
allowed the Burnaby back row to dominate in open play. Aaron Reed,
Edvin Sabic and Preston Petrovich all had good games. James Gough
added a try to bring the score to 10 nil. Steve "White Lightning"
Batie finished the game off with a nice try under the posts, Gough to
convert. 17-0 Burnaby.

In the elite division Burnaby were keen to get of to a fast start
having suffered their first loss last week. However it was UBC and
their run and gun style of play that had Burnaby weathering a
"thunder" storm in the opening twenty minutes. Burnaby were tested
early when standoff Josh Rolls was sin binned after colliding with a
UBC player. This led to a UBC penalty which they elected to convert
into three points, UBC Flyhalf Carlin Hamstra with the kick. UBC
were eager to play as their skilled backs attacked early and often
penetrating Burnaby's defensive line. With the one man overlap in the
backs UBC were able to penetrate several times. They would get close
to scoring but were turned away through fantastic try saving tackles
by Burnaby fullback Gareth Marsden and the centre pairing of the
Adams, Martin and Macluskey, a vintage throwback to the "Bonesaw" era.

After a frantic start for Burnaby, the Blue and White settled into the
game and started to dominate the open play with their older and wiser
forward pack. This lead to a cleverly crafted try down a very narrow
blind channel by flanker Jeke Gotegote. Both teams then took their
turns on the offensive but would find no success, the half ended 5-3.

With the game up for grabs, Burnaby increased their concentration and
level of play in the second half. The forwards once again took
control of the pace through solid work around the ruck. Outstanding
work by Will Leacock, Mike Gough and Dough Breadon ensured hard yards,
and a slow wearing down of UBCs determination. UBCs resistance was
weakened after numerous phases on defense and Jeke once again powered
his way under the posts. After more solid work, Burnaby found
themselves pushing for another try only to be held up over the line.
Their work rate however would lead to another score as Leacock dove
over for a well deserved try, five minutes later. Rolls would convert
both tries.

In the last ten minutes, both teams emptied their benches. It was
Burnaby's replacements ignited another offensive deep into UBC
territory. James Gough intercepted a errant pass and found himself
breaking down the sideline, but would eventually be tracked down by
Sean Ferguson. After a series of phases, UBC gained possession and
attempted a clearing kick. Their sliced clearing kick founds its way
right down the centre of the field and into the hands of Burnaby's
Gareth "the Riddler" Marsden, who made no mistake finding a seam right
to the try line. Rolls would convert. The game would end, much to the
delight of the Burnaby faithful who dotted the sidelines and huddled
under the two tents. Burnaby secured a bonus point victory in their
hopes of gaining home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Thank you to UBC who put up three solid games on a miserable day.
Thank you to the referees. "Where would we be without the referee?"

Burnaby looks to the Caps at home next Saturday.

Posted by Rain at November 15, 2010 10:57 PM