VRC Rugby

Prems Finish With a Flurry, Beat The Ravens at Jericho.

2015-11-23T20:52:00.000-08:00

The Rowers Scrum Was Dominant Against the Ravens Saturday (File Photo)

The VRC Prems put on a dominant performance this past Saturday, earning a convincing 27-7 victory against the Ravens at Jericho. The Elite Division came into the game with determination, anxious to get back in the win column after two tough losses to Burnaby Lake.

Brian Derham (centre) was 2 for 4 on conversions (File Photo)

The Rowers struck first following a brief feeling out period, as Brian Durham slotted a penalty kick to open it up 3-0. The Ravens answered quickly making it 7-3 on try that threaded the defensive line and a good conversion. Following the Ravens try, the Rowers were able to sort their defensive process out, and put on a clinic for the rest of the game. While definition and positioning played an important part in the Prems’ defensive success, outstanding individual defensive efforts by George Richmond, Brian Durham, Tommy Hanson and Michael Jordan were instrumental in shutting the door. Fullback Kevin Gurniak chased down a breakaway runner to save a try in a thrilling never-say-die episode that summed up his team’s attitude.

The Rowers’ were relentless in attack, finally finding the stride they had been looking for all season. The scrum was especially sound. A front row of Keegan Watcham-Roy, Jason Carton and Nico Crawczyk capably controlled the push in offense and defense, matching technique and looking thoroughly experienced against an excellent opponent. Halfbacks Andrew Meakin and Richie Thomas orchestrated a pattern that used the forward pack to wear out defenders before having a go out wide to exploit gaps in the defense. The strong runners in the pack would prove able to make the necessary yards on their own, though. The forwards stayed ready to run strong lines off of 9 when called, and picked from the base with an impressive urgency in the instances that Meakin found himself buried in the ruck. Watcham-Roy would put in a try, as would 8^th man George Richmond.

Kevin Gurniak (top left) executed the perfect chase-down tackle (file photo)

The back line ran exceptional yards, forcing the Ravens to chase them about the park and make cover tackles, eventually wearing down and frustrating the hosts. Winger Caleb Hansen ended up with two tries, and could easily have had three had play not been called for a questionable forward pass call that was followed by a dustup that drew red cards for two Ravens players and Rowers out-half Richie Thompson (who really didn’t deserve it).

Derham slotted 2 of 4 conversions to go along with his opening penalty tally. Several outstanding performances didn’t end up on the score sheet including an impassioned performance at centre back by Rory McClennan and a typically great (and quick) outing by “Greyhound” Brett Lucas. James Pond Jones was solid in the line out winning Rowers’ throw-ins and causing a decent nuisance on opponent ball.

The victory at Jericho avenged a heartbreaking 19-15 loss in what had to be the 88^th minute of the season’s opening game on a Ravens’ try by a runner who everyone but the touch judge saw step into touch. The win was well received by a Rowers core who had been on the wrong end of a tough first half that felt like a continuation of a very difficult second half the year. The Rowers’ fall season included the aforementioned theft of an opening game, a difficult 30-32 loss at rival Capilanos in October, and a 20-17 loss to Burnaby Lake last weekend. In their 6 losses, the Rowers’ average margin of defeat was 10.8 points. Factoring out a 34-6 loss to Mainland Cup Finalist and Premier League leader UBC in week 2, that margin drops to 7.4 points. To a man, the Rowers are confident in their talent and their ability to work together to play winning rugby in the BC Premiership. To the team that showed up on Saturday, a mathematical improvement of 12 points per game feels like an enjoyable goal over the coming Christmas break.

The Rowers Thirds play in the Mainland Third Division Plate Final Against the Brit Lions at John Oliver Park in Delta this coming Saturday November 28^th. It will be the final Rowers Game of 2015.

Prems vs. Burnaby, Thirds vs. Squamish Axemen November 14th.

2015-11-19T18:02:00.003-08:00

Thirds

The Thirds played to a 17-17 draw against the Squamish Axemen this past Saturday. The Rowers came out strong, scoring a converted try early before soft defense allowed Squamish to put one in to make it 7-5. Another score made it 10-7 and some lackluster defense by the thirds allowed let an undersized but nimble Squamish pack to make yards and score under the posts, the conversion making it 17-7.

The Thirds battled back in the waning minutes with an unconverted try to make it 12-7. With no time left on the clock, flanker Luc Gourdine picked a ball up from the behind a ruck before the opposition saw it leave, shot by the posts and scored un-touched just outside the posts to tie the score. The Rowers conversion attempt went begging, solidifying the draw at the final whistle.

Prems

The VRC First Fifteen lost in Burnaby Lake by a score of 13-27. Coach Sabell described the first half of the game as “the best half of rugby we’ve played all year.” The Prems were up 13-0 at the half on 2 penalties from centre back Brian Durham and a converted try from winger Kevin Gurniak. The second half started poorly with a number of unforced errors that proved tough to recover from. The Rowers then lost Eighth man George Richmond to a yellow card for tackling a quick tap without being back 10m. The Rowers then allowed 2 tries in under 5 minutes and were unable to get back on track. Substitutes made a late difference, especially tight head prop Chris Seyler, but it wouldn’t be enough, as the Prems lost in Burnaby for the second time in as many weeks.

Thirds are away at Surrey this Saturday, and the Prems and 1^st div are scheduled to play the Ravens away.

Burnaby Games Nov 6th 2015

2015-11-09T21:32:00.000-08:00

All three divisions were in action against Burnaby Lake this past Saturday.

Firsts

Textbook Jackal by Gus the Bus
Photo by M..Cox

The VRC First Division played excellent rugby at Burnaby Lake this past weekend, coming from behind to beat the hosts 25-10. The Rowers took care of the ball in wet, sloppy conditions, successfully working it through phases until they could get it to their impact players. On a day when points were hard to come by in all divisions, the Firsts put up a resepectable 25 points, 20 of which were scored by Austrailan phenomenon centre back Adriaan Meiring, who didn’t seem bothered by the conditions. Young Trevor Canton, out for a run at fullback, was also able to put one in. The forward pack, led by a classic performance from Captain Brendan Fagan, asserted themselves in the rucks and made themselves hard to drop, creating the type of space they need to work in the muck. Will Andreucetti stood out at blindside flank, making several key tackles and carries, as did substitute 2^nd row Devon Moore, brought in after a strong run with the thirds for an injured Sean Dignan (get well soon, Sean.)

Johnny O'Brien Slotted 2 Perfect Penalty Kicks
Photo: N.Spuls

Prems

Despite a physically strong and aggressive game, the Prems were unable to put any points on the board in Burnaby, losing 15-0 in the aforementioned sloppy conditions. The Rowers lost halfback Andrew Meakin to a questionable yellow card for what was deemed by the Referee to be an intentional knock on. The Prems didn’t lose the game for lack of effort. They trailed 8-0 until a very late try, knocking on the door several times but were unable to play the wide open, quick game that suits this team’s strength.

Johnny Brennan Secures Rowers Ball in the Lineout
Photo: N.Spuls

Thirds

The Rowers Thirds lost another heart breaker 7-6 in Burnaby. Despite failing to cross the line, the thirds played strong, hard rugby for all 80 minutes and looked like contenders. Fullback John O’Brien was 2 for 3 on penalty kicks in terrible weather. The Rowers defended well, shutting Burnaby down on their goal line twice, which was obviously one time less than necessary.

The Prems will get another crack at Burnaby Lake next Saturday November 14^th in the first round of a knockout playoff to end the first half. The Firsts will also have a rematch against Burnaby Lake. The Third division will try to go 4-3 against the Squamish Axmen at Brockton.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this post indicated that the Firsts were on a bye week instead of playing on the Burnaby Lake undercard . The Rowers Ruck Muck regrets the error.

The Rowers Tour to Remember is Big News

2015-11-08T19:58:00.001-08:00

We're on TV!

Tour Captain Jamie Overgaard did us all proud on the 6 O'Clock news tonight.

Anyone interested in remembering Canadian and VRC Veterans can come down to the clubhouse this Wednesday November 11th around 4pm. I understand there will be a slide show from the Tour to Remember.

Rowers Homestand Roundup

2015-11-05T10:12:00.001-08:00

Prems

The VRC Prems split their past two home games against the Meralomas and Seattle Seracens, respectively, in a continuation of a season in which they have trailed as the clock expired too frequently.

The Meralomas game Oct. 24^th made it clear that the top side was capable of making things go their way and playing elite rugby in this league, earning the win and a bonus point with a 45-17 victory. Flanker Connor McCann scored 3 tries, English eighth man Tommy Hanson scored his first as a Rower, out half Richie Thompson put in a beauty, and hooker Jason Carton looked excellent running one in from about 15 yards out. Brian Durham was near perfect on conversions, kicking six of seven, plus a penalty. The Rowers attacked at pace and limited mistakes against the Lomas, building momentum off of success and making the game seem easy against a talented team.

The Rowers Reset after their fourth or fifth try vs. the Lomas

The Elite division were less successful on the 24^th of October against Seattle, falling 23-14 in a very wet, very physical game. The Rowers were in the game, but couldn’t establish control or run pattern off of the front foot. The Rowing Club defense looked good for periods but was spotty overall and not good enough to hold a big Seattle side’s consistent pressure back. Super-sub scrum half Duncan James scored a try for the VRC and Carton scored his second in as many games. Brian Durham slotted both conversions.

Firsts

The VRC First division scored four tries at home against the Maralomas, but were unable to secure a victory, falling 36-27 for what can only be described as a lack of defense. The firsts played hard rugby and moved the ball efficiently, but were unable to stop the Maralomas attack and avoid the sting of dropping a very winnable game at home. Fly half Andrew Meakin and blind side winger Nik Samija both scored tries, while noted score sheet hog centre Adriaan Meiring scored his usual two tries and one penalty kick, along with two conversions.

Matt Cox congratulates Simon Taylor on the All Blacks RWC victory.

The Firsts bounced back in the October 31^st games against Seattle, practically breaking the scoreboard with a 63-22 tally. The Rowers scored points early and often, running a wide open pattern and limiting mistakes with the ball in hand. Tight head prop Greg “Gus The Bus” Crowe played a phenomenal game, showcasing running and ball handling skills beyond what one might expect from a big man and scoring one of nine Rowers Firsts tries on the day. Captain Brendan “Baldy” Fagan also put one in, as did halfback Andrew Meakin. Centre Graham Turner, freshly arrived from Alberta, scored his first with the Rowers and fullback Brandon Balon continued a strong campaign with a try of his own. Open winger Kevin Gurniak and Meiring scored 2 tries each, Meiring kicking four conversions and two penalty kicks.

Thirds

The Rowers thirds disappointed the home crowd at Brockton on Oct 24^th, falling 29-20 to a strong Maralomas side that proved better at limiting mistakes and penalties than their hosts. The thirds were able to move the ball for the most part, but were unable to get the handle on some messy and poorly defined rucks. The first half was close, the Rowers even holding a one point lead (8-7) on a try by blind flanker Luc Gourdine and a penalty by fly half John O’Brien. But poor defending and excess penalties allowed the ‘Lomas to score three quick tries. Rowers mistakes in attack squandered chances at equalizing. The Rowers made another push behind a second penalty by O’Brien, and a try by 2^nd row Brett Illing, but would end up short. The thirds looked disorganized and were clearly in need of tighter unit work.

The third division would look for revenge the following week against the Britt Lions but come up only two points short, losing 20-18 to a strong but beatable team.

The Rowers fell behind early, giving up two early tries. As the game looked like it might get away from them in the first half, Kiwi player-coach Brett Russell – fresh off of watching his native All Blacks take home the Rugby World Cup that morning -placed a perfect cross kick into the hands of a quickly moving Evan Hughes right at the goal line to put the home team and the home crowd back in it. Hughes showed excellent skills at the open wing position for the whole game, proving nearly impossible to tackle with ball in hand. Blind winger Luc Gourdine also had a great game, scoring his second try in as many games, but it wasn’t quite enough. The Rowers mounted a final push trailing by two points but were unable to get close enough for points before time expired.

All three teams are away at Burnaby on Saturday November 7^th. We’ll see all of you there.

Thirds Beat Caps, Top Teams Lose Close

2015-10-22T16:44:00.001-07:00

The Rowers Third Division turned in a convincing 24-11 win this past Saturday against the Capilanos at Klahanie. Short numbers all week, and without the benefit of having drilled together, the Thirds leaned on experience. They ran the ball in space and remained physically dominant in tackles and at the breakdown. Centre back Evan Hughes had a great game, featuring a few good long runs and two tries. Hughes’ speed and a talent for tackling make him the type of standout that the Thirds risk losing to a higher division. Brian Andrerson’s Rowers resurgence continued as he scored a try off of a between-the-legs feed from Godfather Steve MacGillivary. Anderson was also carded (yellow) for a high tackle, which put him an injury short of the “Patty O’Gorman Hattrick”.

Brian Anderson - File Photo

MacGillivary Executes a more conventional pass
File Photo

Fullback John O’Brian, who suffered a bad concussion the last time he played at Klahanie, played with great class, hitting 2 of 4 conversions. Eighth man Will Andreucetti scored a beautiful try picking from the base after a hard charge by 2nd Row Brett Illing, who had a characteristically strong, physical game. The try capped a drive that went the length of the pitch, and began with a quick jackal by an opportunistic Brian Andrews while the Rowers were backed up against their own goal line.

The Rowers Firsts (Library Square Division) lost a very physical game to the Caps by a score of 29-20, but it wasn’t for a lack of effort. The Rowers showed tremendous defense against a physical and hard running Caps team, and declined to sink to retribution in a decidedly dirty game. Outside center Adrian Meiring filled the score sheet for a second straight week, tallying a try on a beautiful give and go with inside centre Luke Baker, two conversions and two penalty kicks. Baker had several punishing tackles that may have been audible from the top of Grouse Mountain. Club newcomer, flyhalf Rory McClennan, set up the third try with a lightning quick pass to the blind side from the base of the ruck. Young Brendan Balon, playing his first game at fullback, took the pass at pace and continued on through to the end-goal. Captain Brendan Fagan praised his squad after the game for showing emotional and physical toughness on the road against a team that out-weighed them considerably. This Firsts team is showing a lot of talent and a lot of guts. The Ruck Muck predicts that the success will come as experience playing together stitches them tighter as a unit.

The Rowers Premier Team (Mainland Cup Division) lost yet another heartbreaker to a very physical and talented Capilanos Team by a score of 32-30 in the last minute. Irish hooker Jason Carton scored 2 great tries in an excellent effort and spearheaded a technically proficient scrum that performed very well against a Caps pack that had a distinct weight advantage. Caleb Hansen scored a try off the wing from a beautiful inside feed by fullback Ben Harris. Centre Brian Durham played a phenomenal game, converting all three tries, adding three successful penalties for good measure and having what would have been a sure try off of turnover ball called back for being offsides, which he clearly was not.

Coach Jeremy Sabell will be expecting the Prems to be more physical and defend better than they have been this coming Saturday at home against the Maralomas. Despite losing key individuals to injury, this squad is playing good rugby and has been a solid contender in every game they’ve played so far.

All three teams are at home at Brockton against the Maralomas this coming Saturday. Come on out and show your support!

Rowers 1 and 1 at UBC Oct 10th, drop both Ravens Games Oct. 3rd

2015-10-13T17:39:00.001-07:00

The Rowing Club “Super 2s” first division side gutted out a well-earned 21-15 win Saturday against UBC behind a standout performance by center back Adriaan Meiring and a solid effort from all players and substitutes. Meiring scored the first 3 of the Rowers’ 21 points on the day, converting an offside penalty from just inside the 22 around the 23’ mark.

Adriaan Meiring missed 1 of his conversions on Saturday.
File Photo

UBC pressed shortly afterwards, but hard defense turned the ball over and gave the Rowers a chance to kick it clear. Mounting a strong attack shortly afterwards, Meiring took advantage of a penalty about 15 meters out, carrying a quick tap across the line to score in the corner and make it 8-0. A well-drilled UBC team was able to put one in at the 29’ mark, finding rhythm in a quick attack slowed down by a wet pitch. They slotted the conversion to make it 8-7. Relentless, the Rowers forwards were able to turn it over cleanly in a ruck and get the ball back to Meiring (again), who crossed the line in the corner, but put it down under the posts to make the kick a gimmie and the score 15-7.

The huddle at the half featured Captain Brendan Fagan and coaches Mergui and Crowe reminding the squad of the previous week’s game against the Ravens, and the early lead squandered to penalties and lapsed defense.

The young UBC side brought on fresh substitutes, including several summertime rugby league standouts, and were able to renew their high paced attack to put in another try and make it 15-12. Undaunted, the Rowers were able to defend well and tackle hard. The red and white turned a loose ball over cleanly around midfield at the 30, frustrating UBC into coming into the ensuing breakdown from the side and earning Meiring yet another shot at a penalty, which he converted. 18-12. UBC answered with a penalty of their own, making it 18-15, before Meiring slotted his final contribution on the day, making it 21-15.

The well-conditioned Thunderbirds put on a strong attack with ball in hand and no time on the clock, but strong defense including several punishing tackles by 8^th man Alex Nichols kept them out of the end-goal until they eventually knocked it on to end the game.

Having scored three penalties, two tries and one conversion for all of the Rowers’ 21 points, Adriaan Meiring is no doubt wondering how he managed to miss that one conversion.

Prems

The Rowers Premier side fared poorly against UBC, scoring only 2 penalty kicks to put up against a 34 point performance by the hosts.

This one was all UBC, with the Birds scoring from phase play, then from a maul, then by taking advantage of an overlap on the wing, and finally from an 8^th man pick off of a scrum.

The Prems were still trying to shake off a last minute loss to the Ravens the previous week, coming as the Ravens ran in a try in a half that ran conspicuously long, on a try scored by a player that the entire sideline saw go in to touch, with the exception of the touch judge. The Ravens game represented a disappointing end to a well-fought and entertaining performance that featured a 70 yard try from an interception by scrum half Duncan James, and a strategic kick into touch by notable back row forward Michael Jordan, who looked surprisingly comfortable booting it a good distance to the near sideline and chasing his teammates into onside positions as it bounced out in good field position.

Returning fullback Caleb Hansen kept the Ravens off the board with a fantastic cover tackle in what linear chronological time showed was the final minute, only to have the Ravens eventually punch through, miss the conversion to keep it 15-14 VRC, and lose 19-15 on the aforementioned tightrope job as the timekeeper’s watch expired.

Overall, despite two disappointing results, morale remains strong. The feeling in the clubhouse is that this Rowers club has what it takes to contend in the CDI Premiership. All three divisions will be away at Klahanie against arch rival Capilanos next week.

Tour Journal: The Rowers Tour To Remember Takes on The Foxes in Bedlinog

2015-09-26T00:35:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time God made a rugby pitch. He put it in a lush green valley among rolling hills and quaint stone houses along a winding road. There were green trees on each sideline and the practice pitch was made of the same soft ground and green grass as the playing pitch. The sheds were big enough for both teams, and there was a set of monkey bars for the kids. The posts and the lines were straight. He called it “Bedlinog” and he put it in Wales.

The on-field part of the Tour to Remember wrapped up against the Bedlinog Foxes. The Rowers kicked off in the first half, running downhill on a sloped pitch. The Welsh team was well organized, preferring to work up the middle and make use of a strong pack. They picked from the base and controlled the game well, communicating in a unique and unintelligible chatter that I was later told was in-fact English. The Foxes got on the board first, scoring a well-earned try and slotting the conversion. Germany-based Rowing Club tour fixture Mark Lovell was then able to put one in for the Rowing club, the conversion chance went begging, leaving the score at 7-5 Bedlinog.

The hosts answered quickly, playing a level of rugby yet unseen on the VRC tour. Bedlinog kicked for position, won lineouts and generally took the approach that one would expect out of craftsmen who took their trade seriously. The home crowd cheered as the conversion capping another forward try split the sticks, making it 14-5 Bedlinog.

The Rowers responded after a few inside phases by getting the ball wide to a seemingly unstoppable Maverick Seed streaking along the wing to create a 2 on 1 with Nik Samija. Maverick, having his third stormer of a game, worked a textbook give and go with Samija, committing the defender and making a feed into space for Nik to finish all alone.

Touring rugby sides don’t do much kicking. The Rowers Euro side did not carry anyone professing to be a kicker, and I’ll spare those who filled in when necessary the embarrassment of naming them. The Rowers didn’t kick for position, the Rowers didn’t kick for points and when it came time to kick conversions, we were nearly hopeless. However, on this lone occasion, Nik having put it in directly under the posts, somebody split the sticks. 14-12 for Bedlinog at half time.

Disco Stu Doesn't Advertise

In the halftime huddle, coach Mergui pointed out that the only thing working was getting it outside, and that we ought to do more of that. So we did. The Rowers received the 2^nd half kick and immediately played it out to our talented backs, who made good yards. “Disco” Stu Holland carried an excellent first half into a dazzling second half, as he worked his trademark dance move / show and go successfully to create chances and breaks for the visitors. Playing with a nasty goose egg under his right eye left over from the Ironsides game, Stu put together a memorable run up the middle through space that must have left three or four defenders reaching at nothing or nursing broken ankles.

The customary pregame talk with the referee had been the standard discussion, delivered by a kindly old Welsh man who had volunteered to help out for this friendly. The captains had implored us to take it easy on this nice man and limit the backchat. The grumbling was kept to a minimum as Bedlinog’s slowing of production went un penalized. But when South African standout winger Dave Andersen burned two men on sheer speed, then fought through a tackle and put the ball down in the corner only to have it called a knock-on, all pretense of civility left the Rowers’ sideline in an eruption. Samija couldn’t speak clearly for the rest of the tour after that.

Andersen fights off a tackle

An off center penalty to Bedlinog in the visiting 22 gave them a chance to showcase their flawless kicking game, slotting a beauty that was solidly booed from the Rowers sidelines, making it 17-14 for the hosts. Undaunted, the Rowers battled for a good 15 minutes, holding on to the ball and building simple phases until a marauding Brett Illing picked and went from the base to punch one in and give the Rowers a 19-17 lead.

But on that night in the Welsh valleys, under stadium lighting and in front of the dogs and children of a town of 2,000 who care about rugby in the same way as the Rowing Club faithful who gather at Brockton in February downpours do, fortune was not on the Rowers side. Bedlinog put in a final try to go up 24-19 after kicking a flawless conversion.

A Dapper Markus SK Observes With the Rowers Bench

Up the hill at the clubhouse, we watched the Fiji-England world cup game together and ate sausages with chips and gravy. After losing the standard man-of-the-match boat race by only a few ounces, we were given another chance with our choice of contenders and still lost. We learned new drinking games and spotted a shirt on the wall from a BC club who had visited long ago. We lingered as long as we could, and traded shirts and stories. The clubhouse party was still hopping when we left.

As we ate our sausages, I eavesdropped on Rowers scrumhalf Gerard Lynch discussing on field strategy with a teammate who had come along as a supporter. Asked why, when given a penalty inside the 22 with a three point deficit, he elected to go with a crash ball to the pack instead of kicking for points that would have tied it up.
“Honestly," Lynch answered, "it never even occurred to me.”

Rowers Touring Side v. Battersea Ironsides RFC: The Tour to Remember Remains Undefeated

2015-09-18T08:03:00.000-07:00

Rowers Pregame Huddle at Battersea

It was a wet one

Rain fell over London in a steady, cold, grey downpour as the Rowing Club Euro Touring Side bussed to the borough of Battersea to take on the Ironsides in the second match of the great 2015 Tour to Remember. I had hoped as we rode there that the rain would let up a bit before kickoff, but it just got harder in rolling waves during the warmup, dialing back every now and then to a steady downpour.

The Ironsides playing pitch is about a kilometer from their clubhouse and warm-up pitch, so we walked there along cobbled English streets in full kit and boots, already soaked to the bone. The lines on the pitch had long been washed away by rain, and puddles had gathered atop several mud pits of unknown depths.

Not a lot of traction in this scrum

The Rowers came out strong, recovering a greasy loose ball and working through phases after receiving the opening kick. The Ironsides played hard defense, especially near their own goal line. They were able to absorb a few phases before Dave Hall fought off a two man tackle to open the scoring. The conversion missed and it was five to nil for the Rowing Club.

A few more wet phases after the re-start, winger Nik Samija got the ball in space for a long run up the outside. Tour Captain and noted minute hog Jamie Overgaard then carried it on a pick, drew the defender and set up veteran VRC front row forward Mark Smith for a try from about 5 yards out, running through defenders on the way. Ten to nil Rowing Club.

Parlato chats with the locals

The Ironsides turned it over again inside their own 22, and the VRC was able to get it to a hard charging Luc Gourdine, who proceeded to score the full-dive splashdown try of everyone’s dreams directly under the sticks. Godfather Stevie MacGillivray put the conversion in to make it seventeen to nil VRC.

Gourdine would later be sent off on a yellow in the 2^nd half for attempting to tackle a Battersea player on his way from the end goal to the 22m to kick a drop out. He presumably felt shame.

The Ironsides knocked on the VRC door with multiple goal line phases at the end of the half, but were unable to put one in before the end of the first 30 min half, and had to go into the half with nothing.

The Rowers kept up their excellent defense initially, defending hard inside their own 22, but were unable to capitalize on chances, including an impressive 40 yard gallop by Samija. Perhaps suddenly realizing that they were in danger of getting shut out on their home pitch by a Canadian touring side that has been drunk for a week the Ironsides turned it on, scoring a converted try to make it 17-7, following that up with an unconverted try to make it 17-12 and leave the Rowers sideline wondering what the hell happened.

Curry time!

The Rowers re-grouped and pounded hard picks from the base of the ruck right up to a goal line that had been thoroughly washed away (and that I swear I was over with the ball to the ground, but whatever), before turning it over and allowing the hosts to move the ball the length of the field to tie the game with another try.

Watching a 17 point lead evaporate in the final 15 minutes of a game took a bit of the air out of a previously pumped VRC team, but it all came back as the Ironsides conversion attempt clanged off the spot where the cross bar met the uprights, and the final whistle went, sealing a 17-17 draw.

Brass pump taps and their operator

Battersea are excellent hosts. They fed us curry and rice with pints of bitters pumped out of old brass taps by a man that looked as though he had been doing it since the Heath administration. A member told me that the club was founded by a tank commander after the second world war, to keep Battersea youth from getting into mischief with nothing else to do. The club are very proud to have the largest youth program in Britain. An autographed England National shirt hangs on the wall from Kyle Sinckler, who credits his success to the early stewardship of the Ironsides youth program.

Once the kit dries out, we’ll put it all on again for another game in Wales ahead of a Canada - Ireland clash at the World Cup. Stay tuned as the Rowers Euro Tour rolls on, undefeated.

Rowers Euro Tour Visits Grave Sites of Fallen Players

2015-09-18T02:51:00.000-07:00

Rowing Club Wreath at the Vimy Ridge Monument

The Great War, at least the physical part of it, was brutally simple. “Rolling Barrage” is an elegant way of saying “They blew everything up, sent men in to carve up anyone left over with bayonets, then set up and did it again. Do it right, and do it enough, and you’ve gained a square of bombed-out mud covered in bodies of people who, until recently, worked at jobs and wrote letters home and played rugby.

Restored Trenches at Vimy Ridge

Behind all of that messy simplicity, ran a complicated machine that managed the logistics. It leveraged enormous amounts of toil from the people back home to keep their recently departed and newly endangered men fed, clothed, and medicated to the point they stayed alive long enough to die usefully. The management layer, in turn, responded to a larger and more complicated political and financial machine that knew something about the why of it all. Reasons were probably abstract concepts to people who’s feet were rotting off. They were past the “why’s” at that point.

So the Rowers went to Vimy Ridge to learn about it. We saw underground tunnels where thousands of Canadian kids gathered in silence for 36 hours before being sent in across a smoking mud patch to be used as human weapons. We saw where messengers got thin sleep between high-speed trips back and forth from the front – white armbands keeping them from being shot as defectors as they ran back. The tour guide said a messenger’s average life span was five days.

Military Cemetery in France

The monument on the ridge is beautiful and very large. It has to be to fit all of those names. The team laid a wreath for Russell Kerfoot Johnston, a VRC member, and Cam Tompkins read the first of many biographies by grave sites. Johnston was a stockbroker who lived on Harwood Street in the West End. The 33-year-old came from Manitoba and worked in an office and played rugby.

The military cemeteries of Northern France and Belgium are neatly maintained. They dot the countryside among farms and very old brick buildings. White headstones of soldiers are marked: name, rank, crest of country, year born, year buried. Sometimes there’s an inscription. Sometimes there is no name or year of birth. The inscription on those ones read, “Known unto God.”

Steve Somers lays a poppy

In Ypres, the war memorial monument is at the town’s gateway, a grand archway over the main road. Like Vimy, it has to be big. We found the names of the guys who played for the club. They probably chased geese off Brockton and hated conditioning drills but went hard at them anyway. They probably looked forward to jars at the club on Thursday nights. They definitely left it all out there on Saturdays, because that’s the way it’s done, like they left it all out there in Ypres, too.

We laid the Ypres wreath at the war memorial as part of the nightly last post ceremony. Rowing Club players read the simple bios of players who didn’t get to come back, and didn’t get to be veterans, and didn’t get to be alumni. I took pencil rubbings of their names from the monument wall and went out to enjoy Ypres with my friends.

Rowers Win First Tour Game at Ovale du Gy in the North of France

2015-09-13T23:19:00.000-07:00

The bus to the game was noisy or, at least, everything felt amplified. There were bleary eyes and sunglasses and abuse of exit valves.

Ovale du Gy is at the end of a cobbled road out in the French Countryside, among stone buildings and working farms. It’s the sort of thing they put on postcards and the outside of wine boxes. They welcomed us off the bus with handshakes and warm smiles. The pitch looked frozen in time – a white fence on the far side separating it from a hay field. A thin mud stirred up from the morning rain sat atop a hard earth under green grass. The warmups felt like starting an old car that had been parked in a barn somewhere. Once it all got moving, everything still worked and it was ready for a few good miles.

Their coaches harp about the same things as the VRC coaches, just in French

The Silver Bisons are the over 40s division of the Ovale du Gy club. Their games are played on Sundays, so they’re able to borrow younger players from the main club to fill out the roster.

Captain Overgaard addressed my prior concern that our new vintage VRC long sleeve red and white hoops were too nice to be dragged through a muddy rugby game in the pre-kickoff huddle: “There are guys who came over here and fought a war with these jumpers in their bags. They’re not for keeping clean. Now let’s go get them muddied and bloodied.”

Old Boys Format in France calls for three 20 minute periods. The Rowers received and came out strong right away. It played like an over 40s game. No kicking from outside the 22, no touchies, and a home-side referee who only used the whistle when it was absolutely necessary. Our quintet of VRC props offered no comment on the uncontested scrums. The Bisons made good use of the rolling maul


1910 VRC Replica Tour Shirt With French Mud

to make yards but were otherwise offensively frustrated in the first third. They rucked fearlessly, and treated the ball with a sense of ownership, but were unable to find paydirt. The Rowers established a rhythm quickly. They made good use of available space, finding winger Nik Samija on the outside to open up the scoring with a forty yard run. Luc Gourdine then made the most of a distinctly unfair age advantage, scoring his first of two tries on the day. Dave Hall, on loan to the Rowing club from his home in Spain, also scored one of his characteristic breakaway tries. I can’t remember if counterpart winger Dave Anderson scored one or not, but if not he probably set a few up. There are no conversions in old boys rugby, so the Rowers finished the first third up three tries to none.

The Bisons showed the visitors that they could run with them in the 2^nd third, putting in 2 tries of their own, one courtesy of George Richmond who turned it over near his own goal line, and one off a rolling maul. The Rowers scored two of their own in a period where they had the most ball. Highlights included a Justin Parlato try, Steve McGilvery pulling a crowd-pleasing Harlem Globetrotters impression, Mikey Santoro carving up a defense with a few stutter steps into space, and Jamie Overgard winning a foot race over 50 yards with a smile on his face to put one in.

The third stanza saw the Rowers scoring four tries to the hosts one, for a final score of nine tries to three. By then the red and white were playing with unstoppable grins. To a man, this was the most fun we’d had in a long time. The Bisons weren’t afraid of contact and liked to mix it up at the bottom of the rucks. The pain cut through a lingering numbness from the night before and made us remember where we were and what we were doing. Contact turns a surreal float through a rugby game in the French countryside into a clear and present situation. You can really taste the mud with someone lying on the back of your head, and it makes a guy feel alive.

The Ovale Du Gy Clubhouse

Ovale du Gy are top hosts. Their quaint clubhouse is decorated with the plaques, banners and trophies that line the walls of similar clubhouses everywhere. It takes a lot of baguettes, sausages and pates to feed 2 rugby teams, but there was plenty to go around. Beer was at the clubhouse bar for cheap, and wine on the table next to the baguettes - on the house. I got the feeling that serving the bread and cheese and pate without wine would have been considered rude. We were invited to a curious ‘cheese eating boat race’ featuring some cheese that with an odor that can’t be done justice in print. Maverick Seed, fresh off of an impressive try saving cover tackle, was unable to keep his hastily eaten fromage down. I’m not sure whether that means he won or lost.

We sang songs and visited with Coach Matty Jones’ parents who came in from England to support us, and talked with people who live lives just like ours, but live them in French. I’m not sure rugby as ever been quite that much fun.

Stay tuned for more tour coverage, including pictures.

A Quarter Never Came Back: The Vancouver Province Talks with VRC's Cam Tompkins about the Tour To Remember

2015-09-08T16:52:00.000-07:00

Photo: Kelly Egilsson

As 42 Rowers pack their bags for a 10 day tour of France, Belgium, England and Wales, The Vancouver Province's Susan Lazaruk sat down with Cam Tompkins to talk about the Tour To Remember and what it means to him, and to the club.

The long list of names on a plaque on the wall at the club of his new rugby club immediately caught the eye of Cameron Tompkins.
The plaque listed rugby players from the Vancouver Rowing Club in Stanley Park who had turned soldiers to fight in the First World War a century ago, a quarter of whom never returned home.
“I was surprised at how big the honour roll was,” said Tompkins, 34. “You don’t usually see that many names from one place.”
It piqued his curiosity particularly because he’d spent a year as a tour guide in the historic battlefields in France near the Battle of Vimy Ridge, during which 3,598 Canadian troops were killed and 7,004 were wounded.
When Tompkins read the names of the players among those dead and wounded in the Great War — of the 164 who signed up to fight, 42 were killed in battle and 36 were wounded — he knew he would like to honour them somehow.
“They all volunteered to fight,” said Tompkins, a New Zealander who moved to Canada in 2005, married a Canadian and lives in Vancouver.

The Print edition has this great picture of the 1910 Rowing Club squad.

No word yet on whether or not Jeremy & Jon Mergui are going to adopt the 3 piece suit look.

The touring side has 3 games planned, in Paris, London and Wales, plus a trip to see Team Canada play against Ireland at the World Cup in Cardiff. Canada is a 37.5 point underdog at press time.

The Club will be visiting the graves of the Rowers from the 1910 team who didn't make it back for a wreath laying ceremony. Stay tuned to the Rowers Ruck Muck for in-tour updates and photos!

2015-07-02T17:00:00.000-07:00

Buckle Up: Williams Lake 2015

The "Romas"

For the fourth year running, the Rowing Club and Meralomas entered a joint squad in the annual Williams Lake Rustlers Stampede summer tournament. The Rowers Ruck Muck was on hand to cover all the action as the “Romas” laid down an exciting performance, winning all 4 of their 40 minute games and coming home with the coveted Williams Lake Rodeo Buckle.

L-R "Greyhound" Brett Lucas, DJ the Killer Kiwi, & Cool Hand Luke Baker. Not pictured: the rest of the cow.

Editor's Note: Game sheets were unavailable and our reporter’s notes aren’t good, so readers will have to do without scoring details.

The Friday evening arrival hours set fun expectations. Carloads of talented players rolled in as the sun set over a pitch full of vacationing rugby players visiting and drinking. Between the anticipation and the hard ground, there wasn’t much sleep. Last minute roster addition Brett “Greyhound” Lucas was fetched at the bus station at 5:30 am to fill out the roster. Purportedly, he slept on the bus.

Environment Canada lists the temperature at kickoff in Williams Lake for the Romas first game against Abbotsford at 25.3°C, with 29% humidity, but it felt like at least 40°C. Electing to forego a warm up to save energy, the Romas kept even early against a physical Abbotsford side (dubbed the “S.H.I.T.S” and sporting a decidedly vulgar game kit), before using speed and talent to pull ahead in the second half. Young Aussie centre Luke Baker found holes in the defense and seemingly broke for long runs and tries at will. Super-sub back row Brendan Fagan put in hard minutes in a sweltering 2^nd half, only to collapse from heat exhaustion and have to be attended to by medics at the final whistle. He would recover and go on to stand out again on Sunday. The Romas won their opener convincingly, and tried to cool down to get ready for their next pool game.

Kickoff temperature for the 2^nd game against the host Williams Lake Rustlers was 27.4°C, and it felt like a bushfire. Halfbacks Chris Nolan and Duncan James distributed well to the talent around them, setting up exciting tries for “Greyhound” Brett, Nick Samija and several standout Lomas regulars. Tight head prop Chris Seyler (who would end up playing every minute of every game) ran a commanding crash ball that gave the Romas back line more space than they needed. After finally getting some ball in the 2^nd half, the Rustlers tried to use their size, picking from the base for multiple carries, making very few yards against a Romas defense content to hold on for the win and get back into the shade.

Recollections of Saturday night are few, but the Ruck Muck has received a thank you card from the United womens’ side addressed to a certain tattooed centre who apparently conducted strong diplomatic relations. Noted social butterfly and hard charging prop Jason Carton was puzzled by repeated rejection. Maybe next year, J.

Having won their pool, the Romas had a bye in the morning game slot on Sunday, and faced the arch rival Capilanos to earn a spot in the finals; kickoff temperature 29.2°C. It felt like a supernova. The Romas looked shakey, going down by 3 tries early. Strong defending by 2^nd row Justin Parlato and hooker Scott McGinley– who jackled exceptionally well – kept the Romas in it. Several fierce restart contentions by BYU 7s Standout Ben Keith kept the Caps from going even further ahead, but they enjoyed a commanding 3 try lead at the half.

Out half Duncan James impressed upon an under performing team that this was a winnable game. Substitute centre Nick Samija came on with fresh legs to make good yards and retain the ball well, and left a layer of skin the size of a dinner plate on the dried out pitch in the process. As the Romas put 2 tries in behind excellent attacking into space and pure speed, a big, tired Capilanos team must have felt it slipping away. The final try equalized it and an expert conversion put the Romas ahead by 2 with no time left. Nick Coles received the restart, kicked the ball into touch to end the game, and put the Romas in the final against Burnaby after a dramatic second half comeback.

Back Row Brendan Fagan, fresh off a nap

The Romas annihilated Burnaby in the final. Temperature at kickoff was 31.4°C and it felt like buckle weather. With one thing on their mind, the Romas back line flat out dominated as Cam [Last name unknown] got into repeated footraces that all ended in the Burnaby end goal. The Romas tries started to look like replays. Dan “Dee Smitty” Smith, his playing days now behind him, played a crucial role in keeping the side well hydrated running what may have been the best sideline shade-and-water operation in history, despite little to no help and punishing conditions.

The Coveted 2015 Stampede Buckle

Romas Captains Accept The Trophy

Background:Rugby Slip n Slide
Foreground: Your Reporter, Obscured by Heat

Your 2015 Stampede Champs

Soundtrack for the final paragraph.

At the final whistle, on the way back from a victory in the finals, we hit the slip and slide in the high heat, took a photo under the sticks and came on up to the house to get strapped up as the 2015 Williams Lake Stampede Tournament Champs. The 2015 Romas was a patchwork quilt that somehow went well together and refused to quit while facing a score deficit and intense heat. We took pictures with the cow-scull trophy and enjoyed a welcome sunset and wore grins that still haven’t faded. Next year, the tournament will be different and the team will be different and this year will live on as a legend to be lived up to. But last Sunday night, on a pitch that had been cooked dry by punishing heat, an uncontrollable Frankenstein of a rugby team, destined to exist for only three summer days and nights, went out on top.

3rds drop one to the Kats, Captain's Dinner a Success

2015-03-10T09:52:00.002-07:00

The Rowers 3rd division lost an away game to the Kats 22-15. The thirds played hard in the first half, defending well and leading by 3 at the intermission. The defense couldn't hold, so they were sent into the bye week with another loss. The Thirds have a bye next week while the Prems and First division take on UVic at home. The thirds play next March 21st away at Kamloops.

In better VRC news the annual captains' dinner was a terrific success. This reporter has scant recollections of the event, but this video was recovered.

Wild times!

Fortunately for Ruck Muck readers, the Captains' dinner was live-tweeted by the Rowers own @NotJeremySabell, so I'll use that to piece it together.

A pleasure to be at the @VRCRugby Captain's dinner with players who were players when players were PLAYERS.
— sabellfish (@NotJeremySabell) March 8, 2015

First, a polite request for civility.

Would the Chatty Cathys at the back kindly SHUT THEIR YAMMERING GOBS!? thanks.
— sabellfish (@NotJeremySabell) March 8, 2015

Followed by a bit of a history lesson (no substitute for experience).

2 of 7 @VRCRugby alumni stories involve people jumping off the mast tower. FACT.
— sabellfish (@NotJeremySabell) March 8, 2015

A bit of legal advice. This had to do with a Tom Braidwood story, IIRC.

No no no. You can't be an accessory after the fact if the guy telling the story is an attorney. FACT.
— sabellfish (@NotJeremySabell) March 8, 2015

Some practical encouragement...

Anyone trying to backchat O'Gorman is going to have to speak LOUDLY.
— sabellfish (@NotJeremySabell) March 8, 2015

O'Gorman now pattering on about loyalty, trying to start the most boring cult EVER.
— sabellfish (@NotJeremySabell) March 8, 2015

Philosophy...

Some are inclined to ask WHY we have a rookie gravy chug. Those people are FOOLS with NO imagination.
— sabellfish (@NotJeremySabell) March 8, 2015

And it all started falling apart.

This room is getting harder to shush.
— sabellfish (@NotJeremySabell) March 8, 2015

Textbook yard execution by Trevor Cheon. TEXTBOOK. Good luck at @sunnybankrugby.
— sabellfish (@NotJeremySabell) March 8, 2015

In any case, make sure not to miss next year's event. While the specifics are fuzzy, VRC captains from as far back as the 1950s gave talks that showed how the club has grown and how proud all of its members are to be a part of it. Big thanks to Timmy Shaddick for putting it all together so well. We'll see you all next year!

Rowers Drop 3 at Klahanie

2015-03-01T16:00:00.000-08:00

The Rowers lost all three matches away at the Caps this past weekend. Despite disappointing results, turnout remains strong and all sides are playing high-effort rugby. All 3 teams will be at home March 14th, and the Thirds play next weekend at Balaclava park against the Kats.

Prems

VRC’s top side lost a close, well contested match to the Capilanos on the road, as they fell to their arch rivals 15-10. The Rowers continued to play strong and tireless rugby, exhibiting tremendous conditioning and toughness, but failed to put enough points up for the victory.

The game was an entertaining one with numerous breaks in both directions and fierce defense. The Rowers fell behind 12-0 early on, but did not give up. They ran hard attack lines and persisted with a sustained assault before substitute 8^th man Michael Jordan put in a try, and Romain Palantey slotted the conversion. It looked as though the Caps were prepared to put it away, as they ran multiple hard charging attacks at the Rowers’ endgoal in the second half, but the defense held and the Rowers were able to survive to mount an attack of their own. The Capilanos’ defense was also tough, denying the Rowing club a run at pay dirt before taking a penalty about 10 yards out. Down 12-7, The Rowers elected to take the points and Plantey (fresh off a short rest from a yellow card) slotted the penalty kick. The Caps were able to answer with a penalty kick of their own to make it 15-10 and, despite a valiant late effort and a few strong attacks by winger Nick Samija, the Prems were unable find the equalizer.

Coach Sabell, while no doubt disappointed with the result, appeared proud of the effort from his top side. The Prems will be in action next on the 14^th of March at Brockton against the U-Vick Norsemen.

1sts

The Rowers CDI First Division side lost to their Capilano counterparts by a score of 37-15. The Rowers got off to a slow start, allowing the Caps to put 17 points up before answering with a try by the hooker, Jason Carton. The Rowers lost their tight head prop, Keegan Watcham-Roy, on a straight red card in the 25^th minute for what the referee judged to be an intentional dump-tackle. The Capilanos defended well and put up a tireless attack to earn the victory. Liam Carter was able to kick a penalty, and convert a late try by Charlie Waddell, but it wasn’t enough. The Firsts will be working on defense and ball retention at training in the bye week. Their next match will be March 14^th against UVic at home.

Thirds

Sparse attendance at practice this past week was made up for on gameday as the Third Division turned up in numbers on Saturday for the first game of the day away at the Capilanos. Despite a strong turn out by eager veterans and maximum effort by the Thirds’ core of tireless rookies, the Rowers 3rds fell to their rivals by a lopsided 35-5. Plagued by a lack of fluidity (and a lack of a place kicker), the Thirds weren’t able to put themselves in a position to win. The Capilanos played strong rugby in a victory that wasn’t as lopsided as the score line indicates. A combination of bad luck and poor execution is to blame for a strong VRC effort resulting in only one try on the day. Young lock Keegan Carter drove in for the lone score on a hard and spirited sprint from 8 yards out.

Running the ball in simple phases worked effectively for the Thirds, but they weren’t able to do it consistently enough for points. They’ll no doubt try to build on their strengths next week against the Kats at Balaclava.

Rowing Club vs. the Ravens Feb 7th 2015

2015-02-08T20:02:00.001-08:00

BC Rugby was at UBC with a full production crew yesterday, as the Ravens and the Rowers kicked off the second half at UBC. The Rowers Ruck Muck was on hand to bring you the blow-by-blow.

Prems

The VRC Premiere Division side started the second half of the season looking prepared and serious as they turned out a high-tempo victory against the UBC Old Boys Ravens by a score of 18-10.

The Rowing Club got on the board first as French fullback Roman Plantey slotted a penalty kick from around the 20 meter line. The Ravens were able to answer with a penalty kick of their own to tie the score early. From there, the teams traded hard phases and solid defense around mid-field. Wet conditions made for more direct tactics and difficult handling. Both packs turned out strong set pieces early, despite soft ground. The 3-3 deadlock was broken in the first half when fly half Henry Recinos found enough space along the outside to get loose just inside the Ravens’ half and was able to show off his speed all the way to the end goal. Plantey slotted the conversion to make it 10-3, and another penalty kick to make it 13-3 for the Rowing Club at the half.

The Ravens didn’t quit easily, scoring another converted try in the 2^nd half to make it 13-10, but the Rowers defense held strong. Team tackling was very good, several strong open-field tackles by Brandon Kaye were audible on the sidelines. Substitute flanker Scylar “The Salmon Arm Charm” Dumas put in a well-earned insurance try to seal it.

The pack looked very strong in an exceptionally physical game, with new hooker Jason Carton and 8^th man Lockland Campbell showing that they are integrating well with their new club.

1^st Division

The First division also got off to a strong start against the Ravens, beginning their season with a 15-11 win. Young fly half Trevor Canton opened the scoring by taking advantage of a penalty opportunity 25 yards out and giving his team a 3-0 lead. The Ravens were able to answer with a penalty of their own, but had trouble moving the ball against a well-drilled Rowers defense that was executing well, and making strong tackles behind the gain line. Blind side winger Kevin Gurniak carried one in along the touch-line to put the visiting side up 8-3 on the neutral UBC pitch (both Brockton Oval and Jericho were deemed unplayable by the Parks Board). Andrew Meakin made good on a beautiful corner conversion to give the Rowers a 10-3 advantage. Shortly after the Gurniak try, fullback Liam Carter put an exclamation point on a strong run, finding the mud of the end goal and extending the Rowers lead to 15-6 at the half.

The Rowers 1^sts held on through both mental and technical errors in the second half. The Ravens looked stronger and ended up playing more of the rugby and moving in a positive direction for much of the period. The Rowers conceded a late try but held on strong for the victory. Hard forward play and fundamental defense were clearly the 1sts strong points. They’ll be looking to improve of those aspects through the break.

The scheduled Third Division game against new league entrants Squamish was called off due to poor pitch conditions. The Ruck Muck is tracking chatter that the game is to be made up on February 14 at Brockton, as the rest of the league takes a break for the Las Vegas 7s tournament, but have been unable to confirm with BC Rugby.

The 1^st Division and Premier League are next scheduled to be in action February 21^st at home against the Castaway Wanderers. The Third Division is away that weekend against the Capilanos at Klahanie.

Original reporting by Braden Maccke
Highlights courtesy BC Rugby

T'was the Thursday Night Before Rowers Christmas

2014-12-21T13:13:00.001-08:00

For those who missed the reading at the Rowers Christmas dinner: Rowers Ruck Muck is proud to present "T'was the Night Before Rugby", a festive poem.

Twas the Night Before Rugby.

T’was the Thursday Night before the Rower’s Christmas and all through the bar,

There were players and coaches from near and from far.

They downed the odd jar and obeyed all the rules,

Except when they didn’t, and acted like fools.

As the noise level grew and the staff fled in fear,

The Rowers reflected on their 106^th year.

T’was a summer of workouts crafted by Si Taylor Two,

And fitness with Coach Ben, where we ran ‘til we puked.

We hosted some prize-fights, cuz the club’s strapped for cash,

Where Skylar & DJ had each-others’ faces smashed.

As the days shortened up and the sun sunk down low,

A bunch of U20s started to show.

Two strapping young back rows from the isles out East,

Named Pat and Dave Matthews who ran like wild beasts.

The Kootney Connection brought Bjorn and Kane,

Who walk between raindrops and play like freight trains.

With Matt Bacon and Vince and Ben Johnson up front,

The academy looked like a promising bunch.

But wait! What’s this? Around goes the word;

Lack of numbers club-wide – they’ll all have to play 3rds.

To Kelowna and back with a bus jammed with beer,

We made the round trip, barely lost any gear.

Gaden and Yankee at 9 twisted passes like screws,

The Godfather made us an offer we couldn’t refuse.

Under the careful direction of new coach Brett Russell,

What the thirds lacked in brains they made up for in muscle.

Nate Tough and Andy Donne and Nick Coles and Rob Crowe

Saf, Trev and Rice all put on a show.

The thirds lost some players to call-ups and pains.

They dropped a few games and their fortunes did wane.

But when news of the trouble reached field agent – Jake Chahwan,

He sent Jaden and Chayse, the original French Connection.

With size and with courage they owned the front row,

The 3rds rolled over Burnaby, and had one more place to go.

A determined squad showed up hungry at Klahaney,

They’d earned their cup final against U-B-C.

At 9 was Josh Dougherty, at flank Brian Andrews.

It felt on the sidelines like the Rowers couldn’t lose.

The cameo cast featured Nikki Grease & Fagan

With support from The Gus Bus barreling in to the station.

John Fitzy ran twelve and some good solid lines,

And captain McGlivery broke through for a try.

They bled white and red for their spot at the dance,

And the great 3^rd division walked out league champs.

The cup sat and shone in the carver room case,

We got one more round to close down the place.

When out on the deck there arose such a cacophony!

We fell over the couch on the way past the Christmas tree.

And there on the mast tower, his clipboard in hand,

Stood square-jawed and determined a coach with a plan.

He raged a cold fire, not a bit self aware,

His bark left no doubt: it could only be Jer.

“What the hell are you doing?” we heard him exclaim,

“Resting on laurels will bring only pain.”

“There’s weights to go lift! Don’t just drink and get fatter!”

“We’ve only 8 weeks to work on the pattern!”

“On Seyler, on Cowie, on Chapman & Richmond!

On Henry and Brandon, Parlato and Nickelson!”

“I need Michael Jordan at 8, and Brett in the centers,

Get on Facebook, you guys – we’re already short numbers!”

A great laugh erupted from the VRC faithful,

For that dedication is what set the table.

From Bice’s diplomacy, Pete Muirhead’s support work,

To Mark Smith’s tireless game-day help network.

The club has been blessed with a big-hearted fanbase,

Who back all divisions whether in first or last place.

Timmy Shaddick, Bob Flood & The alumni come out in force,

Amy, Nadine, and Pat Sorge, of course.

It feels good to look over at the sidelines all jammed,

It never gets old to know we have fans.

And so we all drank a toast to a great Rowers Year

To the feeling of union we all feel in here.

As ‘014 closes, ‘015 promises so much more,

For Cam Tompkins is hard at work on our World Cup Tour.

Recent Rowing Club highlights

2014-11-06T12:57:00.002-08:00

Close games leave Rowers wanting

By Braden Maccke

Here are some results from recent matches:

Thirds at UBC

The Rowers came out of the Thanksgiving bye with energy and enthusiasm. They looked prepared and ready to face an equally young and fit UBC squad. Second row forward Bjorn Morris opened the scoring with a well earned try built from strong phase play. UBC was able to equalize by taking advantage of a fortunate bounce, leaving the sides even.

Young fly half Trevor Calin showed great speed and a knack for taking advantage of space in a 50-yard run to pay dirt, and slotted the conversion for good measure. A successful penalty kick by fullback Mike Santoro left the Rowers' 3rds and UBC tied 17-17 at the half.

Both teams defended well in the 2nd half. The thirds ran in to handling errors when opportunities for unobstructed advances showed up. Neither team was able to find the in-goal area nor the sticks as UBC and the 3rds finished tied at 17.

First Division at UBC

The Rowers Understudies had a tough go of it against UBC, ending up on the wrong side of a 60-21 score line. Fullback Cannaon Karena put in 2 tries and substitute fullback Jesse Yankee put in one of his own. Adrian Meaning was perfect on conversions.

The Firsts avenged the loss the following weekend against the Ravens at home. Standout Irish flanker Brendan Fagen led with three tries as Trevor Caton and Adrian Meining scoring one each. The first looked like a team doing everything right in a 40-12 home victory. They’ll look to keep that momentum going.

Premier Division at UBC

The Premier Division was on the wrong end of a 34 – 27 loss away at UBC. The Prems trailed early, took the lead towards the end, but lost it again as a strong UBC squad rose to the occasion on their home pitch.

Lachlan Campbell, Brian Duram, Kevin Gurniak, and Dennis Barnett all scored Rowing Club tries as fly half Henry Recinos slotted 2 conversions and one penalty. Pack leader Chris Seyler spent 10 minutes in the bin on a yellow card.

The following weekend, the Prems mounted a poor showing against the rival UBCOB Ravens at Brockton, scoring only a penalty kick in a 34-3 loss. A feeling of determination has taken over the Prems training pitch and video room, as they try to right the ship.

Thirds vs. Kamloops at Brockton

The following week a 3rds pack thinned by injuries was clearly out-sized as a large, capable Kelowna team scored early and never quit. Defense was poor and, as a consequence, possessions were few.

Handling errors pocked the Rowers attack, and they were never able to establish any momentum on either side of the ball. Veteran 2nd row forward Maverick Seed played a very strong game despite the unfavourable result. The thirds will try to improve from the 45-3 home drubbing in their next match.

November 8

11:30 3rds @ Surrey (Sullivan Heights)
1:00 1sts @ Castaway Wanderers RFC (Windsor Park)
2:45 Premiers @ Castaway Wanderers RFC (Windsor Park)

Rowers to host annual Family Day

2014-10-03T14:19:00.002-07:00

Full slate of games set for Brockton Oval

The Rowers challenge for a lineout in Kelowna Sept. 27. The third division side lost
the match 48-5. See here for more pictures.

It’s Family Day at the Oval Oct. 4. The Club will host Burnaby Lake for a full slate of matches and the annual family event will feature face painting for the kids, along with other games and events. It is also the opening day for the 2014-2015 premiership.

3RDS

The Rowers 3rd division traveled to Kelowna Sept. 27 for a game against KRFC Crows. The match provided a difficult spectacle for participants and spectators alike. Kelowna were the better team on the day, running out a 48-5 victory.

The visitors, for a lack of mental preparedness, could not properly harness the considerable fitness and talent they displayed the previous week against Burnaby. Many of the young Rowers on the squad were making their first rugby bus trip. The youngsters learned the hard way what road games are all about as they battled, futilely, against a very organized, very talented Kelowna team playing at home.

The Red & White showed flashes of eye-catching talent on offense, with long runs and broken tackles that amassed many yards. But the simplest aspects of the game proved to be the squads undoing. Poor tackling and weak defensive shape plagued the thirds and a lack of support caused turnover ball deep in Kelowna territory. After the match, many thirds were eager to show improvement versus Burnaby at Brockton Oval for Family Day.

Oct. 4

11:30 3rds vs. Burnaby (Brockton Oval)
1:00 1sts vs. Burnaby (Brockton Oval)
2:45 Premiers vs. Burnaby (Brockton Oval)

Oct. 11

Bye week: Thanksgiving Weekend

Oct. 18

11:30 3rds @ UBC (Wolfson Fields)
1:00 1sts @ UBC (Wolfson Fields
2:45 Premiers @ UBC (Wolfson Fields)

For the rest of the schedule visit this page: Rowers 2014-2015.

2014-2015 Season for the Vancouver Rowing Club

2014-10-03T14:08:00.004-07:00

2014-2015 SEASON AT A GLANCE:

2014:
Oct. 04 - Rowers vs. Burnaby Lake Rugby Club
Oct. 11 - Bye week
Oct. 18 - Rowers @ UBC (Wolfson Fields)
Oct. 25 - Rowers vs. UBCOB Ravens RFC
Nov. 01 - Rowers vs. James Bay AA
Nov. 08 - Rowers @ Castaway Wanderers RFC (Windsor Park)
Nov. 15 - Rowers vs. Capilano RFC
Nov. 22 - Rowers @ UVic (Wallace Field)

2015:
Jan. 31 - Bye Week
Feb. 07 - Rowers @ UBCOB Ravens RFC (Jericho Park)
Feb. 14 - Bye Week
Feb. 21 - Rowers vs. Castaway Wanderers RFC
Feb. 28 - Rowers @ Capilano RFC (Klahanie Park)
Mar. 07 - Bye Week
Mar. 14 - Rowers vs. UVic
Mar. 21 - Rowers @ Seattle (Exhibition)
Mar. 28 - Rowers vs. UBC
Apr. 04 - Bye Week
Apr. 11 - Rowers @ Burnaby (Burnaby Lake)
Apr. 18 - Rowers @ James Bay AA (MacDonald Park)

Stay tuned to Ruck-Muck for all the latest new and post-match reports.

Rowers visit Burnaby

2014-09-26T08:29:00.000-07:00

Thirds win on road; premiers and firsts round out pre-season—

By Braden Maccke

The Rowers travelled east Sept. 20 to visit the Burnaby Lake Rugby Club. The thirds picked up a win, while the first and premier sides dropped their final matches of the Mainland Cup preseason tourney.

Denis Barnett outpaces Burnaby Lake defenders en route to a 50-plus metre run
for a try Sept. 20.

Barnett touches the ball down for 5 points after a 50-plus metre run Sept. 20. The
Rowing Club's third div squad won the march 40-5.

3RDS

The Vancouver Rowing Club’s third division earned a convincing 40-5 victory over Burnaby Lake Sept. 20. The Thirds’ young core made use of their rapidly growing rugby knowledge, and considerable fitness, to best an experienced Burnaby Lake squad for one of the high points of the Rowers’ matches that day.

The thirds move to 1-1 with the win, good for 4th place in the Mainland 3rd div behind the Kats, Scribes, and UBC (all 2-0). The thirds have posted a respectable +33 point differential, which they’ll take to Kelowna Sept. 27.

1STS

The first division came up short in a 36-17 preseason loss to Burnaby Lake. This tune up, the understudies’ second loss of the pre-season, will have the firsts looking hard at improving their defense. The squad is getting steadily better. They are no doubt looking forward to a rematch with Burnaby to open the season at Brockton Oval Oct 4.

PREMIERS

The Rowing Club’s premier squad fell 36-24 in a well-contested match away at Burnaby. The top side’s fitness impressed, and their pattern looked like a functional working model destined for improvement the more it is run.

The premiers defended well and controlled the ball with efficiency at times. Burnaby has a very large and physical squad and the Rowers will have two weeks to make adjustments before their rematch Oct. 4 at Brockton.

Sept. 27

3rds @ Kelowna
1sts and premiers - Bye Week

Oct. 4

11:30 3rds vs. Burnaby (Brockton Oval)
1:00 1sts vs. Burnaby (Brockton Oval)
2:45 Premiers vs. Burnaby (Brockton Oval)

Fight Night 6 Preview

2014-09-02T15:57:00.001-07:00

Fight Night 6 Preview

The Ruck Muck is getting excited for the club’s annual amateur boxing fundraiser, Fight Night 6. Here are some matchup previews with more to come as we get closer to Fight Night. Tickets are going quick, so book your spot at rowersfightnight.com!

Seyler vs. Kaye

Chris Seyler is a stalwart of the Rowers Premier side. The 2013 MVP is known for his work ethic, leadership and toughness. The hooker’s impact and determination is legendary. Seyler doesn’t get out-muscled, out-lifted or ever rattled. He was among the first players to answer a call for fighters and, predictably, Sportdsesk Promotions had trouble finding a willing opponent.

Brandon Kaye doesn’t appear to be intimidated by The White Kimbo. He’s giving up some weight, but has a clear reach advantage and will no doubt rely on his athleticism. Kaye has risen quickly through the divisions since joining the VRC last year. The quiet lock has used his speed, conditioning and talent to gain an understanding of the game uncommon to 2^nd year players. The former baseball star and and current Better Bodies personal trainer has dedicated himself to his pre-fight training and will doubtlessly bring a tactical, high energy approach into the ring September 12^th.

Expect an entertaining fight from this pair. Both fighters are well-conditioned and tenacious, so they’ll be punching through the final bell.

Dignan vs. Parlato

Lock It Up Productions own Italian Stallion Justin Parlato took a hands-on approach to filling the fight card for FN6, putting his hand up to be ½ of the evening’s heavyweight throw down. The big 2^nd row buriser has never been the type of player to shy away from contact, and may be the only rower with the physical and mental ability to stand in against Dignan.

Sean ‘The Irish Giant’ Dignan is the largest Rower in any division. His combination of size and natural athletic ability is rare, and his height and reach complement his latest adventure as a heavyweight fighter. Reports out of the Dignan training camp are optimistic. Dignan is known for compulsively sticking up for teammates, so we’re looking forward to seeing if that aggression can be controlled and focused for long enough to get him to decision time against Parlato.

With both fighters over 6' tall and weighing in north of 230 lbs, this has the potential to be a heavyweight tilt for the ages.

Rowers rev up for the season

2014-08-22T13:38:00.000-07:00

A look ahead for the Rowing Club

By Braden Maccke

Brockton Oval

The staff at Ruck-Muck are finishing up a relaxing summer and getting ready for the leaves to fall and fresh white lines to be painted on Brockton Oval again. The club’s core is busily at work, getting ready for the Rowing Club’s second crack in as many years at the B.C. Premiership.

On-field training has been going steady since July with new strength and conditioning coach Ben Souness pushing conditioning on his charges well beyond what even @NotJeremeySabell thought possible. Last year’s core players are regular staples at Tuesday and Thursday training, with plenty of new faces also in consistent attendance.

#RowersNation

Anyone intending to put in minutes for the Rowers in the fall (all divisions) are welcome to come and run with the boys on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning at 6:30 p.m. Former and aspiring players are all encouraged to come down and experience coach Ben’s high-energy training sessions.

Jeremy Sabell, head coach and director of rugby operations, told the Ruck Muck he was pleased with the way training has come along at this early stage. “There’s lots of new faces, and recruitment is going very well.”

The club has big boots to fill, with key retirements like those of Phil Hosie and Karl Mudzamba. Gareth Brown and Jonathan Mergui are two stalwarts that are also hanging up their spikes. It’s yet to be determined if the bookends of the front row, Jake Chahwan and Alex Forrest, will be back from Ontario to wear the red and white, but Coach Sabell is optimistic.

Brockton Oval and Brockton Point.

Chris Seyler, hooker and last season’s club MVP, is busily training to reclaim his starting spot. Coach Sabell has no doubt that all positions will be filled by the time league games start in October.

The coaching staff is larger than ever. The addition of Coach Souness seems to have spread the pressure around the each of the coaches. New part-time additions to help Kelly Eglisson with 3rd division and U20 coaching, on a part time basis, include Brett Russell and Danny Smith. Mergui will also likely be back in a coaching role at some point.

All levels will face a high standard of competition this coming season. The Premier and first division squads will play their first league games Oct. 4 at the Oval.

Rowing club back-line veterans Caleb Hansen and Kevin Gurniak both made the travelling roster for the B.C. Bears’ South American tour this summer. The tour to Argentina opened with a lopsided 38-7 Bears’ loss to Buenos Aries, but continued with a 21-20 victory over the Uruguayan national team.

Gurniak and Hansen both relayed tales of an enriching overseas experience, and the Ruck-Muck has no doubt they represented the Rowing Club well.

UPCOMING EVENTS

September:
Sept. 06 - Mainland Cup:

1:30 p.m. 1sts vs. Seattle (Brockton Oval)

2:45 p.m. Premiers vs. Seattle (Brockton Oval)

Sept. 12 - Fight Night VI at the Hellenic Community Centre of Vancouver, 4500 Arbutus Street. Get your tickets here.

Sept. 13 - Bye week

Sept. 20 - Mainland Cup:

1:30 p.m. 1sts @ Burnaby (Burnaby Lake)
2:45 p.m. Premiers @ Burnaby (Burnaby Lake)

Sept. 21 - Golf tournament at Langara Golf Course. Tee-off time is 10 a.m. Get your tickets here.
Sept. 27 - Oktoberfest - details forthcoming.

2014-2015 SEASON AT A GLANCE:

Rowers roped at Rodeo Sevens

2014-05-23T11:13:00.000-07:00

Slowers live up to their name
By Braden Maccke

Chris Seyler at the Cloverdale Rodeo Sevens.

CLOVERDALE, B.C.--The Rowers entered two sevens teams into the second annual Cloverdale Rodeo 7’s tournament May 17, but they were unable to repeat the victorious performance they put in at the event's inaugural running.

The Rowers’ elite squad started their defense of their 2013 title by besting the host Surrey Beavers in the opening game. They followed up with a win over Abbotsford and placed first in their division. The elite squad faced the Lighthouses from Burnaby in their next game, a playoff match, but lost a close one to a very strong team.

New sevens coach James “Jimmy 2” Roughan saw his charges execute a well-designed pattern with reasonable fluidity. Unfortunately the squad was on the wrong end of some tough bounces against Burnaby and the Lighthouses bounced them out of the tourney.

The social div squad, affectionately coined the “Slowers,” enjoyed good weather and great camaraderie during to the tournament. However, the team was unable to post any victories. But the boys represented their club formidably in the division.

Gregory “Gus The Bus” Crowe made the most of his final outing in the red and white before heading home to Ottawa to represent the Irish. Crowe scored one of his characteristic bus-like tries based entirely on forward momentum, considerable mass, and disrespect for would-be tacklers.

Front-row forward Brett Illing found a few extra games with a short-handed Prince of Wales High School Alumni squad, even as they were matched up against the Rowers. Scylar Dumas and speedy young winger Haden were standouts in all games.

The majority of the less-than-mobile Slowers side is looking forward to the Williams Lake 15s tournament, where there will be less open space.

The Vancouver Rugby 7’s tournament will be hosted at Connaught Park June 21.

Burnaby Lake will host their Lighthouse 7’s tournament July 12.

More pictures:

Gregory Crowe.

Scyler Dumas.

Awards night is upon us

2014-04-23T16:02:00.002-07:00

Annual awards banquet to be held May 3--

VRC Nation

STANLEY PARK--The Vancouver Rowing Club’s annual rugby awards banquet is just around the corner. The May 3 event is open to better halves, unlike the Captains’ Dinner, and will feature music and dancing. There will also be a wine tasting beforehand. Prices are: dinner $25, dinner + wine tasting $40.

The Rowers have a long history of more than 100 years of rugby and along with that storied past comes some historic hardware.

Trophies to be handed out on awards night:
3rd Division MVP
2nd Division MVP
1st Division MVP
Frauenfelder Award for Sportsmanship
Nelles Stacy Award for Rookie of the year
Most Improved Player
Carl Moore Memorial for Junior MVP
Norman Jack Award for Club Man of the Year
Jock Strap Award for best club supporter
Biggest Award
White Ant Award

Get you tickets now by calling the club, 604-687-3400, or by visiting this webpage. The event is only 10 days away.

Jamie Overgaard and Kelly Eglisson are also looking for pictures for the club’s year-end slideshow presentation. Please contact them through the Thirsty Thirds' page, or the main page.

Here is last year’s slideshow video: