Game Results

Premier: Velox 48 - Abbotsford 7
1st Div: Velox 66 - Abbotsford 7

- written by John Lyall

Velox closed their season with two wins over Abby, finishing in fifth place in the premier and sixth (fourth playoff seed) in first division. The firsts opened the day with a comprehensive win over Abbotsford’s firsts earning them a home game next weekend next weekend against the firsts from Bayside. Rod Parker earned man of the match honors for Velox while Abby’s halfback earned honors for the visitors.
 
The premier game opened with Mark Lawson getting the proceedings started with a try two minutes in. Two more Velox tries, none converted and a converted Abbotsford try brought the halftime score 15-7 to the home team. Dropped passes, lost balls in contact, stiff Abby defense and a high penalty count worked against the home Valhallians. Abbotsford played well controlling possession for long periods of time.
 
The second half opened with Dean Van Camp coming in and making an immediate impact with probing runs.  The home team poured it on in the second half, netting five more tries, Mark Lawson ending the day as he opened it with a try running off of DVC’s shoulder. Final score 48-7 to Velox. 
 
Men of the match went to Dave Neilson of Velox and Abbotsford winger, Conrad.  The aforementioned Lawson also played very well, as well as Lunk in the forwards, Aaron Frisby played excellent in the backs.
 
A solid win and platform for a push into the playoffs.  The win lands Velox in fifth place and a date next weekend at Klahanie Park against fourth place Capilanos. Capilanos beat Velox in their meeting earlier this year and represent a massive challenge.  
 
Congrats to Premier winners Craig White, Jordan Allers, Dan White and Murray Smith at the year end banquet.     

3rds vs Ebb Tide

An exhibition match started the day off before the Abbotsford double header. The 3rds welcomed a few Velox Old Boys (Dennis Crawford, Dave Defrane, and Barry Wheelhouse) to the squad, bringing our average age a little step closer to that of the opposition.

In the end, age and treachery won out over youth and beauty: the Ebb Tide took the match 32-22. A fun time had by all, and a special thanks to Nolan for refereeing.


Coming Up

All four senior teams have made it through to the BC playoffs, although the women have a bye this weekend (having placed 2nd in their division). In each case, the top six teams make it in with the top two getting a bye in the quarter finals.

The 5th place seeded Prem's travel to Vancouver to play Capilano. If you'd like to join them on the trip, talk to Christel by Thursday night Christel.Hume@gov.bc.ca.

The 4th place seeded first div squad gets a home game vs Burnaby Lake. Presumably this is a 1pm game, but no game times have yet been announced.

The 3rds go into the finals as #6 seed, which means a trip to Burnaby Lake (also on Saturday, but again no kickoff time set yet, though perhaps 11:30).


Banquet

It was a great night for all involved. Special thanks go to Mark Lawson (our MC), Mark Wyatt (guest speaker), and all the volunteers that helped make the event a success.

The George Jones award this year went to the Silver Fox, and the Charlton Smith award went to Dr. Bob. As for player awards:

Premier  
MVP                       Murray Smith
Top Forward     Jordan Allers               
Top Back                Dan White                   
Players’ Player Craig White

1st Division 
MVP                       Kevan Letawske
Top Forward     Allen Hall                    
Top Back                  Duck                           
Rookie of the Year      Graeme White

Premier Women
MVP                       Charrlotte Haley
Best Back                Haley Wickman
Best Forward             Marlene Donaldson
Coaches Award   Karen Battie
 
3rd Division 
MVP                       Peter Collins
Top Forward             Mike Collins
Players’ Player Cobus de Klerk                                   
Top Back                 Al Macaulay


School Age Seven-Aside

On Sunday, May 6th, Velox will be hosting our 2nd Annual "Victoria Schools Spring Sevens" jamboree for local high school rugby players. This year it will include 3 divisions; U16 Boys, U19 Boys, and U18 Girls.
 
If you know a team interested in this fun event please let Mark Pratt know by April 25th. We are also looking for volunteers and prizes.  mmpratt@shaw.ca or 889-8746


7-Aside Touch

Velox is also planning a club touch tournament for Saturday Aug 11th. It's a long way off, but you can start getting a team together now. Expect a mixed format, requiring men, women, old boys, and juniors on each squad.