Game Write-Up

UVic 22 - Velox 17

- written by Aaron Frisby

With a spot in the B.C. super league in the bag, a new look Velox team faced a fired up UVic on Saturday.

From the outset of the game it was clear that both sides had running in mind. Due to a lack of positional kicking, both teams spent lengthy periods camped in the oppositions red zone.

After an early UVic penalty, both teams succumbed to goal line pressure, letting in one try a piece, UVic scoring first from a forwards maul. Velox inside center Dale Grimston answered straight back with a superb try between the posts, cashing in some great phase play from the home side.

Player of the day for the students, flanker turned center Adam Kleeburger, made the most of his time in the back line, causing many headaches for the Velox side. One of his many breaks led to a great try for winger Dave Carter who also converted his efforts.

With the score 15-7, Velox turned down two easy 3 point penalties, instead opting to kick for the sideline. Both kicks failed to make it to touch, leaving the Velox side without the six points they would need at full time.

Both sides then lost players to the sin bin, for a bit of friendly biffo. Velox fullback Chris Houston and UVic scrum half Brian Hutchinson both had a ten minute break from the game.

Konrad Nikkel added three points to the scorecard taking the score to 15-10 into the break.

The second half brought more disappointment for Velox. A try by Murray Smith was disallowed, which would of put the home side right back in the hunt for the game.

UVic dealt the fatal blow with a try to center Steve Batie, forcing coach Winston Stanley to roll the substitutions to try and get the game back in reach.

Velox managed to score but ended up being too little too late with the final score being 22-17.

Player of the day went to Kevin Wirachowski for his superb scrummaging, defensive efforts and also for turning up on time for the game.


Coming Up

There will be touch rugby this evening in lieu of practice, and also a poker tournament afterwards in the club. Also coming up is Rod Parker's Christmas open house, next Friday evening (the 17th).


Touch Judging Course

There will be a course on January 9th (9am to 4pm at St. Mikes) teaching the finer points of running touch. Those attending will be eligible to join the referee society and act as official judges at Premier games. Anyone interested in attending should talk to Anthony Mirando.


U-19 Development

The (south) VIRU is holding a skills camp this Sunday for U-19's in the Victoria area (Dec 12, 1pm to 4pm, McDonald Park) in preparation for the regional representative squad in the spring. Any young Velox players interested in going are encouraged to give it a shot. You can contact me for more details.