Game Reports

Premier: Velox 12 - Meralomas 12

- written by John Lyall

The Velox Valhallians Premier team entered their fourth game of the CDI season, following a well played, but disappointing 4 point loss to last year's BC champs: Capilano's. Injuries forced major adjustments in last week's game, this week was no different as three starters from the Caps game went down injured, and no players returned. Oh well, 'excuses are for losers', and this was the philosophy we took into this game. 

The day marked the first Island game for the Meralomas RFC of Vancouver. Winners of the Mainland Knockout cup in the Fall, the proud Lomas come into Velox Valhallians RFC, both with a 1-2 win loss record. This team, unknown to our local fans is known well with the National Selectors, with 6 of its current squad cracking the recently posted top 75 player list. Lomas are strong up front with the likes of O?Leary, Buan and Erichson, being marshaled by their dynamic halfback Fleck . 

The first half started the way of the Lomas, as they demonstrated their strength at hard running and rucking. Two first half tries, one converted saw a 12-0 Loma lead at the half. Positives from the first half saw Lawson pole-ax a Loma prop, prompting memories of the Welshman?s self described legendary sticks.

The second half was another story as Velox seemed to awaken and play with some more fire in front of their home crowd. A set piece lineout drive from the 5m saw Lunk storm over for his fourth try (second leading on team) of the season. The game settled into a hard hitting tight affair before Olly Magic arrived. Big Oliver Atkinson, mowing not only Letawske?s lawn on the weekend, now mowing his on field moves stepped into an errant Loma pass, storming 80 m for the try. Outracing wingers and fullbacks, Olly brought the crowd to its feet with an amazing display of athleticism. 

12-12 was the score as the game progressed to its conclusion with Velox were pressing inside the 22m line. Indeed, a driving lineout ended 1m short of the goal line. While our offensive and defensive lineouts were very good on the day, try scoring drives near the goal line will need to be worked on as the team progresses. 

A final whistle produced looks of dismay, as both teams are unaccustomed to rugby draws. Five more minutes, players yelled. Not to be, and both teams settled for two points. Congrats to new cap Dave Neel, moving from Ontario as a hooker / #9, but finding himself playing loosehead for Beavers and now premiers. Evan Machin is playing his best rugby of the year, Lawson continues to amaze at his ability to play anywhere asked, and the entire backline defended well all day long. Olly was a deserved Man of the Match, running hard off breakdowns, winning his own and opposition lineouts, and tying the game with his 80m jaunt. 

We have now moved through possibly the toughest part of the schedule, only four combined points between our team and the two top teams from the mainland. With arguably six starters out due to injury (Winston, Aussie Mark, Murray, Scotty, Ray, and now Niko) and the sheep shearing Dougie soon to return, the team has shown its depth and character quite well in this extremely competitive league.

Thanks to our supportive and vocal home crowd. It is a pleasure to play in front of fans with such passion. Join us this weekend as both teams head over to the mainland to take on Burnaby Lake. 

1st Division: Velox 5 - Meralomas 53

It was a disappointing day for the Beavers, with a less than stellar performance. Despite some flashes of great rugby, the squad struggled in line outs and missed too many critical tackles. We'll regroup for the coming weekend, and look to play a full eighty minutes.

Man of the match went to Sean. The Welshman also had a great game, with no missed tackles and no knock ons.

Women: Surrey cancelled.

U16 Boys: Velox 10 - Cowichan 56
 
- written by Mark Pratt

Velox?s U16 boy?s first road trip of the season was this Sunday?s visit to Cowichan?s Piggie Park on another perfect day for rugby. The visitors ran into the green wall and got a hard lesson in Cowichan?s pick and go style of play. Cowichan took a page from the Velox game book and put two quick tries on the board followed by several more throughout the game. Velox?s backs worked the ball very well and despite several good runs were unable to break through the final few metres to score. The Velox boys managed one hard earned try in each half. The first by fly half Chris Pratt and the second by winger Ross Bright who picked the ball just outside the end zone from Riley Moss after another of his signature rambles from mid field.
 
We anticipate that Velox Coach Bob Love will be putting his young men through their paces this week to prepare for a visit from the other half of the Cowichan U16 group who will travel to Victoria.
 
3rd Division: Velox 12 - Cowichan 53

Ouch. Two otherwise evenly matched squads met on Sunday, and demonstrated the need to play to the referee. No knock on the ref himself (Thank you, Chris, for stepping up and helping us out) who as a back isn't used to dealing with the laws of rucks and mauls, but the Cowichan side took full advantage of his inexperience to pilfer ball in the breakdowns. By failing to adjust our own play, we gave away too much possession.

Man of the match went to Crotchy, back in a Velox jersey after many years away.

Coming Up

This weekend, the A's and B's travel to Burnaby Lake. There is still room for a few supporters, so contact Christel Hume if you are interested (6 spots remaining, first come first serve).

The women have no game on the weekend, but are hosting a touring side on Thursday evening (7:30 kickoff). Training is on as usual for the men.

On Sunday, there is plenty of rugby at the club:

10:00am         mini rugby jamboree (U8 to U14's)
12:00am         U16's vs Cowichan
1:30pm  3rds vs Comox