VELOX ADVANCES IN PREMIER!

Velox 16 - Pacific Pride 12

- written by John Phillips

What a difference a week makes: after being thumped last week by CW, Velox came out a different team having exorcised their demons emerging full of determination and resolve to defeat the Pride in a thriller at Velox Park.
 
Once again it was the Velox forwards who set up the winning platform with a magnificent display of forward power, dominating the small and less experienced Pride pack, forcing them onto the back foot, turning the scrum at will and allowing the backs, stiffened by the return of Coach Winston Stanley to run the ball. It was the Pride who scored first blood in the seventh minute with a fine try in the corner, however they were unable to convert and after 7 minutes the score stood at 5 - 0 to the Pride. It was then Veloxs turn to apply the pressure, camping inside the Pride half for much of the first 40 minutes, the forwards ploughing up the middle forcing the Pride into errors as they scrapped and scrounged for every ball.
 
Veloxs first points came from a penalty converted by Konrad Nikkel to close the gap to 2 points. Pressure finally told when a gap opened up in the Prides defensive line and at 20 meters out Centre Winston Stanley received the ball, cut inside and with a slight change of pace went over unopposed to score Veloxs first try.  With the half time score at 11 v 5 to Velox, courtesy of another converted penalty both sides resumed with determination, the backs on both sides moving up in a line to shut down the opponents back line attacks, Velox trying with mixed success to chip over and through the advancing defenders in an attempt to turn them.

Prides evergreen Full Back Jake Osborne showed great anticipation always managed to be on the spot and with his ranging boot, repeatedly forcing Velox back into the defensive. The try of the round was scored by No7 Captain Mark Lawson who finished off a move that started in the Velox half when a clearing kick by Winston Stanley was run down, Winston recovered the ball and took off for 40 meters down the side line before off loading the ball to his support the ball finally being planted over the line by Mark Lawson. The Pride struck back soon after with a well worked converted try by Jake Osborne.

With 20 minutes to go, it was an anxious crowd of Velox supporters urging their team on as the Pride in typical style through everything into attack. It was a collective sigh of relief and roar of joy when the final whistle went to give a final score of  16 v 12 to Velox.
 
It was a tremendous effort by both teams, the difference being Veloxs forward dominance of the front row, the marauding back three disrupting the Pride around the ruck causing several turnovers, along with the improved defensive effort put in by the committed backs.
 
Captain Mark Lawson packing down at No7 enjoying the extra space and was devastating in attack and defence, along with a rock solid front row, they dominated the middle of the field forcing the Pride attack to go wide. The great improvement from last weeks game was the defensive effort by all players, typified by Prop Kevin Wirachowski tackle on an attacking Pride back, the thump of a moving object running into an immovable object had the crowd on their feet, however in was Winger Trevor Cunninghams defence that had the crowd roaring. Possibly the smallest man on the field, Trevor repeatedly mowed down his much larger opponents with four classic try saving tackles.
 
Veloxs win this week with one game to go ensures that they will be moving on to the next round of the premiership competition. An unfortunate side of Veloxs win means that there is a possibility that the very talented UVic team with several internationals in their side will not move to the next round.   
 
Veloxs Man over the match goes to Winger Trevor Cunningham whos low scything tackles were a highlight of the game. Pacific Prides Man of the match goes to No14 Jake Osborne, whose kicking game and penetrating runs continually stretched the Velox defence.

Photos of the game can be found at http://www.pbase.com/autie/velox_vs_pride


Velox B's 5 - James Bay 22

- written by Meic the Welshman

It was to be a showdown against James Bay, whom the Beavers had lost to by 4 points in their previous meeting. Our strongest side out - running backs that have scored lots of tries this past season.

The first 15 minutes was a solid defense and escape by all 15 Beaver players, inevitably this could not hold for much longer with James Bay scoring through some tired defenders under the posts. Most of the match took place either side of the half way line with both teams determined to crack one anothers defense with quick ball and a moment of magic. James Bay's tactics were to keep it in their forwards and quickly spin it the their no.10 who has an excellent kick and kept James Bay in the Velox 22 on many occasions.

Lineouts were extremely well contested with Eric doing superbly in his battle winning him workman of the game. Todd (winner of the Beaver hat for man of the match) did all that he could muster by constantly sniping through gaps as did Duck and Jesus, with Duck going over to score after a slight burst from Craig (15).

Momentum with their larger, heavier pack paid dividends for James Bay as their forwards crashed over for a try. Velox were still in the hunt and our never say die attitude was met with grand applause from a very strong Velox crowd (thanks) including most of the 1st team. Tired players from almost 80 minutes of defending, a miss move in the Bay forwards sent their winger over for a run unmatched for a try under the posts.

A couple of subs for Velox to punch some spirit were met with some great runs by the Welshman and Trevor (where's my sticky gloves) O'Brien. The Californian ref blew the final whistle for a 22-5 loss.

This season so far has been one of the best since the Beavers were founded - this will take this young and old spirited side into the next half against teams that will only make us stronger and more determined to improve.
 
Note:- James Bay's non hospitality after the game as there wasn't 1 player or supporter in their clubhouse after the game?
 
Until next season - happy xmas and new years - in welsh Nadoleg Llawen


Velox Women vs Surrey

This game was forfeited by Surrey.


Coming Up

There is only one game remaining for any Velox squad until January. On Saturday, Velox A's host the UVic Vikes at 2:45. With the Velox win last weekend over the Pride we are 8 points ahead of UVic, which means that they can no longer catch us: we will advance to the province wide Premier competition and they will not.

That said, the game is likely to be a hotly contested one. Velox will be looking to finish the half with a win, and UVic will want to salvage something out of the situation by knocking us off.

With that game finished, the club will be closing the field after Dec 9th to all users for the remainder of the month. Training for players will continue however, with a variety of indoor activities. Stay tuned for more.


Happy Holidays

This Saturday night is the annual Velox Christmas Party, starting at 8pm. There will be a band, and everyone is asked to bring an appetizer. Don't forget as well that Rod and Marian are having their open house on Dec. 17th.

 
Other Rugby News

If you've tried to get information on other Premier games around the province, you know that the BCRU website does little more than provide scores. For pictures, game write-ups, and other news you can go to www.bcrugbynews.com . Velox member Mark Bryant is involved in the site, and it is always kept up to date. This week, they have video highlights of the Velox/Pride game.

They'll be requiring registration soon though, and if you sign up early you (and the club) can win a hoodie.