Game Results: Velox goes 3 for 3!
 
Premier Division Results Round 5
Velox 26 - UVic 21

- written by John Phillips
 
What should have been a hard fast game between two running teams at windswept Wallace Field turned into a game which once again left supporters of Velox groaning in frustration as they watch their team commit a myriad of penalties, many of which were apparent only to the referee.
 
The Vikes started the game at speed, using their fast outside backs to hammer away at the Velox defenders, stretching the defence but Velox managing close down the Vikes breaks and hold the line. Velox scored first with a converted try in the corner to Lock No5 Murray Smith, the Vikes picking up their first points with a penalty. Velox struck back soon after with another try, courtesy of Center No 12 Andrew Hopkins. At this point it looked as thought Velox were going to run away with the game making some big breaks down the middle, however the never say die Vikes defence held with them coming came back scoring a converted try by No.10 Nick Fairhust to end the first half with the score 12 v 10 to Velox.
 
The second half continue much the same as the first with Velox showing more purpose and enterprise but still committing errors and incurring mysterious penalties, which allowed the Vikes, back into the game at one point assuming the lead. With two front line players - Player/Coach Winston Stanley and Lock Murray Smith - side lined in the first half with injuries, Velox showed the depth of its players bench, and in a 10 minute period of exciting, ball in hand attacking rugby, led by a rampaging No. 8 Ray Young managed to notched up two converted tries to put the final score beyond doubt and earn Velox a bonus point. The Vikes, classy side they are, came back in the last 20 minutes of the game with a try, two penalties and a nice 3 point drop goal to leave the final score at 26 vs 21 to Velox.
 
Not a spectacular game, with Velox Dogs showing only bursts of the ball in hand, power rugby they are capable of, the forward pack once again dominating their opposition. The big positive for Velox was the depth of talent on the bench, which showed its capabilities in covering all positions. 
 
Man of the match for Velox was Ray Young whose bullocking runs had the crowd roaring for more.
 
For Velox: Tries by Murray Smith, Andrew Hopkins, and Doug Hemmingway. Konrad Nikkel 3 Conversions.
 
For UVic:  Tries to Dave Moonlight, Ed Fairhurst, Dave Spicer 2 Penalties 1 conversion and a drop goal by Dave Moonlight.
 
 
Men's Second Division
Velox 32 - Norsemen 13

- written by Meic the Welshman

This was a must win game for both teams, a win either way would surely give a huge boost going into the next game. For us it was pride and determination of having come so close on several occasions over the past couple of seasons. 

Slightly windy conditions - this did not deter our plan. Forwards were physically bigger than the students but their speed makes up for a great deal having lots of youth on their side! As expected they kicked for possession and tried to run and muscle their way through by quick ball from side to side. 

They were met with a resilient Beaver team that had their sliding defence working in the backs. No where to go, our defence was superb and for 80 minutes they never looked like scoring. Huge defence from OT, Nathan (eminem hair), and Craig all covering the field.

Our 1st try came from plenty of forward pressure ploughing up field which led to hooker Jeff (who then subbed for the Prems) going over for the try. This was converted by Shaun 'van Halen'.  Points came from UVic via the boot with a couple of penalties. Todd not Johnny was making holes with some jinking runs linking with his forwards and deservedly went over near the posts, converted by Shaun.
Forwards and backs worked extremely well together with Peter making some huge hits out there and the tireless work of the front 5.

Slightly up on at half time - a couple of subs were made Jimmo for Ashley and Travis for young van Halen. Some great positional kicks from Todd led the forwards charging towards the UVic line; this resulted in Ginger going over.

After the kick off, we had a scum near the 1/2 way line. Travis, #9, feeds it in - and is under the posts scoring a try after a great solo run before any of the forwards have noticed - converted by the disciple himself. 

Velox semi-cruising and a great rhythm of passing from backs to forwards running 40-50 yards.  Norsemen forwards gained some huge ground from a couple of quick penalties resulting in catching our sliding defense off guard and go over in the corner.

Huge forward surges once again saw Luke smashing his way over the line taking 2 students with him and the corner flag - this was disallowed due to the ref not seeing the try as a UVic player was down injured. Dale having moved from center to wing gained huge ground on some winding runs of his finally passed to the Welshman on hand to support to go close to the posts. Final score was 32-13 and a deserving win for the Beavers.

Thanks to the supporters and to the girls team for being truly vocal. Cam Neish had workman of the game playing the full 80 mins @ prop.


Senior Women
Velox 70 - Trinity Western 0

- written by Tracy Schulz

Velox Valkyries win! Velox senior women played Trinity on the 23 of Oct and went to a blow out of 70 to 0. Trinity showed up with lots of heart, energy and short one player. Velox being the good sports we are stepped up and provided an extra player for them. Nicole came forward to played wing for them. This is part of the true spirit of the game.
 
Jess, #14, came out with an amazing 5 tries during the game. Three of which were converted for a total of 28 points during the games. Well, done! Brandi, #1, was our next superstar with 2 tries with one being converted for 12 points.

Sue, # 10 managed to get to the ball after KB kicked it across the ground. She was just that must faster then the other team. Brittany, #19, also made a huge impact on the game by getting the team a try as well. Sarah L, #13 got her try just after a long fight by the team in our half.

Trinity put up a good strong fight and almost pushed a crossed the line. KB, #11 managed to also sneak across the try line for a try. Wookie, #12 our star kicker rounded off the game with the last try. The team was unstoppable.
 
Our players of the match were Jess for the backs and Brandi for the forwards. Great game to all!


Coming Up

This weekend, the Premiers travel to James Bay (2:45 kickoff, McDonald Park). The first match between these two was extremely close, with JBAA winning by only a single point, and they are currently ranked #1 (JBAA) and #2 (VV) in the Island standings. This should be an exciting game....

The B's are at home against Nanaimo, 1pm kickoff at Velox. The women have a bye.


Director of Rugby's Corner

As we all know, it's a hard struggle financially for a sports club, Velox included, to last through a season without outside financial assistance. I think it is important to acknowledge those who have helped us, through sponsorships and other commitments, for what they've done for Velox this year.

Our major sponsors for the 2004/05 season are:

Parker Johnston Ltd
Pemberton Homes
Middlebeach Lodge in Tofino
Alliance Oxygen
Access
Mills Paint
Pepsi Bottling Group
NetComp Solutions
Titan Sports

A special thanks goes out to all our sponsors for supporting the Velox Valhallians RFC this season!!


Rugby Canada and Velox

The club would like to wish Mark Lawson a successful tour as he leaves to join the Men's National Squad for games in Italy and England. There will be a send off event for all Rugby Canada players in Victoria tomorrow (Wed, the 27th) at 3:30 - held at Velox.

Recognition is also due for Konrad Nikkel, who attended the Rugby Canada 7's trial a few weeks ago. Konrad has been named to the long list!


Parking Lot

Don't forget: anyone parking in our lot outside of a designated spot must have their name visible on their dashboard. Don't get towed!