Game Reports Premier Division Results Round 3

- written by John Phillips

Fans were treated to a tremendous game of running rugby in front of an enthusiastic crowd made up mainly of Velox supporters, with Velox nailing the win in the final minutes of the game; courtesy of converted penalty by the Velox half back Conrad Nickkel.

The game played under ideal conditions had a little of everything as the young dogs of Velox applied the blowtorch to a CW's team stacked with big game experience and several internationals. It was a hard fast and physical game that delighted and frustrated the fans of both sides.

Player / Coach Winston Stanley opened the score of Velox, standing up the opposition with a dummy and swerve to ghost over the try line, his third in three games. At half time Velox were up 22 point to 8 with two addition tries provided by Center Doug Hemingway and Prop Kevin Wirachowski (CW's points coming from a try by Right Winger Richard O'Malley and a penalty by Derek Daypuck).

Being the class side that it is Castaways came out firing, scoring a try in the first five minutes forcing Velox to defend ferociously for long periods, with CW's scoring four more tries to Velox's one giving them a one point lead with five minutes to go. Velox forced an error and with just a couple of minutes on the clock converted the penalty for a 32-30 win.

It was Velox's best effort of the season, holding off Castaways final surge in a bruising fast encounter, the four tries gives us a bonus point, and 2 wins out of three games.

Man of the match went to Loose Head Prop Chad Vath whose all round game and try saving tackle had the crowd on their feet, while other notable mentions were Conrad and Winston.

Congratulations to Velox Captain Mark Lawson for his selection to the Canada side as Co -Captain to tour England in November.

No games are scheduled for the Thanksgiving weekend, however a visiting team made up of Australian Armed Forces with playing the Pacific Pride at Velox Park at 5 p.m. on Friday the 8th of October, all invited.

Men's Second Division

Velox 10 - Oak Bay 35

- written by Meic the Welshman

Windsor Park home of Oak Bay - probably the narrowest field in the division - the tactic spin the ball wide and use our back pace as a few premier subs were used for portions of the game. This worked to some effect gaining good valuable ground. Their forwards were physically bigger and looked stronger, so we knew their style - forwards all day long then spin it to their speedy full back and wings.

An extremely hard fought forward battle - 13-5 at half time with Dale going over under the posts. A Todd 'not a Johnny' Cunningham misfortune that we will not forget missed the front of posts convert (that's a few beers to drink Todd).

We were tired so several half time substitutes were made and early in the second half. Punishing forward play driving Velox back led to more Oak Bay points - two early push over tries hurt the Velox team. Quasimodo finally arrived for his first game with his cousin in tail to take the field. Gimley - now Frodo - playing his first game at scrum half found it difficult at times with our lighter pack being pushed back.

We completely dominated the game in 5-8 minutes spells with Oak Bay on the defensive. After an off the ball infringment Oak Bay were reduced to 14 men - we made great headway with good ball running from the Welshman and Heyzoos who seemed a little rocked by a head high tackle in the first half.

Ginger and Jake tackled and battered furiously as did Jeff, another Cowichan Chris and Chad. An almost full length of the field saw runs, kicks, penalties, lineouts, and our best scrum of the day pushing the home team back 5-8 yards, setting the backs up with the Welshman going over unassailed near the posts. Final whistle, 35-10 Oak Bay.

The Beavers have several weeks to prepare for three games that we know we can win if the 5-8 minute spells can increase with good ball retention. Thanks to all the supporters that watched our game, and kudos to man of the match, Todd Cunningham.

Woman's Senior Rugby Results

Velox Valkyries 32 - UBC II 10

- written by Tracy Schulz

Velox Valkyries, senior women's rugby, dominated UBC II! The intensity was there from the get go; the women wanted the win. Our first try went to Brittany Kohn, #1. She got the ball off a penalty and drove it across the line. The team was on fire and this was just the start. The next try went to Katherine Benning, #14. Haley Wickman (A.K.A Wookie), # 12 answered back UBC's only try with one of her own. We finished the half with yet another try by forward Brandi Iio, #3. The ladies were completely unstoppable.

We opened the second half with our Forwards Captain, Jenna Carlson, #8, producing the ball from a maul and driving it across for try number five! Our backs Captain Wookie helped to cap it off with a conversion allowing us to pull ahead even further. Kim Coyle, #16 or Coach, managed to push us across one more time to finish the game with a score of 32 to 10.

Our players of the match were Kim Coyle for the forwards and Sara Wiebe, Scrum Half, for the backs. Well, done to both and well done to the team!!

Coming Up

There are no scheduled games for Velox this weekend, on account of the Thanksgiving Long Weekend. However, there will be an exhibition game for the B's up in Courtney on Sunday for those looking for extra match time (1pm at Lewis Park). With all the players from that area currently at Velox, it should make for an entertaining trip.

The following weekend, the A's play the Pride on Sunday, and the B's have a bye. I'm working on an exhibition game for them.

Rookie Night!

It's that time of year.... With no games on Saturday, this Thursday night is the perfect opportunity to officially welcome new players into the club. Vet's should be prepared to buy a few drinks for their rookie, and bring whatever props and costumes they'd like. There will be a short meeting after training tonight for vets interested in planning Thursday's events.