Game Reports Premier Division Results Round 2

- written by John Phillips

Tries to James Bay by Andrew Moffet, Phil Mack and Tyler Wish with Jeff Williams providing the single conversion. For Velox, try to Winston Stanley while Konrad Nickle kicked three penalties and a conversion. On a perfect day for Island rugby, Velox served notice that they are a force to be reckoned in the coming season. Playing a fast bruising game against the much vaunted James Bay, the Bays only got over the line scoring a try in the last five minutes of the game to win by a single point. From the kick off Velox gained territorial advantage, pinning the Bay down inside their own half for extended periods, unfortunately they were not able to turn possession into points.

The Velox forward pack, with Captain Mark Lawson and fellow International Kevin Wirachowski, providing the blend of old age and cunning with youth and enthusiasm caused no end of trouble to the Bays forwards, forcing turnovers and several losses against the feed.

In the backs Winston Stanley's smooth passing and kicking game provide the springboard for many of the back line attacking moves. Winston scored a gem of a try in the second half, dancing round several defenders before being tackled he managed to reach out and plant the ball over the line.

In the second half the lead had changed several times with the pace and power of the game leaving both teams at the final whistle sucking in air. The game that could have gone either way with the Bay players giving a big defensive effort scoring a try in the dying minutes give the Bay?s a hard fought victory.

Despite the result it was a huge confidence builder for the team going into next weeks game against Castaway Wanderers and served notice that they are a team to be reckoned with. Captain Mark Lawson commented. It was a tough match to loose given the amount of possession and we must make the tackles, but it provides confidence for the next game. Under the new format every match counts and we can?t afford to loose any more if we?re to go onto the next round.

Coach Winston Stanley thought it was a great test for the team and will inspire self-belief in the players. He gave his best player nomination to Hooker Mark Lawson and Blindside flanker Scotty Harnden while the best for the Bays was No14 Andrew Moffat who?s speed caused no end of trouble to the Velox defensive line.

B's vs James Bay

- written by Meic the Welshman

Velox 24 - James Bay 28

A 12.30 k/o at Mcdonald Field, the Beavers take on James Bay 1st team. We have OT pull out at 8.30am, Hawkins pull out before the game and Mini Mike Elliot (new name Gimley) pulls out with a hamstring tweak in the warm-up! Not the start that we wanted to take the field.

Some shuffling was done and we kicked off. The forwards led by Jake "the Snake" Nessman were punching holes from deep at the James Bay forwards and gaining considerable ground. Lots of ball was distributed through forward pressure to Travis 'the Disciple' Quinn through the backs to large effect.

1st half penalty for James Bay to put them into the lead. Superb forward work from Eric 'Braveheart' McLeod sprinting 50 yards, superb support from Ginger Aaron and the Albertan Dude - quick ball to the backs which lead to the Welshman boshing through the defence for a try under the posts (converted by Shaun).

A sin binning to Ginger for something that the referee actually spotted saw him leave for 10 minutes. We were forced to tackle furiously, but several quick penalties later James Bay scored in the corner. 1/2 time and it was almost even stevens - we lost 3 crucial players to the Premiers - Jimmo, Hey-zoos and Jake, this was on top of 3 first half injury subs.

2nd half - a superb Travis Quinn solo try (captain and man of match) saw him snake around 4-5-6 bay players to go unassailed over the try line. The try was converted by an unconventional drop goal by Shaun. A bay response doomed as they scored an interception try. Cowichan Matt ran in after superb forward work from Chad, Peter and Brian 'Couch'.

Young Peter got a try of his own - after charging down the James Bay scrum on their line - great pressure ended in Peter with his 1st try for the club. Velox up by 1 point. Endless pressure from the Bays resulted in an unconverted try. Injuries prevailed us as we used the full subs bench and finished the game with 14 men - 5 points from a hugely memorable win. 28-24

We can take this huge effort into Saturdays game with Oak Bay - watch this space!!!!!!!

A photographer at the game has posted dozens of photos of the match on his website. Have a look.... www.pbase.com/autie

Women vs Douglas College

In yet another heart-breaker, the ladies lost 22-20 on Sunday in Vancouver. Velox set a strong opening pace with four tries in the first half, but failed to maintain the lead in the second.

Would any of the ladies like to add some details? Submit a game report by Monday or Tuesday after each game, and I'll add it to the newsletter.

Upcoming Schedule

This weekend, the A's and B's are both at Windsor park for a double header against CW. The women play on Sunday, at home against UBC.

The following weekend is Thanksgiving, so no league games. I am organizing an exhibition game though for the Sunday up in Courtney for the B's, but anyone interested is welcome to come along. More details to come.