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Burnaby's Julia Sugawara drags a defender over for the try
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| © Pat Sayer - Front Row Photography |
SFU Highland 7’s Results: Burnaby Wins Men's Elite and Women's Divisions
from Rain De Guzman
posted July 22 2010
The day began early for the BLRC Lighthouse 7’s squads. All 3 teams started their day with an 830 meeting at the top of Burnaby Mountain.
Kudos to the men and women of SFU Rugby on a well run tournament!!
The men’s social team, fresh off a victory at the Vancouver 7’s tourney on what has come to be known as “Side Part Sunday” was in high spirits that morning. Missing quite a few regulars to work, travel, and call-ups the guys had a new set of teammates, and very little time to find their chemistry! The day began with a loss against a young, fit, committed Abbotsford team who would go on to win the social division championship. The Abby team came out fast and soon had a lead that our men were unable to overcome. The 2nd game saw the BLRC men slay the D.R.A.G.O.N.S as newcomer James Gough and professional summer touch player Kenji Miyazaki crossed the goal line repeatedly, to put BLRC ahead and keep us there. The 3rd game was against a tough and feisty Surrey Beaver squad. (Nothing worse than a sour Beaver!) It was a back-and-forth battle that saw surrey put the game out of reach in the final minute. No plaque this week for the social team, but they did manage to find their way up the stairs for their own frothy trophies!
The women’s team came into this tourney highly favoured after their victories in James Bay and Vancouver. Lead by 7’s veterans Mel Miyazaki, Lauren Tagg, Erin Jang, Becky Querido, Krystal Steele, Jean Lehtinen and Daamo Skelton, and bolstered by the addition of NSWT members Julia Sugawara, Anna Schnell and Maria Gallo as well as 7’s newcomer Larissa Chatt and Burnaby Norths finest, Malak and Meghan....the ladies were confident. Perhaps, a little too confident as they started the morning against a determined SFU team! The ladies squeaked out a 27 to 12 victory, and prepared for their next test against the Can Am 7’s champs, the Emerald City Mudhens. The BLRC women put on a 7’s clinic the rest of the day, putting down the Mudhens 36 to 5, Bayside 31 to 5 and the Vancouver Rogues 32 to 0. The final game was set, a rematch against the Mudhens who were determined to prove that they were up to the challenge of taking on the BLRC ladies juggernaut. Unfortunately for our Yankee friends, BLRC captain Mel Miyazaki had cool refreshing ice water in the veins that day, and scored 2 tries along with a conversion to lead her girls to a 37 to 7 victory!
The BLRC Lighthouse Elite team were the returning champs at this tournament and were the team to beat. Their 1st game saw them taking on the Young Bucks, who looked so good just a few weekends back winning the coveted belt buckles in Williams Lake! Whether it just wasn’t their day, or just that they don’t fare so well when the competition hasn’t been on the gas for 72 straight hours...it was clear that this was not the Young Bucks day. Isaac broke hearts and a few ankles scoring numerous tries, Joe scored a few, Sana scored a few, Bruce scored at least one...the flood gates were open. Our 2nd game matched us against the tough and skilled Bayside Ambassadors, and saw similar results with the Lighthouse coming away with the W. The 3rd game was against a team made up primarily of Tongan born players who had a bit of flair in their play, but who fell short against the mighty BLRC. The Men’s Elite Final saw a re-match between the Young Bucks and the BLRC Lighthouse. The crowd in the Beer Garden was a mixture of excited and wobbly by game time! The 1st half saw a close game, with neither team giving an inch. The only man willing to give was the ref who thoughtfully gave 2 yellow cards to the Lighthouse to close the half at 2 tries each. The 2nd half opened with the BLRC allowed only 5 men on the field to the Young Bucks 7. The Young Bucks attacked deep in the BLRC end. Captain Bruce Rauqe lead the defensive stand that saw us bend pretty far, but never break! When the teams were back at even strength each team exchanged tries. Just before full time, Joe did his best Travolta impression and danced through a few YB defenders at the 50 to set up a 1 on 1, head to head like it was DANCE 360 with the Young Buck fullback. When the dust settled, it was Joe touching down for a try, and the Young Buck defender picking himself up off of the turf as the beer garden erupted in applause!! The Lighthouse would score 1 more to put the game out of reach and take home the championship for the 2nd straight year!
Many thanks to the men and women of SFU Rugby for a great time!! You can catch the Burnaby Lighthouse at the Abbotsford International 7s Tournament this weekend!
Burnaby Lake Hosts Lighthouse Sevens on August 7th
from Rain De Guzman
posted July 13 2010
Burnaby Lake East fields will be the hotspot Saturday, August 7th when Burnaby Lake Rugby Club hosts the Lighthouse Sevens.
After a 15 year hiatus, Burnaby’s sevens tournament returns to the main stage as the sixth leg of BC Rugby’s newly formed Summer Sevens Series.
The competition heats up as teams find their legs in rugby union’s short game. The often frantic and wide open style of play makes for exciting and unpredictable results; combined with the talent and athleticism of BCs top premiership athletes, the Lighthouse 7s is the perfect blend of irresistible edge of your seat action!
There are three levels of competition offered. Men's and Women's Elite and a Social Men's division. As well, Junior boys will compete in exhibition matches throughout the day. The Senior Categories will compete for cash prizes of $1500, $1000, $500 respectively. The winning team will receive the much coveted Lighthouse Trophy.
Burnaby’s clubhouse, nestled at the edge of Burnaby Lake proves to be the perfect place to wet your whistle; frosty beverages will be served all day. For families, the park provides ample enjoyment with nearby trails, a playground and a concession while taking in a day of 7s rugby.
The action starts bright and early, so bring your lawn chairs, sun screen and vuvuzelas.
Burnaby Lake Rugby Club, BCRU and Vancouver Rugby Union, look forward to seeing you there. For more information please e-mail Roko Kapaiwai, kapaiwai@shaw.ca.
Burnaby Lake Rugby Club Lighthouse 7s
August 7th 2010
Burnaby Lake Rugby Club
3760 Sperling Avenue
Burnaby, BC
www.blrc.bc.ca
www.bcrugby7s.com
Burnaby Lake Premier Women vs Capilanos: Caps Defeat Burnaby to Advance
by Ian Trevor
posted May 11 2010
A determined Capilano club showed up at Burnaby Lake on Saturday to hand Burnaby it’s only defeat of the season. From the opening kickoff, the Caps showed that they were on a mission. Determined drives past the ball ensured clean possession and allowed the Caps to rumble over Burnaby.
At 7 minutes in D’Arcy Patterson was able to evade the Burnaby midfield defense (a common theme for the day) and make a decisive penetration that eventually found Erika Smortchevsky on the tryline after a couple of phases. Andrea Burk converted and the score was 7-0 for the Caps.
Missed tackles would again prove to be Burnaby’s undoing eleven minutes later as this time Andrea Burk was able to evade Burnaby’s defense for the Caps second try. The convert was good and after 18 minutes Caps 14 – Burnaby 0.
For the duration of the first half Burnaby struggled for possession and had difficulty getting go forward momentum. On the rare occasions that the ball strayed into the Capilano half, a well timed steal from a breakdown would find Burnaby in their half of the field.
The second half saw Burnaby bear down and attempt to grind away at the visitors. Time and again, Burnaby would get close only to be repelled by the Caps defense or to find that a handling error had turned the ball over to the visitors.
With time winding down in the second half Heather Jacques was able to make a break down the middle of the pitch. Jacques was halted by a thundering tackle from Burnaby right wing Daamo Skelton, however the damage had been done. Caps continued to press inside the Burnaby 22 and eventually Fly Half Beth McNeil crossed for the third try which Burk converted.
Burnaby again attempted to claw their way down the pitch, but it was not to be.
Congratulations to the Capilanos on a determined effort. The final between United and Caps should be a great game.
Scorers
Tries
Erica Smortchevsky
Beth McNeil
Andrea Burk
Conversions
Andrea Burk
Burnaby Lake Premier Women vs Meralomas: Burnaby Survives a Bruiser
by Ian Trevor
posted April 30 2010
A great crowd came out to UBC on Thursday night to see Burnaby Lake and the Lomas renew acquaintances. Players and coaches from the Capilanos and United were in attendance to enjoy the atmosphere, a great match up and no doubt scout the opposition for the semi finals on May 8th.
The Lomas are much younger this year with a fresh crop of grads from Leslie McKenzie’s program at UBC bolstering their program, and they have put up some big scores.
On to the match! Burnaby kicked off to start with the Wolfson slope going in their favour and the sun at their backs. Anna Schnell’s kick was mile high and nearly inch perfect. Daamo Skelton got under for the catch at about the 9.75 metre line. Yes the kick was short, and the Lomas took the scrum at centre. From the scrum the ball went to the right with Brittany Waters stepping up from full back to put in a deft chip over the top. Lomas pressurized on the chase and Burnaby eventually gave up a penalty in front of the posts which was duly converted by the Lomas flyhalf Michelle Helmeczi.
From here the match took on a physical edge with Burnaby attacking directly close in, or using the centres to batter the Loma gainline. Lomas replied with fierce tackles and chips over the top to get past the Burnaby front line defence.
As the game see-sawed back and forth over the halfway line, Burnaby began to slowly grind their way forward, eventually finding themselves deep inside the Lomas 22. A charging Corrine Jacobsen was just held up in goal by the Lomas right wing, and Lomas were awarded the 5 metre scrum.
With the Lomas flyhalf deep in her in-goal for the clearance kick, Jackie Small’s pass sailed wide right and with the Burnaby back row pressuring, the Lomas eventually conceded a penalty for not releasing. A tap and pass to Corrine Jacobsen saw the Burnaby tight head prop touch down for the try, converted by Anna Schnell. After twelve minutes, Burnaby 7 Lomas 3.
From the kick off Lomas pressed hard, but a deep kick from Anna Schnell followed by a good chase from the Burnaby back three resulted in a Burnaby line out close to the Lomas 22. Burnaby elected for a catch and drive, putting Lomas on the back foot letting Julia Sugawara release the Burnaby backline. Crisp passing to fullback Lindsay Bernrot allowed her to continue the go forward momentum, before posting the ball back. Quick ball again, meant a quick pass to Anna Schnell, who reversed the field after spotting an overlap to the right. Anna straightened her line and passed to Kim Donaldson who in turn committed the remaining defender and passed to Lauren Tagg who beat the desperate cover defence to the corner. The conversion was missed and the score line read Burnaby 12 Lomas 3.
At this point the physicality stepped up a notch. Burnaby fullback Lindsay Bernrot found herself on the receiving end of a challenge that forced her to leave the game with a broken nose. Referee Gerry Clayton was unfortunately unsighted and as play continued Burnaby’s Emma Hadfield picked up a yellow card some for some over exuberant rucking.
Down a player to the bin and with Devon Luca now sliding in to fullback and Becky Querido on as a replacement, Burnaby stepped up their game to hem the Lomas in their half. Eventually Lomas gave up a penalty kick at about the 10 metre line. Anna Schnell’s kick missed, but Burnaby kept up the pressure, and eventually Mel Miyazaki was able to evade the double and triple team attention the Lomas were bestowing on her, and found her way to the goal line. The conversion was good and the score was now Burnaby 19 Lomas 3.
Lomas stepped up knowing that a score near half time for them would be crucial to their chances at success. A series of close in drives gave the Lomas an overlap to the right which they decided to ignore in favour of giving Brittany Waters the ball with a gap in front of her. Smart choice. Waters found herself under the posts for the try which was converted. Halftime score Burnaby 19 Lomas 10.
The second half kicked off with the slope favouring the Lomas, and they proceeded to kick for field position, only to be repeatedly denied by the Burnaby back three. Lomas then stepped up the attacks close in to the breakdown with Leslie McKenzie consistently gaining ground.
Burnaby eventually gave up an offside penalty in front of the posts which the Lomas converted to close the gap to 6 points.
More hard hits and close in runs later and this time Burnaby was the recipient of a penalty near the Lomas posts. Anna Schnell’s attempt missed and the Lomas proceeded to grind and chip their way up the field. After several phases Leslie McKenzie found herself running in space only to be brought down by the ever present, and newly-wed, Marley Riordan. The hit and tumble to the deck unfortunately caused McKenzie to leave the pitch with muscle spasms. We all wish her a speedy recovery with the Women’s World Cup on the horizon.
The remaining twenty minutes of the match continued in the same vein. Big hits, and not much space for either team to mount a sustained effort. Final score Burnaby 19 Lomas 13.
Scorers:
Burnaby
Tries:
Corinne Jacobsen
Lauren Tagg
Melissa Miyazaki
Conversions
Anna Schnell (2)
Lomas:
Try
Brittany Watters
Conversion
Michelle Helmeczi
Penalties:
Michelle Helmeczi(2)
Burnaby Swamps Gutsy Bayside in Women's Premier
By Ian Trevor
posted April 18 2010
Saturday April 17th saw Bayside visiting Burnaby Lake in Premier Women’s action. Bayside have been beset by injuries at key positions, and consequently have struggled in the premier half of the season, the players however lead by Christina Hasty are resolute and always put forth a solid effort.
Such was the nature of the match. The opening salvos saw Bayside putting pressure on the Burnaby scrum, and attacking the 10 / 12 channel, or using Hasty’s boot to gain ground. Burnaby probed for gaps around the rucks with little success until a surge up the middle via inside centre Tanya Hamilton finally broke the line. Tanya went from 22 to 22 before Bayside was able to catch up and regroup their defense. Barring the lone Burnaby incursion, the opening 20 minutes continued between the 22’s with neither club able to make a significant dent in the opposition’s defense.
After continued sparring Burnaby made a decisive break, attacking the gain line directly finding the support and fast ball that would be needed to achieve desired results. Forwards and backs all combined to get the ball into the red zone where Jody Dobush was able to power over for her fourth try of the premier season.
Ice hockey teams often talk about scoring in bunches, keeping momentum once it has been grabbed. Burnaby now provided an example of the rugby version, scoring an additional three tries in the next eleven minutes. With the forwards consistently securing clean ball for the Lauren Tagg, the Burnaby backline was able to find the gaps in the defensive wall. Mel Miyazaki, Suelyn Wirth and Laura Harmse all found the goal line enabling Burnaby to stretch the lead.
Burnaby kept the pressure on for the remainder of the half with Tanya Hamliton again powering through the Bayside line to set up Mel Miyazaki for her second try of the match.
The second half began as the first half ended with Burnaby establishing dominance at the breakdown, eventually securing an attacking scrum near the Bayside goal line. Number 8 Laura Harmse picked and ran right, taking defenders with her. The support from Marley Harris and Jody Dobush pushed the ball over with Dobush collecting her second try of the match, and fifth of the premier campaign.
Bayside then regrouped, closed the defensive gaps and increased the work rate at the breakdown.
Burnaby was held at bay until the thirtieth minute when sustained pressure finally created an overlap on the left side for winger Becky Querido to score in the corner.
Bayside immediately responded with a storming run by Laura Forman up the middle of the pitch. Bayside worked the ball deep into the Burnaby 22, where a series of pick and goes eventually found the Bayside forwards having a go at the Burnaby backline close in. Despite the efforts of fullback Lindsay Bernrot and Becky Querido, the Bayside front row were able to bust through and Gillian King was able to touch down.
Burnaby quickly struck back, regaining possession after the kick off and setting up Mel Miyazaki for her third try of the game.
The final whistle blew with the final score Burnaby 44 – Bayside 5.
Players of the game for Bayside: Christina Hasty and Laura Foreman, and for Burnaby: Mel Miyazaki and Jody Dobush.
A final word of thanks to the match day referee: Tyler Dawson. Congratulations on a job well done!
Scoring Summary:
Burnaby
Tries
Jody Dobush – 2
Mel Miyazaki – 3
Suelyn Wirth – 1
Laura Harmse – 1
Becky Querido – 1
Conversions
Erin Clement – 1
Becky Querido – 1
Bayside
Tries
Gillian King – 1
How to Overcome Adversity in 30 Easy Steps: Women's Premier Burnaby 30 - Cowichan 13
by Ian Trevor
posted April 12 2010
The Cowichan Women’s team were deserving winners of the Women’s Div 1 championship last year. With Caroline Gudmundseth providing flair and finishing from fullback, a tough defense, and a pack willing to do the hard work a tough game was expected and delivered.
From the opening kick off, it was apparent that Burnaby had a bad case of ferry legs. The kick sailed high and deep behind the forwards and the attempt to run out of trouble only caused trouble giving Cowichan a great attacking platform in the Burnaby 22. A very nice 8 – 9 – 15 move saw Gudmundseth weave her way though an uncharacteristically confused Burnaby defence to open Cowichan’s account. Gudmundseth clearly still has skills and pace, leading the Burnaby coaching staff to wonder if she (like Dorian Gray) has a picture in the attic that ages because she doesn’t seem to!
The try was unconverted, leaving the score Burnaby 0 - Cowichan 5 after three minutes.
Burnaby spent the next few minutes working the ball through the forwards and mid-field in an attempt to generate momentum and continuity, but with a third of the team new to each other the inevitable mistakes occurred. One of those mistakes lead to an offside penalty being given away at the centre of the Burnaby 22. The opportunity was dutifully converted by Cowichan to stretch the lead to 8 – 0 for the home team.
Realizing that the next score would be crucial, Burnaby stepped up a gear. Exploiting gaps close to the break down, the Burnaby forwards drove Cowichan backwards through a series of pick and goes. Eventually Lauren Tagg was able to find Devon Luca at 10 who got the ball through to hard running Mel Miyazaki. Mel was able to skip through a couple of defenders to open the scoring for Burnaby. The try was unconverted.
Burnaby continued to apply pressure to the midfield, and when brute force was being repelled, Devon Luca took the initiative and attacked the gain line directly, stepping though tacklers and setting up the Burnaby back row to continue the drive. Eventually enough defenders were sucked in and Mel Miyazaki was able to find space for her second try of the day. The conversion was unsuccessful and the score after 20 minutes was Cowichan 8 – Burnaby 10.
The ensuing kick off went to Shannon Fedawa, who promptly ran up the wing, taking a few Cowichan defenders with her, finding Emma Hadfield with an offload that Emma was able to punch through to the Cowichan 22.
Burnaby would remain camped inside the Cowichan 22 for the remainder of an extremely frustrating half. Burnaby attacks were either halted by ferocious defense, unforced errors, opportunities not taken, or an apparent law transgression.
On one particular occasion, Burnbay drove to the Cowichan goal line, the ball presented back to a Burnaby player who, while on her feet reached over the ruck and touched the ball down in in-goal. While this is acceptable on most days and would result in a try, in this particular match the apparent try scorer was leaning on one of her player while she scored making her part of the ground, and hence off of her feet. Ah well…
Half time gave Burnaby a chance to re-group. The Ladies of the Lake are never short of leaders and on this day the leader was Jody Dobush. Jody challenged herself to take the game back, and not let anything stop her from tackling, claiming the ball and powering through. The challenge to the squad was to keep up.
Burnaby kicked off to start the second half, and promptly camped out in the Cowichan 22. Jody was true to her word, and was the leader of the Burnaby wrecking crew. After several goal-line crossings were not given due to apparent knock-ons or other supposed misdeeds, Jody picked the ball up from a cleanly won ruck, and took route 1 through the defense to dot down unmolested. The try was unconverted, and Burnaby was up 15 – 8.
Cowichan clearly sensed the need to grab back the momentum, and worked their way to within sight of the Burnaby 22. An attacking scrum to Cowichan gave their backline an opportunity to free their fullback with a set move. Gudmundseth wound her way in-goal to score her second try of the day, The conversion was unsuccessful. Burnaby 15 – Cowichan 13. Game On!
Again Jody Dobush was the story for Burnaby, taking the game by the scruff of the neck, refusing to let go. The rest of the Burnaby forwards eagerly followed her lead, with Laura Harmse and Marley Harris continuing their harassment at the breakdown, poaching the ball, and disrupting the Cowichan backline. Add to that bruising first up tackles by the Burnaby backs, and Cowichan eventually gave up a couple of rare penalties. One being in front of the posts which Erin Clement was able to slot over the bar to increase Burnaby’s lead to 5 points.
Burnaby continued to pound away at the Cowichan defense and eventually Kary Steele was able to cross the line twice, with the second try coming at the final whistle. Kary’s first try was converted, the second not, the final score Burnaby 30 – Cowichan 13.
Congratulations to Cowichan for a well fought match, and to Jody Dobush for a player of the game performance!
Scoring Summary:
Burnaby
Tries:
Mel Miyazaki - 2
Kary Steele - 2
Jody Dobush - 1
Converts
Erin Clement -1
Penalties
Erin Clement - 1
Cowichan
Tries
C Gudmundseth - 2
Pen Kick
C Gieneranx
Final Score:
30 - 13 Burnaby Lake
Match Report Burnaby Lake Premier Women vs United: Burnaby 31 - United 12
By Ian Trevor
posted April 2 210
March 27, 2010 saw United’s premier women visiting Burnaby Lake’s premier women. Always strong in the midfield and with promising talent upfront, United were coming off of strong performances, including a victory over Velox on the Island.
United opened the scoring when great work by the United forwards sucked in Burnaby’s defenders creating space out wide for United’s Mia Ruston to score in the far corner.
United then threw a defensive blanket over the Burnaby midfiled. Time and again as Burnaby tried to find gaps to the outside United were able to shut down the threats with good tackling and timely interceptions.
United’s strong defense forced a tactical change and Burnaby started running to the inside, with Anna Schnell directly attacking the gain line. Anna’s strong running eventually created half gaps for Kary Steele to make her presence felt and possession and territory eventually began to roll Burnaby’s way.
Burnaby’s first try was engineered from that willingness to be patient. Julia Sugawara’s blindside break from a ruck started the movement. Julia was just caught by a United defender prior to being able to break away, and the ball was eventually recycled into the hands of Emma Hadfield who promptly spotted a gap and took off.
Indeed, Emma was clearly not in a mood to be stopped, as a United defender found to her shock. An attempted intervention of Emma’s progress resulted in the United defender finding herself flat on her backside thanks to a hand off that would have done a running back proud. The move was eventually capped off with Laura Harmse, continuing her habit of being a thorn in the side to her old club, scoring near the posts. The try was converted by Anna Schnell
The remainder of the first half was primarily a see-saw battle between the two 22’s, however just prior to half time Burnaby was able to make a final incursion into the Untied 22 which eventually resulted in a 5 metre scrum to Burnaby. #8 Laura Harmse picked and ran to the right and was stopped short of the line. Jody Dobush, always ready to do the hard yards, took the initiative and completed the movement to score by the post. Anna Schnell converted.
The second half started out well for Burnaby, as the forwards and backs were able to maintain possession and work their way into the United 22, where quick ball from a ruck was passed to Kim Donaldson on right wing. Ever the opportunist, Kim gratefully touched down for her second try in as many games. Both tries incidentally were scored while supporting the backs out wide from earlier phases.
United responded with pressure up the middle and hard work at the breakdown, and attempts to run wide on Burnaby. Burnaby’s back three were up to the task, and successfully kept United at bay.
United eventually went the aerial route to gain territory, that Tanya Hamilton, Devon Luca and Deb Capps were only to happy to run back.
One such kick found it’s way to Tanya Hamilton, who then proceeded to force her way up field despite the attentions of a couple of opponents. Tanya was able to keep the ball infield and offload to the supporting Burnaby forwards. Burnaby continued the move and eventually Mel Miyazaki continued her habit of haunting United and scored Burnaby’s fourth try.
Burnaby continued the momentum and two minutes later Anna Schnell set up Burnaby’s fifth try on switch move with Mel Miyazaki. Mel darted 20 metres to dot the ball down between the posts. Anna Schnell added the convert to make the score 31 – 7 for Burnaby.
United responded and was able to hold Burnaby off the scoreboard for the rest of the match. Their tenacity was eventually rewarded with a Jenna Imai try late in the game to make the final score Burnaby 31 - United 12.
Burnaby is fortunate to have Anna Schnell, Julia Sugawara, Kim Donaldson, Corrine Jacobsen, Maria Gallo and Marie Eve Brind’amour all playing for the National Senior Women’s Team. The NSWT is holding a World Cup prep camp in Alberta over the next couple of weeks, and we wish them, and indeed all of Canada’s representatives, well,
Their departure will give others a chance to step up to the challenge of premier rugby and at the end of the day the experience will be to the benefit of those players and ultimately the club as a whole.
Another Hard Fought Encounter Between the Valkyries and Burnaby Lake: Burnaby 47 - Velox 10
by Ian Trevor
posted March 23 2010
March 20, 2010 saw Burnaby Lake hosting the always tough Velox Valkyries in Premier Women’s action.
The two clubs have a rich tradition of hard fought games, scoreline notwithstanding, and with Burnaby having had their match vs. the Lomas postponed the prior week due to a late field closure and the unavailability of a backup field, there was an added air of anticipation to the match.
Velox achieved dominance on the island in the first half, and Burnaby was relishing the challenge that Velox would present.
Indeed, from the first opening kick off, defence was the order of the day. Velox hammered hard in the centres, and openside flanker Shannon Kane made her marauding presence felt early and often.
Burnaby captain Anna Schnell responded. Field position became the order of the day, and between Anna and Inside Centre Maria Gallo, Burnaby was able to kick to open space behind the Velox backline giving the forwards an opportunity to contest lineout ball in the Velox half.
Burnaby opened the scoring when a set piece within sight of the 22 gave Anna Schnell space for a well weighted chip kick over the defensive backline that right wing Daamiann Skelton was only too happy to run onto and collect for a try in the corner, converted by Anna Schnell.
Velox roared back with furious work at the breakdown. Burnaby attempted to match Velox’s ferocity, but were unable to do that, and comply with the views of match day referee Leon Britz. This would start a pattern where Burnaby were doing well when going forward and retaining ball, but when the turnovers occurred the penalties would come.
Burnaby was able to string together enough continuity to work it’s way down to the Velox 22 and with a ball being spun wide to the right Kim Donaldson found herself on the wing with Daamiann Skelton supporting on the outside. Daamo was surplus to requirements on this one, as Kim dotted down for the second Burnaby try.
Velox again started to work their way back in, but a combination of good defensive pressure by Burnaby and an errant pass in the Velox centres saw Mel Miyazaki pick up an interception and sprint nearly half the field to touch down by the posts for the games third try. Anna Schnell converted.
Again Velox stormed back, this time pressure was turned into points as repeated penalties inside the Burnaby 22 for hands in, offside and not releasing yielded a converted try for the visitors.
Burnaby and Velox also exchanged penalty kicks during the half leaving the halftime score at 22 – 10 for Burnaby Lake
The first half also saw the unfortunate departure of Maria Gallo with a broken finger. Maria has national team duty beckoning in the summer and we all wish her a speedy recovery in time for the Women’s World Cup.
As with the match vs Capilanos two weeks prior, halftime was about adjustment and re-focus. The challenge was to reset on defence, and ensure that Burnaby was compliant with the laws at the breakdown
With Kary Steele already on for the injured Maria Gallo, Lindsay Bernrot was welcomed back to the premier fold at fullback. Tanya Hamilton took a well earned rest after deputizing on the left wing in the first half. Devon Luca moved over to the left wing in Tanya’s place.
Burnaby came out flying in the second half. The intensity levels were cranked up and peace was made with the man in the middle. Sterling effort up front and at the breakdown from Kim Donaldson and Emma Hadfield made life difficult for the Valkyries, while the extra injection of pace and creativity from Lindsay Bernrot provided an added dimension to the Burnaby backline attack.
Five more tries would be added to the score sheet as the Burnaby forwards consistently secured quality possession for Julia Sugawara to provide Anna Schnell with a steady diet of quality ball for the midfield and outside backs.
As befits a club of Velox’s character their effort and commitment never waned. However the closest the would manage to a second try was a Jess Dovanne scamper from midfield that just failed short
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