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James Bay Athletic Association Opens 2010/2011 Season
from Phil Meyer
posted Sept 2 2010
This evening (August 31) James Bay Athletic Association opens their quest for another round of championship rugby titles.
Practice starts at 6:00 PM at MacDonald Park (205 Simcoe St. in Victoria), and will continue every Tuesday and Thursday, through to opening games against Velox Valhallians on September 11.
JBAA will field three senior men’s teams this year – an Elite team, their BC Champion Division 1 team, and a Division 3 men’s team. They will also field a U17 and U19 men’s team. This will provide rugby opportunities for about 75 players – and provide game opportunity both for top ruggers – and for those who just want to try the game and have fun.
The Bays clubhouse and workout room is located immediately adjacent to the practice field. We offer a close knit Canadian club atmosphere that lasts well beyond playing days.
All are welcome! For further information, contact Phil Meyer at 250 478-9343, or pnmeyer@telus.net.
James Bay Ones Win Second Straight BC Championship
by Phil Meyer
posted May 16 2010
Saturday, at sun-swept Wallace Field on the University of Victoria campus, Coach John Buxcey’s JBAA Ones achieved a dominant 29 to 12 victory over Capilano Rugby Club, to register their second straight provincial championship in BCRU CDI Division One play.
Mitch Gudgeon opened the scoring for the Bays 14 minutes in, from a forwards’ surge. Then JBAA No. 13, Nolan Miles, notched a hat trick – at 21 and 32 minutes of the first half – and one minute into half two. Miles’ first try was from a multi-pass back attack – the second gathering a kick-through from Bays’ number ten Greg Fiddick to score again – and finally, from a Fiddick up-field break and pass. Kyle Laberge converted two of these. Score one minute into half two: Bays 24 – Caps 0.
Midway through half two, Fiddick (who will also be playing in a Vancouver Island soccer final today) – lofted an attacking kick into the right corner of the Caps’ end zone, where fullback Elliot Peacock gathered it in for JBAA’s fifth try. Caps scored two trys by Kevin Guidi late – one of which he converted. Final score: JBAA 29 – Capilano 12.
While there was plenty of points on the day, the key to JBAA’s victory was defence – intensity - and mental toughness. Forced to play short for 50 minutes, the sunny afternoon obscured for long periods by blizzards of adverse whistle, the Bays tackled fiercely from sideline to sideline – and looked dangerous on attack, even when playing short.
Ageless Rob Robson incurred a hamstring injury at 18 minutes – forcing him to withdraw from the field - but not from the game! Post-game, Rob hoisted a BC Champions’ trophy for his 13th time. No team, save the Bays, can claim more!
So now, it’s to rest; Summer Sevens; and cheering on Thyssen de Goede, Sean White, DTH van der Merwe, Morgan Williams, Mitch Gudgeon, Ben Johnson, Neil Meechan, Connor Braid, Phil Mack, and their Canada teammates, as they carry the flag to Russia, England, Scotland, the Commonwealth Games, and worlds beyond.
And a Huddy Huddy to Phil Mack and his Viker teammates at U Vic - British Columbia Premier Champions for 2010!
Vikes Race to Final: Prems Vikes 36 - JBAA 32: Div 1 JBAA 17 - Lomas 6
by Phil Meyer
posted May 9 2010
Saturday at MacDonald Park, U Vic Vikes came back from a seventeen point deficit to edge James Bay Athletic Association 36 – 32 in a BCRU Premier League semi-final barn burner.
The game featured fierce play by both forward packs – and aeronautical pyrotechnics from the backs, as the ball seemed almost constantly in motion – kick – counter attack – kick back – cover tackling all over the park.
Following an early exchange of penalty goals (Jeff Williams for the Bays – Nathan Hiryama for Vikes) the first half was virtually all JBAA. With core Viker Pat Riordan taking an enforced rest, Bays’ winger Dave Moonlight scored three times in eight minutes (one converted by Williams) to see James Bay off to a 20 to 3 lead.
But with two minutes left in the half, the Vikes surged back – try by Nick Lubbe – convert – then penalty goal by Nathan Hirayama. – score at the half, 20 to 13 Bays.
Hiryama slotted his 3rd penalty goal four minutes into half two, closing the gap to four points. The Bays surged back – Thyssen de Goede bursting up-field, pass to Meechan, pass to Hugo Belanger – JBAA score – Williams convert – JBAA 27-Vikes 16.
Midway into half two, Riordan rumbled in to score for Vikes – and seven minutes later, Phil Mack pounced on a loose ball – and launched himself on a 25 meter trajectory to the JBAA goal line. Hiryama converted both, and the Vikes broke ahead, 30 to 27.
The Bays were not done. Thirty four minutes in, Thyssen de Goede, who had to overcome mainland gerrymandering to play in the game, scored off Blue Crush pressure. Bays 32 – Vikes 30. But this day was ultimately to belong to the Vikes. Hiryama slotted a brilliant drop goal to regain the lead – and then converted yet another penalty. Vikes 36 – Bays 32.
With minutes waning, Dan Harlow got away on two long runs – each a half step from score – desperate tackling from the Vikers – no joy for JBAA.
It is well known in rugby circles that Vikes’ fortunes rise and fall on which players are in town. Saturday, the key guys were all there – led by Riordan, Mack, Hiryama and Spicer. The result was impressive. Next week, they face off against Lomas at Wallace Field for the BCRU crown.
JBAA Ones 17 – Lomas 6.
In the BCRU CDI Division 1 semi-final, JBAA Ones regained their defensive capabilities - seemingly lost over previous weeks - to deny Meraloma of Vancouver their goal line, and register a solid 17 to 6 victory.
Eight minutes in, Dusty Luther rampaged 30 meters up-field to set up a Nolan Miles score. Six minutes further on, Mitch Gudgeon scored off of forwards pressure – Kyle Laberge converting. Lomas’ only answer was a penalty goal by Bryan Tyrer. Score at the half: JBAA 12 – Lomas 3.
The second half saw more defensive struggle, with the only try a sparkling effort by Jim de Goede – who kicked a loose ball some 25 meters to the Loma goal line – and outran three defenders for the score. The only Loma reply was a second penalty goal by Tyrer.
Next week, JBAA will defend their BCRU Division 1 champion title at Wallace Field against Capilano RFC.
JBAA Dishes Awards for 2009/2010
by Phil Meyer
posted May 2 2010
Last evening at The House of Bays, James Bay Athletic Association distributed its annual awards for its 124th year, as Canada’s longest lived sports organization west of Montreal. After a rollicking dinner for some 100 participants, the awards presentation commenced with Division One.
• Most Improved Player: Nate Waldmann.
• Rookie of the Year: Greg Fiddick.
• Most Inspirational Player: Jacobus de Goede.
• Most Valuable Player – Scott Eckhardt.
Ben Johnson won two Premier trophies, while Jason Marshall was named JBAA Premier MVP.
• Most Improved Player: Ben Johnson.
• Rookie of the Year: Connor Braid.
• Most Inspirational Player: Ben Johnson.
• Most Valuable Player: Jason Marshall.
Pat Dunkley received the Tillman Briggs Award, personifying the qualities that JBAA values most in an athlete leader.
Pete Rushton, commander of the Bays’ success over recent years, received the Bill Day Award, for exceptional service to JBAA.
The evening was semi-controlled by Tom Woods and Barry Robbins – with great food from Heron Rock Bistro. The Lady Vamps of JBAA added spice – and that was nice!
The athletes of JBAA now return to serious business on the field – preparing for next Saturday’s BCRU Division 1 Semi-Final at MacDonald Park against Meraloma – followed by a Premier Semi-Final Island shootout against Vikes at 2:45 PM.
Vikes Best Bays in Island Shootout
by Phil Meyer
posted April 17 2010
U Vic Vikes rode all-around speed and spirited sideline to sideline tackling to best James Bay Athletic Association 38 – 25 at Wallace Field. The Vikes worked their short lineout play to perfection, getting two scores. Player of the Game Phil Mack scored a highlight reel 7’s try, breaking down the short side, popping the ball over two Bays’ defenders, and gathering it to score.
Vikes’ Pat Riordan scored his first try (of two) 9 minutes in – putting the Bays on the back foot for the day. By the half, it was Vikes 19 – Bays 8 and struggling to maintain contact.
In the second half, the Blue Crush ground back – ICE-ing trys at 5 minutes (Ramsay), 11 minutes (Warren), then a slice to the line at 24 minutes (Dalziel) - to lead 25-24 with 16 minutes left. Camping inside the Vikes two meter line for extended periods, it looked like the Bays would break away. But a series of whistle-stops facilitated Viking escape - leaving the Bays’ Brain Trust apoplectic – and setting the table for student attacking speed to score two late converted trys for their own breakout - and the game.
Overall, the Vikes received trys from Pat Riordan (2), Robert de Jong (2), Ryan Hamilton and Phil Mack – Bays from Warren, Ramsay, Dalziel and Belanger. Ben Thompson converted four of the Vikes’ six trys. Jeff Williams converted 1 of 4, and added a drop goal.
For this observer, the winner on “attitude” was exemplified by Pat Riordan – who in mid-game, with scrums ready to engage, poked the Bays’ hooker several times with his finger, driving him back into his locks. Back in the day, that finger would have been broken off. One supposes this may be a different day.
Congrats to the Vikes. A good win that assures a home quarter-final playoff game two weeks from now. Next week, the Vikes travel to Ravens to conclude regular league play. The Bays may, or may not, travel to Burnaby Lake – who, reportedly, forfeited again on Saturday.
JBAA Ones 48 – Norsemen 25.
In the early contest, JBAA climbed over Norsemen to second place in the CDI Division One standings with a 48 to 25 win. The teams notched three trys (two converted) each, with the difference in the half time Norse 22 – Bays 19 score an Evan Lloyd penalty goal. Try scorers for the Bays were Mitch Gudgeon, Elliot Peacock and Jim de Goede – for Norsemen; Rob Carr, Remy Anetil and Evan Lloyd, who also had two coverts.
The second half was all Bays. Mitch Gudgeon scored three times more, Rob Robson rambled 55 meters to bring olde fella smiles to many sideliners. Kyle Laberge converted three, to go 5 for 7 on the day – and also kicked a penalty goal. Norsemen responded with a second Evan Lloyd penalty goal. Next week, the JBAA Ones might play Burnaby Lake. Or maybe not.
Bays Edge Lomas to Maintain Premier Lead
by Phil Meyer
posted April 11 2010
Saturday at MacDonald Park, the two most winning teams in the history of BC championship play – James Bay Athletic Association (23) and Meraloma (13) – renewed their long term rugby rivalry. Last spring, Lomas beat the Bays with a penalty kick on the last play of the game to seize the Rounsfel Cup. Saturday, the Bays beat Lomas with a try on a last play of the game – exacting a small measure of revenge – but leaving business still unfinished.
This game presented Canada rugby competition at its best – two champion teams putting the top domestic players available out on the field – let the best team on the day win!
Lomas’ success is based on comprehensive D. So is JBAA’s. Respected Loma veteran Sean O’Leary put it well. “We play the same game.” So it was on Saturday, both teams coping with a stiff sou’easterly, the game full of fire - well controlled by the referee.
From the start, Lomas – then Bays – took territory as the teams battled up and down field. Twenty-five minutes in, the first break - scrum half Colin Brown gratefully accepting an errant JBAA pass to outrun pursuing Bays for a 75 meter Loma’s score.
Trench warfare then resumed, until the half time whistle.
After half time, the battle of attrition waged again. At fifty minutes, Lomas punched over a Mike Georgas try – converted by Mike Hall. Lomas 12 – Bays 0. Clouds beginning to scud through the minds of some JBAA supporters.
Finally, a full 60 minutes after start, Dave Moonlight cut up-field for the first JBAA score – Connor Braid converting. This try brought noise back into the some-700 avid spectators – and lifted the Bays to the higher gear they had been looking for. With 6 minutes left, JBAA spun the ball left from a breakdown, finding an extra man in the person of lock Eric Forsythe out wide. Big E raced the last 20 meters toward the goal - stretching to the full length of his 6’ 6” frame - diving over for the Bays second try. Lomas 12 – Bays 12 – four minutes remaining.
One minute from time, with the Bays pressing, Forsythe wrested the ball from a Loma forward – to set up a final furious JBAA assault. Recognizing the considerable athletic talent on these two teams – and there is plenty – the ultimate determinator for both Bays and Lomas, is character and heart. And on this day, with full time looming, no one stood taller in this regard than the Bays’ diminutive scrum half Spencer Dalziel – who took the ball seven meters out, bounced through one Loma tackler – dragged another to the goal line – and reached across for the final try, and the JBAA win. Braid converted. JBAA 19 – Meraloma 12.
And so it was left for Bays and Lomas to offer each other respect and beer. All are of the opinion they may see each other again this year – perhaps at the BC Championship game in Cowichan. [To forestall any more of the “Where!” queries received whenever this venue was mentioned Saturday, the decision was made in Vancouver by the BCRU, not by the Victoria clubs still in the hunt.]
But to get to The Prize, both teams must win important games ahead. For the Bays, one will come next week – when they travel to Wallace Field to face another “Final Four” team – the U Vic Vikes. Lomas return to Vancouver, to host the resurgent Bayside Sharks.
JBAA Ones 41 – Meraloma RFC 34.
As with their Premier sides, both Loma and JBAA Ones feature strong D in their game preparation. Saturday, these game plans went out the window. Eleven trys and seventy-five total points scored. Three lead changes. Lomas leading by as much as 12 points early in the second half. Bays roaring back to go up by 19. Lomas closing the gap to 7 by full time. And so, this track meet offered a pleasing spectacle for the fans – and though, at the end, more so for the Viagra 5 than for Lomas’ supporters.
JBAA Ones were led by Greg Fiddick, debuting at #10, who notched three trys, four converts and a penalty goal, for a 26 point day. The Bays got additional forwards’ trys from Dusty Luther and Pieter van der Merwe – and a multi-bosh scoring foray from Cracker Collins and Nolan Miles – Nolan touching down. Luther had a particularly strong outing – matching up against Lomas’ Joe Scale in the set pieces.
Lomas got trys from Stefan Schulson, Markus Keinhurst, Zack Wittenburg, Dave Stockton and Martin Kerry. Brian Tyrer kicked 3 converts and a penalty goal.
Bays Take Cox Cup – Ferguson Cup to Rowers
by Phil Meyer
posted March 28 2010
The JBAA Prems continued to bludgeon opponents, with a 75 to 0 win over Rowers in an international match at MacDonald Park. The Bays, now 17 and 0 on the season, scored seven first half trys to lead 47-0, then added four more in the second half. Connor Braid scored a hat trick of trys, and added ten of eleven converts. Eric Forsythe and Neil Meechan each scored twice – while Ben Johnson, Callum Morrison, Nolan Miles and Greg Fiddick scored singles.
With the win, JBAA retains the historic Cox Cup, symbol of competition between these oldest rugby clubs for more than 50 years.
The Bays will now get some needed rest – healing wounds, and getting players back from Hong Kong. Two weeks on, they step up to more serious endeavour – hosting BC Champion Meraloma at MacDonald Park.
In the Division 1 contest for the Ferguson Cup, the struggles to sustain adequate refereeing here on Vancouver Island were on full display – both teams trying to cope – Rowers eventually doing a better job. Final score 22 to 19. Congrats to Rowers.
Bays Blast T-Birds: 87-0
by Phil Meyer
posted March 21 2010
On Saturday at Thunderbird Stadium, a depleted JBAA side rolled over a depleted UBC Thunderbird team 87 to nothing. Bays’ multi-try scorers were Nolan Miles (3), Ben Johnson (2), Greg Fiddick (2), Jason Marshall (2). Jake de Goede, Connor Braid, Vince Herlaar and Dave Moonlight scored one apiece. Braid went 11 for 13 on converts – many of them from the farthest reaches of the park.
In the Ones game, JBAA prevailed over the Braves by a 43 to 12 margin. Cracker Collins scored 3 trys, Rob Robson registered 2 (with a zero punch count). Ben Peterson, back after a knee rehab, had one try and 4 converts – while Mike Charlesworth also scored a try. UBC try scorers were Nic Labelle and Chris Holt. Paddy Watson converted one.
It is always a pleasure to visit with Spence McTavish. He is a class guy, and the young men of UBC reflect those qualities. That said, it is undeniable that games with scoring differentials of 40, 50 or 80 points do not represent much in the way of competition – and pose the question, is the $2,000 cost of traveling to the game and back a good expenditure of funds? The answer to this question will doubtless depend on who is asked.
With the BCRU’s proposal to reduce to 9 Premier teams next year reported by some to be circling the toilet bowl – status quo failing to provide for admittance to Premier play for Abbotsford-like teams – bottom teams in the Premier League, including UBC’s historic program, concerned over their rugby future should they not be able to have games against some top teams – but an evident competition differential among Premier teams at present – What, if anything, to do?
Might strengthening and lengthening sub-union competition – conducting integrated BCRU competition between defined groups of similarly competitive teams in March/April {i.e. “top 8, next 8, etc.) – then to playoffs for each group – meet many of these concerns. Might it also save travel and administrative cost – and avoid other aggravation?
As these matters swirl through the heights of rugby poohbahdom, JBAA Prems and Ones will keep attention focused in business on the field. Next Saturday at MacDonald Park, the Bays welcome old foe, Vancouver Rowing Club. Positioning in the Premier League standings – and possession of the historic Cox Cup – will be contested.
JBAA in Fast-Paced Win Over Velox: 52 to 6
by Phil Meyer
posted March 14 2010
On a damp field at MacDonald Park on Saturday, James Bay Athletic Association overwhelmed Velox Valhallians to lead 28 to 6 at the half, and go on to a 52-6 victory.
The Bays took ten minutes to adapt to the requirements of the referee, who managed the game well on the day – and found themselves down 3-0 to a Pita Savea penalty goal. Loss of Dan Harlow to injury minutes in caused momentary concern – but entry of Morgan Williams in relief, if anything, upped JBAA’s attacking tempo.
Then, eleven minutes from start, Ben Johnson bollocked in for the Bays’ first try. Johnson, feeding off his Premier teammates week to week, would get away for several threatening runs on the day, one of some 80 meters through much of the Velox team. At mid-half, Connor Braid, now playing on the wing, with Morgan Williams in at fullback, raced to secure a Jeff Williams attacking kick for JBAA’s second try. Ten minutes later, Hugo Belanger galloped over, finishing off a 35 meter passing attack from Jeff Williams and Ben Johnson – and as half time neared, Neil Meechan scored, off of more boshing by the JBAA Blue Crush. Braid converted all four first half trys. Savea had notched a second Velox penalty goal at 28 minutes, and the half ended JBAA 28 – Velox 6.
One minute into half two, Morgan Williams started and finished a spectacular 55 meter scoring ramble. Eight minutes later, a passing attack from Dave Ramsay to Dave Moonlight to Callum Morrison saw a 6th Bays’ score. Braid converted both. Another five minutes on, Franni Yoon brought applause from sideline spectators and teammates alike, as he swung left to finish off an out-wide passing attack for JBAA’s 7th try. Connor Braid took a second Jeff Williams lofted kick in full flight for the Bays’ final score.
The JBAA Prems have now scored 123 points in their last two games against playoff contending teams in the BC Premier League. But it is smothering defence yielding a league low 12.3 points per game – and their quick pace of play from any part of the field that characterises this seasons’ Navy Blue.
Next Saturday, JBAA travels to Point Grey to play the improving UBC Thunderbirds. The Bays will attempt to hold their game shape, and protect their narrow advantage in the standings over also undefeated Lomas and Vikes. Velox travels overseas - to Burnaby Lake.
JBAA Ones 35 – Velox 0.
The JBAA Ones struggled on offense in the first half against a well drilled Velox team – defence keeping them in the game. The Bays managing a penalty goal by Kyle Laberge at 17 minutes, and a try by Willing Ganong at the half time whistle, to lead 8 to 0.
In the second half, Jacobus de Goede and Rob Robson entered the game – and the Bays exploded for five unanswered trys. Nate Waldmann scored from Nolan Miles and Sands Falk one minute in. Dusty Luther eleven minutes in - and Mitch Gudgeon two minutes later – added trys - both off of forwards pressure. Greg Fiddick notched a nifty score set up by Brendon McEneaney at 25 minutes. Rob Robson scored seven minutes before the end, breaking 12 meters to the Velox goal line. Kyle Laberge converted one of these.
Next week, the Ones also travel to Point Grey – taking on the Braves – and trying to find a way to make up ground on Caps and Norsemen.
JBAA in Dominating Wins Over Bayside
by Phil Meyer
posted March 7 2010
Saturday, at sunny MacDonald Park, JBAA scored 152 points, against 24 points for the visiting Bayside Sharks, to dominate in BCRU Premier and CDI Division 1 play. The difference in Premier score were a surprise, following last season’s game – when the Bays received a walloping from the Sharks – and barely eked out a BCRU quarter-final playoff victory.
Several Bayside players were prominent, despite the lopsided score. American Eagle Shawn Pittman played well around the field, and scored a try. Ex-Bay Cass Conkin put in a solid effort, and was the Sharks other try scorer. Tony LaCarte (2 converts), and scrum half Greg Perih looked dangerous on the day.
But it was another powerful 80 minute performance by the Bays’ team – despite loss of John Moonlight to a serious leg injury early – that determined the result. Jason Marshall started the onslaught, with two trys in the first four minutes – initially from an attack by Morgan Williams, then to Dave Moonlight, to Dan Harlow, and to Marshall for the score – the second off of a Blue Crush maul of some 20 yards. Connor Braid, playing at #10, converted both.
Conkin brought the Sharks back with a try ten minutes in – LaCarte converting. Six minutes later, Williams attacked with a kick-through – Danny Harlow finishing the 55 meter play for the score. And eight minutes further on, Dave Moonlight gathered a loose ball off MacDonald’s turf, and slashed and dashed some 35 meters to further the JBAA lead. (Braid again with the convert.)
Then it was Bayside’s turn again, as Pittman spied a hole in JBAA’s defensive cover, and powered through for the Shark’s second score. Bays 26 – Sharks 14. Track meet seemingly on.
But one minute later, the Blue Crush powered a set scrum toward the Shark-line, and Spenny Dalziel slashed the final 25 meters to shock the Sharks with another score. Braid converted. At half time, JBAA 33 – Bayside 14.
The second half was all Bays. Callum Morrison gathering a Harlow cross-kick three minutes in. Marshall getting his hat trick, finishing off another Blue Crush drive. Dalziel slicing past the Bayside scrum to set up a Braid score mid-way through half two. Morgan Williams quarter-backing a back attack involving Nolan Miles and Neil Meechan, with Hugo Belanger touching down three minutes later. Braid cutting inside for a score another two minutes on. Dave Moonlight finishing the 11-try onslaught, on passes from Braid, Williams and Belanger. Braid going four for six on second half converts.
Ben Johnson was named Defensive Player of the Game when he registered a rarely seen two-fer, crushing a Shark ball carrier, who then passed off, and tackling the recipient of the pass as well – leaving Viagra 5 supporters (and the two players) giddy.
Final score: JBAA 71 – Bayside 14.
At this point midway through the season, the BC Premier League has played itself into three levels – a top four group of two Island and two Mainland teams – a middle group of two or three teams, dangerous on any given weekend – and a bottom group, who are playing fiercely to avoid the spectre of relegation, rumoured for later in the spring as the Premier League moves to become more competetive. Undoubtedly, the absence of Brodie Henderson and Chris Pack made the Sharks less dangerous on Saturday – although one hesitates to say this was a difference maker in terms of result.
Next Saturday, the Bays face a dangerous Velox team, again at MacDonald Park. The Sharks will try to regroup when they visit Vancouver Rowing Club.
JBAA Ones 81 – Bayside 10.
In the early game, the JBAA Ones, after stinging themselves severely in the posterior last weekend at Klahanie Park, stormed back with a 13-try 81 point performance against the Sharks. Nolan Miles, playing at #13, scored a hat trick. Fullback Greg Fiddich scored two trys and kicked six converts. Rob Robson notched two trys and a convert – while Sands Falk also touched down twice. The Ones got single trys from Scott Eckhardt, Nate Waldmann, Tom Hollingworth and Jacobus de Goede. Kyle Laberge came in at #10, and also kicked a convert.
The Ones, having dug themselves a hole last week at Klahanie, are now digging like crazy to get out.
James Bay Athletic Association 22 – Capilano Rugby Club 0
by Phil Meyer
posted Feb 28 2010
At Klahanie Park in North Vancouver on Saturday, the inquiry into the relative standing of teams in this spring’s BC Premier League continued – as number 3 Capilanos of North Vancouver hosted number 1 JBAA of Victoria. The Caps are a strong rugby team. They played so on the day – and on several occasions reached within a few meters of the Bays’ goal line. But, orchestrated by No. 10 Jeff Williams, with a steady Dan Harlow at fullback, it was the Blue Crush – Franni Yoon, Scotty Warren and Jason Marshall in the front row – Ramar Ramsay and Big E Forsythe at lock – Ben Johnson, John Moonlight and Callum Morrison in back-row – Hugo Belanger (12), Neil Meechan (13) and Nolan Miles (11) in the backs – that rejected the Caps’ offensive attacks, and drove the Bays to a comprehensive victory.
Spectators were titillated by several sub-plots in this hard fought game. Marshall appeared in Navy Blue for the first time against his former Caps’ teammates. And, in keeping with the class that Capilanos bring to our game, there were was no discernible badgering or cheap shots – just hard play by both sides – and congratulations afterward.
Coach Rushton’s designer line-up - occasioned by Rugby Canada’s demands, domestic and foreign, on three of his backs - provided an additional topic of pre-game discussion. And while “back” may not be their position of first choice, Belanger, Meechan and Miles again demonstrated they are effective there – shutting down the powerful Capilano centers for much of the contest.
Pete’s line-up also confused forward-centric JBAA Technical Advisor Gary Johnston – who on many occasions through the years has been heard to exclaim: “Why would you ever give the ball to the backs” – but on this occasion, was unable to figure out what he meant by this.
Finally, players and spectators benefited from an outstanding performance by referee Al Hudson - arguably the top manager of rugby games in British Columbia – who controlled the intense on-field action, while letting the players play.
As TV icon Big Bird might say, scoring on the day was brought to assembled spectators by the letter M. Mid-way through the first half, John Moonlight took a feed from Spenny Dalziel and rampaged in to score. Four minutes later, Meechan jinked – split the Caps’ centers – and scored near the posts. Williams converted.
Five more minutes on, the Blue Crush surged a set scrum to the Caps’ line, and No. 8 Callum Morrison finished for the try. Score at the half: Bays 17 – Caps 0.
The second half on the drizzle-greased field featured periods of trench warfare: each side taking, then retaking ground; the Caps launching several close-in assaults, the Blue Crush refusing to yield their goal line. Then, with just minutes left, JBAA spun the ball left – passed it through several attacking hands – and Dave Moonlight finished off the 35 meter play in the left corner to provide the Bays with a well earned bonus point. Final score: JBAA 22 – Caps 0.
Next week, the Bays will meet the resurgent Bayside Sharks at MacDonald Park. Caps travel to the Island to meet Velox.
Capilanos 16 – JBAA Ones 15.
This season, the Bays’ Division I team has put two different teams on the field – the one that posted solid wins over Cowchan and CW, and confident first half leads against Ravens, and against Caps on Saturday – and a different team, in second half outings against Ravens and against Caps.
On Saturday, the Bays strode out to a 13-0 start (trys by Cracker Collins and Scotty Eckhardt – a convert and penalty goal from Kyle Laberge), and then imploded. In the chaos that followed – and without Roberto Luongo to come to the rescue - the Bays saw their lead evaporate, as Caps clawed back (try by Gary Yuen, plus a convert and 3 penalty goals) for a deserved 16-15 win.
Bay Day at MacDonald Park: JBAA 34 - CW 19
by Phil Meyer
posted Feb 21 2010
The 100+ Years War between James Bay Athletic Association and Castaway Wanderers continued Saturday at MacDonald Park. In the Premier game, CW showcased Canada standoff Anders Monro, incumbent Nanayk Dala and captain Kenny Goodland. The Bays, losing Jeff Williams to injury in warm-up, moved Connor Braid to #10 – and brought Canada 7’s coach Morgan Williams in at fullback.
CW supporters were undoubtedly disappointed by the result on the day – but no one was disappointed by the intensity of the game, which fully met the expectations of these two warlike tribes.
Play opened with CW driving down-slope and downwind – with a blazing western sun scorching the eyeballs of the JBAA defenders. Connor Braid opened the scoring with a penalty goal five minutes in. But the men from the House of Windsor – led by Goodland, who plays like a man from The Rock should – came on – building their score with strong around-the-field play, and on Monro’s talented toe – penalty at 7 minutes, penalty at 15, drop goal at 22, penalty late in the half.
But JBAA D denied CW the try line - and 26 minutes in, former Canada 7’s star and Bays’ winger Dave Moonlight turned the Juan de Fuca tide - combining with Connor Braid on an electrifying 70 meter run to notch the first try of the day. Seven minutes later, escape artist Spenny Dalziel slithered 15 yards up the middle through a wall of Dubbya forward flesh to score again – Braid converting. Score at the half: Bays 15 – CW 12.
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