Rowers open with two wins, loss; fire destroys part of change rooms

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First squad overcomes adversity to claim victory—

Carlin Wilkin makes a pass during a game against Bayside in this
Ruck-Muck file photo from last year. Wilkin was a standout in the
recent 1st team victory over United Sept. 15, earning the coveted
Hammer Award. Michael Jordan (right) earned a red card 10 minutes
into the game, but the squad still managed a 34-20 win.

The Vancouver Rowing Club started the 2012-2013 season with two solid wins in the 1s and 2s, while suffering a solid defeat in the 3s. The first and seconds beat the United Rugby Club at United’s Hume Park ground Sept. 15, while the Scribes beat the thirds quite handily at Trout Lake Park.

3RDS
It was a tale of two halves for the Thirsty Thirds as they opened their season against the Scribes. After starting well and putting up some solid defence, it was clear, early, that it would be a long game for the less-fit Rowing Club.

As the first half wore on and the squads battled back and forth, the Scribes finally managed to punch through the Rowers defensive line. Scrambling for some long runs for tries, the Rowers were helpless in defence as they offered up missed tackle after missed tackle. The Rowers also struggled terribly with set play, gifting the ball (and on one occasion a try) to the Scribes off lineouts and scrums. The East Van club continued to pound the ball up the middle and hammered away at the Rowers forwards and, after a few more tries, the first half ended with the Rowers down 24-0.

The second half opened up the same way with some running play and stand up tackles. But the Rowers managed to hold their own. After shaking off some of the rust, the squad managed to sort out some lineouts and scrum play and also improved on their tackling.

The Rowers also successfully defended a yellow card (earned by Travis Sheppard after he entered the side of ruck) and managed to hold the Scribes to only seven points in the half. Final score: 31-0.

2NDS
The Super Twos opened the season with a gusty 30-19 win over United. The hard fought win was secured after a few U19’s took the field late, bolstering the ranks and provided some energy to finish off the win.

“The seconds played a hard game, mostly in the pack,” noted front-row Braden Maccke. “We staged an important goal-line stand in the second half, eventually forcing a turnover that we kicked away.”

1STS
The first division squad was forced to overcome some early adversity in their win as the squad played one man short for 70 minutes after Michael Jordan earned a red card ten minutes into the match.

“I’m extremely proud of the efforts today,” said head coach Jeremy Sabell. He described the play of the first team as “heroic.”

Despite playing short, the Rowers played with heart and intensity, claiming a 34-20 victory over last year’s Province League 1 provincial champs.

Steve Craig set the pace by running in two tries while Carlin “Chuck” Wilkin laid down thunderous hits in the second half. Wilkin’s grit earned the lad from Deep Cove the coveted Hammer. (The Hammer is awarded to the player on the 1st div squad who delivers the hardest hit.) Captain Justin Wong also pounded out a gritty performance, playing through an intense shoulder injury to hold the game together for the top side.

Sabell noted the First XV never gave up for the last 70 minutes of the match. After the game the coach told his squads to build on the momentum of the two wins in preparation for the Langley Club Sept. 22.

FIRE AT BROCKTON OVAL & WEEKEND MATCHES
The First and Seconds face Langley at Brockton Oval this weekend while the Thirds face Kelowna. Saturday is also Club Day at the Oval and the Rowers are encouraging all players and alumni to bring their families and friends down for the day.

Club Day is still on despite the recent fire at the Brockton Oval changing rooms and grandstand. Though some events may be altered, there is still a host of activities planned for everyone.

Watch this space for more photos of the fire damage.