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The Thirds lost to UBC by a score of 45 to 14, after playing 60 minutes of outstanding rugby, but not being able to keep up with the young, fit UBC third div.
The Rowers showed incredible sportsmanship and enthusiasm the entire game. With sunshine leaking through the clouds, the 3rds looked strong early, creating turnovers, but cutting their attack short with their own mistakes. Knock-ons were a problem, but the pack was dominant in the sets, allowing the Thirds to maintain possession and mount an attack.
UBC’s strong ability to counter attack after turnover ball multiple times put them on the board first, 7-0 with the conversion.
But the Thirds didn’t stop defending or counter-attacking. Inside centre Justin Lali had a fantastic steal in contact to set up a hard 5 yard run by Ben Johnson to set up a deep shot into UBC territory by Jimmy Corbet, to gain the rowers more field and pushing UBC back to their 22.
The pack continued to attack the goal line until 8th man Tahee Jeffereies was able to find paydirt, tying the game with his first try as a Rower.
Some quick, hard attack by backliner Kevin Foyle was able to take advantage of a hole in an otherwise excellent UBC defense and go the distance for the points, but it was all the Rowers would be able to come up with on the day.

The young, well-coached UBC squad showed fitness, confidence and poise, maintaining their shape and pattern for a full 80 minutes to pull away in the last 20 against a more… senior Rowers squad that just couldn’t keep up with their speed and fitness. In the final 20 minutes, some substitution confusion in the back-line left the Rowers with three outside centres and no winger, creating a gaping hole that they book-smart kids from UBC knew exactly what to do with.
The Thirds plan to put in the work and get a bit more organized ahead of next week’s game, away at the Kats.

Outstanding efforts

Kurt McInnes gave a UBC a run for their money, recorded the the most tackles throughout the game (9). Back row forward Alan Wildgust recorded the second most tackles with six. Phenomenal runs through out the game from Rowers backs, including Nathan Sussex as well as Wildgust. New hooker Eugene Fung, playing in his second Rowers home game, had an excellent day, especially on the defensive side of the ball, where he showed an excellent knowledge of positioning, and never seemed to tire.Despite what the score read, the Rowers showed incredible heart and determination on the pitch, coming in with spirit, and hungry for the the ball.