On Saturday, the UBC Men boarded an early bus to play against the James Bay Athletic Association. JBAA had been mathematically exempt from the playoffs and bolstered their team with a good number of Canadian national players most recently having competed in the ARC. Facing a team with nothing to lose is always tough and the UBC Men have struggled under pressure at times this season. Both the Braves and the Birds were in for a long day of travel and rugby.
 

The Braves game was off to a slow start. The guys had what their coach, Bruce Rainer described as “too much glitter and not enough bitter”. JBAA were big, accurate and had plenty of attacking shape to start the match but soon after that it became one-way traffic for the visiting team. The Braves tightened up their handling, chased their feet in the tackles and played a progressive style of rugby that benefits them immensely. The final score was indicative of the pace of play and a lopsided score saw the Braves through to another victory. Up next they face league leaders in the Meralomas. This will be an incredible opportunity for the guys to lock up starting spots heading into the quarterfinals.
 

The Birds were coming off of a comprehensive win against Capilano the week previous and the coaching staff built on that success during the week by challenging the group to show patience, resilience and to use their mental tools as well as physical. James Bay is always a difficult group to play against. This week’s roster saw their chances against UBC improve somewhat with the return of a few players that had suited up for Canada in the ARC tournament. The Birds were ready and it showed. Coming off of a strong showing against Capilano, hooker Harrison Smith managed to impose himself on the defensive side of the ball. Working hard to strip, choke and chop – Harrison stifled the forward running attack of Luke Campbell (RC) time and again to make certain the JBAA backline could not play from the front foot off of their potent lineout attack.
 

On the other side of the ball things were clinical with their best percentage to date on handling errors. Four on the day showed that the guys had managed to operate from depth, manage their pace and pass early. All areas that have required focus this season. As the game got underway it was plain to see the highly creative and fast paced play the Birds brought was too much for James Bay. With a comfortable half time lead, the coaches prepared themselves for an effort in preservation as they had seen in the past but to their credit the Birds kept the pressure on for a full 80. It was incredibly encouraging as the Birds have their eyes on the Meralomas top team on April 13th and should they lock that up they will earn a first round BYE in the playoffs going straight into a semifinal.
 

Exams, Injuries, Graduation and the unending nature of their rugby season has taken a toll on the guys but with the end in sight they seem to dig deeper and share the load. It is in their hands now and their coaches are right behind them.

_______________________

Next Game 

vs Meraloma

April 13 (Saturday) 

Thunderbirds @ 2:30pm

Braves @ 12:45pm

Vancouver, B.C. Gerald McGavin UBC Rugby Centre

March 23, 2019

VANCOUVER – The UBC Department of Athletics and Recreation and the Thunderbirds varsity program are saddened to announce the passing of Dave Brown, UBC's General Manager of Rugby.

Brown began his role of management and coordination of the men's teams in 2014, and was instrumental in the rise of UBC rugby to its current standing as the best university program in North America, producing a healthy stream of players contributing to national teams at every age level. During his time at UBC, Brown took tremendous pride in engaging alumni through his weekly Rugby newsletter. Through this engagement, he was instrumental in helping steward the program and reconnecting with alumni, significantly growing support for the program.

"Dave Brown's dedication to the growth of the game as well as the rugby program here at UBC knew no limits," said Robin D'Abreo, UBC Director of Athletics, Operations. "During his time here his leadership and vision helped guide an era of unprecedented performance and success, winning every major league and cup title as well as UBC team of the year honours in 2017. His tireless networking to reconnect alumni as well as his passion for fundraising have also ensured both the stability and sustainability of the program he loved so much. His most significant contribution however has been to the development and mentorship of the countless athletes he has impacted.  His commitment to both their academic and athletic progress as well as their growth as young men was immeasurable.  He will be missed." 

In his five years at UBC, Brown helped guide the program to three consecutive Rounsefell Cup BC Premier League Championships from 2015-17. The Thunderbirds were undefeated in the annual two-leg World Cup series against the University of California during Brown's tenure, having extended the winning streak to six years this month. UBC won every Wightman Boot series against the University of Victoria with Brown as the program's manager.

The Thunderbirds also made history by winning the first two Canadian University Men's Rugby Championships, in 2017 and 2018.

Brown had already established an outstanding career of service and contribution to rugby before arriving on campus. Immediately before joining the T-Birds, Brown spent nine years as Development Director and BC Provincial Coach for the BC Rugby Union. He was responsible for the design, delivery and evaluation of high-performance programming for all rugby athletes and coaches in the province. Perhaps his greatest contribution at BCRU was to guide countless age grade players through many years of competitive rugby, giving them the skills and confidence to perform at the very highest level of the sport. He also worked with a number of national sport organizations, including the Canadian Sports Institute.

Brown was also the coach of the Canadian senior women's national team that took part in the first Women's World Cup in 1991.

"The UBC rugby program would like to offer their deepest sympathies and our heartfelt condolences to the family of Dr. Dave Brown," said UBC men's rugby head coach Curry Hitchborn. "Dave fought a tough battle with cancer right up to the very end. He will be fondly remembered for his candor, ability to bring out the best in those around him and his deep understanding of people and our game (rugby). Dave's intelligence and dedication to rugby across the country is unparalleled and with his passing comes an end of an era. Dave was one of a kind and an incredibly special person in many ways. He is irreplaceable and the legacy he has left behind speaks to that." 

The UBC Department of Athletics and Recreation would like to acknowledge Dave Brown's incredible dedication and the generous time commitment to the UBC men's rugby program. The Rugby Alumni Board will greatly miss his wise counsel. His character, friendship, and mentorship of coaches and players will be missed by all.

Members of the UBC Rugby Alumni Board are working to establish an endowment in honour of Dave and his commitment to UBC men's rugby. Please contact Gareth Bowley 604-822-1972 for details.

His family has requested privacy during this period. Information regarding a Celebration of Life will be shared as details become available.

March 20, 2019

VANCOUVER – The UBC Thunderbirds won their sixth straight World Cup after edging the visiting University of California Golden Bears 28-24 under sunny skies at the Gerald McGavin UBC Rugby Centre, Sunday afternoon.
 
The thrilling back and forth affair was well received by the boisterous jam packed crowd that enjoyed the second leg of the home and home series. The Thunderbirds came into the match down two points on aggregate after dropping the opening leg by a score of 24-22 last weekend in California.

JUMP TO THE FULL STORY (gothunderbirds.ca)

March 12, 2019

Parents and Alumni,
 

As you know, the second game of the World Cup will be played at our home field this Sunday (Kick off 1:00 pm). We will be holding our traditional ‘Tailgate’ at the south end of the field, between the scoreboards.

The BBQ will be sparked up at 11:30am and we look forward to seeing you there to enjoy a beverage and smokies (Donations appreciated) before the game. We look forward to seeing you out to support the boys in their quest to keep the World Cup in our house!!

Best Regards,

Andrew Hamilton

Past President and board member – UBC Rugby

Feb 27, 2019

MATCH VS MERALOMA ON FEB 9 POSTPONED UNTIL FEB 16

The game between the top two teams did not disappoint with the home team on the board within two minutes when left winger Evan Norris (Shawnigan Lake) broke free, collected his own grubber kick and fed the supporting scrum half Matt Ye (Bill Crothers) for the try. C

W showed its intent through its strong running game, with flanker Bradley prominent, and its ability to shift the ball wide through winger Massyn. The visitors took their only lead of the game after fifteen minutes when scrum half  Pitblado scored from a quick tap option. Full back Hall converted to make it 5-7.

UBC regained the lead when Norris came off his wing to join an attack on the right, breaking free to feed his fellow winger Cole Keffer (Sutherland) who race in from sixty meters to make it 10-7. Norris was not done just yet. He broke again on the left and fed centre Daniel Archer (Renaissance College) who scored for the second game in a row. Nick Collett (Southridge) converted to make it 17-7 at the half.
 

The second half consisted of aggressive defending by both teams with the Birds tipping the scales again in attack. Collet’s penalty put them up 20-7 before lock Liam Doll (Carson Graham) crashed over to make it 25-7. With fifteen minutes remaining CW flanker closed the gap to 25-14 with a try, converted by Hall. CW then increased the pressure, winning a right field line out and dominating the ball for sixty seconds of continuity but with no real ground gain. UBC number eight Nick Allen (Mulgrave) then turned the ball over and within twenty seconds the Birds were under the posts. From the turnover in midfield the ball went left through two quick phases on the left before being moved back right where Allen broke the line near from inside his own half. He found daylight immediately and drifted slightly right before offloading to Flynn Heyes (Carson Graham) who took it under the posts giving Collett an easy conversion and UBC a 32-14 bonus point win.
 

The Birds’ next game is at home on February 9th v Meraloma, kick off 2.30pm
 

Braves dominate in huge win against CW

For the fourth game in a row the Braves exhibited the consistency which saw them score another bonus point victory. The game was certainly over as a contest by half time when UBC led 41-5 with stand off Jack Scher (St George’s) the architect of much that went well.

The tries came early and by fifteen minutes the score was 21-0 with scores by Christoph Stangl (Carson Graham), Sam Turner (ST George’s) and Colton Zayshley (Lord Tweedsmuir), each converted by Scher who then added a drop goal and fifty meter penalty for good measure to put the home team up  27-0.

Winger Sam Hughes (Handsworth) added the bonus point try, again converted by Scher, to make it 34 -0 before CW got on the board to make it 34-5. Scher had the final say of the half by slicing through the defence to score and convert to make it 41-5 at half time.
 

The second half began in the same vein for the Braves with Dean Mason (Shawnigan Lake) scoring to make it 46-5. CW then responded to take the score to 46-10. After fifteen minutes of competitive play, the last twenty minutes saw the Braves pull away with four scores from lock Don Carson (Southpointe), lock Frank Carson (Southpointe), Zayshley and winger Dane Hopkins (Handsworth). Sam Hughes added two conversions to make the final score 70-10
 

The Braves’ next game is at home on February 9th v Meraloma, kick off 12.45pm

U23s lose a close encounter with Chilliwack Crusaders

UBC began the game with good opening pressure but then the more experienced Crusaders started to take control of territory and scored after ten minutes when they shifted the attack from right to left to score out wide and take a 0-5 lead.

The game was a contrast in styles with Chilliwack employing close hard running rugby versus UBC’s penchant for trying to move the ball wide. Proceedings were also slowed down with a constant resetting of scrums which took minutes off playing time.

Henry Davitt (Sutherland) was playing well in the back row and his break up the middle and into the Chilliwack twenty two led to Bryan Sun (Western Academy Beijing) try on the right to tie the score at 5-5. With fellow back row Tom Abercrombie (Oak Bay) linking well, UBC took the lead on a similar play to its first score. Full back Tommaso Castaldi (Ardingly) came into the line as the ball was shifted right before being reversed into mid field for new comer Cormac Scholz (Springbank) forcing his way over the line. The conversion was missed again and from the kick off UBC kicked the ball deep only to see the Crusaders counter down the left flank and score an unconverted try to make the scores 10-10 at the half.
 

UBC took the early lead at the start of the half when centre Ethan Berry (Kitsilano) score on the left after a great counter attack down the right. Kilick Saxer (Crason Graham) took over the kicking duites and added the convert to make it 17-10. Chiliwack tightened up the game and scored three unanswered tries an a conversion to take the lead 17-27 and see out the game as winners. The U23s need to recover quickly as next up is a home encounter with Meraloma at UBC on February 9th; kick off time is 11.15am.
 

Upcoming Games

Birds V Meraloma, Kick off 2.30pm, February 2nd

Braves V Meraloma, Kick off 12.45pm, February 2nd

U23s V Meraloma, Kick off 11.15am, February 2nd

All games at UBC

Season Results

September 8th v Rowers – Lost 23-24

September 15th @ Seattle – Won 40-33

September 22nd @ Meraloma – Won 26-8

September 29th v Westshore – Won 45-15

October 13th @ Ravens – Won 25-5

October 20th @ University of Victoria Vikes – Wightman Boot First Leg - Won 45-26

October 28th @ National University Championship, Western Qualifier – U of Calgary - Won 103-3

November 3rd v Burnaby – Lost 14-24

November 17th @ Capilano – Won 49-22

November 21st @ National University Championship in Victoria – Concordia - Won 41-8

November 22nd @ National University Championship in Victoria – Guelph – Won 34-7

November 25th @ National University Championship in Victoria – Final v Queens – Won 21-10

December 1st v Ravens – Lost 26-27

January 12th v University of Victoria Vikes – Wightman Boot Second Leg - Won 28-23 (Total: 73-49)

January 19th @ Rowers - Won 46-0 

January 26th @ Nanaimo, Won 25-20

February 2nd v CW, Won 32-14

Future Fixtures for 2019

February 9thth v Meraloma, kick off 2.30pm

February 23rd @ Berkeley – First Leg World Cup, kick off 1.00pm

March 3rd v Berkeley - Second Leg World Cup, kick off 1.00pm

March 16th v Capilano, kick off 2.30pm

March 23rd @ James Bay, kick off 2.30pm

April 13th, Playoffs

April 27th, Playoffs

May 4th, BC Finals @ Abbotsford

Donor Support in 2018

We have had an extremely busy year, reaching the Provincial Final once again for the fourth successive year as well as retaining the latest University National Championship. We have now also retained the Wightman Boot while the 2019 World Cup against Berkeley will soon be upon us in late February and early March. The contributions from donors has helped us keep the program running, providing support in many important areas such as scholarships, coaching and regular program logistics such as travel and player development. Your support has been critical in all of these initiatives and we have greatly appreciated these contributions.

Fundraising: Millennium Breakfast 2019

On the heels of a very successful Fall season we look now to 2019 and the premier fundraising event on the calendar for varsity athletics. The 2019 ZLC Millennium Breakfast. The breakfast is the one of the few opportunities for our program to receive matching funds from the University, increasing the impact each donation has. This year the breakfast will be held at 7am, Tuesday February 26th at the Vancouver Convention Centre. 

TICKET SALES OPEN

Ticket purchases and event details are now live and can be purchased via : 2019 ZLC Millennium Breakfast.  This year we have set Early Bird pricing at $225. After January 1st ticket prices will increase to $250. With the registration site now live we encourage our alumni and supporters to take advantage of the early bird pricing. Tickets can be purchased HERE.

We have currently sold one full table of seats and seven individual seats

GOLD TABLES

This year we will have 13 Gold Tables available. 1 for each sport, 10 seats per table. Tables are split between men's and women's teams of the same sport. Tickets are $500 with $400 being matched for a total benefit of $800 to your team ($5000 for the table, $8000 total benefit). Gold Tables will be located at the front of the room, will receive a better swag item and will have corporate branding on table signs. For more details or to purchase tickets for these tables, please contact Gareth Bowley directly. gareth.bowley@ubc.ca

We have currently sold all of the five seats we have available

Fundraising - Monthly Giving: While we already have a number of donors that contribute on a monthly basis, we are actively looking to grow these numbers. One donor at a minimum of $5.00 per month will raise $60.00 per year. Our aim is to attract over 100 new donors in this category raising a minimum of $6,000.00 per year. This year we have a donor in place to match up to $30,000.00 that we raise in new monthly giving donations over the course of the year so, if you are interested in becoming a new Monthly Donor, you can contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca or go to the following link.

So far we our monthly fundraising efforts stand at almost $23,000.00 which means we are just $7,000.00 short of our goal for the year. We have just over four months to achieve our goal. Thanks to everyone who has contributed and let’s work towards fully meeting the goal and ensuring we also achieve our maximum matching funds.

UBC Rugby Thunder Renewal

This contribution is tax deductible.

Fundraising - Gerald McGavin Pavilion Seats: We already have a significant number of seats at the Pavilion with plaques bearing the names of the contributors. This contribution is valued at $1,500.00 with our most recent donations raising some $9,000.00. If you are interested in becoming a new Seat Donor, you can contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca
 

Our newest purchasers include: Geoff ‘Flower’ Knauer, Iain Scholnick, Evan Scholnick, Eddie ‘the Edge’ Evans, Mark ‘Blue Lagoon’ Smith, Mark ‘Hormone’ Olsen, Bruce and Corine Clark and Sam Clerk.
 

This contribution is tax deductible.

February 7, 2019

This past weekend proved to be a huge test for the Birds as they traveled to Nanaimo to take on a rejuvenated Hornets team which had comprehensively defeated James Bay in their previous fixture.

UBC’s depth would be sorely tested as a long list of backs were unavailable for selection: centres Ben Lesage (Henry Wisewood), John Jubenvill (Earl Marriott) and Niko Clironomos (Lord Byng), back three players Jake Lan (Rockridge) and Elias Ergas (Collingwood), and stand off Adam McQueen (Canmore). To make matters worse, starters Cole Keffer (Sutherland) and Colton Zayshley (Lord Tweedsmuir) pulled out on the evening of the game due to flu. The players took it all in stride as reorganization took place with flanker Michael Smith (Earl Marriott) taking an unfamiliar starting position on the wing.
 

The game started out well for UBC who put in a strong opening fifteen minutes, displaying personal and collective discipline and a sound defensive structure.

Captain and flanker Jake Ikeda (Magee) scored the opening try after five minutes to put the visitors up 5-0. The lea stretched to 12-0 when centre Daniel Archer (Renaissance College) crossed for a fine team try which he duly converted.  In control and managing the game without any undue problems, a lack of personal discipline saw the tide turn against the visitors. An obstruction penalty by Owain Ruttan (St Mary’s) flared up into a retaliation incident which saw Ikeda carded. Within a minute of leaving the field Nanaimo had scored a converted try to make it 12-7 and instill the home team with a real sense of purpose and belief.

UBC now struggled to reassert itself although an Archer penalty just before the half following a scrum against the head pushed the Birds into a 15-7 lead.

As the second half resumed, it seemed as though the Birds had found some semblance of control again as number eight Nick Allen (Mulgrave) scored from a dominant scrum push. The score was now 20-7 and once again UBC faltered, allowing Nanaimo back into the game. A poor kick off reception resulted in a home team penalty. A kick to touch and a series of drives off the line out saw Nanaimo cross the line for its second converted try to reduce the gap to 20-14. 

With twenty minutes to go the game was back in the balance when Nanaimo’s prop was given a red card for foul play. The game temporarily swung back into UBC’s favour and the bonus point try came from Smith on the left wing after right winger Evan Norris (Shawnigan Lake) made the most of getting into the attack on his off wing.

At 25-14 UBC looked to manage the limited time left and see out the game. Instead, a questionable tactical decision to exit their own twenty two metre zone resulted in a turn over which Nanaimo ultimately converted into a try in the right corner.

The conversion was made and at 25-21 UBC was forced to repel some late pressure before finally getting the ball out of bounds and claiming a valuable bonus point win.

Next up for the Birds is a home encounter with the undefeated CW at UBC on February 2nd; kick off time is 2.30pm
 

Braves collect a third consecutive bonus pint win with a hard fought encounter against Nanaimo

Player depth again played an important role in this victory. With some of the Braves moving up to fill in for the depleted Birds, a number of the U23s stepped up to perform at the next level.

The first half was a disjointed affair from a UBC perspective with the players struggling to get to grips with the wet field conditions and trying to find some consistency in performance. There were just too many technical and mental errors to allow any continuity in the play. UBC started confidently with some good open field running by lock Izzak Kelly (Earl Marriott) and full back Palo Palero (Greengates) but it was the home team which took the 0-17 lead with a converted try after ten minutes.

The Braves hit back when Kelly converted a well worked line out drive and winger Sam Hughes (Handsworth) converted to make it 7-7. A litany of errors marked the final twenty minutes until Nanaimo went ahead 7-10 after converting a penalty with fifteen minutes remaining before Conor Byron (Yale) sliced through the defence right at the half to give Hughes his second conversion and UBC a 14-10 lead. The Braves showed much greater discipline in the second half and further tries by Kelly and Callum Botchar (Magee), along with a third Hughes conversion, gave the visitors a final 26-10 victory and a third successive five point haul.
 

Next up for the Braves is a home encounter with CW at UBC on February 2nd; kick off time is 12-45pm.
 

Upcoming Games

Birds V CW, Kick off 2.30pm, February 2nd

Braves V CW, Kick off 12.45pm, February 2nd

U23s V Chilliwack, Kick off 11.15am, February 2nd

All games at UBC

Season Results

September 8th v Rowers – Lost 23-24

September 15th @ Seattle – Won 40-33

September 22nd @ Meraloma – Won 26-8

September 29th v Westshore – Won 45-15

October 13th @ Ravens – Won 25-5

October 20th @ University of Victoria Vikes – Wightman Boot First Leg - Won 45-26

October 28th @ National University Championship, Western Qualifier – U of Calgary - Won 103-3

November 3rd v Burnaby – Lost 14-24

November 17th @ Capilano – Won 49-22

November 21st @ National University Championship in Victoria – Concordia - Won 41-8

November 22nd @ National University Championship in Victoria – Guelph – Won 34-7

November 25th @ National University Championship in Victoria – Final v Queens – Won 21-10

December 1st v Ravens – Lost 26-27

January 12th v University of Victoria Vikes – Wightman Boot Second Leg - Won 28-23 (Total: 73-49)

January 19th @ Rowers - Won 46-0

January 26th @ Nanaimo, Won 25-20

Future Fixtures for 2019

February 2nd v CW, kick off 2.30pm

February 9thth v Meraloma, kick off 2.30pm

February 23rd @ Berkeley – First Leg World Cup, kick off 1.00pm

March 3rd v Berkeley - Second Leg World Cup, kick off 1.00pm

March 16th v Capilano, kick off 2.30pm

March 23rd @ James Bay, kick off 2.30pm

April 13th, Playoffs

April 27th, Playoffs

May 4th, BC Finals @ Abbotsford

Donor Support in 2018

We have had an extremely busy year, reaching the Provincial Final once again for the fourth successive year as well as retaining the latest University National Championship. We have now also retained the Wightman Boot while the 2019 World Cup against Berkeley will soon be upon us in late February and early March. The contributions from donors has helped us keep the program running, providing support in many important areas such as scholarships, coaching and regular program logistics such as travel and player development. Your support has been critical in all of these initiatives and we have greatly appreciated these contributions.

Fundraising: Millennium Breakfast 2019

On the heels of a very successful Fall season we look now to 2019 and the premier fundraising event on the calendar for varsity athletics. The 2019 ZLC Millennium Breakfast. The breakfast is the one of the few opportunities for our program to receive matching funds from the University, increasing the impact each donation has. This year the breakfast will be held at 7am, Tuesday February 26th at the Vancouver Convention Centre. 

TICKET SALES OPEN

Ticket purchases and event details are now live and can be purchased via : 2019 ZLC Millennium Breakfast. 

This year we have set Early Bird pricing at $225. After January 1st ticket prices will increase to $250. With the registration site now live we encourage our alumni and supporters to take advantage of the early bird pricing. Tickets can be purchased HERE.

We have currently sold one full table of seats and seven individual seats

GOLD TABLES

This year we will have 13 Gold Tables available. 1 for each sport, 10 seats per table. Tables are split between men's and women's teams of the same sport. Tickets are $500 with $400 being matched for a total benefit of $800 to your team ($5000 for the table, $8000 total benefit). Gold Tables will be located at the front of the room, will receive a better swag item and will have corporate branding on table signs. For more details or to purchase tickets for these tables, please contact Gareth Bowley directly. gareth.bowley@ubc.ca

We have currently sold all of the five seats we have available

Fundraising - Monthly Giving: While we already have a number of donors that contribute on a monthly basis, we are actively looking to grow these numbers. One donor at a minimum of $5.00 per month will raise $60.00 per year. Our aim is to attract over 100 new donors in this category raising a minimum of $6,000.00 per year. This year we have a donor in place to match up to $30,000.00 that we raise in new monthly giving donations over the course of the year so, if you are interested in becoming a new Monthly Donor, you can contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca
 

So far we our monthly fundraising efforts stand at almost $23,000.00 which means we are just $7,000.00 short of our goal for the year. We have just over four months to achieve our goal. Thanks to everyone who has contributed and let’s work towards fully meeting the goal and ensuring we also achieve our maximum matching funds.
 

UBC Rugby Thunder Renewal

This contribution is tax deductible.

Fundraising - Gerald McGavin Pavilion Seats: We already have a significant number of seats at the Pavilion with plaques bearing the names of the contributors. This contribution is valued at $1,500.00 with our most recent donations raising some $9,000.00. If you are interested in becoming a new Seat Donor, you can contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca
 

Our newest purchasers include: Geoff ‘Flower’ Knauer, Iain Scholnick, Evan Scholnick, Eddie ‘the Edge’ Evans, Mark ‘Blue Lagoon’ Smith, Mark ‘Hormone’ Olsen, Bruce and Corine Clark and Sam Clerk.
 

This contribution is tax deductible.

January 30, 2019

UBC followed up the win against the Vikes with a bright opening against Rowers, and a big early break by lock James Carson (Oak Bay) failed to materialize in a try with Cali Martinez (Earl Marriott) clear on the overlap. After three minutes Adam McQueen (Canmore) was injured, requiring a reshuffle. Daniel Archer (Renaissance College) moved to Stand off and Elias Ergas (Collingwood) came into to the centre position. What followed was a sluggish twenty minutes during which Rowers contested well. At twenty minutes, a sin bin to Rowers flanker resulted in UBC taking a 5-0 lead at a line out drive from which the ball was shifted back to the blind side for flanker Jake Ikeda (Magee) to score in the left corner. UBC nearly scored again after good work through Ergas, centre Flynn Heyes (Carson Graham) and flanker Owain Ruttan (St Mary’s) saw Cole Keffer Sutherland) come close. The lead was finally doubled to 10-0 when multi-phase play following a line out in right field eventually led to Keffer scoring in the right corner.
 

After half time, the Birds seemed to find a second gear as the sun came out from the looming grey skies. The first try of the half came from a reverse play from a line out into the blind as Ikeda put left winger Evan Norris (Shawnigan Lake) away on a long break. The inside support came from Ruttan who scored under the posts giving Nick Collett (Southridge) an easy convert and UBC a 17-0 lead. Collett then found himself in trouble with a yellow card following some ill-discipline near the Rowers’ line. The game bogged down again briefly until Daniel Archer got injured. Collett came back on to the field and moved into the stand-off position with Connor Byron (Yale) moving into the centre position giving a reconfigured back three of Norris, Keffer and Ergas.
 

The bonus point try followed a line out steal by UBC when a huge break by flanker Michael Smith (Earl Marriott) and finished by Keffer who ran in for his second try giving UBC a 22-0 cushion. Immediately from the kick-off Keffer was in again for his third try, after great work by Fraser Hurst (St George’s) and Heyes, making the score 27-0. Matt Ye (Bill Crothers) came on at scrum half as Ergas left the field with a sustained blood injury with Hurst moving to full back. But it was substitute prop Joe Sourisseau (St George’s) who made the biggest impact with a great break before then finding himself in the perfect support position to score on the left. The conversion was unsuccessful but the Birds’ lead stretched to 32-0. The last two scores came quickly as UBC emptied the bench. Lock Nolan Howell (Hugh McRoberts) forced a steal before Collett stormed over and added the convert after great buildup work from Ye, Smith and Keffer. Smith put his own mark on an excellent display with a solo effort at the final whistle. Collett’s conversions made the score 46-0.
 

The Birds’ next game is at Nanaimo on January 26th, kick off 2.30pm.
 

 Braves dig deep with bonus point win over Rowers

For the second week in a row the Braves notched a bonus point win, following up with their success against the Norsemen with a win over Rowers reserves. UBC was never in full control of the game but did more than enough to keep the Rowing Club at bay until the final ten minutes when the result was never in doubt. Some powerful opening runs from the UBC forwards, with Izzak Kelly (Earl Marriott) prominent, put the Braves on the front foot and centre Connor Byron (Yale) claimed the first score to put UBC up 5-0 after fifteen minutes following a productive counter attack initiated by winger Sam Hughes (Handsworth). Shortly afterwards a line out deep in the Rowers’ twenty two was turned into a driving maul from which prop Conor O’Flaherty (International School Brussels) burrowed over for the try which was converted by Max Radcliffe (Elgin Park) to increase the lead to 12-0. Radcliffe suffered an ankle injury almost immediately following the score and was replaced by Ethan Berry (Kitsilano). The score at the half remained 12-0.
 

Just ten minutes after the restart the Braves forged further ahead 17-0 through a try by hooker Josh Tweed (Semiahmoo). The try owed much to the support and contributions of Callum Botchar (Magee), Sam Turner (St. George’s) and Kelly. The final bonus point try came after fifteen minutes when Ethan Berry was sent over in the right corner following an attacking scrum ball. At 22-0 and the game in hand, UBC spent the final twenty minutes defending its own half as the Rowers pressed for a score and a potential bonus point loss. The home team did manage to cross the line twice in the last ten minutes, converting one try, and closing the gap to 22-12. The Braves now move on to Nanaimo looking for a third successive win for the first time this season.
 

The Braves’ next game is at Nanaimo on January 26th, kick off 12.45pm.
 

U23s come through with victory over Rowers

In the first game of the season the U23s were beaten 32-29 by the Rowers’ thirds and this current result shows just how far this group has developed in all aspects of the game. The first half was a competitive affair which saw UBC make the most of two poor clearance kicks by the Rowers. The first of these came after thirty minutes and resulted in a try for centre Forest Scarrwener (Kitsilano) converted by full back Pablo Parero (Greengates) to give UBC a 7-0 lead. When Rowers got into the UBC half they exterted all kinds of pressure and they evened the score at 7-7 after a series of three dominant scrums near the try line. A second poor clearance by the home team was returned via stand off Ryan Leskiw (Carson Graham) before winger John Tolton (United World College) raced clear on the left to score under the posts giving Palero the easiest of conversions and put the U23s up 14-7 at the half.
 

The UBC back row of Tom Abercrombie (Oak Bay), Nick Zimmer (Torrey Pines) and Theo Canham (Cranleigh) were proving to be a handful for the Rowers on both sides of the ball while the inside three of Leskiw, Scarrwener and Ethan Berry (Kitsilano) were also moving the ball well in attack and providing a solid defensive unit. Rowers were first to get on the board in the second half, scoring a try on a quick tap and go to make it 14-12. But as the final twenty minutes approached UBC put on a great display of open rugby which saw the backs add a further four tries to the scoreboard. Tolton added his second from a full seventy meters and Palero put over his third conversion to make it 21-12. From the kick off Tommaso Castaldi (Ardingly) broke clear to link with prop Henry Davitt (Sutherland) and Leskiw who sent Scarrwener clear for his second try of the day, converted again by Palero, to send UBC clear at 28-12. Scarrwener completed his afternoon by adding his third and fourth scores of the game to give the U23s a 38-12 win and its first five points of this half of the season.
 

The U23s next game is against Chilliwack at UBC on February 2nd , kick off 11.15am.

Next Fixtures

Birds @ Nanaimo, January 26th, kick off 2.30pm

Braves @ Nanaimo, January 26th, kick off 12.45pm

Congratulations to current and former UBC players elected for Canada for upcoming Americas Rugby Championship Event

A huge congratulation to the following players for selection to this tournament; current players Andrew Coe and Ben Lesage and former players Nakai Penny, Will Percillier and Theo Sauder.
 

Season Results

September 8th v Rowers – Lost 23-24

September 15th @ Seattle – Won 40-33

September 22nd @ Meraloma – Won 26-8

September 29th v Westshore – Won 45-15

October 13th @ Ravens – Won 25-5

October 20th @ University of Victoria Vikes – Wightman Boot First Leg - Won 45-26

October 28th @ National University Championship, Western Qualifier – U of Calgary - Won 103-3

November 3rd v Burnaby – Lost 14-24

November 17th @ Capilano – Won 49-22

November 21st @ National University Championship in Victoria – Concordia - Won 41-8

November 22nd @ National University Championship in Victoria – Guelph – Won 34-7

November 25th @ National University Championship in Victoria – Final v Queens – Won 21-10

December 1st v Ravens – Lost 26-27

January 12th v University of Victoria Vikes – Wightman Boot Second Leg - Won 28-23 (Total: 73-49)

January 19th @ Rowers - Won 46-0

Future Fixtures for 2019

January 26th @ Nanaimo, kick off 2.30pm

February 2nd v CW, kick off 2.30pm

February 9thth v Meraloma, kick off 2.30pm

February 23rd @ Berkeley – First Leg World Cup, kick off 1.00pm

March 3rd v Berkeley - Second Leg World Cup, kick off 1.00pm

March 16th v Capilano, kick off 2.30pm

March 23rd @ James Bay, kick off 2.30pm

April 13th, Playoffs

April 27th, Playoffs

May 4th, BC Finals @ Abbotsford

Donor Support in 2018

We have had an extremely busy year, reaching the Provincial Final once again for the fourth successive year as well as retaining the latest University National Championship. We have now also retained the Wightman Boot while the 2019 World Cup against Berkeley will soon be upon us in late February and early March. The contributions from donors has helped us keep the program running, providing support in many important areas such as scholarships, coaching and regular program logistics such as travel and player development. Your support has been critical in all of these initiatives and we have greatly appreciated these contributions.

Fundraising: Millennium Breakfast 2019

On the heels of a very successful Fall season we look now to 2019 and the premier fundraising event on the calendar for varsity athletics. The 2019 ZLC Millennium Breakfast. The breakfast is the one of the few opportunities for our program to receive matching funds from the University, increasing the impact each donation has. This year the breakfast will be held at 7am, Tuesday February 26th at the Vancouver Convention Centre. 

TICKET SALES NOW OPEN

Ticket purchases and event details are now live and can be purchased via : 2019 ZLC Millennium Breakfast. 

After January 1st ticket prices will increase to $250.  Tickets can be purchased HERE.

We have currently sold one full table of seats and five individual seats

GOLD TABLES

This year we will have 13 Gold Tables available. 1 for each sport, 10 seats per table. Tables are split between men's and women's teams of the same sport. Tickets are $500 with $400 being matched for a total benefit of $800 to your team ($5000 for the table, $8000 total benefit). Gold Tables will be located at the front of the room, will receive a better swag item and will have corporate branding on table signs. For more details or to purchase tickets for these tables, please contact Gareth Bowley directly. gareth.bowley@ubc.ca

We have currently sold a of the five seats we have available

Fundraising - Monthly Giving: While we already have a number of donors that contribute on a monthly basis, we are actively looking to grow these numbers. One donor at a minimum of $5.00 per month will raise $60.00 per year. Our aim is to attract over 100 new donors in this category raising a minimum of $6,000.00 per year. This year we have a donor in place to match up to $30,000.00 that we raise in new monthly giving donations over the course of the year so, if you are interested in becoming a new Monthly Donor, you can contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca or go to the following link.

So far we our monthly fundraising efforts stand at almost $23,000.00 which means we are just $7,000.00 short of our goal for the year. We have just over four months to achieve our goal. Thanks to everyone who has contributed and let’s work towards fully meeting the goal and ensuring we also achieve our maximum matching funds.

UBC Rugby Thunder Renewal

This contribution is tax deductible.

Fundraising - Gerald McGavin Pavilion Seats: We already have a significant number of seats at the Pavilion with plaques bearing the names of the contributors. This contribution is valued at $1,500.00 with our most recent donations raising some $9,000.00. If you are interested in becoming a new Seat Donor, you can contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca
 

Our newest purchasers include: Geoff ‘Flower’ Knauer, Iain Scholnick, Evan Scholnick, Eddie ‘the Edge’ Evans, Mark ‘Blue Lagoon’ Smith, Mark ‘Hormone’ Olsen, Bruce and Corine Clark and Sam Clerk.
 

This contribution is tax deductible.

January 23, 2019

UBC is proud to announce that Alumni Scott Stewart will be heading into the Rugby Canada Hall of Fame. Below is the report from the Rugby Canada website.
 

Scott Stewart learned his rugby at Magee Secondary School before going on to play for the UBC Thunderbirds, UBC Old Boys, British Columbia, Canada, Harlequins and Bedford Blues.

He made his international debut for Canada as a 20-year-old against the United States in September 1989 while he was still at UBC, another for British Columbia against the New Zealand All Blacks the same year, and played on UBC Past and Present against Otago (1990).
 

From 1989 until 1999 he became a mainstay in the Canadian line-up. He was a true utility athlete, playing every position in the Canadian backline. Although he began his career at fullback and played many matches at fly-half, Scott also wore the Canadian 11, 12, 13 and 14 jerseys at least once during his playing days.
 

For British Columbia he appeared in five National Championships (1989, 1990, 1992, 1993 and 1994) at the senior level and three National Championship teams (1987, 1988, 1989) at the Under 19 level. He toured to Wales with Canada Under 19 in 1988, when he played in both internationals, and played for British Columbia Under 19 against the Pacific Coast in 1989.
 

In addition to playing for Canada Under 21 against the USA Collegiate All Americans (1988 and 1989), he was also in the senior lineups for British Columbia against Scotland (1990) and England Students (1991) Stewart was in Canada’s lineups in the 1991, 1995 and 1999 Rugby World Cups and ended his career against England in 2001.

Although he was not Canada’s preferred goal kicker, he nevertheless got his share of conversions (9) and penalty goals (14) in four positions – fullback, center, wing and fly half, while earning five tries.
 

He was also a talented Sevens player for Canada over a span of five years when he played in Dubai (1992, 1995), Canberra (1993), Fiji (1993, 1997), Hong Kong (1993, 1994, 1995, 1996), Punta del Este (1997) and in the 1993 (Scotland) and 1997 Hong Kong) Rugby World Cup Sevens and the 1997 Qualifier.
 

Stewart started his career during the amateur days before assuming a successful career as a professional player with London Harlequins from 1997-1998, when he played in 16 matches, two as a replacement, and Bedford Blues from 1999-2000, when he played in all 25 matches.
 

Stewart’s first Rugby World Cup experience took him to France in 1991 where he scored the only try of the match in Canada’s opening round victory over Fiji. He started in three of the four matches and came on as a replacement once. In three of the matches he was a wing and in the fourth, where he was a replacement, he was a fullback.

Stewart went on to represent Canada in two more Rugby World Cups: in South Africa in 1995 and France in 1999. He started in all four games in 1995 and all three in 1999.
 

He played in most of the games in the 1996 and 2001 Pan-American and 1996-1999 Pacific Rim Series and in the 1998 Rugby World Cup Qualifiers.
 

Stewart’s last international match was on June 9, 2001 against England. He finished with 64 caps for his country, playing against all of the top rugby playing nations, including New Zealand (2), England (5), France (4), Australia (3), South Africa (2), Wales (4) and Argentina (4).

When he retired he was the second most capped player behind Al Charron. He scored five tries for his country and had a career total of 84 points, including 17 in Canada’s 27-27 tie against Ireland in 2000.

Stewart is also one of the few players in the world who has played in a total of five Rugby World Cups - 3 in Fifteens and 2 in Sevens.
 

In 2018 he was inducted into the BC Rugby Hall of Fame.
 

Scott Stewart’s career as a player at school, university, club, province and country makes it hard to deny him entry into the 2019 Rugby Canada Hall of Fame.
 

Following his retirement in 2001 he coached Canada Under 21 (2003-04), University of Western Ontario (2003-2006) and has been the UCLA Bruins head coach since 2004.

January 23, 2019

The Birds started this game confidently but gave up a soft early score with Vikes stand-off Bowd intercepting a pass from prop Nick Frost (Collingwood). Bowd converted his own try to give the Vike a 0-7 lead. Learning from Raven’s game and taking points when opportunities were offered, UBC bounced back to 3-7 with penalty from Adam McQueen (Canmore). After fifteen minutes, the home team pushed ahead when a right foot grubber by McQueen was collected by flanker Michael Smith (Earl Marriott) for the try which McQueen converted giving UBC the 10-7 lead. The emerging pattern of this game was one of both teams trading points to keep pace with each other interspersed with strong defence and the Vikes responded with a sweeping attack from right to left resulting in a Nick Carson score and a 10-12 lead for the visitors. The Vikes continued to pressure and Bowd added a penalty to make the score 10-15. Back came UBC with a line out drive from which Cal Martinez (Earl Marriott) barged over near the posts giving McQueen an easy conversion as UBC pushed in front 17-15 which remained the score at the break.
 

The game was finely poised with both teams defending aggressively and finding it difficult to make many clean breaks. The second half began with a period of UBC pressure and Nick Allen (Mulgrave) was unfortunate not to be awarded a try following a strong series of drives. It then looked like Harrison Smith (Handsworth) had scored in the left corner following a long cut out pass by full back Nick Collett (Southridge). The referee spotted a forward pass and denied the try but brought the play back to the posts where he gave a penalty to UBC. McQueen converted the penalty to put UBC up 20-15 and Bowd was sent to the bin for foul play. Despite the yellow card and being one man down the Vikes powered back with a try by flanker Heuser to tie up the score at 20-20. With twenty minutes to go McQueen added his third penalty to put UBC up 23-20 before Michael Smith’s second try appeared to put the Birds out of reach. A missed penalty to touch by McQueen was kicked back by the Vikes and UBC launched a counter attack. Taking the ball a full sixty five metres from the Vikes’ line Nick Allen accelerated through the Vikes’ defence and weaved his way from right field to the left sideline near the Vikes’ twenty two before offloading an audacious pass to the supporting Smith to score and put the Birds up 28-20. Bowd reduced the deficit to 28-23 with a late penalty and the Birds resisted some late attacks to finish the game as Wightman Boot Winners for the sixth successive year.

The report from the Vike’s Athletics page is below:
 

VANCOUVER- The University of Victoria Vikes men's rugby team came up just short while visiting the UBC Thunderbirds in Vancouver on Jan.12, losing by a score of 28-23 at the Gerald McGavin UBC Rugby Centre. With the win, the T-birds claim the coveted Wightman Boot trophy. 
 
It was the second leg of the Whitman Boot and the T-Birds entered the contest with a 19-point aggregate advantage thanks to a 45-26 opening leg victory in Victoria on October, 20 2018. The second meeting proved to be a much closer back and forth affair with several lead changes ahead of UBC relying on two late game scores to secure the Whitman Boot for a sixth consecutive season. 
 
"It was a close game, UVic has gotten consistently better over the years and the second leg of the Wightman Boot game is always hotly contested," said UBC head coach Curry Hitchborn. "Coming in with that 19-point buffer on the aggregate total from the opening leg win is a blessing and a curse, it certainly makes for tougher mental sledding and you have to be precise. I'm proud of the guys for responding today after the Vikes opened the scoring, it's a credit to the group having gone through the process this week and executing on the weekend, Saturday is their day and it's nice to see them enjoying it."
 
It was the visitors who struck first opening the scoring seven minutes into the contest as Vikes center Gradyn Bowd stepped up for an interception and a clear 40 yard run to the try zone. With the successful conversion, it was UVic with the early 7-0 lead.
 
UBC would respond soon after in the 11th minute with stand-off Adam Mcqueen converting on a 35-yard penalty kick to pull within 7-3. Just three minutes later that was followed by T-Birds back row Michael Smith alertly scooping up a well-executed grubber kick from Mcqueen and scampered 20 yards untouched to the try zone. With the successful conversion from Mcqueen it was UBC in front 10-7 at the fifteen-minute mark.
 
Shortly after it was the Vikes turn to respond with effective build up that eventually lead to No. 8 Nicholas Carson breaking free on the left flank and finding a path to the try zone in minute 19, the conversion was missed but UVic had regained a 12-10 advantage. Six minutes later the Vikes added to their lead thanks to a converted penalty kick courtesy of Bowd and a 15-10 lead.
 
The T-Birds would counter next in the 28th minute as Prop Claxito Martinez scored a try off of a line out drive to even the score at 15-15 before Mcqueen made the conversion for the final score before halftime and a 17-15 edge for UBC at the break.
 
The second half began with UBC enjoying good possession and field position and the hosts where finally rewarded in the 51st minute with a penalty kick converted by Mcqueen giving the 'Birds a 20-15 advantage.
 
The Vikes would respond yet again with good build up and a try down the left flank courtesy of flanker Tom Heuser in minute 58, the conversion was missed and as a result the score was once again even 20-20. Three minutes later the T-Birds would take a lead that they wouldn't relinquish going in front 23-20 thanks to a penalty kick from Mcqueen. That was followed up by an impressive combination run down the left side in the 69thminute that saw T-Birds Back Row Nick Allen break out for a 20-yard run before delivering a sneaky behind the shoulder pass to fellow Back Row Michael Smith who pulled away from UVic defenders and a 30-yard score. This increased UBC's lead to 28-20 before seeing Mcqueen's conversion attempt bounce off the upright. The Vikes would conclude the scoring in the 79th minute with Bowd making good on a penalty kick to pull within five points at 28-23 just prior to the final whistle and a Wightman Boot victory for UBC.
 
"I thought it was a great game," said long-time UVic head coach Doug Tate. "I thought it was well refereed today with an even amount of penalties and a lot of big physical hits and a bunch of guys that all know each other and grew up together. I think it's nice to play UBC two or three times a year because it raises the level, there's some great individual efforts and team play. At the end of the day UBC did a good job on capitalizing on our errors but we've been playing better and I was happy with our effort and we had chances but you have to turn those into points. We looked at times but other times UBC's execution was outstanding." 
 

The next game for the Birds is on Saturday January 19th at Brockton Oval against the Rowers, kick off 2.30pm
 

Braves start the second half of the season with a 36-19 win over the Norsemen

The Braves started the second half of the season on a winning note to remain in contention for a play-off spot.  Good continuity at the start of the game put pressure on the Norsemen’ defence. After just four minutes flanker Owain Ruttan (St Mary’s) was on hand to finish off a UBC drive. Jack Scher added the conversion to put UBC up 7-0. For the next twenty five minutes it was very much a stalemate as the visitors looked to get back into the game and UBC sought to add more points. It was UBC who eventually broke the deadlock when full back Max Radcliffe (Elgin Park) kicked out of defence. The ball looked to be going to touch but landed infield and took a fortuitous bounce eluding the Norsemen defenders. Radcliffe was on hand to kick on and drop on the ball to score the try which put the Braves up 12-0. Almost immediately following this score the Braves nudged further ahead right from the kick off as an attack, involving Frank Carson (Southpointe) on two occasions, resulted in flanker David Carson (Oak Bay) going over for a score on the right. Scher added the extra points to put UBC ahead 19-0 at the half.

The University of Victoria started the second half in the same manner as UBC had finished the first, scoring two tries, the second a marvelous long range individual effort by center Robinson,  and a conversion in the opening tem minutes to reduce the deficit to 19-14. Frank Carson then replied with the bonus point try for the Braves. Scher continued his strong kicking game by adding his third conversion to extend the lead to 26-14. Connor Byron (Yale) was on hand to exploit a well worked overlap and score the team’s fifth try, again converted by Scher, to move UBC ahead 33-14 before the Norsemen scored a third try to make it 33-19. Scher had the final word of the afternoon with a late penalty to make the final score 36-19.
 

The Braves take on the Rowers at Brockton on January 19th with a 12.45pm kick off.
 

U23s fall to the Saxons in Exhibition Play

The U23s stared the second half of the year off with a 15-34 loss the University of Victoria Saxons. UBC tries were scored by the returning Henry Davitt (Sutherland), prop Nick Gray (Carson Graham) and lock Callum McDonald (Handsworth). The next game will be the opening game of the Division Three schedule against Vancouver Rowing Club when we will have a more complete game report.
 

Next Fixtures:

Birds @ Rowers, January 19th, kick off 2.30pm

Braves @ Rowers, January 19th, kick off 12.45pm

U23s @ Rowers, January 19th, kick off 11.15am

Congratulations to current and former UBC players elected for Canada for upcoming Americas Rugby Championship Event

A huge congratulation to the following players for selection to this tournament; current players Andrew Coe and Ben Lesage and former players Nakai Penny, Will Percillier and Theo Sauder.

 

Season Results

September 8th v Rowers – Lost 23-24

September 15th @ Seattle – Won 40-33

September 22nd @ Meraloma – Won 26-8

September 29th v Westshore – Won 45-15

October 13th @ Ravens – Won 25-5

October 20th @ University of Victoria Vikes – Wightman Boot First Leg - Won 45-26

October 28th @ National University Championship, Western Qualifier – U of Calgary - Won 103-3

November 3rd v Burnaby – Lost 14-24

November 17th @ Capilano – Won 49-22

November 21st @ National University Championship in Victoria – Concordia - Won 41-8

November 22nd @ National University Championship in Victoria – Guelph – Won 34-7

November 25th @ National University Championship in Victoria – Final v Queens – Won 21-10

December 1st v Ravens – Lost 26-27

January 12th v University of Victoria Vikes – Wightman Boot Second Leg - Won 28-23 (Total: 73-49)

Future Fixtures for 2019

January 19th @ Rowers, kick off 2.30pm

January 26th @ Nanaimo, kick off 2.30pm

February 2nd v CW, kick off 2.30pm

February 9thth v Meraloma, kick off 2.30pm

February 23rd @ Berkeley – First Leg World Cup, kick off 1.00pm

March 3rd v Berkeley - Second Leg World Cup, kick off 1.00pm

March 16th v Capilano, kick off 2.30pm

March 23rd @ James Bay, kick off 2.30pm

April 13th, Playoffs

April 27th, Playoffs

May 4th, BC Finals @ Abbotsford

January 16, 2019

This Saturday, January 12th, UBC will take the field against the Vikes in the 2nd leg of the Wightman Boot, holding a 45-26 advantage after the first leg victory in Victoria. The game will kick off at 2.30pm at the Lord and Buck field.

Braves lose to Rugby Canada U20s

On Sunday January 6th, the Braves took on Rugby Canada U20s 26-62 over three periods at UBC. The Rugby Canada group contained a number of UBC players; Tyler Rowland (Mentor College), Dave Carson (Oak Bay), Frank Carson (Southpointe), Connor Byron Yale and Josh Tweed (Semiahmoo).

The teams played three thirty minute periods and the Braves, using approximately thirty players, remained competitive for much of the game. The first period ended 19-24 for Rugby Canada with Owain Ruttan (St Mary’s) and Ethan Berry (Kistsilano) crossing for tries. Berry’s brace was just reward for the centre’s strong display. Stand off Jack Scher (St George’s) added two conversions.  In the second period Canada outscored UBC by twenty one points to seven to take a 26-45 lead into the final period. Evan Norris (Shawnigan Lake) scored UBC’s only try along with another Scher conversion. Canada’s dominance in breaking the line in midfield and excellent support play proved to be main difference between the two teams. The final period, while remaining competitive, saw both teams playing to their benches and Canada outscoring the Braves seventeen points to zero for a final score of 26-62. The Braves resume their league play this weekend against the University of Victoria.
 

Season Results

September 8th v Rowers – Lost 23-24

September 15th @ Seattle – Won 40-33

September 22nd @ Meraloma – Won 26-8

September 29th v Westshore – Won 45-15

October 13th @ Ravens – Won 25-5

October 20th @ University of Victoria – Wightman Boot First Leg - Won 45-26

October 28th @ National University Championship, Western Qualifier – U of Calgary - Won 103-3

November 3rd v Burnaby – Lost 14-24

November 17th @ Capilano – Won 49-22

November 21st @ National University Championship in Victoria – Concordia - Won 41-8

November 22nd @ National University Championship in Victoria – Guelph – Won 34-7

November 25th @ National University Championship in Victoria – Final v Queens – Won 21-10

December 1st v Ravens – Lost 26-27

Fixtures for 2019

January 12 v University of Victoria - Wightman Boot Second Leg, kick off 2.30pm

January 19th @ Rowers, kick off 2.30pm

January 26th @ Nanaimo, kick off 2.30pm

February 2nd v CW, kick off 2.30pm

February 16th v Meraloma, kick off 2.30pm

February 23rd @ Berkeley – First Leg World Cup, kick off 1.00pm

March 3rd v Berkeley - Second Leg World Cup, kick off 1.00pm

March 16th v Capilano, kick off 2.30pm

March 23rd @ James Bay, kick off 2.30pm

April 13th, Playoffs

April 27th, Playoffs

May 4th, BC Finals @ Abbotsford

Donor Support in 2018

We have had an extremely busy year, reaching the Provincial Final once again for the fourth successive year as well as retaining the latest University National Championship. We are now looking forward to defending the Wightman Boot and the World Cup in 2019. The contributions from donors has helped us keep the program running, providing support in many important areas such as scholarships, coaching and regular program logistics such as travel and player development. Your support has been critical in all of these initiatives and we have greatly appreciated these contributions.

Fundraising: Millennium Breakfast 2019

On the heels of a great Fall season we look now to 2019 and the premier fundraising event on the calendar for varsity athletics. The 2019 ZLC Millennium Breakfast. The breakfast is the one of the few opportunities for our program to receive matching funds from the University, increasing the impact each donation has. This year the breakfast will be held at 7am, Tuesday February 26th at the Vancouver Convention Centre. We will be announcing the Keynote Speaker in early December!

TICKET SALES NOW OPEN

Ticket purchases and event details are now live and can be purchased via : 2019 ZLC Millennium Breakfast. 

 Tickets can be purchased HERE.

We have currently sold one full table of seats

GOLD TABLES

This year we will have 13 Gold Tables available. 1 for each sport, 10 seats per table. Tables are split between men's and women's teams of the same sport. Tickets are $500 with $400 being matched for a total benefit of $800 to your team ($5000 for the table, $8000 total benefit). Gold Tables will be located at the front of the room, will receive a better swag item and will have corporate branding on table signs. For more details or to purchase tickets for these tables, please contact Gareth Bowley directly. gareth.bowley@ubc.ca

We have currently sold two of the five seats we have available

Fundraising - Monthly Giving: While we already have a number of donors that contribute on a monthly basis, we are actively looking to grow these numbers. One donor at a minimum of $5.00 per month will raise $60.00 per year. Our aim is to attract over 100 new donors in this category raising a minimum of $6,000.00 per year. This year we have a donor in place to match up to $30,000.00 that we raise in new monthly giving donations over the course of the year so, if you are interested in becoming a new Monthly Donor, you can contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca 
 

So far we our monthly fundraising efforts stand at $19,629 which means we are just over $10,000.00 short of our goal for the year. We have just over four months to achieve our goal. Thanks to everyone who has contributed and let’s work towards fully meeting the goal and ensuring we also achieve our maximum matching funds.
 

UBC Rugby Thunder Renewal

This contribution is tax deductible.

Fundraising - Gerald McGavin Pavilion Seats: We already have a significant number of seats at the Pavilion with plaques bearing the names of the contributors. This contribution is valued at $1,500.00 with our most recent donations raising some $9,000.00. If you are interested in becoming a new Seat Donor, you can contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca

Our newest purchasers include: Geoff ‘Flower’ Knauer, Iain Scholnick, Evan Scholnick, Eddie ‘the Edge’ Evans, Mark ‘Blue Lagoon’ Smith, Mark ‘Hormone’ Olsen, Bruce and Corine Clark and Sam Clerk.
 

“The Push is On” to increase our seat sales with seats being purchased for former Birds.

This contribution is tax deductible.

January 8, 2019

Story courtesy of CanadaWest.org
 

Canada West Rugby Sevens action returns on January 19th.

For the third consecutive season, three conference events will be hosted as part of the Series, with the University of Alberta (Jan. 19-20), University of the Fraser Valley (Feb. 2-3), and the University of British Columbia (March 2-3) playing host to eight-team tournaments.

Highlights:

1) The Canada West Women's Rugby 7s Series returns in the New Year with three tournaments.

2) Alberta is set to host the first event Jan. 19-20 in Edmonton, with subsequent tournaments in Abbotsford (hosted by UFV Feb. 2-3) and Vancouver (hosted by UBC March 2-3).

3) Regina and UBC Okanagan will make their CW rugby debuts this season

This season marks the final of a three-year pilot partnership between B2ten, Rugby Canada, and Canada West to bring university rugby 7s competition to Western Canada.

B2ten and Rugby Canada's partnership with Canada West is part of their ongoing commitment to producing the next generation of Olympians by growing the game at Western Canadian universities that share their collective goal of developing high performance rugby programs here in Canada.  

Thanks to B2ten and Rugby Canada's support, competing student-athletes will have access to scholarships, as they pursue their athletic careers, including an opportunity to progress to the national team. 

The conference's original six rugby 7s programs (Alberta Pandas, UBC Thunderbirds, Calgary Dinos, Fraser Valley Cascades, Lethbridge Pronghorns, Victoria Vikes) will be joined by the Thompson Rivers WolfPack, who competed at two tournaments in 2018, at all three events this season.

Two CW rugby newcomers will enter the fold this season, as the Regina Cougars will make their debut by competing in Edmonton Jan. 19-20, while the Kelowna's UBC Okanagan Heat will take part in both B.C. events (Feb. 2-3 in Abbotsford, and March 2-3 in Vancouver).

The 2019 CW Women's Rugby 7s Series champion will be based on cumulative series points, with the champions officially crowned March 3 in Vancouver. Last year, the Victoria Vikes claimed the conference banner, topping the series standings with 30 points.

Canada West teams will go on to compete at the Rugby Canada University 7s National Championship in late March in Kingston, Ont.

TOURNAMENT DETAILS
 

Tournament 1: January 19-20

VENUE: Foote Field Dome

LOCATION: Edmonton, Alta.

HOST: Alberta Pandas

COMPETING TEAMS (8): Alberta Pandas, UBC Thunderbirds, Calgary Dinos, Fraser Valley Cascades, Lethbridge Pronghorns, Regina Cougars, Thompson Rivers WolfPack, Victoria Vikes

Tournament 2: February 2-3

VENUE: MRC Sports Complex

LOCATION: Abbotsford, B.C.

HOST: Fraser Valley Cascades

COMPETING TEAMS (8): Alberta Pandas, UBC Thunderbirds, UBC Okanagan Heat, Calgary Dinos, Fraser Valley Cascades, Lethbridge Pronghorns, Thompson Rivers WolfPack, Victoria Vikes

Tournament 3: March 2-3

VENUE: Thunderbird Park

LOCATION: Vancouver, B.C.

HOST: UBC Thunderbirds

COMPETING TEAMS (8): Alberta Pandas, UBC Thunderbirds, UBC Okanagan Heat, Calgary Dinos, Fraser Valley Cascades, Lethbridge Pronghorns, Thompson Rivers WolfPack, Victoria Vikes

January 7, 2019

Upcoming fixture v Rugby Canada U20s

This Sunday, January 6th, a UBC combination team will be taking on Rugby Canada U20s on Lord and Buck, starting at 1.30pm.
 

Donor Support in 2018

We have had an extremely busy year, reaching the Provincial Final once again for the fourth successive year as well as retaining the latest University National Championship. We are now looking forward to defending the Wightman Boot and the World Cup in 2019. The contributions from donors has helped us keep the program running, providing support in many important areas such as scholarships, coaching and regular program logistics such as travel and player development. Your support has been critical in all of these initiatives and we have greatly appreciated these contributions.

Fundraising: Millennium Breakfast 2019

On the heels of a very successful Fall season we look now to 2019 and the premier fundraising event on the calendar for varsity athletics. The 2019 ZLC Millennium Breakfast. The breakfast is the one of the few opportunities for our program to receive matching funds from the University, increasing the impact each donation has. This year the breakfast will be held at 7am, Tuesday February 26th at the Vancouver Convention Centre. 

TICKET SALES NOW OPEN

Ticket purchases and event details are now live and can be purchased via : 2019 ZLC Millennium Breakfast. 

Ticket prices are $250. With the registration site now live we encourage our alumni and supporters to take advantage of the early bird pricing. Tickets can be purchased HERE.

We have currently sold one full table of seats.

GOLD TABLES

This year we will have 13 Gold Tables available. 1 for each sport, 10 seats per table. Tables are split between men's and women's teams of the same sport. Tickets are $500 with $400 being matched for a total benefit of $800 to your team ($5000 for the table, $8000 total benefit). Gold Tables will be located at the front of the room, will receive a better swag item and will have corporate branding on table signs. For more details or to purchase tickets for these tables, please contact Gareth Bowley directly by EMAIL.

We have currently sold two of the five seats we have available

Fundraising - Monthly Giving: While we already have a number of donors that contribute on a monthly basis, we are actively looking to grow these numbers. One donor at a minimum of $5.00 per month will raise $60.00 per year. Our aim is to attract over 100 new donors in this category raising a minimum of $6,000.00 per year. This year we have a donor in place to match up to $30,000.00 that we raise in new monthly giving donations over the course of the year so, if you are interested in becoming a new Monthly Donor, you can contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca.

So far we our monthly fundraising efforts stand at $19,629 which means we are just over $10,000.00 short of our goal for the year. We have just over four months to achieve our goal. Thanks to everyone who has contributed and let’s work towards fully meeting the goal and ensuring we also achieve our maximum matching funds.
 

UBC Rugby Thunder Renewal

This contribution is tax deductible.

Fundraising - Gerald McGavin Pavilion Seats: We already have a significant number of seats at the Pavilion with plaques bearing the names of the contributors. This contribution is valued at $1,500.00 with our most recent donations raising some $9,000.00. If you are interested in becoming a new Seat Donor, you can contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca
 

Our newest purchasers include: Geoff ‘Flower’ Knauer, Iain Scholnick, Evan Scholnick, Eddie ‘the Edge’ Evans, Mark ‘Blue Lagoon’ Smith, Mark ‘Hormone’ Olsen, Bruce and Corine Clark and Sam Clerk.
 

“The Push is On” to increase our seat sales with seats being purchased for former Birds.
 

This contribution is tax deductible.

Season Results

September 8th v Rowers – Lost 23-24

September 15th @ Seattle – Won 40-33

September 22nd @ Meraloma – Won 26-8

September 29th v Westshore – Won 45-15

October 13th @ Ravens – Won 25-5

October 20th @ University of Victoria – Wightman Boot First Leg - Won 45-26

October 28th @ National University Championship, Western Qualifier – U of Calgary - Won 103-3

November 3rd v Burnaby – Lost 14-24

November 17th @ Capilano – Won 49-22

November 21st @ National University Championship in Victoria – Concordia - Won 41-8

November 22nd @ National University Championship in Victoria – Guelph – Won 34-7

November 25th @ National University Championship in Victoria – Final v Queens – Won 21-10

December 1st v Ravens – Lost 26-27

Fixtures for 2019

January 12 v University of Victoria - Wightman Boot Second Leg, kick off 2.30pm

January 19th @ Rowers, kick off 2.30pm

January 26th @ Nanaimo, kick off 2.30pm

February 2nd v CW, kick off 2.30pm

February 16th v Meraloma, kick off 2.30pm

February 23rd @ Berkeley – First Leg World Cup, kick off 1.00pm

March 3rd v Berkeley - Second Leg World Cup, kick off 1.00pm

March 16th v Capilano, kick off 2.30pm

March 23rd @ James Bay, kick off 2.30pm

April 13th, Playoffs

April 27th, Playoffs

May 4th, BC Finals @ Abbotsford

January 5, 2018

Earlier in the season the Birds faced the Ravens after the latter had just won the National Club Championship and prevailed in a 25-5 victory at Jericho. This weekend, the situation was reversed with the Ravens visiting UBC fresh off the heels of a UBC National Championship victory in Victoria.

The opening ten minutes were competitive with both teams dealing with a series of attacks and probing for the opening score. The opportunity was taken first by the visitors after fifteen minutes when a UBC line out in its own twenty two was deemed not straight and from the resulting scrum the alumni trio of number eight Connor Hamilton, scrum half Jordan Sandover-Best and winger Sean Furguson conspired for Ferguson to score in the right corner. UBC looked to answer and will be reflecting hard on the decision not to take points when they were available in such a tight contest. Around the thirty minute mark, the Birds spurned opportunities to kick at goal, instead choosing to take the scrum. The Ravens profited from these decisions, holding out with strong defense and forcing a turn-over in the tackle which pushed UBC back into its own twenty two. 

As the Birds worked hard to bring the ball out, poor execution produced a scrum at which the Ravens were awarded a penalty. A kick to touch in the UBC twenty two resulted in a line out win followed by a drive and then a shift towards the posts where center Nevin scored. McLelland converted to make it 0-12. The Ravens were not done. After UBC turned the ball over again with a knock on, the visitors found space on the left with a kick through and forced another line out in the Birds twenty two. A quick throw to another UBC alumnist, prop Chris Taylor, resulted in a series of drives before lock Moylett scored under the posts giving McLelland another easy convert and the Ravens a commanding 0-19 half time lead.
 

The strong start to the second half that the home team needed did not materialize. Instead it was the Ravens that asserted themselves putting together a long stretch of play which resulted in a penalty, a kick to touch and a try from the line out drive in the right corner and a 0-24 lead just five minutes into the play.

It took ten minutes for the response to come from the Birds when scrum half William McDougall-Percillier (Brentwood) made the telling break from right to left field. The momentum was continued through a series of slow penalties and scrums for the hosts until flanker Michael Smith (Earl Marriott) took a quick tap himself and scored on the left. McDougall-Percillier added the convert to make it 7-24. Within another five minutes the gap was reduced to 14-24 as full back Fraser Hurst (St George’s) was the recipient of quick hands following a line out steal in left field to score from forty meters out on the opposite flank, with McDougall-Percillier adding another convert. Both sides competed for the next score and when UBC was penalized at a tackle for not rolling clear McLelland added the penalty points to push the Ravens clear 14-27.

UBC were now making greater inroads across the gain line and another scintillating break by McDougall-Percillier, carried on by Harrison Smith (Handsworth), saw the ball reach Hurst again, this time on the left flank. His drive to the line was halted by the covering McLelland who was adjudged to have made contact high. The result was a penalty try to UBC and the closing of the score to 21-27. With McLelland carded, the Ravens were down to fourteen players and UBC put together one final passage of play consisting of twenty eight rucks before right winger Jake Lan (Rockridge) squeezed in at the corner to make it 26-27 with the final conversion to come. The kick went narrowly wide giving the Old Boys the win and UBC two valuable bonus points in the loss.

While this was a tough loss for the Birds they will take lots of encouragement in coming from 0-24 down to almost snatching the win. They now sit tied for second place on points with Burnaby in the Premier League and with a National Championship under their belt. Next up is the University of Victoria Vikes and the second leg of the Wightman Boot game. The Birds hold the advantage at 45-24 when the two teams take the field at UBC on January 12th, kick off 2.30pm.

Braves fall to the Ravens to finish the first half of the season

The Braves started out slowly in this game and never once held an advantage as they dropped their last game before the break. UBC conceded an early converted try to go down 0-7 and struggled throughout the half to put together any meaningful continuity that would pressure the Ravens. Some poor decisions with the ball coupled with numerous technical errors hindered any opportunity to get back into a game that the Old Boys looked to control through some aggressive forward play and the presence of Canada scrum half James McKenzie. With five minutes remaining in the half the Ravens doubled their lead to 0-14, making the most of a series of UBC errors and mistakes. When the second half resumed the Braves looked livelier and closed the gap to 7-14 though a Mike Mann (South Delta) try converted by Jack Scher (St George’s).

The score spurred on the visitors who turned right around to score their third try of game to restore the advantage to fourteen points at 7-21. Back came the Braves with a try from flanker Seth Grieve (Pangbourne College) to make it 12-21.

There followed a more sustained period of pressure from UBC, fifteen minutes which should have seen further scores but for the inevitable turn overs and mistakes in key situations. With ten minutes remaining UBC missed a penalty kick in front of the posts. Instead of moving closer the home team found itself pushing to make the next score as time ticked down. More sustained pressure looked like it might yield a deserved try before a no look pass on the Ravens’ tem meter line was intercepted. The pressure was released and the visitors ultimately converted the opportunity with a try to close out the game at 12-26. The Braves next game will be against the Norsemen on January 12th at the Gerald McGavin Pavilion. The team sits in 6th position and with a consistent run of results can consolidate a play-off spot in the second half of the year.
 

Congratulations to William McDougall-Percillier

Everyone at the Club is delighted to see William move to the Stade Francais Academy Progam in France. This is an amazing opportunity for William to develop his skills in a professional environment as he looks to move forward along the Rugby Canada pathway. We all wish him great success and will follow his progress with interest.

Alumni and Parent Support for Post Game Hosting at the Ravens Game on December 1st

A huge thanks to Brock Turner for putting together the game function on Saturday against the Ravens and a massive thanks once again for the support given by Alumni and Parents in making this a success.

Season Results

September 8th v Rowers – Lost 23-24

September 15th @ Seattle – Won 40-33

September 22nd @ Meraloma – Won 26-8

September 29th v Westshore – Won 45-15

October 13th @ Ravens – Won 25-5

October 20th @ University of Victoria – Wightman Boot First Leg - Won 45-26

October 28th @ National University Championship, Western Qualifier – U of Calgary - Won 103-3

November 3rd v Burnaby – Lost 14-24

November 17th @ Capilano – Won 49-22

November 21st @ National University Championship in Victoria – Concordia - Won 41-8

November 22nd @ National University Championship in Victoria – Guelph – Won 34-7

November 25th @ National University Championship in Victoria – Final v Queens – Won 21-10

December 1st v Ravens – Lost 26-27

Fixtures for 2019

January 12 v University of Victoria - Wightman Boot Second Leg, kick off 2.30pm

January 19th @ Rowers, kick off 2.30pm

January 26th @ Nanaimo, kick off 2.30pm

February 2nd v CW, kick off 2.30pm

February 16th v Meraloma, kick off 2.30pm

February 23rd @ Berkeley – First Leg World Cup, kick off 1.00pm

March 3rd v Berkeley - Second Leg World Cup, kick off 1.00pm

March 16th v Capilano, kick off 2.30pm

March 23rd @ James Bay, kick off 2.30pm

April 13th, Playoffs

April 27th, Playoffs

May 4th, BC Finals @ Abbotsford

Fundraising: Millennium Breakfast 2019

On the heels of a very successful Fall season we look now to 2019 and the premier fundraising event on the calendar for varsity athletics. The 2019 ZLC Millennium Breakfast. The breakfast is the one of the few opportunities for our program to receive matching funds from the University, increasing the impact each donation has. This year the breakfast will be held at 7am, Tuesday February 26th at the Vancouver Convention Centre. We will be announcing the Keynote Speaker in early December!

TICKET SALES NOW OPEN

Ticket purchases and event details are now live and can be purchased via : 2019 ZLC Millennium Breakfast. 

This year we have set Early Bird pricing at $225. After January 1st ticket prices will increase to $250. With the registration site now live we encourage our alumni and supporters to take advantage of the early bird pricing. Tickets can be purchased HERE.

We have currently sold one full table of seats

GOLD TABLES

This year we will have 13 Gold Tables available. 1 for each sport, 10 seats per table. Tables are split between men's and women's teams of the same sport. Tickets are $500 with $400 being matched for a total benefit of $800 to your team ($5000 for the table, $8000 total benefit). Gold Tables will be located at the front of the room, will receive a better swag item and will have corporate branding on table signs. For more details or to purchase tickets for these tables, please contact Gareth Bowley directly. gareth.bowley@ubc.ca

We have currently sold two of the five seats we have available

Fundraising - Monthly Giving: While we already have a number of donors that contribute on a monthly basis, we are actively looking to grow these numbers. One donor at a minimum of $5.00 per month will raise $60.00 per year. Our aim is to attract over 100 new donors in this category raising a minimum of $6,000.00 per year. This year we have a donor in place to match up to $30,000.00 that we raise in new monthly giving donations over the course of the year so, if you are interested in becoming a new Monthly Donor, you can contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca 
 

So far we our monthly fundraising efforts stand at $19,629 which means we are just over $10,000.00 short of our goal for the year. We have just over four months to achieve our goal. Thanks to everyone who has contributed and let’s work towards fully meeting the goal and ensuring we also achieve our maximum matching funds.
 

UBC Rugby Thunder Renewal

This contribution is tax deductible.

Fundraising - Gerald McGavin Pavilion Seats: We already have a significant number of seats at the Pavilion with plaques bearing the names of the contributors. This contribution is valued at $1,500.00 with our most recent donations raising some $9,000.00. If you are interested in becoming a new Seat Donor, you can contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca
 

Our newest purchasers include: Geoff ‘Flower’ Knauer, Iain Scholnick, Evan Scholnick, Eddie ‘the Edge’ Evans, Mark ‘Blue Lagoon’ Smith, Mark ‘Hormone’ Olsen, Bruce and Corine Clark and Sam Clerk.
 

“The Push is On” to increase our seat sales with seats being purchased for former Birds.
 

This contribution is tax deductible.

December 7, 2018

Alumni and Parent Support for Post Game Hosting at the Ravens Game on December 1 st

Please read the message from Brock Turner below

Dear Rugby Parents and Alumni,

On Saturday, December 1, we will be having one of our "league-famous" hosting lunches for the games
vs the UBCOB Ravens. During the festivities, we may see up to 200 people this year so we are asking for
15 dozen buns for the beef, salads, chicken wings, Swedish meatballs and appetizers of all sorts.  I will
do up my usual bin of coleslaw...

On the meat side, we will be getting the very popular sliced beef roasts - we will need about 6 roasts so
we ask for donations of $150 per roast.  If you are interested in donating a roast, please be in contact
with me by responding to Brock@NorthStarRugby.com.

Thanks for your great support and I look forward to seeing you on December 1!

November 28, 2018

Story and image courtesy of govikesgo.com

For the second-straight year the UBC Thunderbirds captured the Spence McTavish Cup after a 21-10 victory over the Queen’s Gaels in the final of the Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship presented by title sponsors, Victoria Mitsubishi and Carson Automotive Group, and corporate sponsors Pemberton Holmes Ltd. and the Canadian Rugby Foundation at Centennial Stadium in Victoria on Nov. 25.
 

“It was a tough game out there today,” said UBC head coach Curry Hitchborn in his first official year as head coach of the T-Birds. “Queen’s was remarkably well structured, extremely well disciplined and played their brand of rugby better than anyone else in country coming into this tournament. We knew we had to rely on our own self-discipline if we were going to compete today, which at times we didn’t. They made us pay at times for our mistakes but I am proud of every single one of our players efforts today.”

It took until the 44th minute for the Thunderbirds to score the first try and take the lead over Queen’s and never looked back from there.
 

“The momentum swung back in their favour once we let their forwards get back into the game,” said Queen’s head coach Dave Butcher. “We knew coming in the game they had a very strong forward pack and you saw it when they executed two driving line outs deep in our half. Those two moments really killed the game for us.”
 

It was a first half dominated by defence from both sides but Queen’s had the first opportunity to get on the board. Winger James Macdonald found fullback Lachlan Devir with a pop pass along the sidelines, Lachlan spirited 20-metres down the pitch but was caught by UBC fullback Cole Keffer just in time saving a try.
 

The Gaels finally broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute when flanker and former UBCOB Raven Trevor Helgason powered his way over the line after Queen’s patiently drove up the field. UBC looked to answer just minutes later but the Gaels forced a turnover just 1-metre away from their own goal line getting themselves out of trouble. With points hard to come by in the first half, the Thunderbirds settled with a penalty kick successfully made by scrum half William McDougall- Percillier in the 29th minute to go into the half time break down 7-3 to Queen’s.
 

McDougall-Percillier used the same boot for a second penalty goal in the 37th minute to pull the T-birds to within one of the Gaels but Queen’s answered back with three more points of their own off the foot of Dylan Young for a 10-6 lead.

The Thunderbirds wrestled the lead away from the Gaels in the 44th minute when a driving maul formed on the Queen’s 5-metre line and touched down by prop Joe Sourisseau. Just five minutes later, the T-birds once again formed a maul just a few metres away from the Queen’s goal line and it was Cole Keffer who put a beautiful step on Gaels winger Sam Ibbotson to score the try.
 

Down two scores and in desperate need of a try the Gaels Macdonald shot up and picked off a pass intended for UBC winger Elias Ergas but a knock on from Queen’s a few moments later would put the ball back in the hands of UBC up 18-10 with less than 10 minutes to play.

McDougall Percillier put the finishing touches on the UBC victory with a penalty kick in the 58th minute to seal the gold medal for the Thunderbirds and capture the Spence McTavish Cup for the second straight year. The 21-10 victory was capped off by the fact that eight T-Birds were named to the Championship XV – Nick Frost, Connor Sampson, Cali Martinez, James Carson, Nick Carson, Michael Smith, William MacDougall-Percillier and Elias Ergas.

For Queen’s Sam Ibbotson and Cully Quirke were also named to the team.
 

GAME MVPs

UBC: #8 Nick Allen, #12 Flynn Heyes
QUE: #1 Pat Lynott, #9 Dylan Young
                  1       2       F
UBC:         3       18    21
QUE:         7        3     10

November 25, 2018

UBC will play Queens University for the National Championship on Sunday
November 25 th at the University of Victoria’s Centennial Stadium following a 34-7 win against the University of Guelph. The game report from the event is below:

VICTORIA – The UBC Thunderbirds captured their second-straight victory at the Canadian University Men's Rugby Championship presented by title sponsors, Victoria Mitsubishi and Carson Automotive Group, and corporate sponsors Pemberton Holmes Ltd. and the Canadian Rugby Foundation and ultimately a spot in the gold-medal game. The defending national champions secured a critical win over the Guelph Gryphons by a score of 34-7 on Nov. 22 at Wallace Field in Victoria.
 
William McDougall-Percillier had two tries, a penalty goal and two converts in the game for the UBC Thunderbirds who led through the entire 60 minutes of the game. Cal Martinez, Daniel Archer and John Jubenvill also got on the scoresheet for the T-Birds.
 
"We played really well defensively today and did a great job when we had a ball in hand,"said Thunderbirds head coach Curry Hitchborn. "Guelph is an excellent team. They are very well coached and came out aggressive today which made it difficult on us. We will need to improve on a lot of aspects of our game if we want to compete with our opponent on Sunday."
 
Andrew Douglas scored the lone try of the match for the Gryphons, who will now need to defeat Concordia on Friday if they want to contend for a medal this weekend.
 
"We knew coming into this match today that UBC was a powerhouse," said Cory Hector, head coach of the Gryphons. "The one day turnaround will be tough but our game plan will remain the same but we will have to clean up the fine details and little things in our game if we want to be being for a medal on Sunday."
 
It took just two minutes for the Thunderbirds to score the game's first try. Scrum half McDougall-Percillier found a hole off the UBC lineout and broke away down the sideline. The speedy second-year was caught just inside the Guelph 22-metre line but his run set up T-birds prop Martinez for a try in the corner just a few moments later. Immediately after the UBC try, Guelph had an opportunity to answer.
Gryphons fly half Aria Keshoofy swung the ball out wide into the hands of winger Andrew Douglas but the Chippawa, Ont. native was tackled out of bounds by the last UBC defender.
 
Just a few minutes later, Douglas chased down his own kick to set up the Gryphons for a chance to tie up the game but with no support in the breakdown inside the UBC 10-metre line. The Thunderbirds turned the ball over in the ruck.
 
Penalties haunted the Gryphons throughout the first half. Most notably, a penalty taken deep inside their own 22-metre line resulted directly in a try for the Thunderbirds to increase their lead to 14-0 in the 12 th  minute.
 
Despite the penalty trouble, Guelph No. 8 Mitch Talbot managed to exploit a gap in the UBC line and rumbled down to just a few metres outside the T-birds end goal but a knock on resulted in a turn over in favour of the Thunderbirds.
 

McDougall-Percillier added a penalty goal and Archer added a try before the half was over to give the Thunderbirds the 22-0 lead at the break.
 
The Gryphons finally broke free in the 32 nd  minute when Douglas found a gap and cruised 50-metres down the pitch for Gryphon's first try. That would be as close as Guelph would get as  UBC's Jubenvill and McDougall-Percillier both got over the goal line in the second half to solidify a 34-7 victory.
 
The Thunderbirds will now have to wait and see who their opponent will be in Sunday's gold medal final at Centennial Stadium on Nov. 25 at 1:00 p.m. Guelph will need a victory over the Concordia Stingers on Nov. 23 to get a chance at the bronze medal.
 
McDougall-Percillier was honoured as the player of the game for the Thunderbirds, while Marcello Wainwright got the nod for the Gryphons.
 
All games are streamed live on the Rugby Canada facebook page, while scores, recaps and more are
available at govikesgo.com/rugby. 

GAME MVPs
UBC: #9 William McDougall-Percillier
GUE: #7 Marcello Wainwright
 
SCORING SUMMARY
                   1         2       F
GUE:          0         7       7
UBC:         22       12      34
  
Alumni and Parent Support for Post Game Hosting at the Ravens Game on December 1 st
Please read the message from Brock Turner below
Rugby Parents and Alumni
On Saturday, December 1, we will be having one of our "league-famous" hosting lunches for the games
vs the UBCOB Ravens. During the festivities, we may see up to 200 people this year so we are asking for
15 dozen buns for the beef, salads, chicken wings, Swedish meatballs and appetizers of all sorts.  I will
do up my usual bin of coleslaw...

On the meat side, we will be getting the very popular sliced beef roasts - we will need about 6 roasts so we ask for donations of $150 per roast.  If you are interested in donating a roast, please be in contact with me by responding to Brock@NorthStarRugby.com.

Thanks for your great support and I look forward to seeing you on December 1!

Season Results
September 8 th v Rowers – Lost 23-24
September 15 th @ Seattle – Won 40-33
September 22 nd @ Meraloma – Won 26-8
September 29 th v Westshore – Won 45-15
October 13 th @ Ravens – Won 25-5
October 20 th @ University of Victoria – Won 45-26
October 28 th @ National University Championship, Western Qualifier – U of Calgary - Won 103-3
November 3 rd v Burnaby – Lost 14-24
November 17 th @ Capilano – Won 49-22
November 21 st @ National University Championship in Victoria – Concordia - Won 41-8
November 22 nd @ National University Championship in Victoria – Guelph – Won 34-7

November 24, 2018

In the 60 minute Pool game UBC moved comfortably towards its second game against Guelph on Thursday with a 41-8 win against Concordia.

The game summary is below:

FINAL
                  1       2       F
CON -        8       0      8
UBC -        27     14    41
 
SCORING SUMMARY

4’: UBC Penalty Kick - #9 William McDougall-Percilier 3-0 UBC

5’: CON Try- #24 Nicolas Tronche (Convert Missed) 5-3 CON

12’: UBC Try- #14 Elias Ergas (Convert William McDougall-Percilier) 10-5 UBC

18’: UBC Try- #8 Nick Allen (Conver Missed) 15-5 UBC

22’: CON Drop Goal - #10 Mortiz Wittman 15-8 UBC

27’: UBC Try- #14 Elias Ergas (Convert Missed) 20-8

30’: UBC Try- #9 William McDougall-Percilier (Convert William McDougall-Percilier)  27-8 UBC

 HALFTIME

34’: UBC Try- #20 John Jubenvill (Convert William McDougall-Percilier) 34-8 UBC

39’: UBC Try- #14 Elias Ergas (Convert William McDougall-Percilier) 41-8 UBC

46’: CON Yellow Card #11 Jean-Christophe Vinette

The Birds were led by three tries from winger Elias Ergas (Collingwood) and a try, four conversions and a penalty goal from William MacDougall-Percillier (Brentwood). Nick Allen (Mulgrave) and John Jubenvill (Earl Marriott) added singles while two tries went begging with Allen and James Carson (Oak Bay) both knocking on in the act of scoring. All twenty five active players from the Birds made it on to the fields with Jack Scher (St George’s) coming on for his Birds debut.
 

The game can be viewed on the Rugby Canada Facebook Site at www.facebook.com/RugbyCanada/

The kick off for the game against Guelph is at 12Noon and is also being streamed live on the Rugby Canada Facebook site.

Next Games

Birds v Guelph, National University Championship – November 22nd  Kick off 12 Noon – Wallace Field, University of Victoria

U23 v UBCO – November 24th Kick off 1.00pm – Wolfson Field, UBC

Birds, National University Championship – November 25th, Game opponent and kick off time TBD – Centennial Stadium, University of Victoria

Season Results

September 8th v Rowers – Lost 23-24

September 15th @ Seattle – Won 40-33

September 22nd @ Meraloma – Won 26-8

September 29th v Westshore – Won 45-15

October 13th @ Ravens – Won 25-5

October 20th @ University of Victoria – Won 45-26

October 28th @ National University Championship, Western Qualifier – U of Calgary - Won 103-3

November 3rd v Burnaby – Lost 14-24

November 17th @ Capilano – Won 49-22

November 21st @ National University Championship in Victoria – Concordia - Won 41-8

November 21, 2018

In order to help fund the National University Men’s Rugby Championships, being held Nov. 21st – 25th at the University of Victoria there will be an online auction challenge between the UBC Thunderbird Alumni and UVic Vikes Alumni. As the 6 teams in this championship only receive 50% of their funding, it is the goal of the committee to raise a total of 100k. Currently we have raised 80K toward that goal. As we have 2 schools from Ontario, 1 each from Quebec and the Maritimes, the costs for this year’s championship are very high. UVic and UBC make up the other two teams.

Rick Bourne (T-Bird Alumni) has offered up the following to be auctioned and suggested we have a challenge between the two alumni groups. It works like this:

• There will be 2 trips offered for auction to Langara Fishing Lodge.

• The highest bidder will receive a trip for 2 to Langara, that will include a personal guide and boat.

• The second highest bidder will receive a trip for 2 to Langara – boat and guide will not be included.

• The minimum bid for each trip is $7,000, so the bidding starts at $7,000.

• For more information please email Doug Tate – dtate@uvic.ca

November 9, 2018

The Birds have enjoyed great success at home against Burnaby Lake since their return to the CDI League. On this occasion the visitors displayed a defensive resilience that frustrated and shut down UBC’s attack and was key to their win on an overcast and wet day.

UBC started the game brightly, counterattacking down the right flank before turning the ball over through a knock on. Then, for almost the remainder of the half, the home team would find itself stuck in its own half as Burnaby pressured consistently and contained any attempt at a UBC offence.

There was the odd break out wide, as Daniel Archer (Renaissance College) looked comfortable and threatening at outside center, and one notable driving maul from a line-out but Burnaby dealt with any potential threats and began to stamp its own authority on the game through its strong pack display and it was no surprise when number eight Vikilana scored the opening try just after the twenty minute mark, following a line-out near UBC’s line, to give his team a 0-5 lead which moved to 0-7 with Ryan’s conversion. The kick off actually gave UBC a chance to get into Burnaby’s half and over the last fifteen minutes there were a number of forays, notably through Archer and winger Cole Keffer (Sutherland), which were ultimately halted by poor execution. One final multiphase attempt lasting nearly two and a half minutes by the Birds highlighted Burnaby’s work in defense as James Carson (Oak Bay) managed to penetrate the line only to be isolated in the final contact, giving Burnaby the penalty and the opportunity to clear its lines and go into the half with the 0-7 lead.
 

While the last ten minutes of the first half had given the Birds some hope of getting back into the game, they were quickly brought back to reality after a minute of play in the second half when a Burnaby counter attack pressured the UBC defense and resulted in prop Worden exposing poor defending at a ruck near the line to score and give the visitors a 0-12 lead. Minutes later UBC were on the board as they won a line-out in left field, moved the ball through several phases on the right before coming back left for Nick Collett (Southridge) to grubber through and see Michael Smith (Earl Marriott) score by the posts for McDougall-Percillier (Brentwood) to convert and make the score 7-12. 

Back came Burnaby, exposing space left on the right by the defending left winger Elias Ergas (Collingwood) before a series of rucks saw Toi score and push the visitors ahead 7-17. At the twenty minute mark another series of forward drives saw Vikilani add his second try and Ryan his second convert to give Burnaby more breathing space at 7-24. UBC now needed to speed up the game and not make unforced errors.

This was not to be the case as Burnaby defended strongly to keep the home team at bay until Fraser Hurst (St George’s) launched a superb attack which took him some fifty meters to the Burnaby line for Nick Allen (Mulgrave) to pick and score. McDougall-Percillier (Brentwood) converted to make it 14-24 which remained the final score. The next game for UBC is at Capilano on November 17th.
 

Braves continue to self-destruct in loss to Burnaby Lake

The Braves have only themselves to blame for the this close 36-37 loss to Burnaby Lake. A litany of poor decisions coupled with poor individual and technical errors combined to give the visitors numerous opportunities to score and finish the game as victors. UBC started well, winning a line-out on the right and then creating continuity in midfield for stand-off Jack Scher (St George’s) to chip through for left wing Evan Norris (Shawnigan Lake) to collect and score. Scher added the convert to make it 7-0. Within two minutes Burnaby had scored in the left corner after a needless free kick was awarded to the visitors through a thoughtless lapse in personal discipline. The Braves responded positively, forcing Burnaby to take a number of penalties in its own twenty two meter zone. Choosing to scrum close to the Burnaby try line, UBC won the ball and started to drive effectively for number eight Callum Bulman (RGS Guildford) to pick and score. Scher converted once more to make it 14-5.
 

For the next ten minutes the Braves controlled the play. Good work at scrum and line-out was supplemented with strong attacking play from the forwards with Frank Carson (Southpointe), Donald Carson (Southpoint) and Bulman prominent. They were rewarded when a clearance kick by Burnaby was blacked allowing Norris to score his second try and put UBC ahead 19-5. When Burnaby responded and pressured the home team, Callum Botchar (Magee) was carded and sent to the bin. The game turned dramatically with Burnaby scoring fifteen points, through a penalty, two tries and a conversion, in the next ten minutes to take a 19-20 lead. UBC continued to make errors as the half drew to a conclusion as the visitors added a further try to take a 19-25 half time lead.
 

The second half resumed with UBC continuing to make poor decisions and make turn overs which Burnaby was only to pleased to accept and convert into good field position and scoring opportunities. Scher added an early penalty to make the score 22-25 before a Braves’ turn over saw Burnaby score and convert to make it 22-32. Another strong UBC line-out after fifteen minutes saw Botchar force his way over and Scher convert to close the gap to 29-32 before Burnaby once again stretched its advantage to 29-39 with another converted try. UBC worked hard in the final fifteen minutes to reduce the lead and were rewarded in the final minute when Scher kicked across the field for Frank Carson to palm the ball back to hooker Josh Tweed (Semiahmoo) who crashed over. Scher converted to make the final score 36-37 and give UBC two losing bonus points in a game it could well have won.
 

U23s lose to a strong Squamish team

The U23s hosted a strong Squamish team at Wolfsen field and put in a competitive display despite the scrum being turned into a non-contested form just after the start of the game as UBC was displaying a great degree of control in this set piece area. The visitors took a 0-5 lead after 15 minutes following a series of rucks near the UBC line. The home team worked hard to get back into the game but was thwarted by the Axemen’s defense and a number of errors in the wet conditions. The score became 0-10 near the end of the half as Squamish scored a second try in similar fashion to the opening score while UBC’s best chance came on runs from Carte McDonald (Elgin Park) and Izzak Kelly (Earl Marriott). The score at the half remained 0-10. Squamish increased its lead after seven minutes into the second half when it scored at the front of a line-put near the UBC line. The try was converted and the visitor’s lead increased to 0-17. For the next thirty minutes both teams struggled to put together any meaningful phases of continuity and consistent field position until Squamish scored a late converted try to run out 0-24 winners.
 

Two Thunderbirds in Rugby Canada Senior Men’s Squad for World Cup Repechage event in Marseille, France

Following warm up wins over Oxford University and Coventry, both Theo Sauder (St George’s) and Ben Lesage (Henry Wisewood) have been selected for the final repechage tournament taking place in Marseille, France starting on November 11th.

Next Games – November 17th

Birds @ Capilano – Kick off 2.30pm – Klahanie Park

Braves @ Capilano – Kick off 12.45pm – Klahanie Park

U23 @ Capilano – Kick off 11.15am – Klahanie Park

Season Results

September 8th v Rowers – Lost 23-24

September 15th @ Seattle – Won 40-33

September 22nd @ Meraloma – Won 26-8

September 29th v Westshore – Won 45-15

October 13th @ Ravens – Won 25-5

October 20th @ University of Victoria – Won 45-26

October 28th @ National University Championship, Western Qualifier – Won

November 3rd v Burnaby – Lost 14-24

Fundraising - Monthly Giving: While we already have a number of donors that contribute on a monthly basis, we are actively looking to grow these numbers. One donor at a minimum of $5.00 per month will raise $60.00 per year. Our aim is to attract over 100 new donors in this category raising a minimum of $6,000.00 per year. This year we have a donor in place to match up to $30,000.00 that we raise in new monthly giving donations over the course of the year so, if you are interested in becoming a new Monthly Donor, you can contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca or go to the following link.
 

So far we our monthly fundraising efforts stand at $19,629 which means we are just over $10,000.00 short of our goal for the year. We have just over four months to achieve our goal. Thanks to everyone who has contributed and let’s work towards fully meeting the goal and ensuring we also achieve our maximum matching funds.
 

UBC Rugby Thunder Renewal

This contribution is tax deductible.

Fundraising - Gerald McGavin Pavilion Seats: We already have a significant number of seats at the Pavilion with plaques bearing the names of the contributors. This contribution is valued at $1,500.00 with our most recent donations raising some $9,000.00. If you are interested in becoming a new Seat Donor, you can contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca

Our newest purchasers include: Geoff ‘Flower’ Knauer, Iain Scholnick, Evan Scholnick, Eddie ‘the Edge’ Evans, Mark ‘Blue Lagoon’ Smith, Mark ‘Hormone’ Olsen, Bruce and Corine Clark and Sam Clerk.
 

“The Push is On” to increase our seat sales with seats being purchased for former Birds.

This contribution is tax deductible.

November 9, 2018

It is a quirk of the qualifying system that the Birds had to travel to Kelowna to solidify their place at the Nationals in Victoria at the end of November. Despite being current holders and securing the number one seed in the West with the 45-26 over the Vikes, who qualified automatically as hosts, UBC still had to follow protocol by attending the event being hosted by UBCO. Superbly hosted by UBCO Heat, the Birds sailed through to the Finals with a 103-3 victory over the University of Calgary scoring fifteen tries and fourteen conversions.
 

The scoring began early after the kickoff with full back William McDougal-Percillier (Brentwood) accelerating the defense on the right to touch down and then add the convert. Percillier would not miss a conversion in the first half as he went seven for seven as UBC added try after try at regular intervals. 7-0 became 14-0 as backrowers Nick Allen (Mulgrave) and Michael Smith (Earl Marriott) combined for Smith to score. With just ten minutes gone Smith returned the favour for Allen to score as UBC moved to a 21-0 lead. The Calgary defense held strong for the next ten minutes until left wing Cole Keffer (Sutherland) darted thirty meters to score in the corner after the play had been switched back into the blindside following a left field line out. The conversion made it 28-0. The next score also stemmed from a line out as prop Joe Sourisseau (St George’s) broke free for the supporting Donald Carson (Southpointe) to score and for McDougall-Percillier to add the extras. Prop Nick Frost added the sixth try after a steal from a Calgary scrum before McDougall-Percillier closed out the scoring with his bookend try. He converted both to put the birds up 49-0 at the half.
 

UBC made seven changes at the half giving Birds’ debuts to wingers Sam Hughes (Handsworth) and Devan Hunter (Crescent School) along with scrum half Matt Ye (Bill Crothers). James Carson (Oak Bay) also came on at the half and made an impact immediately as he went over for the first of eight second half tries, this one converted by Hughes who then added one of his own, along with his second conversion, after a great inter-passing play between Colton Zayshley (Lord Tweedsmuir) and Evan Norris (Shawnigan Lake). Hooker Harrison Smith (Handsworth) was the next scorer in the right corner and was the only try the kcickers failed to convert, leaving UBC ahead 68-0. Daniel Archer (Renaissance College), who was returning from injury and starting at stand-off, had been directing the attack masterfully and scored a well-deserved try after getting a second touch on the ball in an attack in left field. Hughes converted to make it 75-0 before Calgary added a penalty kick to get on the board at 75-3. With leas that twenty minutes remaining UBC added a further four tries and conversions through wingers Norris and Hunter and through forwards Donald Carson and Nick Allen. The final score was 103-3. UBC now moves on to the National University Finals in Victoria.
 

After playing four of their last five CDI League games on the road, the Birds will be pleased to return to the confines of their home field when they take on the always strong Burnaby Lake Rugby Club who have enjoyed a recent run of success heading into the game at UBC this coming weekend, kick off 2.30pm.
 

Two Thunderbirds in Rugby Canada Senior Men’s Qualifying Squad for World Cup Repechage event in Marseille, France

Congratulations to both Theo Sauder (St George’s) and Ben Lesage (Henry Wisewood) on their initial selection to this group which will play two warm up games in England before the final squad of thirty players is announced.
 

Next Games – November 3rd

Birds v Burnaby Lake – Kick off 2.30pm – GMP

Braves v Burnaby Lake – Kick off 12.45pm – GMP

U23 v Squamish- Kick off 11.15am – Wolfson

Season Results

September 8th v Rowers – Lost 23-24

September 15th @ Seattle – Won 40-33

September 22nd @ Meraloma – Won 26-8

September 29th v Westshore – Won 45-15

October 13th @ Ravens – Won 25-5

October 20th @ University of Victoria – Won 45-26

October 28th @ National University Championship, Western Qualifier – Won 103-3

Fundraising - Monthly Giving: While we already have a number of donors that contribute on a monthly basis, we are actively looking to grow these numbers. One donor at a minimum of $5.00 per month will raise $60.00 per year. Our aim is to attract over 100 new donors in this category raising a minimum of $6,000.00 per year. Of course, we really want more than that cup of latte or bottle of beer per month. 100 new donors at $10.00 per month would raise $12,000.00 per year and at $20.00 would raise $24,000.00. This year we have a donor in place to match up to $30,000.00 that we raise in new monthly giving donations over the course of the year so, if you are interested in becoming a new Monthly Donor, you can contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca 
 

UBC Rugby Thunder Renewal

This contribution is tax deductible.

Fundraising - Gerald McGavin Pavilion Seats: We already have a significant number of seats at the Pavilion with plaques bearing the names of the contributors. This contribution is valued at $1,500.00 with our most recent donations raising some $9,000.00. If you are interested in becoming a new Seat Donor, you can contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca
 

Our newest purchasers include: Geoff ‘Flower’ Knauer, Iain Scholnick, Evan Scholnick, Eddie ‘the Edge’ Evans, Mark ‘Blue Lagoon’ Smith, Mark ‘Hormone’ Olsen, Bruce and Corine Clark and Sam Clerk.
 

“The Push is On” to increase our seat sales with seats being purchased for former Birds.

This contribution is tax deductible.

October 31, 2018

This was the first round of the Wightman Boot Series and also contributed towards the Legends Cup series between athletic teams from both Universities. UBC were once again fairly healthy, despite missing the injured Adam McQueen (Canmore) and unavailable Andrew Coe (Bill Crothers), and for the second successive week featured a strong bench. Both teams were in relatively good form with the Birds coming off a big win against Ravens while the Vikes had beaten Nanaimo Hornets following a home field victory against James Bay.
 

The Birds began the game well controlling the ball and field position and found themselves ahead after five minutes when, from a turn over, scrum half Fraser Hurst (St George’s) set up a quick attack down the left sideline for Ben Lesage (Henry Wisewood) and James Carson (Oak Bay) to interchange passes and see Carson crash over in the corner. Full back William McDougall-Percillier (Brentwood) missed the conversion but the visitors were ahead 5-0. The Vikes came back quickly and missed an opportunity to narrow the score when stand-off Bowd missed a relatively simple penalty attempt. The scores were levelled however aft fifteen minutes when Vikes’ veteran right winger Vataiki collected his own chip kick to score in the right corner. Both teams continued to feel each other out and with UBC completely dominating the set scrum and with the Vikes aiming to get their outside backs more of the ball. When the Birds turned the ball over on the twenty five minute mark, the Vikes were quick to punish them as center Kay scored on a long range run. Bowd converted to put the home team in front 5-12. UBC responded from a line out in left field following a scrum penalty. Initial drives were repelled before Lesage crashed over by the posts for McDougall-Percillier to convert and tie the scores at 12-12. Then a penalty to the Vikes resulted in a siege on the UBC line and a score to prop Costa, converted again by Bowd to push the Vikes back in front at 12-19 which remained the score at the half.
 

UBC had made two substitutions just before the break with captain Jake Ikeda (Magee) replacing the injured Owain Ruttan (St Mary’s) on the flank and with Nick Allen (Mulgrave) also coming on in the back row for Harrison Smith (Handsworth). At the interval the trend from the Ravens’ game continued with Fraser Hurst (St George’s) moving from scrum-half to full back and with McDougall-Percillier sliding in at scrum half. The changes paid dividends early on as Allen initiated an attack following another dominant UBC Scrum and from the ensuing pummels near the Vikes’ line McDougall-Percillier sniped through a gap to score a try and then add the convert to tie the scores up at 19-19. The visitors continued to pressure the Vikes’ defense. Nick Collett (Southridge), who had been managing the game with confidence at stand-off, made a telling break up the right before the Birds made the most of an attacking line-out in right field for McDougall-Percillier to add his second try of the afternoon, and the team’s Bonus Point Try, and put UBC up 24-19. Almost immediately the score stretched to 31-19 as prop Cali Martinez (Earl Marriott) made the most of line-out steal by setting up another attack from which Lesage strode strongly through the defensive line to score by the posts for his brace and for Collett to convert.

At 31-19 the game looked to be slipping away from the Vikes, but spurred on by home crowd and some powerful running by their back row, they clawed their way back as flanker Knott penetrated the UBC defense and fed center Kay to score under the posts. Bowd converted and the game, again, was in the balance at 31-26 with fifteen minutes remaining. As with the game at the Ravens last week, UBC’s fresher legs, dominant scrum and fitness kicked in. A series of penalties and scrums in left field near the Vikes’ line ultimately yielded a second try for James Carson with McDougall-Percillier adding a superb conversion from the side line to make it 38-26. Then, following a clearance kick by the home team, the Birds launched an impressive counter attack with the ball flowing the width of the field through the hands of almost every back starting with Jake Lan (Rockridge) on the right and finishing with Lesage breaking wide on the left and then feeding McDougall-Percillier for his third try of the afternoon which he converted to complete the scoring at 45-26 in UBC’s favour and give them a nineteen point edge in the Wightman Boot series. This was UBC’s fifth consecutive win and the team’s next league fixture will be at home against Burnaby Lake on November 3rd. With the win UBC also gained the West Number One ranking for the National University Championship in Victoria in late November.
 

Braves win thriller against the Norsemen

The Braves produced the best start of their season with controlled play combining continuity and pressure but not quite getting full reward that the paly deserved. From the kick off and the first scrum, some good penetration by Callum Botchar (Magee) was finished by the consistent and reliable center Nick Froes (Point Grey) for a 5-0 lead. The margin doubled after more forward forays marshalled by scrum half Matt Ye (Bill Crothers) before a break on the right saw Froese and fellow center Elis Fowler (Clifton College) send the ever improving wing Colton Zaylshey (Lord Tweedsmuir) powering over on the right. The conversion was missed again but UBC led 10-0. The Norsemen had hardly touched the ball but served warning of their attacking potential when they broke open on the right following a line out in left field. The ball was brought back inside where the home team won a penalty at a ruck, tapped quickly and scored under the posts. With the successful convert the score was 10-7. UBC took control of possession and position once again but found itself penalized at contact thus disrupting the opportunity to advance its lead.

The Norsemen rode the pressure once more then equalized with a penalty, making it 10-10 at the thirty minute mark. They went in front minutes later after a long range try by the left winger and the subsequent conversion saw the lead go to 10-17.  The Braves responded in style, attacking with waves of continuity and this time not conceding possession through penalties. Prop Tyler Rowland (Mentor College) was next to cross with full back Sam Hughes (Handsworth) adding the extras to square the scores at 17-17. Then, Jack Scher (St George’s), who had come on for Dane Hopkins (Handsworth) at stand-off, pinned the Norsemen back with a pair of deep and accurate crossfield kicks and then for forward surges by Rowland and Botchar to pave the way for all action flanker Jack Bae (Kitsilano) to crash over for the bonus point try and give the Braves a 22-17 lead at the interval.
 

UBC started the second half in similar fashion to the first half by controlling the ball and the field and it was not surprising when they scored to stretch the lead again. Prop Sam Turner (St George’s), rediscovering a rich vein of form after a slow start to the season, crossed for the second successive game and with Scher adding the convert, the Braves were up 29-17. The Norsemen competed to stay in touch and added their own score following a penalty to reduce the gap to 29-24. Back came UBC through a try by Froese after breaks from Scher and Zaylshey. Scher converted once more to make it 36-24. With twenty minutes remaining Zaylshey added his second of the afternoon, finishing off a well worked move from a right field scrum with the assistance of number eight Callum Bulman (RGS Guildford) and Ye. At 41-24 the Braves looked to finish off the game by controlling possession and keeping the Norsemen’s opportunities to a minimum. This they managed to do until the home team scored two late tries and a conversion to salvage two bonus points from the 41-38 defeat. The next game for the Braves will be against Burnaby Lake on November 3rd.
 

U23s claim second successive win with impressive display at Bayside

From Wesley Wong: Over the weekend,
UBC U23s traveled down to South Surrey Athletic Park (White Rock) on a rare foggy morning to face Bayside RFC in their backyard. The game started with minimal visibility on the pitch as both teams struggled to maintain possession and the U23s spent most of the first half in Bayside’s territory. However, Bayside scored the first try of the game when their outside-center received a crash ball and avoided a few tackles to rumble over for the score to take a 0-7 lead. UBC responded in great fashion, with winger Kieran Read (St Mary’s) and scrum half Kilick Saxer (Carson Graham) crossing over the try line and for Max Radcliffe (Elgin Park) to add two conversions as well as a penalty kick to end the first half. The U23s went into the half leading 17-7. In the second half, Bayside began to slow down from fatigue and failed to reach over for another try. Substitute backs Josh Barrs (St Mary’s) and Jamie Gazzola (Elgin Park) each scored their first try for UBC after a couple well-worked phases on attack. Radcliffe kicked over two more conversions to extend the lead to 31-7 over the home team. In the end, UBC had the final score when Radcliffe completed the day by kicking five for five and Read crossed over the try line for the second time to make the final score up to 38-7.  The U23s next game is at home on November 3rd against a strong Squamish team.
 

UBC Team of the week

This is recognition of players who were outstanding in their position for games on the weekend of October 20th.

1: Sam Turner – (Braves – St George’s)

2: Connor Sampson – (Birds – Charles Tupper)

3: Joe Sourisseau – (Birds - St George’s)

4: Liam Doll – (Birds (Carson Graham)

5: James Carson – (Birds – Oak Bay)

6: Dave Carson – (Braves – Oak Bay)

7: Jake Ikeda - (Birds – Magee)

8: Nick Allen – (Birds – Mulgrave)

9: Matt Ye – (Braves – Bill Crothers)

10: Nick Collett – (Birds – Southridge)

11: Cole Keffer – (Birds – Sutherland)

12: Nick Froese – (Braves – Point Grey)

13: Ben Lesage – (Birds - Henry Wisewood)

14: Colton Zaylshey – (Braves – Lord Tweedsmuir)

15: Fraser Hurst – (Birds – St George’s)

16: Impact Sub:  Jack Scher (Braves – St George’s)

Next Games – October 28th

Birds @ Kelowna, National Championship Qualifier, Opponent TBC

Next Games – November 3rd

Birds v Burnaby Lake – Kick off 2.30pm – GMP

Braves v Burnaby Lake – Kick off 12.45pm – GMP

U23 v Squamish- Kick off 11.15am – Wolfson

Season Results

September 8th v Rowers – Lost 23-24

September 15th @ Seattle – Won 40-33

September 22nd @ Meraloma – Won 26-8

September 29th v Westshore – Won 45-15

October 13th @ Ravens – Won 25-5

October 20th @ University of Victoria – Won 45-26

Fundraising - Monthly Giving: While we already have a number of donors that contribute on a monthly basis, we are actively looking to grow these numbers. One donor at a minimum of $5.00 per month will raise $60.00 per year. Our aim is to attract over 100 new donors in this category raising a minimum of $6,000.00 per year. Of course, we really want more than that cup of latte or bottle of beer per month. 100 new donors at $10.00 per month would raise $12,000.00 per year and at $20.00 would raise $24,000.00. This year we have a donor in place to match up to $30,000.00 that we raise in new monthly giving donations over the course of the year so, if you are interested in becoming a new Monthly Donor, you can contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca 

UBC Rugby Thunder Renewal

This contribution is tax deductible.

Fundraising - Gerald McGavin Pavilion Seats: We already have a significant number of seats at the Pavilion with plaques bearing the names of the contributors. This contribution is valued at $1,500.00 with our most recent donations raising some $9,000.00. If you are interested in becoming a new Seat Donor, you can contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca

Our newest purchasers include: Geoff ‘Flower’ Knauer, Iain Scholnick, Evan Scholnick, Eddie ‘the Edge’ Evans, Mark ‘Blue Lagoon’ Smith, Mark ‘Hormone’ Olsen, Bruce and Corine Clark and Sam Clerk.
 

“The Push is On” to increase our seat sales with seats being purchased for former Birds.This contribution is tax deductible.

October 24, 2018

This was the first meeting between the teams since the Ravens triumphed in the Rounsefell Cup Final in May and since they captured the National Club Championship at Klahanie Park last weekend.

The Birds took the field in a much healthier state with players returning from injury after the long weekend and for the first time in many seasons fielded a starting fifteen representing fifteen different schools:

1 Cali Martinez (Earl Marriott) 
2 Connor Sampson (Charles Tupper) 
3 Nick Frost (Collingwood) 
4 Liam Doll (Carson Graham) 
5 James Carson (Oak Bay) 
6 Harrison Smith (Handsworth) 
7 Jake Ikeda (Magee) © 
8 Nick Allen (Mulgrave) 
9 Fraser Hurst (St George’s) 
10 Adam McQueen (Canmore) 
11 Cole Keffer (Sutherland) 
12 Ben Lesage (Henry Wisewood) 
13 Andrew Coe (Bill Crothers) 
14 Jake Lan (Rockridge) 
15 Nick Collett (Southridge) 
 

Back in May, the Ravens started nine former Birds in the Provincial Cup Final but in this game only three were on show as the game began; Connor Hamilton (2017) started in the forwards while Sean Ferguson (2014) and Jorden Sandover-Best (2017) featured in the backline. UBC welcomed back Adam McQueen (Canmore) at stand-off as well as William McDougall-Percillier (Brentwood) and Elias Ergas (Collingwood) on the bench.
 

The opening half at Jericho resembled the second half of the game at Connaught Park with the Birds defending stoutly against a Ravens attack that kept UBC pinned in their own half for over thirty minutes. The home team mixed their plays well with plenty of possession and continuity, attacking around the fringes of the ruck and moving the ball wide to try and unleash the pace of McLelland and Ferguson.

An early injury to McQueen after tem minutes saw the Bird reshuffle their line up with Nick Collett (Southridge) resuming at stand-off and McDougall-Percillier coming on in his unusual position at full back. For all their pressure the Ravens were unable to turn the advantage into points as stand-off Vallabh missed an easy penalty just short of the thirty minute mark.

When it looked like UBC was going to weather the storm the Ravens struck. When the Birds lost a scrum in right field the home side shifted the ball to its own right field for scrum half Jorden-Best to race over and score. The conversion was missed and the Ravens led 0-5. UBC responded and a turn over ball initiated by Andrew Coe (Bill Crothers) and Jake Lan (Rockridge) provide the impetus for a rare late attack into the Raven’s half.

A resulting penalty and yellow card for Raven’s lock and captain Jon Phelan gave McDougall-Percillier the chance to reduce the lead. The kick was successful and the Birds went to the break-down 3-5.
 

UBC made some tactical changes at the half with scrum half Fraser Hurst (St George’s) and full back McDougal-Percillier switching positions and with Michael Smith (Earl Marriott) maintaining the number eight spot he had assumed just before the half when the impressive Nick Allen (Mulgrave) was forced off with a hand injury. The changes paid off soon after the restart when a poor clearance kick was countered by Cole Keffer (Sutherland) allowing UBC to pressure down the right before McDougall-Perciller scampered through a gap in the Ravens’ goal line defense to score near the posts and convert, pushing the Birds up into a 10-5 lead.

As the half progressed the Birds began to control more of the ball and of field position, stealing two important line-outs and seeing the fresh legs from the bench have a dramatic impact on the game.

Michael Smith and his Rugby Canada U20 colleague Owain Ruttan (St Mary’s), who had come on for Harrison Smith (Handsworth), were actively involved and when prop Joe Sourisseau (St George’s) joined the fray it was no surprise to see the Ravens turned over at another set piece, this time a scrum near their own line.  The home pack were driven back and off the ball which was recovered by captain Jake Ikeda (Magee) who scored to push UBC out in front 15-5.

Ruttan was next on the scoreboard, driving over from short range after a series of rucks. At 20-5 the Birds were in control and completed the scoring with a bonus point try from right wing Jake Lan who got on the end of a searing break by Collett, supported by Andrew Coe (Bill Crothers). With the conversion failing yet again UBC finished the game at 25-5 winners of a highly competitive and entertaining game and now look ahead to the first round of the Wightman Boot game against the University of Victoria next weekend at Wallace Field with a 2.30pm kick off.
 

Braves fall to last second score after dramatic fight back against Ravens

The Braves began slowly against a Ravens’ reserve team that had been Provincial Finalists in May. The home team were well organized by former UBC player and current Ravens’ Head Coach James Thompson who managed the game from his stand off position. UBC found itself behind after three minutes as Thompson orchestrated a try in the left corner to go up 0-5. After Jack Scher (St George’s) missed an opportunity to convert an easy penalty kick, Thompson added a try of his own, which was converted, to stretch the Old Boys’ lead to 0-10. A further two tries followed for the Ravens as they continued to exploit the Braves’ defense through strong straight running and offloading. With both scores converted the lead stretched to 0-24 with just five minutes in the half remaining. UBC then came to life as number eight Callum Bulman (RGS Guildford) powered over following a line out drive in the right corner. Scher converted from wide to make it 7-24 and soon made it 14-24 when, after more pressure in the same field position, he took a quick tap to score himself. His second conversion made it 14-24 at the break and offered the Braves a glimpse of hope.
 

There is no doubt that turn overs and missed opportunities had cost UBC the chance to keep the score closer and a lapse in concentration as the second half started saw the Ravens push further ahead 14-31 as they scored almost immediately from the kick off. The Braves came right back through a try from lock Frank Carson (Southpointe) who stretched across the line after more good work from a line out drive. 19-31 suddenly became 26-31 as Bulman and Callum Botchar (Magee) broke the line to send supporting prop Sam Turner (St George’s) sidestepping the last defender to storm over on the left for Scher to convert. UBC then spurned the chance to apply more pressure by failing to find touch on successive penalties, allowing the Ravens to gain possession and extend their lead to 26-36 with an unconverted try. The Braves came back again. Center Nick Froese (Point Grey) made the most of a quick tap to add a try and make it 31-36 before David Carson (Oak Bay) finished off a slick passing move to level the score at 36-36. With no time left and UBC looking to stretch the home team defense an attack up the right wing was halted and an attempt to offload in the tackle to maintain the continuity was picked off by Thompson who galloped in from 40 meters to score the winning try in the right corner. UBC picked up two valuable bonus points in the 36-41 loss and will look to improve as they travel to take on the Norsemen on October 20th at Wallace Field.

U23s record late win against a strong Kats side

The U23s are slowly building their game and pulled out a late win against a Kats team coming off a large 66-5 victory over a Surry team that UBC had defeated by just 21-19. Although some of the technical errors still remain in the UBC performance, notably the turn overs, the signs are there that the players are handling the transition to senior rugby through hard work at practice and are then transferring this to the field. The home side took the lead after just two minutes when Kats concede a penalty which was duly converted by Max Radcliffe (Elgin Park ). Kats then pressured the UBC sets as they fought for a foothold in the game and tried to assert their physical dominance. The U23s held firm until the visitors worked a scrum in left field for their number eight to pick up and power over in left field. The conversion was landed and UBC now trailed 3-7. As the pressure from Kats mounted over the remainder of the first half, UBC continued to make errors in execution and contact but were not punished by their opponents. Instead, the home team defended with vigour and also mounted attacks into the heart of the Kats’ midfield through runs by forwards Carter Mcdonald (Elgin Park) and Izzak Kelly. (Earl Marriott). A late attack on the UBC line was pushed back once again by the defense and the score remained 3-7 at the break.
 

The second half began with UBC making a number of changes and using its bench strength and depth to freshen up the team and remain competitive with its older and more experienced opponents. From the sideline the changes looked positive as the home team began to steal ball at the line outs and challenge in the set scrum.  After fifteen minutes Radcliffe had reduce the lead to 6-7 when he converted a penalty for a dangerous tackle. Kats stormed back as a foray into the UBC twenty two resulted in a penalty from which they took a quick tap to score on the left and then convert to move out in front 6-14. The U23s responded positively and looked to have taken the lead after twenty five minutes when they worked the ball into midfield following a right field scrum. From the ruck Radcliffe moved the ball wide to the left for Keagan Read (St Mary’s) to fly over in the corner. Jubilation was short lived as Read was adjudged to have stepped in touch on his way to the line. Five minutes later, further UBC pressure paid off when a quick tap five meters from the Kats line by Nick Gray (Carson Graham) was halted by a player who had not retreated and the referee awarded a penalty try and an automatic seven points to pull the home team to within a point at 13-14. The comeback was completed on the last play of the game as UBC took a tap in its own half and moved the ball left to Read on the wing. Running out of space he kicked the ball ahead into the shadows of the Kats’ posts and line. The perseverance in his chase paid off as the ball was misfielded and he tapped the ball into the end zone to touch down. Radcliffe quickly added the extras for the 20-14 win as time ran out. Next week the team travels to Bayside to take on the Sharks in South Surrey with an 11-15am kick off.
 

UBC Team of the week

This is recognition of players who were outstanding in their position for games on the weekend of October 13th.

1: Cali Martinez – (Birds – Earl Marriott)

2: Josh Tweed – (Braves – Semiahmoo)

3: James Carson – (Birds – Oak Bay)

4: Izzak Kelly – (U23 – Earl Marriott)

5: Nolan Howell – (Birds – Hugh McRoberts)

6: Owain Ruttan  - (Birds – St Mary’s)

7: Jake Ikeda - (Birds – Magee)

8: Michael Smith – (birds – Earl Marriott)

9: Matt Ye – (Braves – Bill Crothers)

10: Nick Collett – (Birds – Southridge)

11: Cole Keffer – (Birds – Sutherland)

12: Ben Lesage – (Birds - Henry Wisewood)

13; Colton Zaylshey – (Braves – Lord Tweedsmuir)

14: Jake Lan – (Birds – Rockridge)

15: William McDougall-Percillier - ( Birds – Brentwood)

16: Impact Sub:  Sam Turner – (Braves - St George’s)

Next Games – October 13th

Birds @ University of Victoria – Kick off 2.30pm – Wallace Field

Braves @ University of Victoria - Kick off 12.45pm – Wallace Field

U23 @ Bayside - Kick off 11.15am – South Surrey Athletic Park

Season Results

September 8th v Rowers – Lost 23-24

September 15th @ Seattle – Won 4-33

September 22nd @ Meraloma – Won 26-8

September 29th v Westshore – Won 45-15

October 13th @ Ravens – Won 25-5

Fundraising - Monthly Giving: While we already have a number of donors that contribute on a monthly basis, we are actively looking to grow these numbers. One donor at a minimum of $5.00 per month will raise $60.00 per year. Our aim is to attract over 100 new donors in this category raising a minimum of $6,000.00 per year. Of course, we really want more than that cup of latte or bottle of beer per month. 100 new donors at $10.00 per month would raise $12,000.00 per year and at $20.00 would raise $24,000.00. This year we have a donor in place to match up to $30,000.00 that we raise in new monthly giving donations over the course of the year so, if you are interested in becoming a new Monthly Donor, you can contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca 
 

UBC Rugby Thunder Renewal

This contribution is tax deductible.

Fundraising - Gerald McGavin Pavilion Seats: We already have a significant number of seats at the Pavilion with plaques bearing the names of the contributors. This contribution is valued at $1,500.00 with our most recent donations raising some $9,000.00. If you are interested in becoming a new Seat Donor, you can contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca
 

Our newest purchasers include: Geoff ‘Flower’ Knauer, Iain Scholnick, Evan Scholnick, Eddie ‘the Edge’ Evans, Mark ‘Blue Lagoon’ Smith, Mark ‘Hormone’ Olsen, Bruce and Corine Clark and Sam Clerk.
 

“The Push is On” to increase our seat sales with seats being purchased for former Birds. This contribution is tax deductible.

October 17, 2018

Birds head into Thanksgiving break with a win over Westshore

UBC welcomed back a number of players from injury and from National Team commitments and started the game brightly against the visiting Westshore team which included former players Nakai Penny and Foster Dewitt.

The Birds should have taken the lead in the opening minute when full back Andrew Coe (Bill Crothers) broke the left flank and looked to have put supporting flanker Jake Ikeda (Magee) in at the corner. Ikeda was halted by some desperate Westshore cover and the chance was gone. However, the visitors were kept busy for next fifteen minutes as UBC kept the play in the attacking zone and finally went ahead when Coe broke down the blindside on the right and fed center Ben Lesage (Henry Wisewood) with an astute miss pass, Lesage broke clear ad fed the pass inside to Harrison Smith for the score which stand-off Nick Collett (Southridge) converted to put the Birds up 7-0.

UBC continued to apply pressure through breaks by Jake Lan (Rockridge) and Fraser Hurst (St George’s) but continuity was halted through a number of turn overs. Meanwhile, Westshore competed to get back in the game, notably through the dynamic number eight Brill and flanker Mosychuk and finally closed the gap to 7-3 with a penalty through full back Kemp after twenty five minutes. The Birds pressed again and from a left field scrum just outside the twenty two Collett held his line and then pushed a cross kick through the defensive line allowing the accelerating Coe to outstrip the cover and score in the right corner. Collett converted and restored UBC’s lead to 14-3. Westshore maintained their defensive shape and began to apply some offensive pressure as the half continued, but it was UBC who had the final word as Cole Keffer (Sutherland) popped up on his off-wing to score after Hurst and Smith had done all the hard work in forcing a turnover in the pursuit of box kick into space on the right side of the field. Collett missed the extra points as the Birds went into the half with a 19-3 lead.
 

The threat caused by Westshore’s lively back row, and particularly Brill, was apparent for all to see as the second half opened with the number eight launching an attack after a sloppy UBC scrum. Flanker Mosychuk reaped the territorial reward as he followed Brill’s drive off a scrum to crash over for a score after five minutes. Kemp converted and UBC’s lead was cut to 19-10.  Dewitt was next to profit for the visitors as burrowed across the line following a line out drive to make it 19-15.

From the kick off, the Birds pressured possession and forced the visitors into a poor clearance from which they launched a productive counter attack. Winger Nick Froese (Point Grey), hooker Connor Sampson (Charles Tupper), prop Joe Sourisseau (St George’s) and flanker Michael Smith (Earl Marriott) were all involved in penetrating carries before Collett made the final incursion deep into the Westshore twenty two. Quick ruck ball saw the ball moved right for Harrison Smith to score his second and the team’s bonus point try in the corner for a 24-15 UBC lead. For the next ten minutes Westshore worked hard to get back in the game and when Brill, the instigator of much of Westshore’s pressure, went off injured just after the twenty minute mark, the Birds took control of the game.

Ben Lesage stormed almost fifty meters to score on the right after good build up work on the left from Lan and prop Cali Martinez (Earl Marriott). Collett added the conversion to make the score 31-15. Substitute flanker Owain Ruttan (St Mary’s) was on the board next when he picked off an errant Westshore pass and sprinted eight meters to touch down by the posts. Collett’s conversion was good again as the Birds lead stretched to 38-15. Scum Hall Fraser Hurst (St George’s), who had been solid all game, scored the game’s final try when he supported his captain Jake Ikeda (Magee) and Coe to outstrip the defense and provide Collett with another simple conversion to make the final margin 45-15. With a well-deserved rest coming up, The Bird’s next game will be on October 13th at Jericho against the Ravens,

Braves earn their first win against an undermanned Westshore
The visitors arrived with fewer numbers than expected and were just able to take the field against the Braves. UBC dominated the affair scoring early and often to claim their first win of the season. The scoring began early for UBC when right winger Colton Zayshley (Lord Tweedsmuir) sprinted over half the length of the field after Callum Bullman (RGS Guildford) and Matt Ye (Bill Crothers) broke from a centre field scrum. Dane Hopkins (Handsworth) made the score 10-0 when he supported a break by prop Joe Sourisseau (St George’s) to touch down in the left corner.  Minutes later center Ryan Leskiw (Carson Graham) finished off a period of continuity by scoring under the posts to give Sam Hughes (Handsworth) the easiest of conversions to put UBC up 17-0. Lock Frank Carson (Southpointe) continued his scoring streak when he added the bonus point try after just fifteen minutes. Hughes converted to make it 24-0.

Over the next twenty five minutes the Braves continued to add to the total with tires by Bulman (2), Dave Carson (Oak Bay) and a second for Frank Carson. Hughes converted all four tries to make the score 52-0 at the half. All credit is due to Westshore who continued to compete but were unable to stem the UBC tide in the second half. The visitors did manage to score a try while the Braves added further tries through Bulman, who scored two more to take his tally to four for the game, and two for Devan Hunter (Crescent School). John Tolton (United World College) added a single conversion to make the score 74-5 before the referee halted the game with some ten minutes remaining in the interests of player safety and allowing Westshore to provide adequate coverage for the Premiership game. The Braves’ next game will be against Ravens on October 13th.

U23 Men fall short against Richmond
Although the U23 Men lost this game they will take heart from the fact that they are improving and competed well for the whole eighty minutes against the Richmond team. For the opening twenty minutes UBC handled and matched the physicality of the visitors with Izzak Kelly (Earl Marriott) prominent and with a solid showing from the back three in defense and counter attack, particularly full back Josh Barss (St Mary’s). Consistent defensive pressure allowed UBC to keep Richmond at bay and at the mid-point of the half the home team took the lead when pressure down the left flank produced quick ball from which stand-off Pablo Palero (Greengates) ghosted through a gap to score and also to add the conversion to put UBC up 7-0.  Richmond countered by applying its own pressure and forced the U23s into several errors, keeping them on the defense. The pressure finally told with just five minutes remaining in the half as Richmond tied the score with a converted try by the posts. For the first fifteen minutes of the second half the game remained in a stalemate until Max Radcliffe (Elgin Park) put UBC ahead 10-7 with a well struck penalty kick. The lead was short lived as a mistake from the kick off allowed Richmond to take possession and score in the left corner and move ahead 10-12. The U23s continued to compete well but Richmond stretched its advantage to1 0-15 from a penalty kick and then to 10-20 with another try. A final penalty made it 10-23 which was the score at the end of full time. The U23s next game is against a strong Kats team at UBC on October 13th.
 

The link to the Richmond photos from Saturday is HERE

Many thanks again to Chris Weyell.
 

UBC Team of the week

This is recognition of players who were outstanding in their position for games on the weekend of September 29th.

1: Matthew Lutz – (U23 – West Island College)

2: Josh Tweed – (Braves – Semiahmoo)

3: Joe Sourisseau – (Braves – St George’s)

4: Izzak Kelly – (U23 – Earl Marriott)

5: Frank Carson – (Braves – Southpointe)

6: Ben Trevorrow – (U23 –Seaquam)

7: Jake Ikeda (Birds – Magee)

8: Nick Allen – (Birds – Mulgrave)

9: Matt Ye – (Braves – Bill Crothers)

10: Nick Collett – (Birds – Southridge)

11: Cole Keffer – (Birds – Sutherland)

12: Ben Lesage – (Birds - Henry Wisewood)

13; Ethan Berry – (U23 – Kitsilano)

14: Jake Lan – (Birds – Rockridge)

15: Andrew Coe – (Birds – Bill Crothers)

16: Impact Sub – Owain Ruttan (Birds – St Mary’s)

Next Games – October 13th

Birds @ Ravens – Kick off 2.30pm – Jericho

Braves @ Ravens - Kick off 12.45pm – Jericho

U23 v Kats - Kick off 11.15am – Lord and Buck

Season Results

September 8th v Rowers – Lost 23-24

September 15th @ Seattle – Won 4-33

September 22nd @ Meraloma – Won 26-8

September 29th v Westshore – Won 45-15

Fundraising - Monthly Giving: While we already have a number of donors that contribute on a monthly basis, we are actively looking to grow these numbers. One donor at a minimum of $5.00 per month will raise $60.00 per year. Our aim is to attract over 100 new donors in this category raising a minimum of $6,000.00 per year. Of course, we really want more than that cup of latte or bottle of beer per month. 100 new donors at $10.00 per month would raise $12,000.00 per year and at $20.00 would raise $24,000.00. This year we have a donor in place to match up to $30,000.00 that we raise in new monthly giving donations over the course of the year so, if you are interested in becoming a new Monthly Donor, you can contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca 

UBC Rugby Thunder Renewal

This contribution is tax deductible.

Fundraising - Gerald McGavin Pavilion Seats: We already have a significant number of seats at the Pavilion with plaques bearing the names of the contributors. This contribution is valued at $1,500.00 with our most recent donations raising some $9,000.00. If you are interested in becoming a new Seat Donor, you can contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca
 

Our newest purchasers include: Geoff ‘Flower’ Knauer, Iain Scholnick, Evan Scholnick, Eddie ‘the Edge’ Evans, Mark ‘Blue Lagoon’ Smith, Mark ‘Hormone’ Olsen, Bruce and Corine Clark and Sam Clerk.
 

“The Push is On” to increase our seat sales with seats being purchased for former Birds.

This contribution is tax deductible.

October 3, 2018

The Birds took the field at Connaught Park giving a full debut to number eight Callum Bulman (RGS Guildford) and welcoming back Nolan Howell (Hugh McRoberts) and Ben Lesage (Henry Wisewood).

The majority of the returning Canada U20 players were taking one more week off although flanker Owain Ruttan (St Mary’s) began on the bench along with Captain Jake Ikeda (Magee).

UBC started the game brightly dominating possession and continuity from the kick off for the opening ten minutes testing the home team defense with a series of penetrating drives and powerful scrums and eventually took the lead following a scrum in right field. Lesage marked his return coming in on a nice line to crash through and carry a couple of defenders with him by the posts giving Adam McQueen (Canmore) the simplest of conversions for the 7-0 lead.

The visitors continued their attack on the Meraloma line through a well driven line-out and a s further series of punishing drives which eventually culminated with flanker Donald Carson (Southpointe) powering his way through the defensive line to touch down and give McQueen another easy conversion to extend the lead to 14-0. A third try followed shortly after with the Birds producing another line-out drive in the right corner for scrum half Fraser Hurst (St George’s) to sneak over on the blind side. The conversion failed but UBC looked comfortably in control at 19-0. The rhythm was disrupted however when the Birds were forced to reshuffle the back line with injuries to right winger Jake Lan (Rockridge) and stand-off Adam McQueen. Colton Zayshely (Lord Tweedsmuir) moved to wing and Elis Fowler (Clifton College) went to full back with Nick Collett (Southridge) moving up to stand-off. The home team finally got some traction when a long kick was misfielded and they pressured the UBC defense at a line-out in the right corner driving the ball across in a controlled drive through hooker McGinley to make it 19-5, the score at half time as the Birds also found themselves a man down as Donald Carson received a yellow card for failing to retreat ten meters following a penalty.
 

The second half was a frustrating affair for the Birds as they found themselves on the wrong side of some decisions at scrum where they were dominant. Failing to adapt to the referee and finding their play disrupted by penalties and further bench changes UBC found themselves defending consistently in  its  own half for the opening fifteen minutes and indeed for most of the half. Meralomas made the most of the situation closing the gap to 19-8 with a penalty from center Tegg after tem ninutes. The visitors continued to tackle and keep the home side at bay and when Tegg missed an opportunity to add another penalty, the Birds countered with a great individual try following a standing choke tackle by lock tuned prop James Carson (Oak Bay). Carson wrenched the ball free and popped the ball to Fowler on a narrow blind side in right field. Fowler fed Hurst who beat three defenders on his way to a sixty meter bonus point try by the posts. Collett added the conversion to push the score to 26-8. The game closed out in a now familiar pattern with UBC tackling strongly along with a red card issued to Donald Carson following a fracas close to the UBC line. UBC will work to build on the 26-8 next week when they host Westshore before the Thanksgiving bye weekend.
 

Braves fall short in close game against Meraloma

Once again, the Braves found themselves on the wrong side of the scoreline in what was a third consecutive loss in a close and competitive game against the current reserve Provincial Champions. UBC began the game well taking a 5-0 lead through an opportunistic interception try from right winger Devan Hunter (Crescent School). The lead was stretched to 12-0 after just twelve minutes when the Braves won a line out in left field and switch the point of attack on a number of contacts before number eight Callum Botchar (Magee) crashed over for winger Sam Hughes (Handsworth) to convert.  Meralomas responded in short time winning a right field scrum in the UBC twenty two and moving the ball wide to the left and then stretching the attack back to the right edge to score in the corner and make it 12-5. For the next fifteen minutes the home team pinned the Braves in their own half and eventually stretched their defense once again, this time coring on the left and taking the score to 12-10. UBC came back strongly on the kick off with Botchar recovering possession but any impetus was halted through unforced errors and lost contact ball. The game finished 12-10 for UBC at half time.
 

The Braves started the second half well but were unfortunate to lose impactful lock Jack Martin (Chinook) with a head injury.  Matt Ye (Bill Crothers), returning to scrum half from missing a season long knee injury, was performing well and testing the Meraloma back three with some well-placed box kicks. At the fifteen minute mark UBC extended its lead when prop Sam Turner (St George’s) took a quick tap in the Meraloma twenty two. Play was carried on by center Michael Mann (South Delta) and finished by lock Frank Carson (Southpointe) who scored his third try in the last two games. Hughes added the extras to take the score to 19-10 in the Braves’ favour. The lead was cut short within five minutes as the home team began to expoit UBC’s predilection for giving away needless penalties and also squandering their own possession. A converted try by the posts put Meralomas back in the game at 19-17 before another UBC turnover in contact saw the home side score in a similar position to move ahead 19-24.  A further penalty at the thirty minute mark for the defending champions stretched the score to 19-27 and put the Braves out of range of a bonus point loss. UBC failed to mount any offence in the final ten minutes, instead giving away two further penalties which the Meraloma kicker could not convert to points. The final score remained at 19-27 and the Braves now have the week to address some technical and tactical issue prior to the visit of Westshore this coming Saturday.

U23s snatch defeat out of the jaws of victory

This is a game that the U23s will want to forget but will need to remember as they move forward in the Division 3 competition. The first half produced a quality performance from the team, building on the win at Surrey and putting the team in a great position to secure its second win of the season.  UBC pressured the home tea from the kick off and full back Jack Scher (St George’s) scored the opening try in the right corner after just five minutes. He converted magnificently to send the U23s ahead 7-0. Scher would have a very strong game and his tactical kicking kept piling the pressure on the Meralomas. When they conceded a penalty at the fifteen minute mark UC tapped and attacked right before moving the ball left after a quick ruck for Dylan Weyell (Handsworth) to score and make it 12-0. Ten minutes later UBC were crossing the line again. This time the ball was well worked from a left field scrum for center Ethan Berry (Kitsilano) to penetrate and send winger Chris Small (Sutherland) over on the right. Scher tacked on the extra points to push UBC further ahead at 19-0. The bonus point try for UBC came just after the thirty minute mark when outside center Forest Scarrwener (Kitsilano) followed up a break by Scher and Berry to score on the right. The score moved to 26-0 with Scher’s conversion. Scarrwener added his second try of the day when he was on the end of clever right field cross kick taken from a tap penalty by Scher. At 31-0 in front UBC looked comfortable even when they conceded a late try by Meralomas which made the score 31-5 at the half.
 

The first half lead had been built on good work at the scrums by the forwards coupled with some improved continuity work at the breakdown. While changes to the team were made in the second half that disrupted the flow of UBC’s game, there was no early indication that the home team would stage the comeback that occurred. For fifteen minutes the play moved from half to half as UBC sought further points and Meralomas looked to get back in the game which they did on a turn over after fifteen minutes, scoring by the posts but, amazingly, missing the conversion to make it 31-10. Poor tackling in mid field caused UBC all kinds of problems as the game reached mid-point of the half as the home team took advantage to score again and reduce the gap to 31-15. Five minutes later it was 31-22 as a series of penalties against UBC, who were now chasing lost ball causes in contact, gave the opportunity for Meralomas to keep up the pressure and score a converted try. With less than five minutes remaining UBC was fighting to stem the flow of the constant pressure and continuing penalties resulting from that pressure. With two minute remaining Meralomas pulled to within four points by making it 31-27 and as tie ran down the home team mounted a further attack from which it ran yet another attack form a final penalty in the UBC twenty two. A chip kick into the UBC end zone was touched down to complete the home team comeback at 31-32 and leave the U23s to take away two losing bonus points instead of five winning poits as they now start to prepare for the visit of Richmond at UBC on September 29th.
 

The link to the photos from the U23s v Meralomas on Saturday can be found HERE Many thanks to Chris Weyell for putting this together.
 

UBC Team of the week

This is recognition of players who were outstanding in their position for games on the weekend of September 22nd.
 

1: Nick Frost – (Birds – Collingwood)

2: Connor Sampson – (Birds – Charles Tupper)

3: Cali Martinez – (Birds – Earl Marriott)

4: James Carson – (Birds – Oak Bay)

5: Frank Carson – (Braves – Southpointe)

6: Donald Carson – (Birds – Southpointe)

7: Harrison Smith – (Birds – Handsworth)

8: Callum Bulman – (Birds - RGS Guildford)

9: Fraser Hurst – (Birds – St George’s)

10: Pablo Palero – (U23 – Greengates)

11: Cole Keffer – (Birds – Sutherland)

12: Flynn Heyes – (Birds – Carson Graham)

13; Ethan Berry – (U23 – Kitsilano)

14: Dylan Weyell – (U23 – Handsworth)

15: Jack Scher – (U23 – St George’s)

16: Impact Sub – Keagan Read (U23 - St Mary’s)

This weekend’s games – September 22nd

Birds v Westshore – Kick off 2.30pm – Lord and Buck

Braves v Westshore - Kick off 12.45pm – Lord and Buck

U23 v Richmond - Kick off 11.15am - Wolfson

Season Results

September 8th v Rowers – Lost 23-24

September 15th @ Seattle – Won 4-33

September 22nd @ Meraloma – Won 26-8

UBC Women’s Thunderbird Rugby Update

After four years in the position of assistant coach, Dean Murten stepped in to role of head coach.  UBC Women’s Rugby team had a tough season to leave behind and were facing the loss of several key players. With the news of the full-time position of head coach arriving mid-summer and the announcements of new recruits, the ‘Birds entered training camp with excitement.

Leaving a tough ten days of training camp key first year recruits, Rori Wood, Emma Feldinger, Charlotte Ketchen, and Kally King, entered the Thunderbirds starting line-up. The team was mentally prepared for a tough match against UVIC and came out with a 2-point lead of 26-24.  The T-Birds points were scored by Madi Gold, Shoshanah Seumanutafa, Nicole Mallow, Emma Feldinger and Lyric Atchison. The Thunderbirds dominated the physical aspect of the game, which is reflected by the win. 
 

The Thunderbirds won their second game against Lethbridge, giving them a 2-0 record. The final score was 22-7, in favour of the ‘Birds, with points scored by Lyric Atchison, Madison Gold and Shoshanah Seumanutafa. In the very physical match, the team’s flank Emma Feldinger received a serious back injury leading UBC to make some adjustments to their back row, Rori Wood stepping in at 8 and Lyric Atchison sliding over to flank. With Lethbridge’s size and physicality at the contact area this was a different style of competition for the Thunderbirds to compete against than the faster style of the UVIC team.
 

This Sunday, Sept. 23rd, the ‘Birds fought hard, but fell short to Calgary. The game ended with a score of 36-21 for the Dino’s. The Thunderbirds had the lead up until the 60-minute mark. They suffered the loss of their captain, Madi Gold, early in the game due to a knee injury, however they continued to play well through to the 60-minute mark. Points were scored by Kimberley Brown, Paige Smith, Nicole Mallow and Shoshanah Seumanutafa.

The Thunderbirds have some major games coming up with UVIC on September 30th and Alberta on October 12th. UBC is working towards making the CanWest finals which will be held in Alberta from October 19th – 21st.
 

Next Games:

September 30th: 1 pm vs University of Victoria @ UVIC

October 12th: 4pm vs University of Alberta @ UBC

Fundraising - Monthly Giving: While we already have a number of donors that contribute on a monthly basis, we are actively looking to grow these numbers. One donor at a minimum of $5.00 per month will raise $60.00 per year. Our aim is to attract over 100 new donors in this category raising a minimum of $6,000.00 per year. Of course, we really want more than that cup of latte or bottle of beer per month. 100 new donors at $10.00 per month would raise $12,000.00 per year and at $20.00 would raise $24,000.00. This year we have a donor in place to match up to $30,000.00 that we raise in new monthly giving donations over the course of the year so, if you are interested in becoming a new Monthly Donor, you can contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca or go to the following link.

UBC Rugby Thunder Renewal

This contribution is tax deductible.

Fundraising - Gerald McGavin Pavilion Seats: We already have a significant number of seats at the Pavilion with plaques bearing the names of the contributors. This contribution is valued at $1,500.00 with our most recent donations raising some $9,000.00. If you are interested in becoming a new Seat Donor, you can contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca
 

Our newest purchasers include: Geoff ‘Flower’ Knauer, Iain Scholnick, Evan Scholnick, Eddie ‘the Edge’ Evans, Mark ‘Blue Lagoon’ Smith, Mark ‘Hormone’ Olsen, Bruce and Corine Clark and Sam Clerk.
 

“The Push is On” to increase our seat sales with seats being purchased for former Birds.

This contribution is tax deductible.

September 27, 2018

Given the extraordinary unavailability list again this weekend, more than thirty players, this was another test for the program.

None of the six Canada U20 players were available for selection. National Team players Theo Sauder (St George’s) and Ben Lesage (Henry Wisewood) were still out of the picture. Props Clint Lemkus (Paul Roos) and Joe Sourisseau (St George’s), lock Nolan Howell (Hugh McRoberts), winger Evan Norris (Shawnigan Lake), centre Niko Clironomos (Lord Byng) and full back Daniel Archer (Renaissance College) were all carrying various injuries. This, coupled with a similar number of Braves and U23s out through injury has emphasized the depth of talent in the program.
 

The Birds started out in Seattle conceding a try after just one minute as left winger Crowder crossed the line. The conversion from Suniula was successful as Seattle took a 0-7 lead. UBC hit back quickly executing a line out drive before shifting the ball to the left for centre John Jubenvill (Earl Marriott) to cross for an unconverted try. A second try was added within minutes when the referee played advantage for a dangerous tackle on left wing Cole Keffer (Sutherland). The play was switched back to the right flank for winger Jake Lan (Rockridge) to score in the corner. Adam McQueen (Canmore) added the difficult conversion to put UBC in front 12-7. When Jubenvill was yellow carded at the fifteen minute mark Seattle made the most of the man advantage by scoring two converted tries, the first through scrum half Motokana and the second through the lively right wing Futi, to take a 12-21 lead. The Birds began to reassert themselves once Jubenvill returned but continuity and pressure was halted through a number of unforced errors. McQueen narrowed the gap to 15-21 with a penalty following a scrum infringement before a try just before the half time whistle pulled UBC to within a single point. From a right field scrum Jake Ikeda (Magee) picked and penetrated deep into the heart of the Seattle defense. The ball was recycled quickly and moved to right wing Lan who found full back Nick Collett in support to score and make it 20-21 at the half.
 

Both sides signaled their intent to go for more tries when the second half started. Fraser Hurst (St George’s) made a great break for UBC while Futi looked dangerous for the Saracens. However, it was UBC who took the lead after five minutes when from a line out on the right they executed a number of drives, moving the ball in field, until Nick Allen (Mulgrave, announced his return to the line up from the bench by scoring under the posts to give McQueen the easiest of conversions and the Birds a 27-21 lead. Seattle looked like they had closed the gap when Futi collected a grubber kick to score in the corner only for play to be brought back for an offside call. Play then moved to the Seattle half and from a penalty McQueen slotted another kick to put UBC in front 30-21. The Saracens came back strongly and put the Birds under pressure through a series of penalties which they ran quickly and from which number eight Schirmer barged over for the score. Suniula converted to bring Seattle closer at 30-28. The Birds responded almost immediately and from a right field scrum in the Seattle twenty two Hurst fed the incoming blind side winger Lan straight from the base. Lan, Surprisingly, found open field and penetrated the home team’s defense to score near the posts. McQueen converted to give the Birds some breathing space at 37-28.  He would then add his third penalty to push the Birds out to a 40-28 lead. Seattle worked hard in the final ten minutes to bring the scores closer and succeeded in getting Futi over for another try as time expired, giving the Birds a memorable 40-33 victory. UBC would like to thank Seattle for a great game day experience at the Starfire stadium and now look forward to a trip to Connaught Park to play Meralomas on September 22nd.
 

Braves fall to second defeat in loss to Seattle

This was not the perfect preparation for the Braves as a delay at the Border crossing meant that they arrived at the Starfire complex and virtually went straight onto the field. Seattle started off the game by scoring early, making most of an unforced turnover to score in the left corner and take a 0-5 lead. The Braves struck back almost immediately when they forced a turnover of their own and then took a quick tap penalty for lock Frank Carson (Southpointe) to score the try and Jack Scher (St George’s) to add the conversion to make it 7-5. Despite their lack of normal pre-game warm up, UBC were performing well with back row Callum Bulman (RGS Guildford) making some prominent contributions. However the team’s penchant for making handling and contact errors kept the consistent pressure off the home team who took the lead after fifteen minutes from a tap penalty, scoring again in the left corner and also adding the convert to move ahead 7-12. When the Seattle hooker was shown a yellow card the Braves made the most of their advantage by scoring a good team try following a scrum in right field. Keeping the ball alive through five phases the try was finally scored again by Frank Carson with Scher adding his second convert for UBC to go in front 14-12. As half time approached Seattle forced a turnover penalty deep in the UBC half and converted the resulting kick to take a 14-15 lead.
 

The opening twenty minutes of the second half was not good for UBC as a series of unforced errors and turnovers marred their performance. Seattle made the most of this by scoring three tries and a single conversion to stretch their lead to 14-32. UBC made a number of substitutions to change the pattern of the game and were rewarded with another fine team try by lock Jack Martin (Chinook) who crossed after another multi-phase paly following a scrum. The conversion was missed and with the score at 19-32 UBC spent the last fifteen minutes working hard to further reduce the score. It was indicative of the Braves’ play on the day that they should turn the ball over in the final minute and concede a penalty which the Saracens converted to give the game a final 19-35 scoreline. The Braves now move on to play last year’s Reserve Provincial Champions, Meraloma, at Connaught.
 

U23s win first game of the season in Surrey

Despite the heavy overnight rain the conditions at the field were firm allowing both teams to run the ball in this competitive contest. UBC were slow to find a rhythm, making a number of unforced errors which stopped any chance of continuity and pressure. However, the U23s took the lead after fifteen minutes when full back Keagan Read (St Mary’s) took a deep Surrey kick in his own twenty two. He moved quickly to his left to outflank the pursuing chasers before finding daylight and support form winger Jamie Gazzola (Elgin Park) who took his pass and carried on the counter attack before passing back to Read on the inside. Read accelerated to the line for the score which Max Radcliffe (Elgin Park) converted to put the visitors in front at 7-0.  Both teams were making handling errors and turning the ball over at contact which assisted in keeping the game competitive. Surrey eventually tied up the game after thirty minutes when their stand-off scored a final individual effort under the posts. He converted his own try to make it 7-7 at the half.

The second half was filled with mistakes by both teams but it was UBC who took the early initiative and scored two further tries to pull away. The first try cam e from a speculative up and under from Radcliffe.
 

The Surrey full back misjudged the flight of the ball and Radcliffe was on hand to nudge the ball across the line and score and then convert to stretch the lead to 14-7. The next try followed a similar pattern as UBC capitalized on some Surrey mishandling to kick the ball through and for Michael Shilliday (Bishop O’Dowd) to claim the score. Radcliffe converted again to make it 21-7. While Surrey might have felt unlucky at the outcomes of both these scores, they enjoyed some similar fortune to pull closer in the last twenty minutes. First, a kick was misjudged by the U23 defense which allowed Surrey to score in the right corner and reduce the lead to 21-12. Then, with five minutes remaining another crosskick resulted in another try and conversion to pull the home team within two points at 21-19. UBC held out over the last five minutes to come away with their first victory of the season. The next game is at Connaught Park against Meralomas on September 22nd.
 

Here is the link to the photos from the U23 game: CLICK HERE
 

A huge thanks for Chris Weyell for this.
 

UBC Team of the week

This is recognition of players who were outstanding in their position for games on the weekend of September 15th.

1: Connor Sampson – (Birds – Charles Tupper)

2: Harrison Smith – (Birds – Handsworth)

3: Alex Chitan – (U23 – Sentinel)

4: Jack Martin  – (Braves - Chinook)

5: Frank Carson – (Braves – Southpointe)

6: Donald Carson – (Birds – Southpointe)

7: Seth Grieve – (Braves – Pangbourne)

8: Callum Bulman – (Braves - RGS Guildford)

9: Fraser Hurst – (Birds – St George’s)

10: Adam McQueen (Birds – Canmore)

11: Cole Keffer – (Birds – Sutherland)

12: Flynn Heyes – (Birds – Carson Graham)

13; Colton Zayshley – (Braves – Lord Twedsmuir)

14: Jake Lan – (Birds – Rockridge)

15: Keagan Read – (U23 – St Mary’s)

16: Impact Sub – Cali Martinez – (Birds – Earl Marriott)

This weekend’s games – September 22nd

Birds @ Meraloma – Kick off 2.45pm

Braves @ Meraloma– Kick off 12.45pm

U23 @ Meraloma – Kick off 11.15am

Season Results

September 8th v Rowers – Lost 23-24

September 15th @ Seattle – Won 4-33

Fundraising - Monthly Giving: While we already have a number of donors that contribute on a monthly basis, we are actively looking to grow these numbers. One donor at a minimum of $5.00 per month will raise $60.00 per year. Our aim is to attract over 100 new donors in this category raising a minimum of $6,000.00 per year. Of course, we really want more than that cup of latte or bottle of beer per month. 100 new donors at $10.00 per month would raise $12,000.00 per year and at $20.00 would raise $24,000.00. This year we have a donor in place to match up to $30,000.00 that we raise in new monthly giving donations over the course of the year so, if you are interested in becoming a new Monthly Donor, you can contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca 
 

UBC Rugby Thunder Renewal

This contribution is tax deductible.

Fundraising - Gerald McGavin Pavilion Seats: We already have a significant number of seats at the Pavilion with plaques bearing the names of the contributors. This contribution is valued at $1,500.00 with our most recent donations raising some $9,000.00. If you are interested in becoming a new Seat Donor, you can contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca

This contribution is tax deductible.

September 19, 2018

Birds fall short in season opener against Rowers

The Birds strated their season with a number of absentees, including the six players on duty with the Canada U20 Team at the World Trophy in Romania, National Team players Theo Sauder (St George’s) and Ben Lesage (Henry Wisewood) and unavailability of props Clint Lemkus (Paul Roos) Cali Martinez (Earl Marriott) and Joe Sourisseau (St George’s) as well as centre Niko Clironomos (Lord Byng), lock Nolan Howell (Hugh McRoberts) and back row Nick Allen (Mulgrave). Regardless, this was be a great test of the team’s depth as the long season began.

The Birds started the game making a change to the expected line-up with full back Daniel Archer (Renaissance College) dropping out with a hamstring injury. Cole Keffer (Sutherland) moved to full back while Evan Norris (Shawnigan Lake) cam e in on the left wing. Controlling the opening possession UBC took the lead when hooker Harrison Smith (Handsworth) crossed the line in the left corner. The conversion attempt failed, leaving the Birds leading 5-0. The lead was short lived as Rowers exploded with three tries in just fifteen minutes and adding one conversion to move into a 5-17 lead. The visitors found lots of joy on the left hand side of the field, their forwards working well together along with some outstanding play by outside centre Brian Derham. The first try came after ten minutes following a UBC knock on when playing the ball out of defense. Rowers went left and Derham scored in the corner to make it 5-5. Minutes later, following pressure on the UBC Scrum, Rowers pack turned the ball over to score from close range and take a 5-10 lead. Another scrum in the UBC twenty two yielded the third try as the visitors went left for Gurniak to score near the post. The conversion made it 5-17. Adam McQueen (Canmore) reduce the lead to 8-17 with a penalty on the thirty minute mark and minutes later James Carson (oak Bay) scored following a tap penalty near the Rowing Club line. McQueen converted to make the score 15-17 at the half.
 

Rowers started the second half strongly, maintaining continuity and pressure and keeping UBC pinned in their own half for ten minutes at the end of which they scored from a delayed line out drive by peeling off the back and eventually crossing the line for the score which was converted to move further ahead at 15-24. The visitors continued to press as UBC was forced to defend attack after attack with relief only coming on a counter attack led by full back Cole Keffer from which the Rowers were penalized. After the resulting kick to touch and line out UBC won a penalty almost directly in front of the posts. McQueen converted to bring the score to 18-24 with twenty minutes remaining. UBC will rue some of the decisions it made in the final quarter with unforced errors and turn overs. The final score came from a strong line out drive from which Keffer scored to make it 23-24. McQueen’s conversion attempt from the left sideline hit the post and despite a furious last five minutes the Birds were unable to find the extra score which would have given them the win. This coming weekend, the Birds travel to Seattle who began the season with a win over the defending Champion Ravens.

Unforced errors cost the Braves dearly as they come up short against Rowers

This was a game where the Braves were always competitive but came up on the wrong end of the score board losing 17-29 to the Rowing Club. In the opening minutes of the game both teams showed their desire to attack and team defenses were tested at both ends of the field. Rowers were first on the board with a penalty goal at the tem minute mark and added to their 0-3 lead when they added almost immediately following this score with a counter attacking try stemming from their own twenty two. The conversion made it 0-10. UBC forced its way back into the game on the twenty minute mark. Center Flynn Heyes (Carson Graham) and Number 8 Callum Bulman (RGS Guildford) had both been prominent in attack for the Braves and after wing Dane Hopkins (Handsworth) almost scampered over on the left side, the ball was recycled to the right where Heyes was on hand to back up hooker Josh Tweed (Semiahmoo) to score on the right and close the gap to 5-10. The Braves worked hard to reduce the scoreline further but were undone by poor defending of a counter attack which allowed the Rowers to add a third try and take a 5-15 lead, and finally by an interception try as UBC tried to break from its own twenty two. The conversion of this Rowing Club bonus point try gave the visitors a half time lead of 5-22.
 

UBC began the second half well after making a number of changes which saw full back Jack Scher (St George’s) move up to stand-off and John Tolton (United World College) come on at full back. After a line out in its own 22 UBC’s Devan Hunter (Crescent School) made ground on the right wing which ultimately produced a penalty for the home team. From the tap Scher penetrated and fed center Nick Froese (Point Grey) to score near the posts. Scher’s conversion made it 12-22 and gave the home team fresh impetus. Some unforced errors cost The Braves dearly in terms of maintaining pressure but they did close the gap further following another tap penalty when the ball wad recycled at the Rowing Club’s posts for Tweed to score on the left and reduce the gap to 17-22. UBC continued to press for the go ahead score.

Unfortunately an excellent scoring opportunity with just eight minutes to play turned into disaster as a long pass attempting to find Hunter on the right was intercepted and taken the length of the field for a Rowers’ score. The conversion made it 17-29. Hinter then appeared to have closed the gap as he raced in for an apparent score on his right wing only for the try to be ruled out for incorrect grounding. The bonus point loss was missed and the visitors held on for the win. This coming weekend, the Braves travel to Seattle.

U23s rally against the Rowers sees the claim two valuable points in close loss

For many of the team this was the first taste of senior rugby and the players learned some important lessons that will help them move forward in terms of performance as the season continues.  The game began well for UBC with centre Colton Zayshley (Lord Tweedsmuir) scoring a fine individual effort which was converted by Jamie Gazzola (Elgin Park) to put the home team up 7-0. The older and more seasoned Rowers came back strongly using their forwards to advance the play and scoring three tries and a convert in the next fifteen minutes to take a 7-17 lead. To their credit, the young U23 group responded well and after thirty minutes hooker Jacob Cho (Magee) scored a fine individual effort from forty meters out following a quick tap penalty. Gazzola converted again to move the score to 14-17. Rowers had the last word of the half when they converted a penalty to increase their advantage to 14-20.
 

The visitors exerted some early pressure at the start of the second half to score another try and move ahead 14-25 before UBC hit back through Bryan Sun (Western Academy Beijing) who scored on the left following a set scrum on the right to make it 19-25. Rowers came back again and mounted a period of pressure which ultimately produced another try and conversion to extend their lead to 19-32. To their credit UBC fought back and competed right through to final whistle scoring two further tries through Sun and prop Nick Gray (Carson Graham) and a conversion from Michael Shilliday (Bishop O’Dowd) to make the final score 31-32 and ear the U23s two bonus points in the close loss. The incoming players will have learned a lot from this opening game in terms of playing rugby at the senior level and will continue to improve as the season progresses. Their next game is at Surrey on September 15th.
 

UBC Team of the week

This is recognition of players who were outstanding in their position for games on the weekend of September 8th.

1: Ben Beaulieu – (Braves – Trinity College)

2: Josh Tweed – (Braves – Semiahmoo)

3: Henry Davitt – (U23 – Sutherland)

4: James Carson – (Birds – Oak Bay)

5: Donald Carson – (Birds – Southpointe)

6: Jack Bae – (Braves – Kitsilano)

7: Seth Grieve – (Braves – Pangbourne)

8: Jake Ikeda – (Birds – Magee)

9: Fraser Hurst – (Birds – St George’s)

10: Pablo Aleman – (U23 – Greengates)

11: Jake Lan – (Birds – Rockridge)

12: Flynn Heyes – (Braves – Carson Graham)

13; Colton Zayshley – (U23 – Lord Twedsmuir)

14: Devan Hunter – (Braves – Crescent School)

15: Cole Keffer – (Birds – Sutherland)

16: Impact Sub – Nick Econome – (Braves – Jesuit College)

This weekend’s games – September 15th

Birds @ Seattle – Kick off 2.45pm

Braves @ Seattle – Kick off 12.45pm

U23 @ Surrey – Kick off 11.15am

Season Results

September 8th v Rowers – Lost 23-24

Fundraising - Monthly Giving: While we already have a number of donors that contribute on a monthly basis, we are actively looking to grow these numbers. One donor at a minimum of $5.00 per month will raise $60.00 per year. Our aim is to attract over 100 new donors in this category raising a minimum of $6,000.00 per year. Of course, we really want more than that cup of latte or bottle of beer per month. 100 new donors at $10.00 per month would raise $12,000.00 per year and at $20.00 would raise $24,000.00. This year we have a donor in place to match up to $30,000.00 that we raise in new monthly giving donations over the course of the year so, if you are interested in becoming a new Monthly Donor, you can contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca 
 

UBC Rugby Thunder Renewal

This contribution is tax deductible.

Fundraising - Gerald McGavin Pavilion Seats: We already have a significant number of seats at the Pavilion with plaques bearing the names of the contributors. This contribution is valued at $1,500.00 with our most recent donations raising some $9,000.00. If you are interested in becoming a new Seat Donor, you can contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca

This contribution is tax deductible.

September 12, 2018

Following another successful season in 2017-2018, the UBC Men’s Rugby Program is looking forward to the new campaign. Despite the departure of some veteran players such as Nathan Rees and Cam McWilliam, there is still a large core of players returning with Premier League experience. This seasoned contingent, combined with a strong group of new recruits, augurs well for the immediate future of the program which has garnered much success and praise over the last five seasons. ‘The return to excellence’ of the rugby program at UBC owes much to the drive of committed Alumni along with the vision of committed and outstanding rugby staff, an integrated support system and world class facilities.
 

The outcome has been the emergence of one of leading rugby programs at any level in North America. The vision has been of a fully integrated approach to preparation which has included high performance rugby coaching along with world class strength and conditioning through UBC’s Head Coach of Strength and Conditioning Joe McCullum. Besides directing the program for the rugby players McCullum is also responsible for the University’s 29 teams and 650 athletes. A leader in his field, he has also coached multiple world medalists, Olympic medalists and professional NHL and NFL athletes.

More importantly, this integrated approach is still evolving. As an example, the players are now much more aware of the importance of nutrition through the expertise of Emma McCrudden who has worked as an applied Performance Dietitian for the English Institute of Sport. McCrudden worked with a variety of sports including England Netball and Bob Skeleton along with being the lead dietitian for Leinster Rugby. In 2013, she joined the Canadian Sport Institute Pacific in Vancouver and has worked with a large number of national team athletes as well as swimmers, the Vancouver Whitecaps Youth teams and the Vancouver Canucks. She now works full time with athletes from UBC.
 

When it comes to sport facilities, UBC leads the charge in providing world-class facilities. Over two thirds of UBC Sports Facilities have been built or significantly renovated in the last ten years. UBC Sport Facilities have also established strong partnerships with Professional, National and Provincial organizations such as the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Vancouver Canucks, Tennis Canada, Field Hockey Canada, Swimming Canada and BC Rugby. The Rugby facilities, highlighted by the Gerald McGavin Pavilion and perhaps the best playing surface in the province, and supported by one other grass field and two World Rugby approved turf fields, provide a center of excellence, a daily high performance level training environment that enables UBC athletes to excel at the highest level.
 

The core values of the Rugby program at UBC are encapsulated in its mission statement: Great Education, Great Rugby, Great Tradition. The priority for all the athletes is the completion of their education and this focus on academic welfare and personal development ensures that the players are tracked throughout the school year with continued weekly support offered through the Thunderbird Study program and our own Rugby Study program.
 

This academic support of athletes in the UBC Rugby program is matched by another salient feature of the Thunderbird Program, its ongoing tradition of developing Provincial and National talent. Just recently, ten UBC athletes were involved with the Rugby Canada U20 Selection Camp for the World Trophy Event in Romania. In addition, over the course of the last five years a significant number of players have made themselves available for representation at all levels of Provincial and National Team programs.

Canada National Team 2015-2018: Capped - Brock Staller, Ben Lesage, Andrew Coe and Theo Sauder

Canada National Sevens Team 2015-2018: Phil Berna and Andrew Coe (Harry Jones already an established member)

Canada U18: 2013 – Harjun Gill, Karsten Leitner and Ben Lesage

Canada U18: 2014 - Braydon Williams, Declan Kelly, Nolan Howell, Cole Keffer and Foster Dewitt

Canada U18: 2016 – Nicolas Frost and Liam Doll

Canada U19: 2017 – Jake Lan, Matt Ye, Michael Smith, John Jubenvill, Owain Ruttan, Christoph Stangl

Canada U20: 2013 – Neil Courtney, Jorden Sandover-Best, Charlie Thorpe, Connor Hamilton, Alex Mascott and Thomas Roche

Canada U20 2014: Neil Courtney, Connor Hamilton, Ben Lesage and Harjun Gill

Canada U20 2015: Phil Berna, Andrew Coe, Theo Sauder, Cali Martinez, Karsten Leitner and Harjun Gill

Canada U20 2016: Andrew Coe, Theo Sauder, Cali Martinez, Connor Sampson, Nakai Penny and Cole Keffer

Canada U20 2017: Liam Doll, Elias Ergas, Nick Frost, Fraser Hurst, Connor Sampson, William McDougall-Percillier, Evan Norris

Canada U20 2018: William McDougall-Percillier, Kevin Vertkas, Elia Ergas, Tyler Rowland, Michael Smith, Owain Ruttan, Sam Turner

Canada Maple Leaf Sevens 2014-2018: Jorden Sandover-Best, Nathan Rees, Theo Sauder, Andrew Coe, Karsten Leitner, Jake Lan, Kevin Vertkas
 

The UBC Rugby Program is committed to providing its student athletes with an outstanding experience, enabling them to excel at the highest level and inspiring them to succeed in both life and rugby.
 

As we move forward following the enormous success of the program in the last five seasons, it is time to look at what we need to sustain this continuing level of performance. With a program of over 100 players and with a staff of more than a dozen coaches and trainers, it is perhaps no surprise to hear that it costs, on average, approximately $3,000.00 per player to operate on an annual basis. A significant amount of the operating budget comes from fundraising and donations from Alumni, Supporters, Parents and Players. For the program to maintain its current state of excellence we need to ensure that the efforts to fundraise successfully continue as we provide the best environment possible to develop talented individuals in the best rugby program in North America. While we have been successful in attracting donors to the program, we do need to let all our supporters know the ways in which they can contribute to its sustained success.
 

Monthly Giving: While we already have a number of donors that contribute on a monthly basis, we are actively looking to grow these numbers. One donor at a minimum of $5.00 per month will raise $60.00 per year. Our aim is to attract over 100 new donors in this category raising a minimum of $6,000.00 per year. Of course, we really want more than that cup of latte or bottle of beer per month. 100 new donors at $10.00 per month would raise $12,000.00 per year and at $20.00 would raise $24,000.00. This year we have a donor in place to match up to $30,000.00 that we raise in new monthly giving donations over the course of the year so, if you are interested in becoming a new Monthly Donor, you can contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca or go to the following link.
 

UBC Rugby Thunder Renewal

This contribution is tax deductible.

Gerald McGavin Pavilion Seats: We already have a significant number of seats at the Pavilion with plaques bearing the names of the contributors. This contribution is valued at $1,500.00 with our most recent donations raising some $9,000.00. If you are interested in becoming a new Seat Donor, you can contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca

This contribution is tax deductible.

Rugby Canada Selection Camp for 2018 World Trophy

First, congratulations to the 6 UBC players who were selected for the U20 World Trophy currently taking place in Romania:

Elias Ergas – (Collingwood
Will McDougall-Percillier – (Brentwood)
Tyler Rowland –  (Mentor College)
Owain Ruttan –  (St Mary’s)
Michael Smith – (Earl Marriott)
Kevin Vertkas –  (Mentor College)

Opening Home Game of the 2018-2019 Season

UBC will host Rowers in all three divisions on September 8th:

11.15am – U23 Men v Rowers

12.45pm – Braves v Rowers

2.30pm – Birds v Rowers

UBC Thunderbird Team Recognition on September 8th

We will be recognizing the 1988 Thunderbird Team that won the Club’s first ever National Championship, the Labatt’s National Sub-Union Championship. Please join us in celebrating this success and legacy.

Alumni and Supporter Welcome for Final Training Session on September 6th

We invite all Alumni and supporters to come to the clubhouse on Thursday September 6th to join us as we complete our preparation for the new season. Training starts at 5.00pm and the Clubhouse will be open after training at 7.00pm.
 

Fall Fixtures

The fixture list for the Fall is below:

September 8th

Thunderbirds V Rowers

Braves V Rowers

U23 V Rowers

September 15th

Thunderbirds @ Seattle

Braves @ Seattle

U23 @ Surrey

September 22nd

Thunderbirds @ Meraloma

Braves @ Meralomas

U23 @ Meraloma

September 29th

Thunderbirds V Westshore

Braves V Westshore

U23 V Richmond

October 5th Holiday Weekend

October 13th

Thunderbirds @ Ravens

Braves @ Ravens

U23 V Kats

October 20th

Thunderbirds @ UVic

Braves @ UVic

U23 @ Bayside

October 27th National Championship Qualifiers in Kelowna

November 3rd

Thunderbirds V Burnaby

Braves V Burnaby

U23 V Squamish

November 10th Remembrance Day Weekend

November 17th

Thunderbirds @ Capilano

Braves @ Capilano

U23 @ Capilano

November 24th National Finals in Victoria

December 1st

Thunderbirds V Ravens

Braves V Ravens

December 9th Make up

Game Day Sponsors

We are still looking for potential game day sponsors for our potential 9 home games to cover costs for game day events and food. Get in touch with Dave for details at dave.brown@ubc.ca or by cell at 604-671-4283.

September 1, 2018

Rugby Canada Selection Camp for 2018 World Trophy

First, congratulations to the 10 UBC players who were invited to the U20 selection camp currently taking place at Shawnigan Lake:

Frank Carson – (Southpointe)
Elias Ergas –  (Collingwood
Will McDougall-Percillier – (Brentwood)
Tyler Rowland –  (Mentor College)
Owain Ruttan –  (St Mary’s)
Jack Scher – (St George’s)
Harrison Smith – (Handsworth)
Michael Smith – (Earl Marriott)
Sam Turner -   (St George’s)
Kevin Vertkas –  (Mentor College)
 

Also invited but unable to attend was John Jubenvill  (Earl Marriott).

In addition, Braves Head Coach Bruce Rainer was invited to be part of the camp:

“Following several coach development meetings in Saskatchewan, a number of provincial coaches have taken up the invitation to be a part of our World Trophy preparations on Vancouver Island. This is hugely important for Canadian Rugby to help support coach development as well as to develop greater cohesion and alignment in the player development process and pathway,” said Head Coach Jeff Williams.

Players in France with the National Senior Men’s Team

Congratulations to Theo Sauder (St George’s) and Ben Lesage (Henry WIsewood). Clint Lemkus (Paul Roos) was also chosen but was unable to participate due to injury.
 

Pre-season Camp starts on August 28th in preparation for the new season. The fixture list for Fall is below:

September 8th

Thunderbirds V Rowers

Braves V Rowers

U23 V Rowers

September 15th

Thunderbirds @ Seattle

Braves @ Seattle

U23 @ Surrey

September 22nd

Thunderbirds @ Meraloma

Braves @ Meralomas

U23 @ Meraloma

September 29th

Thunderbirds V Westshore

Braves V Westshore

U23 V Richmond

October 5th Holiday Weekend

October 13th

Thunderbirds @ Ravens

Braves @ Ravens

U23 V Kats

October 20th

Thunderbirds @ UVic

Braves @ UVic

U23 @ Bayside

October 27th National Championship Qualifiers in Kelowna

November 3rd

Thunderbirds V Burnaby

Braves V Burnaby

U23 V Squamish

November 10th Remembrance Day Weekend

November 17th

Thunderbirds @ Capilano

Braves @ Capilano

U23 @ Capilano

November 24th National Finals in Victoria

December 1st

Thunderbirds V Ravens

Braves V Ravens

December 9th Make up

Game Day Sponsors

We are still looking for potential game day sponsors for our potential 9 home games to cover costs for game day events and food. Get in touch with Dave for details at dave.brown@ubc.ca or by cell at 604-671-4283.
 

Thunderbird Pavilion Seats

A reminder that Pavilion seats (and accompanying name plaques) can still be purchased for $1,500.00. Once again, get in touch with Dave for details at dave.brown@ubc.ca or by cell at 604-671-4283.

August 16, 2018

Two Thunderbirds play for Canada in the 2018 Summer Series

A big congratulations to both Theo Sauder (St Georg’s), who gained his first cap against Scotland, and to Ben Lesage (Henry Wisewood) for their selections to the National Men’s Team in the 2018 Summer Series.

Rugby Canada U20’s –World Trophy Qualification

Thunderbirds feature strongly in Canada U20s progression the World Junior Trophy in the Qualifiers against the USA in June in Texas. The players selected were:

Elias Ergas – (Collingwood)

William McDougall-Percillier – (Brentwood)
Tyler Rowland – (Mentor College)
Owain Ruttan – (St Mary’)s
Michael Smith – (Earl Marriott)
Sam Turner – (St George’s)
Kevin Vertkas – (Mentor College) 

Twelve UBC Players playing U19 Rep Rugby over the summer

The following players will represent BC at the National U19 Championships in Saskatoon in July. The team will be coached by our own Curry Hitchborn and Bruce Rainer

Frank Carson (Southpointe)

Dave Carson (Oak Bay)

Carter MacDonald (Elgin Park)

Henry Davitt (Sutherland)

Dane Hopkins (Handsworth)

Max Radcliffe (Earl Marriott)

Jack Scher (St George’s)

Kilick Saxer (Carson Graham)

Chris Small (Sutherland)

Nick Gray (Carson Graham)

The following players will represent Ontario at the National U19 Championships in Saskatoon in July.

Tyler Rowland (Mentor College)

Devan Hunter (Cresecent School)

Congratulations and good luck to all.

Fundraising

Thunderbird Kit Sponsor

We are pleased to announce that online and mobile-enabled social learning intelligence platform Braidio will be sponsoring the Thunderbird rugby shirt for the upcoming season. We want to thank Evan and Iain Scholnick for this great contribution. Iain noted “Braidio will sponsor UBC Thunderbirds Rugby on behalf of the 84 Canadian National Team as well as UBCs own the Labatt’s National Championship Team of 1988 of which I, among other great players, was proud to belong.”

You can visit the Braidio site at www.braidio.com
 

Game Day Sponsors

We are still looking for game day sponsors for our potential 11 home games to cover costs for game day events and food. Again, get in touch with Dave for details at dave.brown@ubc.ca or by cell at 604-671-4283.
 

Thunderbird Pavilion Seats.

A reminder that Pavilion seats (and accompanying name plaques) can still be purchased for $1,500.00. Once again, get in touch with Dave for details at dave.brown@ubc.ca or by cell at 604-671-4283.

The Monthly Donation Challenge

Since setting up the Monthly Challenge, there have been a number of new monthly contributors to the Thunder Renewal Fund for an additional $1,000.00. This brings the total donors to almost 30 contributing just over $1600.00 per month

In addition we have a donor that will match our full annual Monthly Donor amount up to a level of $30,000.00.

Right now we are sitting at approximately $19,000.00 for the year so we need additional donors for another $900.00 per month to reach that $30,000.00 level.

Remember that our goal is to raise $5,000.00 monthly. We have had donors give as little as $5.00 per month and over $100.00. Every dollar counts.

Thanks to everyone who has contributed and here is challenging more to subscribe. The link for monthly giving is here:

July 10, 2018

Birds’ fall to Ravens  10-16
 

After three successive Rounsefell Cup victories, the UBC Thunder birds relinquished their crown to the Ravens 10-16 in a hard fought encounter at the Exhibition Stadium in Abbotsford. The League’s top two offensive teams turned in a huge defensive display to keep supporters on edge right down to the final play as UBC battled for ground in an attempt to overcome a very familiar opponent.  
 

UBC Takes great pride in the role it has taken in the development of students and athletes and this was very apparent in this game as nine former Birds lined up to start for the Ravens. Paul Ahn (2016), Chris Taylor (2017), Sam Clark (2017) and Connor Hamilton (2017) started in the forwards while Sean Ferguson (2014), Ben Grant (2014), Cully Quirke (2015), Adam McQueen (2017) and Jordan Sandover-Best (2017) featured in a strong backline.
 

The Birds started the game well and almost broke free when Theo Sauder (St George’s) broke the defensive line but was unable to find a supporting team mate with his offload. Defense was dominating the play and with neither team unable to win its own sets there was an uncertainty on where the first score would come from. It eventually came after fifteen minutes for the Ravens on a lost UBC line-out as Adam McQueen slotted his first penalty of the game to push the Old Boys out to a 0-3 lead. This lead stretched to 0-10 within minutes as Ravens full back McLelland dummied his way through the Birds’ defence on the right to score under the posts and give McQueen an easy conversion. When Ravens hooker Nathan Kendrick was yellow carded minutes later, UBC’s attack started to show signs of life. Winger Elias Ergas (Collingwood) and full back Nick Collett (Southridge) made inroads on the left flank and then centre Ben Lesage (Henry Wisewood) made a telling break on the right before Sauder cross kicked left allowing Ergas to score. Sauder’s conversion closed the gap to 7-10 and UBC looked to strike again when another Lesage break put right wing Cole Keffer (Sutherland) in the clear only to be stopped by a timely ankle tap tackle. The half ended with the Birds trailing 7-10.
 

UBC made one initial change for the second half with Fraser Hurst (St George’s) replacing centre John Jubenvill (Earl Marriott). Hurst moved to full back with Collett slotting in at stand-off and Sauder moving to outside centre. From the onset the Birds worked hard to penetrate the Ravens’ defence but any advance was met with stout resistance coupled with untimely turn overs. As the game was reaching the mid-point of the second half it was halted for several minutes as officials discussed an incident and which saw Old Boys’ flanker Karl Moran carded. Sauder converted the penalty and the scores were tied at 10-10.  When UBC lost another one of its own line outs, the Ravens forced a penalty from the resulting possession and McQueen stepped up to push them out to 10-13 lead with less than fifteen minutes remaining. Minutes later McQueen missed with a longer range effort before UBC’s lock Owain Ruttan (St Mary’s) was carded and he added his third penalty of the game to extend the gap to 10-16 with six minutes remaining. UBC continued to look for the last score of the game and were pushing relentlessly on the final play until a lost ball in contact resulted in the final whistle.

Despite this loss, this has been another outstanding season for the Birds who have won the University National Championship, the Wightman Boot, the World Cup and finished in first place in the demanding BC Rugby CDI League. With only two players leaving from the Varsity Squad, Nathan Rees (Porth County) and Cam McWilliam (St George’s), next year’s version of the Thunderbirds will be as competitive as this year.  We wish both Nathan and Cam all the best for their future careers and in rugby and hope to see them both again in the season’s ahead.
 

We want to thank everyone involved including coaches, trainers, players and UBC staff from Athletics and Recreation along with the outstanding support from Alumni, Supporters and Parents. We look forward to seeing you all back here again next season.
 

Results
September 9th @ Burnaby, Lost 11-19
September 16th V Ravens, lost 17-32
September 23 @ Vikes, Won 44-22
September 30 V Capilano, Won 34-26
October 14th V Westshore, Won 43-19
October 21st @ Seattle, Won 36-14
October 28th V CW, Won 53-7
November 4th @ Meraloma, Won 72-17
November 15th to 19th: National University Championship, Guelph, Ontario
• November16th: Pool Game V Concordia, Won 46-0
• November 18th: Pool Game V McMaster, Won 36-6
• November 19th: Gold Medal Game V Vikes, Won 37-12 – 2017 National Champions
November 28th @ Nanaimo, Won 76-3
December 2nd @ Ravens, Won 22-5
December 9th V JBAA, Won 46-19
January 20th V Nanaimo, Won 52-12
January 27th V Vikes, Won 22-20 – 2018 Wightman Boot Winners (Overall Score 66-42)
February 3rd @ Capilano, Lost 26-32
February 10th V Seattle, Won 48-10
February 24th @ Cal Berkeley, World Cup, Lost 36-39
March 4th V Cal Berkeley, World Cup, Win 49-25 – 2018 World Cup Winners (Overall Score 85-64)
March 17th @ James Bay, Won 52-19
March 24th V Burnaby Lake, Won 34-20
March 31st @ Westshore, Won 48-13
April 7th @ CW, Won 25-17
April 14th V Meraloma, Won 46-21

Finished First in CDI League Standings, Played 20, Won 17, Lost 3, Points For 804 Points Against 345
April 28th BC Semi Finals – Birds V CW, Won 36-24
May 5th BC Provincial Final, Rounsfell Cup – Birds V Ravens , Lost 10-16

The Monthly Donation Challenge

Since setting up the Monthly Challenge, there have been 6 new monthly contributors to the Thunder Renewal Fund for an additional $310.00. This brings the total donors to approximately 20 contributing just over $800.00 per month. Remember that our goal is to raise $5,000.00 monthly. Thanks to everyone who has contributed and here is challenging more to subscribe. The link for monthly giving is here:

UBC Rugby Thunder Renewal

The Monthly Donation Challenge

To Men's Rugby Alumni & Donors,
 

UBC Men’s Rugby has just completed another amazing season, winning the Wightman Boot, the World Cup, the Canadian University National Championship and the BC Rugby CDI Premier League.
 

Program costs have increased annually and to sustain the continued "Return to Excellence" even more effort is required to raise sufficient funds. We have been fortunate to receive regular one time donations from our Alumni and supporters as well as a small number of regular monthly donations.

However, we need to increase the number and the amount of monthly donations to provide more financial certainty to the continuing success of the program. With this is in mind we are launching the Monthly Donation Challenge with the goal of increasing the number of monthly donors and the monthly amount that we raise. Our goal is to bring in over $5,000.00 per month which will be significantly greater than our current figures of $500.00 per month. This $500.00 is raised with the efforts of just 15 monthly donors. 

The link to sign up for your monthly donation can be found by clicking here.

And remember, your contribution is tax deductible. 
 

If you have been a contributor in the past but your financial information (such as a change in your credit card) interrupted your contribution, please consider renewing your monthly contributions now. 

Thank you for supporting your Thunderbirds. 

Help us stay connected!

When your former teammates move, change email addresses or phone numbers sometimes they forget to update their contact information with us. Please help make sure they are invited by forwarding this email on.

If you received this email from a friend and not UBC Athletics please update your information so that we can make sure you are invited to all upcoming reunions and events.

Development and Alumni Engagement

Alumni Relations - Athletics
 272 - 6081 University Blvd.
Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1, Canada
Tel: 604.827.3081
 athl.alumni@ubc.ca

May 8, 2018

UBC started the game in confident fashion, very much controlling possession and field position for the opening fifteen minutes. Indeed, they earned an early penalty in front of the posts after just one minute for Theo Sauder (St George’s) to convert for a 3-0 lead. The Birds kept up the pressure and stole a scrum against the head to keep CW under pressure. The UBC scrum would be dominant all afternoon, denying CW good ball and allowing the Birds to keep the visitors under constant pressure. Sauder was nearly the architect of the game’s first try as his accurate cross field kick was almost recovered by scrum half William McDoougall-Percillier (Brentwood College).

Another big UBC scrum followed and allowed the backs to make inroads into the CW defense. CW’s position was not helped when centre Johnson was shown a yellow card. UBC center Ben Lesage (Henry WIsewood), a welcome return after doing duty with Canada and recovering from injury, who had been prominent in the opening attacks then scored the home team’s first try as he chased another accurate Sauder chip kick to score near the posts, giving Sauder the easiest of conversions and stretching the UBC lead to 10-0.

CW responded immediately, making the most of a poor kick off reception by UBC and forcing a line-out in left field in the attacking twenty two. A well worked drive followed before scrum half DiNardo broke the Birds’ defense to feed flanker Dala for the try. Adibe converted to make the score 10-7.Adibe had an opportunity to tie the scores minutes later but his long range effort pulled wide. The Birds then began to ask questions of the CW defense as they piled on the pressure through their dominant scrum, a number of timely turn overs and a sharp counter attack. It was from a line-out in left field that UBC scored their next try. Flanker Jake Ikeda (Magee) made a great break which took him thirty meters and to with touching distance of the CW line. From the resulting five meter scrum, Nick Allen (Mulgrave) picked and crashed over under the posts. Sauder converted again and UBC were up 17-7.

With less than five minutes remaining in the half CW backrower Finnemore was shown a yellow card and from the resulting line-out UBC launched another multi phased attack, with prop Clint Lemkus (Paul Roos) and Allen leading the charge, and which ended with left wing Elias Ergas (Collingwood ) going over in the corner to make it 22-7. Sauder failed with the extra points but UBC went into half time with a healthy advantage.
 

The Birds started the second half just as they had finished the first by placing enormous pressure on the visitors. The long kick off was pressured and CW turned the ball over. UBC pressured and on an advantage call Ergas should have scored his second try of the afternoon. The play was brought back and from the scrum Allen picked and went right before Lemkus took the pass from the ruck to plunge over. Sauder added his third conversion of the afternoon and the Birds saw more daylight at 29-7. From the kick off UBC attacked again. A great passage of continuity almost ended with full back Nick Collett (Southridge) scoring after a great offload from prop Cali Martinez (Earl Marriott). Instead, the play was brought back for CW offside and from the right field scrum the ball went through the hands of Sauder and Lesage for Ergas to touch down in the left corner. Sauder potted his fourth conversion to extend the gap to 36-7. From a bright position and with twenty five minutes remaining UBC’s afternoon turned slightly darker as prop Clint Lemkus picked up a yellow card, his third of the season, which would rule him out of the Final in Abbotsford. CW went straight to the attack, kicking for touch and driving a line-out which was finished off by flanker Stewart. From 36-12, the visitors employed the same strategy again and with fifteen minutes to go Stewart added his second from the back of a driving maul to make it 36-17. While the Birds were in no danger of losing the game, events conspired to see CW winger Logan and Lemkus both carded with less than five minutes remaining. Lemkus received a red card for his second yellow card of the game and UBC completed the game a man short. The visitors had the last word on scoring as lock Lesak crossed for a try under the posts. Adibe converted at make the final score 36-24. UBC now moves on to its fourth consecutive Rounsefell Cup Final where the opponents will be the Ravens whose starting team boasted nine Thunderbirds from the successful teams of the last four seasons. The final will be held at Exhibition Stadium on May 5th, kick off time TBC.
 

Next Games
May 5th, BC Rugby Provincial Final, Rounsefell Cup, V Ravens @ Abbotsford, 4:30 PM

Results
September 9th @ Burnaby, Lost 11-19
September 16th V Ravens, lost 17-32
September 23 @ Vikes, Won 44-22
September 30 V Capilano, Won 34-26
October 14th V Westshore, Won 43-19
October 21st @ Seattle, Won 36-14
October 28th V CW, Won 53-7
November 4th @ Meraloma, Won 72-17
November 15th to 19th: National University Championship, Guelph, Ontario
• November16th: Pool Game V Concordia, Won 46-0
• November 18th: Pool Game V McMaster, Won 36-6
• November 19th: Gold Medal Game V Vikes, Won 37-12 – 2017 National Champions
November 28th @ Nanaimo, Won 76-3
December 2nd @ Ravens, Won 22-5
December 9th V JBAA, Won 46-19
January 20th V Nanaimo, Won 52-12
January 27th V Vikes, Won 22-20 – 2018 Wightman Boot Winners (Overall Score 66-42)
February 3rd @ Capilano, Lost 26-32
February 10th V Seattle, Won 48-10
February 24th @ Cal Berkeley, World Cup, Lost 36-39
March 4th V Cal Berkeley, World Cup, Win 49-25 – 2018 World Cup Winners (Overall Score 85-64)
March 17th @ James Bay, Won 52-19
March 24th V Burnaby Lake, Won 34-20
March 31st @ Westshore, Won 48-13
April 7th @ CW, Won 25-17
April 14th V Meraloma, Won 46-21
April 28th BC Semi Finals – Birds V CW, Won 36-24
May 5th BC Provincial Final, Rounsfell Cup @ Abbotsford

April 30, 2018

The Braves were unable to halt a dramatic comeback from the visiting CW team and were therefore eliminated from the BC Rugby premier reserve league championship at the quarter final stage. UBC spent over twenty minutes in its own half of the field as CW dominated possession and territory. There were a couple of incursions into the visitors’ half through huge efforts by Frank Carson (Southpointe) and Donald Carson (Southpointe) but it was not until the final fifteen minutes that the Braves finally broke the CW defence. The first try came from a CW clearance. Winger Wes Block Claremont) collected it in his own half, dummied to kick before weaving his way thought the defending lines to score by the posts tand give Sam Hughes (Handsworth) an easy conversion and the Braves a 7-0 advantage. The second score was another piece of individual play. When a UBC line out was won in right field near the half way line, centre Nick Froese (Point Grey) recovered a poor pass and then proceeded to get the ball going forward. He soon found himself in daylight and went the distance to score on the right. Hughes converted and the lead stretched to 14-0. With time added on for injury the Braves scored a third score when good build up play by prop Sam Turner (St George's) saw UBC awarded a penalty. From the quick tap and ensuing rucks Frank Carson stretched over for the try. Hughes added his third conversion to put the Braves up 21-0 at the half.

CW got back in the game quickly after the restart, intercepting a pass near the Braves’ line to score. The conversion made it 21-7 before Hughes converted a penalty to put the Braves up 24-7 with thirty minutes remaining. CW pressed again, dominating the penalty count and resulting line-outs and forcing UBC into countless technical errors. Within twenty minutes the visors scored three tries, two of which were converted, to pull ahead 24-26. As the home team pressed for the winning points the ball was again turned over in the tackle. CW countered immediately and scored its final try of the game. The convert made it 24-33 and the Braves’ season had come to an abrupt conclusion.

Despite this loss, this has been a very good season for the Braves and with no graduating players the 2018-2019 season looks bright. Thanks to everyone for your support during the season and on the weekend.

Next Games

April 28th: Birds V CW kick off 3.00pm (This is a 3.00pm kick off)
April 28th: UBC U23 V Capilano kick off 11.15am

Results
September 9th @ Burnaby, Lost 11-19
September 16th V Ravens, lost 17-32
September 23 @ Vikes, Won 44-22
September 30 V Capilano, Won 34-26
October 14th V Westshore, Won 43-19
October 21st @ Seattle, Won 36-14
October 28th V CW, Won 53-7
November 4th @ Meraloma, Won 72-17
November 15th to 19th: National University Championship, Guelph, Ontario
• November16th: Pool Game V Concordia, Won 46-0
• November 18th: Pool Game V McMaster, Won 36-6
• November 19th: Gold Medal Game V Vikes, Won 37-12 – 2017 National Champions
November 28th @ Nanaimo, Won 76-3
December 2nd @ Ravens, Won 22-5
December 9th V JBAA, Won 46-19
January 20th V Nanaimo, Won 52-12
January 27th V Vikes, Won 22-20 – 2018 Wightman Boot Winners
February 3rd @ Capilano, Lost 26-32
February 10th V Seattle, Won 48-10
February 24th @ Cal Berkeley, World Cup, Lost 36-39
March 4th V Cal Berkeley, World Cup, Win 49-25 – 2018 World Cup Winners
March 17th @ James Bay, Won 52-19
March 24th V Burnaby Lake, Won 34-20
March 31st @ Westshore, Won 48-13
April 7th @ CW, Won 25-17
April 14th V Meraloma, Won 46-21
April 28th BC Semi Finals – Birds V CW
May 5th BC Finals @ Abbotsford

April 24, 2018

=To Men's Rugby Alumni & Donors,
 

UBC Men’s Rugby has just completed another amazing season, winning the Wightman Boot, the World Cup, the Canadian University National Championship and the BC Rugby CDI Premier League regular season title. 
 

Program costs have increased annually and to sustain the continued "Return to Excellence" even more effort is required to raise sufficient funds. We have been fortunate to receive regular one time donations from our Alumni and supporters as well as a small number of regular monthly donations.
 

However, we need to increase the number and the amount of monthly donations to provide more financial certainty to the continuing success of the program. With this is in mind we are launching the Monthly Donation Challenge with the goal of increasing the number of monthly donors and the monthly amount that we raise. Our goal is to bring in over $5,000.00 per month which will be significantly greater than our current figures of $500.00 per month. This $500.00 is raised with the efforts of just 15 monthly donors. 

The link to sign up for your monthly donation can be found by clicking here.

And remember, your contribution is tax deductible. 
 

If you have been a contributor in the past but your financial information (such as a change in your credit card) interrupted your contribution, please consider renewing your monthly contributions now. 
 

Thank you for supporting your Thunderbirds. 

April 18, 2018

There was a break in the weather for the game against the Meralomas but no break for the Club in terms of player unavailability due to injury or exams. Despite this situation, the Birds took the field knowing a win would secure them first position in the 2017-2018 CDI Premier League.

Although missing co-captains Jake Ikeda (Magee) and Theo Sauder (St George’s) there was a relatively familiar look to the forwards while the backs gave a glimpse of the future and the bench contained five first years.

UBC took an early lead when lock Nolan Howell (Hugh McRoberts) and number eight Nick Allen (Mulgrave) combined to put center Jake Lan (Rockridge) away on the right. His try was converted by scrum half William McDougall-Percillier (Brentwood College) for a 7-0 lead. It was the scrum half who fashioned the next score with a searing break from his own half. His offload was just missed by prop Clint Lemkus (Paul Roos) but collected by flanker Cam McWilliam (St George’s) who scored at the posts to give McDougall-Percillier the easiest of converts and the Birds a 14-0 advantage.

Wing Kevin Vertkas (Mentor Cllege) then looked to have added a third try only to be brought back for a forward pass. From the poor clearance by the visitors, UBC countered and forced a penalty which McDougall-Percillier kicked to extend the score to 17-0.

Despite a spirited effort by the visitors, with former flanker Bird Josh Clarke prominent along with inside backs Guy Schwikkard and Ben Cottle, it was the Home team who scored again. The Birds’ counter attack was to prove productive all afternoon and when winger Fraser Hurst (St George’s) and fullback Daniel Archer (Renaissance College), returning from a long term hamstring injury, made inroads into the Meraloma half the forwards carried on the attack through a series of rucks before Lan broke free to score his second of the day. It was converted by McDougall-Percillier to give UBC a 24-0 cushion. Meralomas never stopped trying to play constructive attacking rugby and they reduced the lead to 24-7 when they scored a converted try in the right corner.

UBC were enough on both sides of the ball to maintain the lead they had established and were confident enough in the strength of their scrum to know that if they made a mistake they had a very good chance of winning the ball back against the head.

The opening twenty minutes of the half saw the home team repel a number of Meraloma attacks with the visitors using their line out as a strong platform from which to put pressure on the Bird’s defence. Meralomas may have felt aggrieved that they came away from the UBC line on a number of occasions with no reward while the Birds appeared to have a perfectly good try by Lemkus brought back for an infringement.

It was the Birds however who scored the next try, again through Lan. With stand-off Nick Collett (Southridge) taken off, Archer moved up to replace him and Hurst shifted to full back. And it was Hurst who made a massive counter attacking break to produce the bonus point and Lan’s third of the afternoon, once again converted by McDougall-Percillier for the 31-7 lead. As the game entered the last fifteen minutes the teams swapped scores. The visitors made it 31-14 before Archer broke the line to put recent Rugby Canada U19 center Connor Byron (Yale) over for an unconverted score. The 36-14 score line was extended to 43-14 when another Rugby Canada U19 center James Newman (Oak Bay) broke free to score under the posts giving McDougall-Percillier his fifth conversion of the afternoon. The visitors responded with another seven points and McDougall-Percillier closed out the afternoon and game with his second penalty to make the final score 46-21.

The Birds now have a bye weekend until a Home semi-final on April 28th against an opponent yet to be decided.

Braves fall well short against the Meraloma Reserves but book a quarter final home game on the weekend of April 21st

The Braves came into the game needing to come away with a win to leapfrog their opponents into second place in the league standings and secure a semi-final bye. On the day the Meralomas were just too good for this Braves team, which made too many simple and costly errors to reach its goal.

The visitors missed an early penalty chance to go in front but were on the board within minutes when they scored in the right corner following a line out drive to make it 0-5. The line out proved to be a useful platform for the team from Kits. UBC penalties were punished mercilessly from drives and ensuing rucks. Meralomas scores a second try on the twenty minute mark and it very much mirrored the first. A penalty kick to touch gave them a line out near the Braves’ line where it was won and driven for a try and conversion to make it 0-12. UBC responded briefly when Frank Carson (Southpointe) scored in the left corner to make it 5-12 but constant turn overs at contact in key situations denied the Braves an opportunity to close the gap. The visitors kicked a penalty goal to take a 5-15 lead before winger Evan Norris (Shawnigan Lake) made a powerful run only to turn the ball over at the tackle and snuff out the chance to reduce the score at the half.

The visitors were on the front foot right from the start of the second half of the game. There were moments when it looked might break through to narrow the gap but the turn overs continued to halt any UBC continuity and pressure. In the final twenty minutes the visitors added five tries to their total and an additional three conversions to run away 5-46 winners and claim second spot in the Reserve League standings. The loss means that UBC play a Home quarter final next weekend with the the game scheduled for either Saturday or Sunday. This will be announced later on the week and the date will be posted on the website.

This was a great season for the Braves, finishing third in a very competitive league and providing valuable development opportunities for a large number of athletes.

Huge thanks to Parents

The players and staff want to thank the parents for the great hosting job on Saturday. And we send a big shout out to Brock Turner for organizing the group.

Next Games

April 22nd, Braves V CW. Kick off 1:00pm

April 28th, Birds V Winners of CW V Uvic, kick off 2.30pm

Results

September 9th @ Burnaby, Lost 11-19
September 16th V Ravens, lost 17-32
September 23 @ Vikes, Won 44-22
September 30 V Capilano, Won 34-26
October 14th V Westshore, Won 43-19
October 21st @ Seattle, Won 36-14
October 28th V CW, Won 53-7
November 4th @ Meraloma, Won 72-17
November 15th to 19th: National University Championship, Guelph, Ontario

• November16th: Pool Game V Concordia, Won 46-0

• November 18th: Pool Game V McMaster, Won 36-6

• November 19th: Gold Medal Game V Vikes, Won 37-12 – 2017 National Champions

November 28th @ Nanaimo, Won 76-3

December 2nd @ Ravens, Won 22-5

December 9th V JBAA, Won 46-19

January 20th V Nanaimo, Won 52-12

January 27th V Vikes, Won 22-20 – 2018 Wightman Boot Winners

February 3rd @ Capilano, Lost 26-32

February 10th V Seattle, Won 48-10

February 24th @ Cal Berkeley, World Cup, Lost 36-39

March 4th V Cal Berkeley, World Cup, Win 49-25 – 2018 World Cup Winners

March 17th @ James Bay, Won 52-19

March 24th V Burnaby Lake, Won 34-20

March 31st @ Westshore, Won 48-13

April 7th @ CW, Won 25-17

April 14th V Meraloma, Won 46-21

April 21st BC Quarter Finals (Top two teams get Bye to Semi Finals)

April 28th BC Semi Finals – Birds @ home, opponent TBC

May 5th BC Finals @ Abbotsford

April 17, 2018

UBC came from 0-14 down to record another important victory as the CDI season moves towards its conclusion.

The home team started strongly and was on the board after just ten minutes when left wing Anton Ngongo went over in the corner following a scrum over on the right. Adibe added the conversion to make the score 0-7 The birds put a few passages of play together but it was not enough to pressure the home team who added a second try after twenty minutes when a foray down the right sideline was brought back inside for prop Sponarski to score under the posts giving Adibe an easy convert and CW a 0-14 lead.

A powerful burst by back rower Nick Allen (Mulgrave) put the Birds in a position to test the home side defence and from an ensuing penalty, Theo Sauder added a long range penalty to put UBC on the score board at 3-14. The Birds were now beginning to string some phases together but allowed CW to relieve the pressure and counter with some poor technical decisions. When CW scum half Di Nardo was carded for an indiscretion the visitors scored almost immediately through lock and home town player James Carson (Oak Bay). Sauder converted to make it 10-14. Scrum half Cole Keffer (Sutherland) and stand-off Nick Collett (Southridge) then made inroads into the CW half and Carson was on hand again to power across the line following a series of attacking rucks allowing Sauder to add his second conversion and take over the lead at 17-14. CW flanker Nanyak Dala was then given a yellow card and the half ended with UBC attacking from the restart through left wing Kevin Vertkas (Mentor College). Flanker Michael Smith (Earl Marriott) burst through the middle and managed to get a pass off to the supporting hooker Harrison Smith (Handsworth) to score in the left corner to make the score 22-14 at the half.

UBC started the second half well with Keffer unlucky not to score after good work by Collett and centre John Jubenvill (Earl Marriott).  However it was the home team that struck first as Adibe added a penalty, following more good work from Ngongo, to reduce the lead to 17-22. Sauder followed suit minutes later with a penalty of his own to make the margin eight points at 25-17.

The rest of the game was one of the Birds searching for the bonus point try and CW trying to reduce the deficit and either take the lead or claim a bonus point in defeat. Neither team attained its goal. UBC maintained most of the possession and territory and the game moved towards its ultimate conclusion with CW lock Liam Chisolm being handed the team’s third yellow card of the day as the Bird ran out 25-17 winners. UBC plays its final home league fixture this coming Saturday against Meralomas.
 

Next game V Meraloma, Saturday April 14th, Kick off 2.30pm
 

CLICK HERE for Current CDI league standings
 

Braves fall to CW and now lay for second place in the standings in the final game of the season

CW handed UBC its fourth defeat of the season in an entertaining game at Windsor Park. The Barves started well and took the lead through back rower Christoph Stangl (Carson Graham) who forced his way over on the left after a good scrum in centre field. Sam Hughes (Handsworth) added the extras to put UBC in front 7-0. CW got on the board shortly afterwards through a penalty goal to make it 3-7. This was the score at the half with the only other major incidents were yellow cards to the CW winger and UBC scrum half Killick Saxer (Carson Graham).
 

The home team dominated the score in the second half scoring three consecutive tries to take 7-10, 7-17 and 7-24 leads and move the game out of the Braves’ reach. Callum Botchar (Magee) added a second try to make it 12-24 before the home team added a bonus point try to finish worthy winners 12-29. UBC play Meralomas this Saturday and a win would see the Braves overtake the visitors to finish second in the reserve league standings and earn a bye through to the semi-finals.
 

Next game V Meraloma, Saturday April 14th, Kick off 12.45pm
 

CLICK HERE for Current CDI league standings
 

UBC Players on Rugby Canada U20 Long List

Twelve UBC players have been chosen to the Rugby Canada U20 long list. Click here to read the full story. 
 

Elias Ergas – UBC Thunderbirds (Collingwood, Vancouver, BC)

John Jubenvill – UBC Thunderbirds (Earl Marriott, Vancouver, BC)

Jake Lan – UBC Thunderbirds (Rockridge, Vancouver, BC)

Evan Norris – UBC Thunderbirds (Shawnigan Lake, Victoria, BC)

Will McDougall-Percillier – UBC Thunderbirds (Brentwood College, Victoria, BC)

Tyler Rowland – UBC Thunderbirds (Mentor College, Toronto, ON)

Owain Ruttan – UBC Thunderbirds (St Mary’s, Toronto, ON)

Harrison Smith – UBC Thunderbirds (Sutherland, Vancouver, BC)

Michael Smith – UBC Thunderbirds (Earl Marriott, Vancouver, BC)

Christoph Stangl - UBC Thunderbirds (Carson Graham, Vancouver, BC)

Sam Turner - UBC Thunderbirds (St George’s, Vancouver, BC

Kevin Vertkas – UBC Thunderbirds (Mentor College, Toronto, ON)

BC Rugby News announced Clint Lemkus as another MVP for March.

Another UBC forward to get BCRN MVP recognition in March is Clint Lemkus. The UBC Thunderbirds are three time defending BC Premier Champions and haven't really been given the recognition they deserve. Clint has been a standout prop for UBC and has caught the eye of a number of knowledgeable people in the Canadian rugby community. Originally from South Africa, he will be eligible to play for Canada in 2019.Clint is a team player and likes to share the glory with his front row teammates, he explained the success UBC have had over the last few seasons in the set pieces, "The hard work generated in front row cannot be achieved by one but requires an entire pack but specifically a robust hooker and a technical loosehead. And that’s exactly what we have in Connor Sampson and Cali Martinez respectively.

The work these individuals put in is quiet and extremely effective."

Position: Loosehead and Tighthead Prop

Age:26

Height: 6’ 2”

Started playing: 6 years old

High School: Paul Roos Gymnasium

Previous Clubs: Crociati, Italy and Maties U20, Western Province Currie Cup U19
 

Best Rugby Moment: Rugby has served as a vehicle for me to travel the world, grow as an individual and serve without any expectations - and because of this I am forever grateful to the game.

Rugby Goals: Represent Canada on the International Stage at the 2019 World Cup

Other: UBC has been a fantastic environment which has enabled me to hone my skills as a Loosehead and a Tighthead as a player and coach under the tutelage of Curry Hitchborn, Rameses Langston and Bruce Rainer.
 

Next Games

Birds V Meraloma @UBC, kick off 2.30pm

Braves V Meraloma @ UBC, kick off 12.45pm

Results

September 9th @ Burnaby, Lost 11-19

September 16th V Ravens, lost 17-32

September 23 @ Vikes, Won 44-22

September 30 V Capilano, Won 34-26

October 14th V Westshore, Won 43-19

October 21st @ Seattle, Won 36-14

October 28th V CW, Won 53-7

November 4th @ Meraloma, Won 72-17

November 15th to 19th: National University Championship, Guelph, Ontario

• November16th: Pool Game V Concordia, Won 46-0

• November 18th: Pool Game V McMaster, Won 36-6

• November 19th: Gold Medal Game V Vikes, Won 37-12 – 2017 National Champions

November 28th @ Nanaimo, Won 76-3

December 2nd @ Ravens, Won 22-5

December 9th V JBAA, Won 46-19

January 20th V Nanaimo, Won 52-12

January 27th V Vikes, Won 22-20 – 2018 Wightman Boot Winners

February 3rd @ Capilano, Lost 26-32

February 10th V Seattle, Won 48-10

February 24th @ Cal Berkeley, World Cup, Lost 36-39

March 4th V Cal Berkeley, World Cup, Win 49-25 – 2018 World Cup Winners

March 17th @ James Bay, Won 52-19

March 24th V Burnaby Lake, Won 34-20

March 31st @ Westshore, Won 48-13

April 7th @ CW, Won 25-17

April 14th V Meraloma

April 21st BC Quarter Finals (Top two teams get Bye to Semi Finals)

April 28th BC Semi Finals

May 5th BC Finals @ Abbotsford

April 12, 2018

UBC moved into first position in the BC Rugby CDI League with two games remaining and secured a top two finish and a bye weekend in the playoffs later this month.

Following the win against Burnaby there were a number of changes to the starting line-up, mainly due to late withdrawals due to illness. This resulted in a reshuffled backline which saw first years Flynn Heyes (Carson Graham) and Kevin Vertkas (Mentor College) start in the centres. Another first year, Evan Norris (Shawnigan Lake), came in on the wing following his return from the Canada U19 Tour on late Thursday night. And flanker Michael Smith (Earl Marriott) featured on the other wing.

Westshore took an early lead 0-3after just three minutes when they converted penalty in front of the UBC posts. The Birds responded almost immediately with hooker Harrison Smith (Handsworth) scoring in the right corner after good build up work from both of his props Joe Sourisseau (St George’s) and Clint Lemkus (Paul Roos). Wes Wong (Shawnigan Lake) missed the conversion but made amends minutes later when he placed an attacking chip kick into the same right corner. The bounce eluded the Westshore full back and left winger and Michael Smith collected the ball to score by the posts giving Wong an easy convert and UBC a 12-3 lead. The home team responded and used a similar kicking tactic to put the Birds under pressure. From a Westshore scrum in left field in the UBC twenty two, the ball was moved quickly to the right for a score. The successful conversion made it 12-10. An injury to Wong forced UBC to make changes in the back line formation. Full back Nick Collet (Southridge) moved up to stand-off and Elis Fowler (Clifton College) moved to replace him for his second appearance of the season. The Birds were controlling much of the play as the game moved towards half time and when a line out drive close to the Westshore try line was held up, Nick Allen (Mulgrave) forced his way over from the resulting scrum to give the visitors a 17-10 lead. Westshore added another penalty to close the gap to 17-13 as the whistle sounded.
 

The second half belonged to UBC who scored five tries, three of which were converted by Collett. The bonus point try came after ten minutes and was scored by Lemkus following good work from prop Cali Martinez (Earl Marriott), a replacement for Sourisseau, and scrum half Cole Keffer (Sutherland). Collett added the extras to make it 24-13. The Birds continued to mount pressure on the Westshore defence and this took its toll as the game entered the final twenty minutes. A mixture of wide ball attacks and furious close quarter attacks at the rucks reaped the inevitable rewards. Following a dominant scrum in left field the attack shifted to the right and from the ruck Michael Smith added his second as he picked and came back against the grain to crash over. Collet converted again to make it 31-13. The final fifteen minutes belonged to number eight Nick Allen as he added a natural hat trick of tries to take his tally to four for the game. Collet converted just one of these tries to make the final 48-13. The win takes the Birds past the Ravens into first place with two games remaining. Next weekend, the team travels to the Island once again to play Castaway Wanderers with the potential return of a crop of players returning from sickness and injury.
 

Current League Standings can be seen HERE
 

Next Game: April 7th @ CW, kick off 2.30pm

Next Home Game: April 14th V Meraloma, kick off 2.30pm

Braves return to winning ways with a hard fought victory at Westshore

This was a hard fought physical game which saw the Braves come from 0-5 down to win with a bonus point and move into second place in the Premier Reserve League standings. As with the Birds, the Braves saw a reshuffling of players before the game started, notably with flanker Thomas Choi (Ear Marriott) starting in the centres. UBC made great inroads into the Westshore half as the game opened but fell behind 0-5 to an unconverted Westshore try after ten minutes. There were numerous opportunities for the Braves as the half progressed as Choi, lock Donald Carson (Southpointe) and prop Nick Frost (Collingwood) all made deep runs into the Westshore defence. A lack of support, coupled with some poor decision making and ill-discipline let the visitors down and it was not until the thirty five minute mark that UBC finally scored through lock Frank Carson (Southpointe). Sam Hughes (Handsworth), who has been in fine kicking form over the last month, added the extras to put the Braves up 7-5 at the half.
 

While the Braves could be criticized for not making the most of their opportunities in the first half, there was no doubt about their efficiency when the second half resumed as they raced to a 21-5 lead after just fifteen minutes. Prop Sam Turner (St George’s) was first on the board as he showed a remarkable burst of speed to power through the Westshore defence and score from almost near the half way line. Hughes had not trouble adding the conversion to make it 14-5. Scum half Killick Saxer (Carson Grahm) was next on the board after a neat interchange of passes with flanker Dave Carson (Oak Bay) put him in the clear. Hughes added the extras again to make it 21-5. The Braves bench was now playing its role in the push to add the bonus point with Ben Beaulieu (Trinity College School) playing strongly in the loose while back rower Nick Zimmer (Torrey Pines) put in a hard running shift in his appearance as a wing. Westshore scored its second try of the game to make it 21-10 before the day finished with a book end score and bonus point try for Frank Carson which gave UBC the 26-10 victory.
 

Current Premier Reserve League Standings can be seen HERE

Next Game: April 7th at CW, kick off 12.45pm

Next Home Game: April 14th V Meraloma, kick off 12.45pm

Congratulations to Nick Allen who was chosen as the BC Rugby News Player of the Month for March.

Read the story HERE

Nick Allen UBC Backrow - BCRN MVP March 2018

Nick first shows up in our articles in March 2015 as a member of the UBC 7s team that came second to UVic at the National University 7s. In the summer of that year he was on the BC team that won Gold at the U19 national championship, he was blindside flanker. At the beginning of the 2015-16 season he was playing for the Braves, the UBC second team, but by the time the Club finals in April rolled around he was playing for the 1st team as UBC won the title over Burnaby.

When the 2016-17 season started he had earned a starting role on the 1st team at blindside. As the season progressed he showed up more on the score sheets and played openside and even second row when needed. He started to earn consistent starts at #8 and played there when UBC won the inaugural National University XVs Championship. He also got his reward in 7s as UBC defeated UVic at the National University 7s in 2017.

Nick Allen is our BCRN MVP for March

Position: Back Row

Age: 21

Height 6’ 3”

Weight 225lbs

Started Playing: Grade 4

High School Team: Mulgrave School

Previous Club Team: Capilano RFC

Best Rugby Moment: Winning the first university nationals and national sevens with UBC

Rugby Goals: Win another Rounsefell cup with UBC

Results

September 9th @ Burnaby, Lost 11-19

September 16th V Ravens, lost 17-32

September 23 @ Vikes, Won 44-22

September 30 V Capilano, Won 34-26

October 14th V Westshore, Won 43-19

October 21st @ Seattle, Won 36-14

October 28th V CW, Won 53-7

November 4th @ Meraloma, Won 72-17

November 15th to 19th: National University Championship, Guelph, Ontario

• November16th: Pool Game V Concordia, Won 46-0

• November 18th: Pool Game V McMaster, Won 36-6

• November 19th: Gold Medal Game V Vikes, Won 37-12 – 2017 National Champions

November 28th @ Nanaimo, Won 76-3

December 2nd @ Ravens, Won 22-5

December 9th V JBAA, Won 46-19

January 20th V Nanaimo, Won 52-12

January 27th V Vikes, Won 22-20 – 2018 Wightman Boot Winners

February 3rd @ Capilano, Lost 26-32

February 10th V Seattle, Won 48-10

February 24th @ Cal Berkeley, World Cup, Lost 36-39

March 4th V Cal Berkeley, World Cup, Win 49-25 – 2018 World Cup Winners

March 17th @ James Bay, Won 52-19

March 24th V Burnaby Lake, Won 34-20

March 31st @ Westshore, Won 48-13

April 7th @ CW

April 14th V Meraloma

April 21st BC Quarter Finals (Top two teams get Bye to Semi Finals)

April 28th BC Semi Finals

May 5th BC Finals @ Abbotsford

April 4, 2018

Despite the win against James Bay, the unavailability list for UBC continued to mount with almost 30 players missing through injury and touring. There were a number of changes in the starting team with forwards Joe Sourisseau (St George’s) starting a prop, Connor Sampson (Charles Tupper) returning to hooker, Michael Smith (Earl Marriott) coming in at flanker and Nolan Howell (Hugh McRoberts) playing at lock. In the backs, Kevin Vertkas (Mentor College) replaced Wes Block (Claremont) on the wing. The visitors started strongly and took the lead shortly after the kick off with a penalty goal from centre Cole McQueen. For the next 15 minutes UBC controlled much of the play and territory and Vertkas was unlucky not to score in the left corner. Cole Keffer (Sutherland) and Nick Allen (Mulgrave) both continued their fine run a form and were prominent in UBC’s play. The Birds went in front 5-3 when Smith scored in the left corner following a strong scrum. Burnaby, who had been soaking up a lot of the territorial pressure, finally made inroads into the UBC half and scored after series of rucks close to the Birds’ line in right field. The conversion was unsuccessful but the visitors were now leading 5-8. UBC tied the score minutes later after good build up play by John Jubenvill (Earl Marriott), Keffer and Sampson. From the resulting penalty, Theo Sauder (St George’s) converted the kick to make it 8-8 which remained the score at half time.

When the game resumed the Birds made a number tactical changes: Clint Lemkus (Paul Roos) came on at prop for Sourisseau and Owain Ruttan (St Mary’s) replaced Jake Ikeda at flanker. Both players had a positive impact as the game progressed. UBC started the half with a marvelous team try as Keffer, Jubenvill and full back Nick Collett (Southridge) were all involved in freeing Vertkas who passed back inside for Jubenvill to offload again to the instigator Keffer who scored on the left. Sauder added the extra points to push the home team in front 15-8. Burnaby hit back immediately when McQueen powered over through some poor UBC tackling. He converted to tie the game at 15-15.
 

It then looked as though the Birds would score again as good runs by the forwards, with Lemkus prominent, created an overload in the left corner with a try seeming certain. Instead a poor pass was recovered by Burnaby wing Paolella who offloaded in the covering tackle by Sauder for full back McIvor to score on the right. The conversion failed but Burnaby were up 15-20 with thirty minutes to play.

The lead changed hands again minutes later as UBC won a line out on the left in mid field and Vertkas came in off his blind side wing to open up the Burnaby defence. The attack moved back from the centre of the field for Allen to power over in the left corner, with Sauder then landing a great conversion from the side line to put the Birds ahead 22-20. Burnaby now stepped up the pressure to get back in the game, but it was UBC who struck the next blow as Ruttan charged down an attempted clearance kick, dived on the loose ball and scored the bonus point try. With the conversion missed, the game was finely balanced at 27-20 in the Birds’ favour and with the visitors pushing for their own bonus point try and more than the single losing bonus point which they now held. The end for the visitors came with no time left as UBC controlled possession and looked to add another try. When another strong run by Vertkas concluded with a turn over in right field near the Burnaby line, the visitors countered in a last effort to get more out of the game. They pushed up in centre field in their own twenty two only to turn the ball over. The Birds shifted the ball quickly away from contact for Wes Wong (Shawnigan Lake) to score the try and for Sauder to convert making the final score 34-20.

UBC’s next game is a make up game this coming weekend at Westshore, kick off at 2.30pm

The Braves fall to Burnaby 19-29 after a spirited comeback attempt falls short

For the second week in a row the Braves had to fight back from a deficit position and on this occasion they fell short, coming out on the losing end of a 19-29 score line.

Burnaby have been a dominant force in this division for the past five years and they continue to set the standard this year again. Although UBC played well in the first half in terms of possession and field position, the performance lacked precision in the tackle area while a series of poor technical mistakes and lack of discipline at the breakdown added to their troubles. Burnaby scored with regularity on their forays into the UBC half going ahead 0-7, 0-14 and then 0-19 with three successive tries and two conversions. It began to look like a repeat of the opening game of the season 0-37 loss until prop Nick Frost (Collingwood) scored in the left corner just before the half time whistle. Sam Hughes (Handsworth), continuing with his outstanding kicking, added the convert to close the gap to 7-19 at the break.

UBC started the second half with renewed vigour and a sense that last week’s comeback at James Bay could be repeated. Christoph Stangl (Carson Graham) crossed the line after fifteen minutes and with another Hughes’ conversion the gap narrowed to 14-19. Burnaby responded with a push over try five minutes later to increase their lead to 14-24. The braves came back again with Bryan Sun (Western Academy Beijing) storming over on the left following a quick tap penalty by Stangl. He convert failed but the gap was reduced to 19-24. The visitors, feeding off UBC’s errors and utilizing their scrum as an attacking platform, scored the last try of the game to win 19-29. Burnaby sits first in the division with UBC in third place three points behind Meralomas and with a game in hand.

The Braves play Westshore on the Island this coming weekend, kick off 12.45pm

U23s lose a close game against Richmond

We have not received an official commentary on the game but the U23s lost to Richmond in the closing moments of the game 20-27.

Results

September 9th @ Burnaby, Lost 11-19

September 16th V Ravens, lost 17-32

September 23 @ Vikes, Won 44-22

September 30 V Capilano, Won 34-26

October 14th V Westshore, Won 43-19

October 21st @ Seattle, Won 36-14

October 28th V CW, Won 53-7

November 4th @ Meraloma, Won 72-17

November 15th to 19th: National University Championship, Guelph, Ontario

• November16th: Pool Game V Concordia, Won 46-0

• November 18th: Pool Game V McMaster, Won 36-6

• November 19th: Gold Medal Game V Vikes, Won 37-12

November 28th @ Nanaimo, Won 76-3

December 2nd @ Ravens, Won 22-5

December 9th V JBAA, Won 46-19

January 20th V Nanaimo, Won 52-12

January 27th V Vikes, Won 22-20 – 2018 Wightman Boot Winners

February 3rd @ Capilano, Lost 26-32

February 10th V Seattle, Won 48-10

February 24th @ Cal Berkeley, World Cup, Lost 36-39

March 4th V Cal Berkeley, World Cup, Win 49-25 – 2018 World Cup Winners

March 17th @ James Bay, Won 52-19

March 24th V Burnaby Lake, Won 34-20

March 31st @ Westshore

April 7th @ CW

April 14th V Meraloma

April 21st BC Quarter Finals (Top two teams get Bye to Semi Finals)

April 28th BC Semi Finals

May 5th BC Finals @ Abbotsford

March 29, 2018

This was a defining weekend for the Club with 23 players injured and unavailable and with a further 5 players selected for the Rugby Canada U19 Tour to Ireland unable to play.

What followed was an emphatic win at a ground where it is always difficult for many teams to perform. UBC started strongly with Wes Wong (Shawnigan Lake) springing Theo Sauder (St George’s) free on the left. Full back Nick Collett (Southridge) entered the line to take the pass and score near the posts giving Sauder an easy conversion and the visitors a 7-0 lead.

The lead doubled after fifteen minutes when a poor penalty kick by Sauder rolled into the James Bay end zone. Full back Mitrou knocked on and instead of a line-out the Birds had a scrum on the five metre line. Allen picked and went right and the ball was pummeled back left for hooker Harrison Smith (Handsworth) to score. Sauder made amends and converted the kick to push UBC out to 1 surprising 14-0 score. The Birds were looking full value for their performance with great control of the ball, enterprising counter attacks and playing with width.

Home town hero Wes Block (Claremont) was having a lively game for the birds on the left and flanker Owain Ruttan (St Mary’s) was involved in almost everything. At the thirty minute mark Ruttan was rewarded with a try when he finished off a series of rucks in the left corner. Sauder converted again and the gap increased to 21-0. The bonus point try came soon after as right winger Jake Lan (Rockridge) broke a number of tackles to go half the length of the field to score under the posts. With Sauder adding his fourth conversion the Birds were now in front 28-0. An almost perfect half was spoiled just before the break when the home team, following a penalty, won a line out at the UBC line and drove the ball over. The successful conversion made it 28-7 at half time.

The second half started the same as the first half had finished with UBC penalized and James Bay kicking to touch in right field and then scoring from the line out drive to make it 28-12 and give the home team and home supporters a glimmer of hope. When Ruttan was sent to the bin, James Bay sensed a comeback even more. This was quickly snuffed out as UBC attacked left with Nick Allen (Mulgrave) and Sauder prominent. Scrum half Cole Keffer (Sutherland) sensed the space behind the ruck just outside the James Bay twenty two and looked for the chip and chase. The kick was partially blocked and recovered by Keffer who then broke a tackle to plunge over in the corner. Sauder failed with the conversion for the first time as the Birds moved to a 33-12 lead. With Ruttan still in the bin the home team pressed for score and caught UBC surprise with a quick line out. The James Bay player looked certain to score but knocked the ball on in the process.

At the ensuing scrum the Bays took one against the head and scored another try and conversion to close the gap to 33-19. UBC then dominated the final quarter. Nick Allen was prominent with a break and then a try to extend the lead to 38-19. Theo Sauder then sliced through the Bay’s defence to offload to John Jubenvill (Earl Marriott) who scored at the posts. Allen then made another huge break which resulted in Michael Smith (Earl Marriott) crossing for the final try of the day. Sauder converted both these scores to give UBC the 52-19 win.

UBC’s next game is at home against Burnaby Lake on March 24th, kick off 2.30pm.

Current League Standings can be found HERE

Braves come from behind to seal memorable win at James Bay

With four games remaining the Braves guaranteed themselves at least a top three finish with a 40-39 victory at James Bay. With two addition players making themselves unavailable on the Friday, the Braves line up was significantly different from its usual look and started well when flanker Conor Sinclair (Shawnigan Lake) scored following a series of rucks near the Bay’s line. Sam Hughes (Handsworth) converted to put the visitors in front 7-0. The lead was short lived as the home team began to dominate proceedings and scoring two quick tries, both converted, to reclaim the 7-14 lead. UBC then closed the gap to 12-14 when Frank Carson (Southpointe) finished of a length of the field attack to score on the left. James Bay then put together seven minutes of outstanding rugby to score three tries before the half, and with two conversions the game seemed out of reach of the Braves who were down 12-31 as the whistle finally ended the first period.

UBC began to bring on bench players to make an impact on the game. Callum Bulman (RGS Guildford) came on at number 8 and soon found himself picking up a loose ball at the base of a James Bay scrum before crashing over to score. Hughes converted to make it 19-31. A James Bay penalty made it 19-34 with less than thirty minutes remaining. Bulman added his second of the game making the most of a line out drive to plunge over. Hughes was successful again as the gap closed to 26-34. The Braves now had a bonus point try and were mounting pressure on the home team. Another line out at the Bay’s line was driven left before Frank Carson brought the ball back right to score his second of the game. Although Hughes failed with the conversion, the score was now 33-34 and the Braves were sitting with at least two bonus points as the game entered the last fifteen minutes. James Bay had other ideas and after an attack was halted by a knock on at UBC’s posts, the home team took a scrum against the head and then score on the right. The conversion was waved off by the referee to make the score 33-39. The Braves refused to loose. At a James Bay scrum in the home team’s twenty two, UBC turned the ball over and launched a series of drives which finally saw Jack Martin (Chinook) power over on the right near the side line. At 38-39 Hughes calmly converted to give the visitors a remarkable 40-39 win. This was a great squad effort with great performances by all the players involved. Tommaso Castaldi (Ardingly College) was outstanding in the second half with astute kicks and a number of outstanding tackles while David Carson (Oak Bay) had a strong game both side of the ball, delivering some big hits and constantly linking with both his backs and forwards.

Current Standings can be HERE.

Next Games on March 24th

Thunderbirds v Burnaby Lake, kick off 2.30pm

Braves v Burnaby Lake, kick off 12.45pm

U23s v Richmond, kick off at 11.15am

All games at UBC

Canada U19 Tour to Ireland

Congratulations to centre Conor Byron (Yale), centre James Newman (Oak Bay), stand off Myles Donoghue (Ashbury College), prop Tyler Rowland (Mentor College) and winger Evan Norris (Shawnigan Lake) on their selection to the Rugby Canada U19 Team Tour of Ireland.

Results

September 9th @ Burnaby, Lost 11-19

September 16th V Ravens, lost 17-32

September 23 @ Vikes, Won 44-22

September 30 V Capilano, Won 34-26

October 14th V Westshore, Won 43-19

October 21st @ Seattle, Won 36-14

October 28th V CW, Won 53-7

November 4th @ Meraloma, Won 72-17

November 15th to 19th: National University Championship, Guelph, Ontario

• November16th: Pool Game V Concordia, Won 46-0

• November 18th: Pool Game V McMaster, Won 36-6

• November 19th: Gold Medal Game V Vikes, Won 37-12

November 28th @ Nanaimo, Won 76-3

December 2nd @ Ravens, Won 22-5

December 9th V JBAA, Won 46-19

January 20th V Nanaimo, Won 52-12

January 27th V Vikes, Won 22-20 – 2018 Wightman Boot Winners

February 3rd @ Capilano, Lost 26-32

February 10th V Seattle, Won 48-10

February 24th @ Cal Berkeley, World Cup, Lost 36-39

March 4th V Cal Berkeley, World Cup, Win 49-25 – 2018 World Cup Winners

March 17th @ James Bay, Won 52-19

March 24th V Burnaby Lake

March 31st @ Westshore

April 7th @ CW

April 14th V Meraloma

April 21st BC Quarter Finals (Top two teams get Bye to Semi Finals)

April 28th BC Semi Finals

May 5th BC Finals @ Abbotsford

March 22, 2018

Image courtesy of Wilson Wong, UBC Athletics 
 

Working from a three-point deficit following the 36-39 loss at Witter Field, UBC started strongly and never fell behind in the second leg of the 2018 World Cup, winning the trophy for a fifth successive year.

The Birds made a number of changes in the backline bringing in Wes Wong (Shawnigan Lake) at stand-off, Nick Collett (Southridge) at inside centre, William McDougall-Percillier (Brentwood) at outside centre and moving John Jubenvill (Earl Marriott) to wing and captain Theo Sauder (St George’s) to full back. The pack remained the same.

The home team took the lead after just two minutes when they counter attacked from a poor clearance and moved the ball from left to right for back row Nick Allen (Mulgrave) to crash over in the corner. The next try came after tem minutes when left wing Elias Ergas (Collingwood) crossed out wide after good driving work from the forwards following a dominant scrum win. UBC looked comfortable at 10-0 but a poor kick off reception allowed the Bears to convert pressure to points when Matthew Coyle added a penalty goal. 10-3 suddenly became 10-10 when Cal centre Adam Roeske crossed on the right and Coyle added the conversion. Sauder then put his mark on the game when he fielded another poor Cal clearance kick and stepped inside the defence to score near the posts. He added the convert to push the Birds in front 17-10. The teams traded attack over the final twenty minutes of the half and two Sauder penalties increased the UBC lead to 23-10 at the half giving the Birds a ten point overall advantage.
 

UBC made a number of changes at the half with Fraser Hurst (St George’s) coming on for McDougall-Percillier, Sauder moving to centre and Hurst taking over at full back. Prop Clint Lemkus (Paul Roos) was replaced by Donald Carson (Southpointe) who slotted in to lock as James Carson (Oak Bay) moved up to prop. Cal scored an early second half penalty goal through Coyle to make the score 23-13 before the home team forwards then pounded away at the Call line. After a succession of rucks UBC shifted the ball quickly to the right for Hurst to score in the right corner and stretch the UBC lead to 28-13. This lead was short lived as Cal came back into the game by making the most of a number of turn overs and poor UBC line-out play. Cal’s centre Seth Purdy, a Shawnigan Lake product, scored by the posts to give Coyle an easy conversion to narrow the gap to 28-10. The points differential was now at five and Cal looked to have the momentum. It was the Birds however who responded immediately.

Hooker Connor Sampson (Charles Tupper) made great inroads into the Bears’ defensive line following a line-out seep in Cal territory. The pack then exerted more ruck pressure before the backs engineered space for right winger John Jubenvill to cross in the corner. Sauder converted from the sideline to make the score 35-20. The Bears refused to cave in and fought desperately to get back into the game. UBC absorbed the pressure and then put the game beyond doubt ass Cole Keefer broke through a crowded defence on the left and offloaded to Elias Ergas to power over for his second try of the game. Sauder added the conversion again to put the Birds further ahead at 42-20. The visitors scored their final try through Streater before then the Birds had the final say as Owain Ruttan crashed over at the posts. Sauder’s covert made it 49-25 and gave UBC an overall advantage of 85-64 and another World Cup victory.

The Birds next game is at James Bay on March 17th before they return home for a fixture against Burnaby Lake on March 24th.

Current CDI League Standings can be found HERE

U23s win against United

On the Saturday the U23s resumed play with a home game against United at Wolfson. Starting off slowly but playing with confidence, UBC put numerous phases together to keep United pinned in their own half. Hooker Jack Bae (Kitsilano) made the initial break through as he powered through a tackle on the right to score. Sam Hughes (Handsworth) converted to make it 7-0. As the game reached the half way point of the opening period, United were under pressure but holding up. When Devan Hunter (Crescent School) scored a fine individual try, converted by Hughes, on twenty minutes, the flood gates opened. 14-0 stretched to 21-0 when Dane Hopkins (Handsworth) scored and Hughes again converted. Full back John Tolton (United World College) then added a brace, both converted by Hughes, as the lead stretched to 35-0. Forwards and backs were backing each other up consistently to create numerous chances. Back row Callum Botchar (Magee) crossed by the posts following great work by lock Frank Carson (Southpointe) and then scrum half Killick Saxer (Carson Graham) scored the final try of the half after a good build up from Botchar and flanker Conor Sinclair (Shawnigan Lake). Hughes finished both plays with successful conversions giving him a perfect seven for seven in the 49-0 lead.
 

While UBC continued to add to the total in the second half, United performed admirably, keeping the home team just five tries and two conversions while scoring a try of their own. Jack Bottyan (Terry Fox) came off the bench to score three tries against his home club while forwards Frank Carson and Conor Sinclair also added single tries, two of which were converted by Saxer. The final score was 78-7 for UBC

Huge thanks for Alumni and Parents for their support at the Cal game

The alumni and parents put on food and drink prior to the game. A huge thanks to Brock Turner, Dan Holloway and many of the parents from last year’s team. Everyone at the Club appreciates this ongoing help and support and we look forward to seeing everyone at our last two home games as we move towards the playoffs.

Finally, great work by our Athletics and Recreation Staff in promoting the game and staffing the event at the Stadium.

Results

September 9th @ Burnaby, Lost 11-19

September 16th V Ravens, lost 17-32

September 23 @ Vikes, Won 44-22

September 30 V Capilano, Won 34-26

October 14th V Westshore, Won 43-19

October 21st @ Seattle, Won 36-14

October 28th V CW, Won 53-7

November 4th @ Meraloma, Won 72-17

November 15th to 19th: National University Championship, Guelph, Ontario

• November16th: Pool Game V Concordia, Won 46-0

• November 18th: Pool Game V McMaster, Won 36-6

• November 19th: Gold Medal Game V Vikes, Won 37-12

November 28th @ Nanaimo, Won 76-3

December 2nd @ Ravens, Won 22-5

December 9th V JBAA, Won 46-19

January 20th V Nanaimo, Won 52-12

January 27th V Vikes, Won 22-20 – 2018 Wightman Boot Winners

February 3rd @ Capilano, Lost 26-32

February 10th V Seattle, Won 48-10

February 24th @ Cal Berkeley, World Cup, Lost 36-39

March 4th V Cal Berkeley, World Cup, Win 49-25 – 2018 World Cup Winners

March 17th @ James Bay

March 24th V Burnaby Lake

March 31st @ Westshore

April 7th @ CW

April 14th V Meraloma

April 21st BC Quarter Finals (Top two teams get Bye to Semi Finals)

April 28th BC Semi Finals

May 5th BC Finals @ Abbotsford

March 8, 2018

UBC finished strongly at Witter Field in Berkeley and reduced the first leg deficit to just three points in the 36-39 loss to Cal.

Despite being up 31-22 at the half and scoring some fine tries, the Birds will be disappointed with the second half performance and with some aspects of their play as they prepare for the second encounter at Thunderbird Stadium on Sunday March 4th.
 

Playing against the wind, Cal started out strong, recovering a kick off and finding multiple gaps in the UBC defence for the full back to score on the left. The convert was good and the score 0-7. UBC responded quickly and with the scrum in dominating form, pressure from a scrum near the Berkeley line was converted to point when prop Clint Lemkus (Paul Roos) crashed over. Theo Sauder (St George’s) converted to tie the game at 7-7. Once again, UBC was poor at the kick off and the Bears stole the ball and stormed over for a second score to lead 7-12. The lead changed hands again as Scrum Half Cole Keffer (Sutherland) took a quick tap and ran almost sixty meters before being caught. Hooker Conor Sampson (Charles Tupper) was on hand to crash over following the ruck to tie the game at 12-12.

A penalty for Cal was converted to give the home side the 12-15 lead with twenty minutes remaining in the first half. Keffer, who was having an outstanding game, then scored himself to push UBC in front 17-15. Sauder’s conversion made it 19-15 before Cal made the most of good field position by scoring round the back of a line-out and converting to make it 19-22. The pace and the scoring continued to increase as Keffer broke round the blind side of a scrum in his on half to send left wing Elias Ergas (Collingwood) clear for a try which Sauder converted as UBC regained the lead 26-22. Keffer then had the final say near the end of the half as another quick tap was eventually converted to point by flanker Jake Ikeda (Magee) which gave the visitors a 31-22 half time advantage.

Playing with the wind in the second half, Cal’s start could not have been better as they forced UBC into a number of errors and poor decisions from which the pressure was converted into a try which, when converted, closed the gap to 31-29.  Further ill-discipline by UBC gave the Bears more penalty opportunities and another score was conceded. The conversion made it 31-36 with twenty minutes to go. The Birds were making no headway into the wind but continued to push for openings out wide and looked to have scored when full back Fraser Hurst (St George’s) went over half the length of the field to score, only to be called back for a foot in touch. Cal pressured again and scored from a penalty to make it 31-39. Fighting against the clock, UBC broke down the left through Ergas but failed to take advantage of the inside support and another chance was gone. As the clock wound down, the Birds piled on the pressure and Keffer eventually scored in the right corner to bring the score to 36-39 with no time left and sets up a thrilling second leg encounter back at UBC.

Message from President, Andrew Hamilton

Dear Parents and Alumni:

We will be hosting our BBQ in support of the home game against Berkeley on March 4. Smokies and beverages will be served. Come and join friends, Alumni and family in a pre game get together in the parking lot outside of Thunderbird stadium before the game. As always, any donations to the UBC Rugby club will be most appreciated....we will even give you a drink and a dog!

See you on the 4th.

Go Birds Go!!!!!
 

Regards,

Andrew

Upcoming Games

March 3rd

U23s v United, kick off 11.15am

March 4th

Birds v Berkeley, at Thunderbird Stadium, kick off 1.00pm

Results

September 9th @ Burnaby, Lost 11-19

September 16th V Ravens, lost 17-32

September 23 @ Vikes, Won 44-22

September 30 V Capilano, Won 34-26

October 14th V Westshore, Won 43-19

October 21st @ Seattle, Won 36-14

October 28th V CW, Won 53-7

November 4th @ Meraloma, Won 72-17

November 15th to 19th: National University Championship, Guelph, Ontario

• November16th: Pool Game V Concordia, Won 46-0

• November 18th: Pool Game V McMaster, Won 36-6

• November 19th: Gold Medal Game V Vikes, Won 37-12

November 28th @ Nanaimo, Won 76-3

December 2nd @ Ravens, Won 22-5

December 9th V JBAA, Won 46-19

January 20th V Nanaimo, Won 52-12

January 27th V Vikes, Won 22-20 – 2018 Wightman Boot Winners

February 3rd @ Capilano, Lost 26-32

February 10th V Seattle, Won 48-10

February 24th @ Cal Berkeley, World Cup, Lost 36-39

Feb 24, 2018

There is no respite for the Birds in reading week as all the players are involved in both World Cup and CDI League play.
 

A squad of twenty four players travel to Berkeley to take on the always strong Cal team. The game is scheduled to kick off at 1.00pm. Meanwhile, the Club will be fulfilling its commitment to BC Rugby league play and sending two teams to play against Westshore on the Island. We did try to reschedule this fixture but had no luck.
 

The next home game is Sunday March 4th when the Birds host Cal in the second leg of the World Cup at Thunderbird Stadium, kick off at 1.00pm.
 

We look forward to another great day of Thunderbird Rugby as we work hard to retain the World Cup for a fifth straight season.
 

Upcoming Games

February 24th

Birds @ Berkeley, kick off 1.00pm

Braves @ Westshore, kick off 2.30pm (CDI League Game)

U23s C@ Westshore, kick off 12.45pm (Reserve League Game)

Results

September 9th @ Burnaby, Lost 11-19

September 16th V Ravens, lost 17-32

September 23 @ Vikes, Won 44-22

September 30 V Capilano, Won 34-26

October 14th V Westshore, Won 43-19

October 21st @ Seattle, Won 36-14

October 28th V CW, Won 53-7

November 4th @ Meraloma, Won 72-17

November 15th to 19th: National University Championship, Guelph, Ontario

• November16th: Pool Game V Concordia, Won 46-0

• November 18th: Pool Game V McMaster, Won 36-6

• November 19th: Gold Medal Game V Vikes, Won 37-12

November 28th @ Nanaimo, Won 76-3

December 2nd @ Ravens, Won 22-5

December 9th V JBAA, Won 46-19

January 20th V Nanaimo, Won 52-12

January 27th V Vikes, Won 22-20 – 2018 Wightman Boot Winners

February 3rd @ Capilano, Lost 26-32

February 10th V Seattle, Won 48-10

February 22, 2018

Following the loss to Capilano, the Birds rebounded with a solid victory against Seattle Saracens. The scores came early for UBC with James Carson (Oak Bay) crashing over after just two minutes to open their account and William McDougall-Percillier (Brentwood) added the convert to give them a 7-10 lead. The next score came from a line out from which hooker Connor Sampson (Charles Tupper) bullied his way over the line. The convert by McDougall-Percillier was successful again as UBC pushed the lead to 14-0. Winger Jake Lan (Rockridge) added the third after a great counter attack was carried on by flanker Jake Ikeda (Magee) before Lan crossed on the right and McDougall-Percillier added his third conversion. Seattle responded briefly and earned a penalty which reduce the score to 21-3 before McDougall-Percillier added a penalty of his own to reset the score at 24-3 at the half.
 

The bonus point try came early in the second half when Number 8 Michael Smith (Earl Marriott) was on the end of a strong scrum drive to pick and score. McDougall-Percillier continued his flawless afternoon with a fourth conversion as the lead stretched to 31-3. Prop Cali Martinez (Earl Marriott) ensured it was a day to remember for the front row as he became the final member of the starting unit to score. Once again McDougall-Percillier tagged on the extra points as the score moved to 38-3. Seattle scrum Half Chinen replied for the visitors and with the extra points from the convert the lead was reduced to 38-10. McDougall-Percillier, playing at outside centre, capped off a fine display for UBC by adding a penalty and then converting his own score to make take his personal tally to twenty three points in the 48-10 win.
 

The next game for the Birds is at Berkeley on February 24th.
 

U23s win exhibition game against Meraloma 3rds

The U23s produce a strong performance to overcome the Meraloma 3rds in this hastily arranged exhibition game. The first half was evenly contested with UBC scoring tries through David Wensley (West Vancouver), Ben Beaulieu (Trinity College) and Dane Hopkins (Carson Graham). Myles Donoghue (Ashbury College) added the single convert to give the home team a 17-7 advantage at half time. In the second half the floodgates opened for the U23s and further tries came through Marshall Fremlin (Shawnigan Lake), Sam Hughes (Handsworth), Evan Norris (Shawnigan Lake), Connor Byron (Yale), Nick Zimmer (Torrey Pines) and Jack Martin (Chinook). With Hughes adding 4 converts to make the final score 55-7.

A huge thanks to the Meralomas for putting the team together for this game.

The U23s next game is on February 17th against United.
 

Upcoming Games

February 17th

U23s V United (Venue TBC - depending on weather and field conditions) kick off 11.15am
 

February 24th

Birds @ Berkeley, kick off 1.00pm

Braves @ Westshore, kick off 2.30pm (CDI League Game)

U23s C@ Westshore, kick off 12.45pm (Reserve League Game)

Results

September 9th @ Burnaby, Lost 11-19

September 16th V Ravens, lost 17-32

September 23 @ Vikes, Won 44-22

September 30 V Capilano, Won 34-26

October 14th V Westshore, Won 43-19

October 21st @ Seattle, Won 36-14

October 28th V CW, Won 53-7

November 4th @ Meraloma, Won 72-17

November 15th to 19th: National University Championship, Guelph, Ontario

• November16th: Pool Game V Concordia, Won 46-0

• November 18th: Pool Game V McMaster, Won 36-6

• November 19th: Gold Medal Game V Vikes, Won 37-12

November 28th @ Nanaimo, Won 76-3

December 2nd @ Ravens, Won 22-5

December 9th V JBAA, Won 46-19

January 20th V Nanaimo, Won 52-12

January 27th V Vikes, Won 22-20 – 2018 Wightman Boot Winners

February 3rd @ Capilano, Lost 26-32

February 10th V Seattle, Won 48-10

Call for Team Photos for GMP

We are looking for old team photos to place on the walls at the clubhouse. If you have any photos contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca

February 15, 2018

The Birds winning streak of eleven CDI Premier games and 14 games in total came to an end at the hands of the Capilano Club at Klahanie Park last Saturday. The lead had changed hands several times and it was in the final minute that the home team got in front to win the contest. UBC took an early lead when full back Fraser Hurst (St George’s) broke the line in left field in his own half and beat two defenders on his way to the line. William McDougall-Percillier (Brentwood) converted to put the Birds up 7-0. Capilano then wasted a great opportunity to reduce the gap when the ball was knocked on with the right corner beckoning. Within minutes the home team employed a well-executed line out drive to score in the left corner and added the convert to tie the game at 7-7. A penalty almost immediately following the restart allowed Caps to push in front 7-10 before UBC exploited the left field again for winger Cole Keffer (Sutherland) to score and for McDougall-Percillier to add the convert and put the Birds to pull ahead 14-10. The games was evenly matched and when UBC captain Jake Ikeda (Magee) was yellow carded just before the half, the home team deployed a drive from the ensuing line out in the right field corner and move in front 14-15 at the interval.
 

UBC managed to stay in the game after the restart until Ikada returned to the field and were unlucky not to take the lead when McDougall-Percillier’s penalty kick went wide. Caps then forced their own penalty and pushed ahead 14-18 as the game moved into the final twenty minutes. UBC appeared to take control, first as centre John Jubenvill (Earl Marriott) charged down a clearance to score near the posts. The conversion failed, hitting the post, but the Birds were up 18-19. Ten minutes later the landscape changed again as the Capilano centre was carded and the advantage appeared to swing fully in favour of UBC. Then UBC scored what seemed to be the final blow as Nick Allen (Mulgrave) took a quick tap penalty to force his way over in the right corner. McDougall-Percillier tagged on a fine conversion to move the score to 26-18. Almost immediately after the kick off as Caps regained possession, UBC hooker Connor Sampson (Charles Tupper) was sent to the bin for repeated infringements at the ruck. The home team held onto possession in a series of drives before penetrating the Bird’s defence to score near the posts and convert and move to within a point t0o 26-25. As time wound down Caps continued to control the play and ultimately scored following another series of drives to pull ahead 26-32 as the final whistle was blown. Despite the loss, the Birds picked up two valuable points in the loss, one for scoring four tries and one for being within seven points of the winning score.
 

UBC’s next game is against Seattle at UBC on February 10th, kick off at 2.00pm

Current standings can be found HERE.

Braves get back to winning ways with victory over Caps

After the loss to the Norsemen, the Braves were determined to get back to their winning ways on the road at Klahanie Park. It did not take them long to make an impression as the impressive Harrison Smith (Handsworth) crashed over following a scrum. 5-0 became 10-0 when centre Connor Byron supported a break by Frank Carson (Southpointe) to pull away from the defensive cover and score his first of the afternoon. For the next twenty minutes the game remained close as the home team worked hard to get back in the game. The UBC scrum performed strongly while there was some expansive running from the backs with Byron and right wing Devan Hunter (Crescent School) both catching the eye. With five minutes to go the Braves moved further in front when, from a quick tap penalty, the forwards rove hard on the right before play was shifted left for Byron to add his second which was converted by Myles Donoghue (Ashbury College). From the kick off UBC attacked again through prop Sam Turner (St Geoerge’s), back row Christoph Stangl (Carson Graham) and centre Flynn Heyes (Carson Graham) before a turn over saw the Caps fight back to score in the left corner and make it 17-5 at the half.

The Braves picked up the tempo right from the opening kick off with substitute hooker Ben Beaulieu (Trinity College) at the thick of the action. At ten minutes Turner was on hand to score the bonus point try taking an offload from Byron. Scrum half Ben Calvard (Handsworth) added the convert to put UBC up 24-5. Flanker Thomas Choi (Earl Marriott) added a fifth try to make it 29-5 before Byron added his hatrick try, converted by Calvard, to increase the lead to 36-5. The final score of the afternoon went to the strong running Hunter which gave the Braves a convincing 41-5 win.

The Braves game on February 10th against Seattle has been cancelled.

Current standings HERE.
 

U23s have a convincing win against Capilano Academy

The U23s played their first game of this half of the season and came away with a resounding victory. The tries came at regular intervals following the initial score by centre Nick Froese (Point Grey) which gave the team a 7-0 lead after David Wensley (West Vancouver) converted successfully. The lead doubled at the fifteen minute mark when Marshall Fremlin (Shawnigan Lake) crashed over following a quick tap penalty and Wensley converted again. With the forwards in a rampant mood Callum Botchar (Magee) was on hand to score the next two tries through great support and powerful running. Wensley converted one and UBC were ahead 26-0. Both Froese and Fremlin added their second tries of the game, Wensley converting one, to give the U23s a commanding 38-0 lead at the half.

During the second half, the UBC bench players found their way onto the field at regular interval with no discernable effect on the team performance. The tries kept coming. Scrum Half Killick Saxer (Carson Graham) was first on the board following a series of forward drives. He converted his own try to stretch the lead to 45-0. Next up was back rower Jack Martin (Chinook High) who was rewarded for a strong all round game. Saxer added the convert to make it 52-0.  Further tries came through Carter Macdonald (Elgin Park) with a brace and Michael Shilliday (Bishop O’ Dowd) while Saxer added two more conversions to make the final score 69-0. Next up for the U23s is an exhibition game against Meraloma 3rds this coming Saturday.

Current standings HERE.

Upcoming Games

February 10th

Birds V Seattle, kick off 2.00pm

U23 V Meraloma, kick off 1.00pm

Results

September 9th @ Burnaby, Lost 11-19

September 16th V Ravens, lost 17-32

September 23 @ Vikes, Won 44-22

September 30 V Capilano, Won 34-26

October 14th V Westshore, Won 43-19

October 21st @ Seattle, Won 36-14

October 28th V CW, Won 53-7

November 4th @ Meraloma, Won 72-17

November 15th to 19th: National University Championship, Guelph, Ontario

• November16th: Pool Game V Concordia, Won 46-0

• November 18th: Pool Game V McMaster, Won 36-6

• November 19th: Gold Medal Game V Vikes, Won 37-12

November 28th @ Nanaimo, Won 76-3

December 2nd @ Ravens, Won 22-5

December 9th V JBAA, Won 46-19

January 20th V Nanaimo, Won 52-12

January 27th V Vikes, Won 22-20 – 2018 Wightman Boot Winners

February 3rd @ Capilano, Lost 26-32

Call for Team Photos for GMP

We are looking for old team photos to place on the walls at the clubhouse. If you have any photos contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca

Millennium Breakfast 2018

There are a limited number of seats left for the Millennium Breakfast.

• Details: Date: Tuesday, February 27th 2018

• Ticket Price $225.00

• Time: Registration 6:30am, Event Start 7:00am, Event End 9:00am

• Location: Vancouver Convention Centre West (New Convention Centre)

• Keynote Speaker Silken Laumann Olympic Medalist - Rowing

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.

February 8, 2018

The Thunderbirds recorded a dramatic late victory over the Vikes to claim their fifth consecutive Wightman Boot by an aggregate score of 66-42.

This was the third time the teams had met this season with UBC claiming the two previous games including the National University Final in November. While the Birds controlled the first two games, it was the Vikes who took command of this match, and particularly in the first half when they dominated field position and possession.

There were ominous signs for UBC in the opening minutes when a coterie of unforced errors gave the Vikes to maintain pressure. If it was not for some poor line out play by the opposition, the Birds may have found themselves in even more trouble. Stand-off Bowd missed and early attempt to give the Vikes the lead but they took the lead after fifteen minutes when they converted a line out drive and flanker Knott drove over. Bowd converted to give the Vikes the 0-7 advantage. Both Vikes flankers, O’Neill and Knott, were lively throughout the first half and halfbacks Pitbaldo and Bowd organized the game effectively. Bowd doubled the lead for the visitors when he scored a solo effort and then converted. The score at half time was 0-14. The Vikes had forced the Birds to defend for much of the half with UBC only crossing into their opponents’ half from kick offs.

Bowd extended this lead to 0-17 just a minute into the second half and UBC looked to be in further trouble when hooker Connor Sampson (Charles Tupper) was yellow carded along with Vikes Prop Bos. With thirty minutes remaining UBC had a huge task getting back in the game. The 0-17 deficit had reduced the Boot aggregate points difference to just five and the opposition looked to be in complete control Theo Sauder (St George’s) finally added a penalty to make it 3-17 before Bowd also converted one of his own to make it 3-20 with just over twenty minutes remaining. Then, from a centre field scrum in the Vikes’ twenty two the UBC attack went right before play come back to the middle of the field and Sauder exploited the smallest of gaps to squeeze over for the try and make it 8-20 and then 10-20 with the convert. The Birds started to exert more pressure on the Vikes’ defence and it was Sauder again who set up the next score with a deft kick behind the defence for centre John Jubenvill (Earl Marriott) to follow up and touch down. At 15-20, it looked as though Sauder would close the gap with the simple conversion but he somehow managed to miss.
 

There was more dram when UBC center Elias Ergas (Collingwood) was carded with just over ten minutes remaining. The Birds were now down to fourteen men. With just over five minutes to go, Vikes’ scrum half Pitblado looked to have exploited a gap down the blindside in the Birds’ twenty-two. Reserve flanker Jake Lan (Rockridge) somehow tracked him down with a huge defensive play which injured stopped a certain try and also injured Pitbaldo. This injury time would prove crucial as UBC mounted its final attacks. With no time left and the Vikes conceding a series of penalties, the Birds controlled the play and field position before Nick Allen (Mulgrave) finally forced himself over the line following a scum in left field.  The scores were tied at 20-20 with Sauder attempting a conversion from wide left. The kick was good, giving UBC a 22-20 win and its fifth straight Boot victory.
 

UBC’s next game is at Capilano on February 3rd, kick off at 2.30pm
 

Current standings can be viewed HERE
 

Braves’ winning streak comes to an end with a loss to the Norsemen

With the games on the weekend overlapping due to the Canada versus Uruguay game, this report is not as extensive as usual. The Braves’ eleven game unbeaten run came to an end against the Norsemen who were better on the day. The visitors had much better ball control and converted more of its opportunities. Down 0-14 at the half, UBC managed to get back to 7-14 though a try from Wes Block (Claremont) and a conversion. The Norsemen added a final score to make it 7-21.
 

The Braves look to put an improved performance together in its next game against Capilano at Kalhanie Park this coming Saturday, kick off at 12.45pm

Current standings can be viewed HERE
 

Upcoming Games

February 3rd

Birds @ Capilano, kick off 2.30pm

Braves C@ Capilano, kick off 12.45pm

U23 @ Capilano, kick off 11.15am

Results

September 9th @ Burnaby, Lost 11-9

September 16th V Ravens, lost 17-32

September 23 @ Vikes, Won 44-22

September 30 V Capilano, Won 34-26

October 14th V Westshore, Won 43-19

October 21st @ Seattle, Won 36-14

October 28th V CW, Won 53-7

November 4th @ Meraloma, Won 72-17

November 15th to 19th: National University Championship, Guelph, Ontario

• November16th: Pool Game V Concordia, Won 46-0

• November 18th: Pool Game V McMaster, Won 36-6

• November 19th: Gold Medal Game V Vikes, Won 37-12

November 28th @ Nanaimo, Won 76-3

December 2nd @ Ravens, Won 22-5

December 9th V JBAA, Won 46-19

January 20th V Nanaimo, Won 52-12

January 27th V Vikes, Won 22-20 – 2018 Wightman Boot Winners

Call for Team Photos for GMP

We are looking for old team photos to place on the walls at the clubhouse. If you have any photos contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca

Millennium Breakfast 2018

There are a limited number of seats left for the Millennium Breakfast.

• Details: Date: Tuesday, February 27th 2018

• Ticket Price $225.00

• Time: Registration 6:30am, Event Start 7:00am, Event End 9:00am

• Location: Vancouver Convention Centre West (New Convention Centre)

• Keynote Speaker Silken Laumann Olympic Medalist - Rowing

Purchase tickets HERE.

February 1, 2018

Despite the break over the Christmas holidays UBC began the season with a number of notable absentees with as many as eight players unavailable for selection.  Regardless, the strength of the program over the last number of years has been the depth of talent available along with the motivation of all the players to perform at their best when they take the field.
 

The Birds pressured early and took a 3-0 lead when Theo Sauder (St George’s) converted an early penalty. The score moved quickly to 10-0 when winger Elias Ergas (Collingwood) picked off a Nanaimo pass to score by the posts to give Sauder an easy conversion. The visitors then missed an opportunity to close the gap when they failed to convert a relatively easy penalty attempt. The Birds responded immediately and although center Nick Collett (Southridge) had a try called back, he eventually scored following a precise kick behind the Nanaimo defence by Sauder who converted again to push the score to 17-0 after fifteen minutes.

UBC was now playing with confidence and urgency and Ergas added his second after Nick Allen (Mulgrave) made the initial foray from a quick tap on the right. Sauder then cross kicked from right to left for Ergas to touch down. Sauder added his third conversion to give the home team a 24-0 lead. Nanaimo came back strong and came close to scoring in the right corner, only for the final pass to be knocked forward. With the opportunity missed again, UBC stormed back up the field with Allen crossing to score the bonus point try and giving Sauder the chance to add his fourth conversion. The score remained at 31-0 for the home team as they closed down the half very much in control of position and possession.
 

UBC started the second half strongly and when Collett made ground up the middle of the field, the ball was moved to the left for Ergas to out stretch the defence and score his third try of the afternoon. Wes Wong (Shawnigan Lake), on or Sauder, converted to increase the lead to 38-0. The Hornets, as they had done in the first half responded well and this time they converted the chances that came their way.

First, lock Mallory Roe scored near the pots, finishing off a converted period of pressure and centre Brad Marshall converted to make it 38-7. Marshall was prominent in the next score for his centre partner Jared Stephens who went half the length of the field for the unconverted try, bringing the score to 38-12.As the game reached the mid-point of the second half, UBC began to make changes and when Owain Ruttan (St Mary’s) made inroads into the Nanaimo defence from a quick tap penalty, Allen was on hand to crash over under the posts for his second try of the game. Wong converted to put the Birds back in control at 45-12. The game wound down with neither team dominating. UBC would add a final try through Fraser Hurst (St George’s) which Wong converted. The final score was 52-12 with the only remaining highlights being yellow cards to Hurst and Ruttan and to Nanaimo’s backrow Blain.
 

Next up for UBC is the second round of the Wightman Boot game at UBC on January 27th with the Birds holding a 44-22 advantage.
 

Current CDI League standings can be found HERE
 

Braves continue their winning ways with a victory over Nanaimo

The Braves ran their winning streak to eleven games with a win over Nanaimo. The scoring began early when Tommaso Castaldi (Ardingly) scored from near the half way line to give UBC a 5-0 lead. Back rower Christoph Stangl (Carson Graham), returning from an injury which kept him out for most of the first half, added the second after ten minutes. With Myles Donoghue (Ashbury College) adding the extras, the Braves were up 12-0. Stangl and right wing Elis Fowler (Clifton College) set up the field position for the next try when flanker Callum Bulmam (RGS Guildford) crashed over following a strong scrum. The 17-0 lead stretched to 20-0 when Donoghue added a penalty kick. The final score of the half, and the bonus point try, was scored by centre Conor Byron (Yale) who broke the defensive line after good work from prop Nick Gray (Carson Graham) and a fine improvised pass from stand-off Dane Hopkins (Handsworth). Donoghue’s conversion gave the Braves a 27-0 half time lead.
 

The second half was comfortable for the home team who were rarely stretched by the visitors. Bulman added his second try to give the Braves a 32-0 cushion before Hopkins dummied his way over for a fine try which David Wensley (West Vancouver) converted to make it 39-0. Nanaimo then added an unconverted try before Carter Macdonald crashed over for the final score of the day to give UBC a 44-5 win. With all of the bench getting on the field, UBC managed to provide game time to the full squad. Prop Conor O’Flaherty (International School Brussels) had another strong game in the set and the loose while Elis Fowler had a lively game on the wing. The subs all worked hard with both hooker Nick Zimmer (Torrey Pines) and lock Evan Ruiz (De La Salle) putting in busy performances. The Braves play next week against the Norsemen who proved to be formidable opposition in the game back in September.
 

Current Reserve standings can be found HERE.
 

International Guest Coaches in January:

We are absolutely delighted to have Australian Coaches Brian Smith and Andrew Blades with us now. Both have played for Australia with Brian being a dual international having also represented Ireland. Brian was also the Assistant Coach with England while Andrew has been an Assistant Coach with Australia. The staff and players are enjoying this great development opportunity.
 

Results

September 9th @ Burnaby, Lost 11-9

September 16th V Ravens, lost 17-32

September 23 @ Vikes, Won 44-22

September 30 V Capilano, Won 34-26

October 14th V Westshore, Won 43-19

October 21st @ Seattle, Won 36-14

October 28th V CW, Won 53-7

November 4th @ Meraloma, Won 72-17

November 15th to 19th: National University Championship, Guelph, Ontario

• November16th: Pool Game V Concordia, Won 46-0

• November 18th: Pool Game V McMaster, Won 36-6

• November 19th: Gold Medal Game V Vikes, Won 37-12

November 28th @ Nanaimo, Won 76-3

December 2nd @ Ravens, Won 22-5

December 9th V JBAA, Won 46-19

January 20th V Nanaimo, Won 52-12

UBC Rugby Dinner Celebration

We are still selling tickets for the UBC Rugby Dinner at the University Golf Club on Friday January 26th to celebrate our National Championship and the great success over the last four years. The cost will be $100.00. More specific details to follow. Contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca

The link to purchase tickets is HERE.

Call for Team Photos for GMP

We are looking for old team photos to place on the walls at the clubhouse. If you have any photos contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca

Millennium Breakfast 2018

There are a limited number of seats left for the Millennium Breakfast.

• Details: Date: Tuesday, February 27th 2018

• Ticket Price $225.00

• Time: Registration 6:30am, Event Start 7:00am, Event End 9:00am

• Location: Vancouver Convention Centre West (New Convention Centre)

• Keynote Speaker Silken Laumann Olympic Medalist - Rowing

The link below can be accessed to purchase tickets: CLICK HERE

January 22, 2017

The visitors scored the first and last points of the day. Sandwiched between these scores, the Birds put on an another impressive display scoring 46 points to complete a nine game unbeaten streak in CDI play and a twelve game winning run including the three games at the National University Championships in Guelph. Things looked bright from the opening whistle when scrum half William McDougall-Percillier (Brentwood) made a telling break which the Bays managed to contain and then launch an attack of their own> this resulted in right wing Nate Waldmann crossing in the corner for a 0-5 lead. UBC responded immediately but missed an opportunity to reduce the gap when McDougall-Percillier missed an easy penalty kick in front of the posts. From the drop out the Birds switched the point of attack from right to left before prop Cali Martinez (Earl Marriott) punched through the defense and offloaded to lock James Carson (Oak Bay) who ran in the equalizing try from twenty five meters out. With the conversion going wide the scores were tied at 5-5.

The opening salvos from both teams was intense and it was no real surprise when both fullbacks were carded and sent to their respective bins. UBC was the first to capitalize when a counter attack led to some play close to the Bays’ line in the right corner and center Ben Lesage (Henry WIsewood) forced his way over. McDougall-Percillier added the conversion and the Birds were up 12-5. James Bay hit back immediately when a line out steal by UBC was knocked forward and from the ensuing scrum and rucks flanker Lucas Rumball powered over. Mitrou converted to tie the score at 12-12. Over the next fifteen minutes both teams worked hard to assert some control over the game. Prop Clint Lemkus (Paul Roos) was unfortunate to lose the ball going over the line but the turning point came when Lesage picked off an errant Bays’ pass to score under the posts. McDougall-Percillier converted once more and the lead stretched to 19-12 with five minutes remaining in the half. From the kick off UBC attacked the blind side through back rower Nick Allen (Mulgrave). His long rune was halted and the ball was moved quickly to the left where Lesage put winger Elias Ergas (Collingwood) over for the bonus point try which went unconverted but which gave UBC a 24-12 half time lead.

The second half began well for the home side and after a glorious scything run from Daniel Archer (Renaissance College) put pressure on the Bays’ defense, Lemkus was on hand to score from a close range attack. The convert was successful from McDougall-Percillier and the lead moved to 31-12. Both teams continued to probe. James Bay looking for a way back and the Birds looking to extend their lead. It was UBC who got the score. A right field line out on the half way line was won by UBC but the tap back looked like it would cause the home team to consolidate. Allen moved in to mop up and drove the ball into gap at in the line out only to find himself bursting through and into daylight. He handed off the James Bay wing before striding to the corner for a remarkable solo effort and a 36-12 Birds lead. Allen was on hand again minutes later taking an inside pass from Wes Wong (Shawnigan Lake), who had dummied his way through the defensive line in the attacking twenty two, and scoring under the posts to give McDougall Percillier an easy convert. The score was now 43-12. An Archer penalty made it 46-12 when an off the ball incident saw James Bay lock Harriman ejected from the game. The visitors came storming back and responded with a try by prop Blake Van Heyningen and a convert by Mitrou to round out the final score at 46-19.

Full CDI standings can be found HERE.
 

UBC’s next game is Saturday January 20th at home against the Nanaimo Hornets.
 

Braves work hard for win against James Bay to maintain ten game unbeaten run

This was an impressive win for the Braves in their last match before the break. The available players dug in and worked extremely hard to gain the win against a strong and competitive opponent. Fr the opening twenty minutes of the game the teams were evenly matched but much of the play was disjointed due to unforced errors and poor decision making; missed kicks to touch, turn overs in contact and a host of penalties. After twenty five minutes UBC took a 7-0 lead through a try by prop Sam Turner (St George’s) and a Connor Byron (Yale) conversion only to see the Bays level the score through a converted try by their number eight just minutes later. Centers Flynn Heyes (Carson Graham) and Byron were having strong games with their differing styles; Heyes bruising runs between the centers were matched by Byron’s outside breaks. Byron gave the Braves a 10-7 half time lead when he landed a penalty kick just before the interval.
 

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first with James Bay keeping UBC in its own half for a lengthy period of time while pressing for the go ahead score. The Braves defended resolutely before finally getting into their opponents’ half after fifteen minutes of pressure. Following a line out steal by number eight Callum Bulman (RGS Guildford), Heyes made another penetrating run through the James Bay defensive line before offloading to Byron who scored with a surging outside run. At 15-7 the game was still not secure for the home team until Henry Davitt (Sutherland) and Charlie Macdonald (Rockridge) put lock Fran Carson (Southpointe) over on the left and push the score to20-7. A late James Bay try closed the gap to 20-12 which was the final score. This was the tenth victory in a row for the Braves and leaves them sitting second in the Reserve League standings.
The current standings are available for viewing HERE.

Huge thanks to Parents

Everyone at the Club wants to send out a huge thanks to the parents for hosting the lunch and post-game food at the Clubhouse on Saturday. We are especially grateful to all the parents who contributed towards providing all the food for this event as well as those who chipped in and served the supporters and the players.
 

Article on Andrew Coe

For a great read on our most recent National Team player Andrew Coe, go to the following link.

International Guest Coaches in January:

We are absolutely delighted to announce that we will be hosting Australian Coaches Brian Smith and Andrew Blades in January. Both have played for Australia with Brian being a dual international having also represented Ireland. Brian was also the Assistant Coach with England while Andrew has been an Assistant Coach with Australia. The staff and players are looking forward to this great development opportunity.

More information to follow.

Results:

September 9th @ Burnaby, Lost 11-9

September 16th V Ravens, lost 17-32

September 23 @ Vikes, Won 44-22

September 30 V Capilano, Won 34-26

October 14th V Westshore, Won 43-19

October 21st @ Seattle, Won 36-14

October 28th V CW, Won 53-7

November 4th @ Meraloma, Won 72-17

November 15th to 19th: National University Championship, Guelph, Ontario

• November16th: Pool Game V Concordia, Won 46-0

• November 18th: Pool Game V McMaster, Won 36-6

• November 19th: Gold Medal Game V Vikes, Won 37-12

November 28th @ Nanaimo, Won 76-3

December 2nd @ Ravens, Won 22-5

December 9th V JBAA, Won 46-19

UBC Rugby Dinner Celebration

We will be hosting a UBC Rugby Dinner at the University Golf Club on Friday January 26th to celebrate our National Championship and the great success over the last four years.

You will be able to purchase your ticket on line. The cost will be $100.00. More specific details to follow.
Contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca
 

Call for Team Photos for GMP

We are looking for old team photos to place on the walls at the clubhouse. If you have any photos contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca

Millennium Breakfast
 

Millennium Breakfast 2018

I am happy to report that the Millennium Breakfast Ticket Site is now Live and Operational. We are anticipating this event to sell out so I encourage everyone to purchase their tables sooner rather than later.

Details: Date: Tuesday, February 27th 2018

Ticket Price $225.00

Time: Registration 6:30am, Event Start 7:00am, Event End 9:00am

Location: Vancouver Convention Centre West (New Convention Centre)

Keynote Speaker Silken Laumann Olympic Medalist - Rowing

The link below can be accessed to purchase tickets. CLICK HERE
 

:For donors that would like to make outright donations (please be aware that we cannot guarantee that outright donations will be matched and each donation will be matched on a case by case basis) follow the ticket page and select to purchase 1 seat. When the next page loads a pop up will appear that will allow you to select the option to make an outright donation and you can complete the process there and not purchase a seat.

December 13, 2017

In the second game of this season UBC was off to a 0-2 start following a late collapse in the loss against Ravens in September. Since then the Birds have run up 8 straight CDI wins including this efficient performance in the overcast weather and heavy field conditions at Jericho Park. Both teams were missing players as injuries have taken their toll in this long first half. UBC was missing Ben Lesage (Henry Wisewood), Nathan Rees (Porth County), Cole Keffer (Sutherland), Andrew Coe (Bill Crothers), Owain Ruttan (St Mary’s), Nolan Howell (Hugh McRoberts) and captains Jake Ikeda (Magee) and Theo Sauder (St George’s). Meanwhile Ravens were also missing some key players as well as having a number of Alumni in the starting line-up: Jorden Sandover-Best, Adam McQueen, Cully Quirke, Sean Ferguson, Harjun Gill and Chris Taylor.
 

The Birds started well, dominating the Ravens Scrum and applying constant pressure in the Ravens half through a series of drives from the rucks. When center Niko Clironomos (Lord Byng) was lost to injury after ten minutes, there was no loss in the sustained pressure and they took lead after twenty minues when the pack destroyed a Ravens scrum on its own ten meter line and then pounced on the loose ball, with Michael Smith (earl Marriott) scoring the try and Daniel Archer (Renaissance College) converting to give UBC a 7-0 lead. This moved to 10-0 when Archer added a penalty for an infringement at a ruck.
 

Going into the last fifteen ten minutes to go and the pressure continued. Scrum dominance by UBC had kept the Ravens flankers down and engaged in the push and taking the scrum option for repeated penalties maintained this pattern. From a left field scrum on the Ravens five meter line, number eight Nick Allen Mulgrave) picked, went right and scored for UBC to go up 15-0. And then 17-0 on Archer’s subsequent conversion. Almost immediately the lead stretched to 22-0  as a break by Cali Martinez (Earl Marriott) and Cam McWilliam (St George’s) resulted in winger Evan Norris (Shawnigan Lake) powering over in the corner. When Ravens prop Chris Taylor was red carded the second half looked as though it would be a long affair for the home team.
 

The Birds continued their territorial advantage for much of the opening period in the second half although Ravens consolidated its play but never forced continuous pressure. The final quarter was completed with non-contested scrums as Ravens ran out of front row players. This partially blunted UBC’s advantage as UBC sought the bonus point try. Instead it was Ravens who scored the game’s final try through Ferguson to make the final score 22-5. The Birds’ final home game at UBC is against James Bay on December 9th.

Current Standings can be found HERE.
 

Braves continue winning streak with comprehensive win over Ravens

The last loss for the Braves was on the opening game of the season at Burnaby. The team has been undefeated since, racking up nine straight wins on its way to a first place position in the reserve team League. This game was very much in the balance until the last quarter of the game when UBC cut loose on its way to a 62-13 victory. In the first half UBC took a 3-0 lead through an early penalty from Myles Donoghue (Ashbury College). Donoghue then added a try and conversion after a long break from center Connor Byron (Yale).
 

The Ravens tied the score through two tries to leave the score at 10-10 at the break. Charlie McDonald (Rockridge) scored early to put the Braves up 15-10 before a Ravens penalty reduced the gap to 15-13. UBC then made a number of changes that had an impact on the game, notably back rower Callum Bulman (RGS Guildford) and centre James Newman (Oak Bay). Bulman scored the bonus point try with Donoghue adding the convert to push the visitors ahead 22-13. More scores followed at regular intervals. Connor Byron added a fine individual effort following a line out steal and then winger Devan Hunter (Crescent School) scored his first of the afternoon after good work from Newman. Both were converted as UBC stormed in front 36-13. Four more tries came in quick succession. Dane Hopkins (Sutherland) scored after a break from David Wensley (West Vancouver), Byron scored his second and Hunter crossed for two to complete his hatrick. Donoghue converted three to make the score 62-13.
 

The current standings can be viewed HERE.
 

International Guest Coaches in January:

We are absolutely delighted to announce that we will be hosting Australian Coaches Brian Smith and Andrew Blades in January. Both have played for Australia with Brian being a dual international having also represented Ireland. Brian was also the Assistant Coach with England while Andrew has been an Assistant Coach with Australia. The staff and players are looking forward to this great development opportunity.
 

Results

September 9th @ Burnaby, Lost 11-9

September 16th V Ravens, lost 17-32

September 23 @ Vikes, Won 44-22

September 30 V Capilano, Won 34-26

October 14th V Westshore, Won 43-19

October 21st @ Seattle, Won 36-14

October 28th V CW, Won 53-7

November 4th @ Meraloma, Won 72-17

November 15th to 19th: National University Championship, Guelph, Ontario

• November16th: Pool Game V Concordia, Won 46-0

• November 18th: Pool Game V McMaster, Won 36-6

• November 19th: Gold Medal Game V Vikes, Won 37-12

November 28th @ Nanaimo, Won 76-3

December 2nd @ Ravens, Won 22-5

December 9th V JBAA, KO 2.30pm

UBC Rugby Dinner Celebration

We will be hosting a UBC Rugby Dinner at the University Golf Club on Friday January 26th to celebrate our National Championship and the great success over the last four years. You will be able to purchase your ticket on line. The cost will be $100.00. More specific details to follow.

Contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca

Call for Team Photos for GMP

We are looking for old team photos to place on the walls at the clubhouse. If you have any photos contact Dave Brown at dave.brown@ubc.ca

December 7, 2017

Following a 36-6 win in the second pool game, the Birds moved to the first ever National University Championship Final against old rivals University of Victoria Vikes.

The weather conditions during this event had varied every day and culminated with high winds, snow flurries and cold temperatures for the Final. UBC played with the wind in the first half and dominated the play scoring five tries through winger Cole Keffer (Sutherland), full back Fraser Hurst (St George’s), number 8 Nick Allen (Mulgrave), lock James Carson (Oak Bay), and prop Clint Lemkus (Paul Roos). Theo Sauder (St George’s) continued his outstanding performance at the tournament by adding two conversions and a penalty to give the Birds a 32-0 lead at the break.
 

In the second half, UBC defended well and also launched a number of attacks against the strong wind. With ten minutes to go Owain Ruttan (St Mary’s) received a yellow card and the Vikes responded immediately scoring from a scrum to make it 32-5.

The birds stormed back with Man of the Match James Carson crashing over in the left corner to make it 37-5. The Vikes added one more try and conversion as time wound down to make the final score 37-12.

The squad for the final was as follows, with every player getting on the field:

1: Cali Martinez (Earl Marriott)

2: Connor Sampson (Charles Tupper)

3: Clint Lemkus (Paul Roos)

4: James Carson (Oak Bay)

5: Cam McWilliam (St George’s)

6: Michael Smith (Earl Marriott)

7: Jake Ikeda (Magee) ©

8: Nick Allen (Mulgrave)

9: William McDougall-Percillier (Brentwood College)

10: The Sauder © (St George’s)

11: Cole Keffer (Sutherland)

12: Nathan Rees (Porth County)

13: Niko Clironomos (Lord Byng)

14: Jon Jubenvill (Earl Marriott)

15: Fraser Hurst (St George’s)

16: Nick Frost (Collingwood)

17: Joe Sourisseau (St George’s)

18: Owain Ruttan (St Mary’s)

19: Nolan Howell (Hugh McRoberts)

20: Liam Doll (Carson Graham)

21: Jake Lan (Rockridge)

22: Elias Ergas (Collingwood)

23: Wes Wong (Shawnigan Lake)

24: Nick Collett (Southridge)

25: Sam Turner (St George’s)

Blank: Daniel Archer (Renaissance College)

Event Photos:

Tournament Game Phots can be found at HERE.

Upcoming Games:

The Club resumes BC League play this weekend, November 25th, with the Birds and Braves traveling to play Nanaimo and the U23s hosting UBCO at home.
 

International Guest Coaches in January:

We are absolutely delighted to announce that we will be hosting Australian Coaches Brian Smith and Andrew Blades in January. Both have played for Australia with Brian being a dual international having also represented Ireland. Brian was also the Assistant Coach with England while Andrew has been an Assistant Coach with Australia. The staff and players are looking forward to this great development opportunity.

Results

September 9th @ Burnaby, Lost 11-9

September 16th V Ravens, lost 17-32

September 23 @ Vikes, Won 44-22

September 30 V Capilano, Won 34-26

October 14th V Westshore, Won 43-19

October 21st @ Seattle, Won 36-14

October 28th V CW, Won 53-7

November 4th @ Meraloma, Won 72-17

November 15th to 19th: National University Championship, Guelph, Ontario

• November16th: Pool Game V Concordiia, Won 46-0

• November 18th: Pool Game V McMaster, Won 36-6

• November 19th: Gold Medal Game V Vikes, Won 37-12

November 28th @ Nanaimo, KO 2.30pm

December 2nd @ Ravens, KO 2.30pm

December 9th V JBAA, KO 2.30pm

November 22, 2017

Story courtesy of RugbyCanada.ca

GUELPH, ON – The UBC Thunderbirds have booked a spot in the inaugural Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship gold medal game. The Thunderbirds defeated a courageous McMaster Marauders team 38-6 on a wet Saturday afternoon at Alumni Stadium.
 

The Marauders played well and matched up in scrums against the powerful BC side but were eventually worn down, with the a strong UBC finish to the first half the main difference in the match. Thunderbirds’ head coach Ramses Langston said that once his players put ego aside, their level went up.
 

“They decided to do what they were asked to do,” the coach said. “What we see from this young group is that they have strong minds. Sometimes they think they’re right but they realize that the coaches and our game plan made a lot of sense and was very effective.”
 

Fullback Theo Sauder had two tries and five converts, while eight man Mike Smith, prop Clint Lemkus, and back row Nick Allen scored the other tries for UBC. Sauder was awarded Man of the Match.

“He’s outstanding,” Langston said of the talented fullback. “He’s an elite athlete and his leadership as a captain is phenomenal. We’re very proud of him.”

Outside half Will Kelly kicked two penalties for McMaster.
 

McMaster began the second half in good position after an intelligent touch kick down the right sideline. But trailing by 18, the Marauders gave up possession deep in the UBC end. It was a costly turnover as the Thunderbirds came right back down the pitch and got a try from Allen to take a commanding 31-6 lead.
 

The match was tight for most of the first half until UBC pulled away late.

The Thunderbirds opened the scoring in the fifth minute when Sauder was good on a penalty kick for an early 3-0 lead. UBC stretched it to 10-0 minutes later when flanker Jake Ikeda made a great run and flipped it to Smith for the first try of the match.
 

The OUA bronze medalists didn’t look phased and struck back with a 40-yard penalty kick from Kelly in the 16th minute. And they would take advantage of another UBC penalty 10 minutes later with Kelly getting three more points from a 32-yard kick.

McMaster’s brief run woke the Thunderbirds up, as they scored two late tries, the first from Lemkus, and the second on an impressive 60-yard sprint from Sauder, who converted his own scoring play to send his side to the half up 24-6.
 

McMaster head coach Dan Pletch was well aware of UBC’s firepower as a side that can put up 50 to 60 points a game against elite competition in the B.C. Premiership. He was pleased with how well his side battled.
 

“We put up a brave fight,” said Pletch. “We’re playing against probably the top team in the country. We’re real proud of our boys today.
 

“It was just a few mistakes here and there. UBC is such a clinical team, any little mistake we made defensively they turned into a try. But our guys really worked hard defensively and stepped in there and made their tackles.”
 

UBC will play the UVic Vikes in the Gold Medal Final
.

“We have to trust the game plan and stick with it for 80 minutes,” Langston said of what is needed to leave Guelph with a gold medal.
 

Pletch said his Marauders will now go home and recover in preparation for Sunday’s bronze medal match.
 

“We have quite a few sore bodies,” he said. “We’ll do what we always do, show up and play our very best.
 

“It’s an opportunity to win a national bronze medal, which is a pretty special thing.”

BIRDS TAKE GAME ONE AT NATIONALS
November 16, 2016

Playing in a strong south wind and in cold, and at times, wet conditions at the Gryphons Stadium UBC came away with a 46-0 win against the Concordia Stingers in their opening pool game of the National University Event. The game was played under shortened thirty minute halves and, playing with the wind, UBC took an early lead with a try from Nate Rees (Porth County) converted by Theo Sauder (St George’s). By the half way point, with UBBC controlling possession and territory the Birds went up 10-0 through Sauder’s penalty. Clint Lemkus (Paul Roos) added a try from a line out drive before Nick Allen (Mulgrave) found his way over from one of UBCs many dominant scrums. It was 20-0 at the half.
 

Perhaps it was because it was the day after their arrival, or the shortened games, but the Birds looked a little out of sorts in the opening half. Playing against a very strong wine and increasingly cold and rainy weather the team buckled down to continue to deny its opponents the ball and playing space. Flanker Michael Smith (Early Marriott) added the first score after the break with Sauder converting to make it 27-0 before Fraser Hurst (St George’s) made it 32-0. Sauder then converted a second try by Smith before  Cali Martinez (Earl Marriott) scored with his first touch of the game. From 39-0 Hurst found his way through the Stingers defense for his second try of the afternoon with Daniel Archer (Renaissance College) adding the extra points.

The final score was 46-0 and Michael Smith was named Man of the Match.
 

UBC Starting team and reserves for today v Concordia (All payers got on the field)

1: Nick Frost (Collingwood)

2: Connor Sampson (Charles Tupper)

3: Clint Lemkus (Paul Roos)

4: James Carson (Oak Bay)

5: Cam McWilliam (St George’s)

6: Michael Smith (Earl Marriott)

7: Jake Ikeda © (Magee)

8: Nick Allen (Mulgrave)

9: William McDougall-Percillier (Brentwood College)

10: The Sauder © (St George’s)

11: Cole Keffer (Sutherland)

12: Nathan Rees (Porth County)

13: Niko Clironomos (Lord Byng)

14: Jon Jubenvill (Earl Marriott)

15: Fraser Hurst (St George’s)

16: Cali Martinez (Earl Marriott)

17: Joe Sourisseau (St George’s)

18: Owain Ruttan (St Mary’s)

19: Nolan Howell (Hugh McRoberts)

20: Liam Doll (Carson Graham)

21: Jake Lan (Rockridge)

22: Elias Ergas (Collingwood)

23: Wes Wong (Shawnigan Lake)

24: Nick Collett (Southridge)

25: Sam Turner (St George’s)

26: Daniel Archer (Renaissance College)

UBCs next game is against McMaster University on Saturday November 18th, kick off Noon Easter, 9.00am Pacific.

Game Details – UBC at National University Championships:

• Live Stream: www.oua.tv

• Event Website

November 18, 2017

With a string of further injuries and players unavailable due to National Team duty, the Birds took the field with a line up including three scrumhalves starting in the back line. Such is the versatility of the players in the program that this situation has occurred regularly. All the scrum halves have appeared for Canada U20s; Cole Keffer (Sutherland), Fraser Hurst (St George’s) and William McDougall-Percillier (Brentwood College). McDougall-Percillier started at scrum half and began with a bang, breaking form a mid field ruck and outpacing the cover to touch down in the right corner. Theo Sauder (St George’s) missed the conversion as UBC took an early 5-0 lead.

The same player was on hand to score a shorter range effort minutes later when he took advantage of poor defense near the line to dive over. The conversion was missed again but the lead doubled to 10-0. Sauder converted a penalty to push the lead to 13-0 and take his season tally over the 100 point mark before Lomas added a penalty of their own to make it 13-3. Sauder was the architect of the next try as he countered from his own half and passed to the supporting Clint Lemkus (Paul Roos) who ran the final thirty meters to score near the posts. Sauder converted to make it 20-3.
 

The next try, the bonus point try, almost mirrored the Lemkus score only this time the cast was different. McDougall-Percillier started the counter and Niko Clironomos (Lord Byng) provided the finish. Sauder made it 27-3 with the convert. Lemkus then added his second of the afternoon, driving over from short range and Sauder added his third conversion to make it 34-3. Number 8 Nick Allen (Mulgrave) scored the final try of the first half, breaking off a reset scrum following a penalty and crashing over in the left corner to make it 41-3 at the half.
 

The second half saw UBC continue with its dynamic rugby while the home team dug in and fought back to score two tries and test the Birds’ defence. Lomas scored early in the second half to make it 41-10 before Sauder’s vision and well-executed grubber kick gave center Nathan Rees (Port County) a try by the posts. Sauder converted to make it 48-10. Following a dynamic attack, involving McDougall-Percillier, and back rowers Owain Ruttan (St Mary’s) and Michael Smith (Earl Marriott), which went unrewarded, Cole Keffer scored a breakaway try on the left from a Meraloma turn over to make it 53-10. Smith then finished off a great team effort which flowed almost the length of the field and Sauder converted to extend the lead to 60-10.

With about fifteen minutes remaining the home team added its second score to make it 60-17 before UBC scored its final two tries through winger John Junbenvill (Earl Marriott), following a searing blind side break by McDougall-Percillier, and substitute Elias Ergas (Collingwood), returning after a long term viral illness. The final score was converted by Wes Wong (Shawnigan Lake) to make the final score 72-17.

Thanks to referee Saro Turner.
 

The win moved UBC to second in the standings which can be seen HERE.
 

The Birds next games are at the National University Championships at Guelph University from November 15th to November 19th.
 

Check out the UBC Rugby site for Tournament updates.
 

Braves extend their winning run with a hard fought game against Meralomas

The Meraloma Reserves have been having a strong season. They were sitting in the top three coming into this game coming off a superb win at Burnaby Lake against the current Champions. This was apparent early as they piled the pressure on the Braves and took an early 0-5 lead and then kept the pressure on for the opening twenty minutes until a penalty from Myles Donoghue (Ashbury College) reduced the lead to 3-5. Lomas then regained the lead following a penalty to make it 3-8, before UBC nosed in front 10-8 after good work from Luke Higgins (Tauranga Boys' College) and Harrison Smith Handsworth) allowed prop Sam Turner (St George’s) to score the try and for Donoghue to add the convert. Donoghue added a penalty goal to make it 13-8 for the Braves. A poor kick off reception then came back to haunt UBC as the home team scored directly from the scrum and added the extras to take a 13-15 lead at the half.
 

While the Braves certainly had their moments in the second half, it was at times a siege on their line and the defensive effort was outstanding.  Donoghue gave UBC the early 16-13 lead when he converted a penalty for offside. Then, from behind their own posts, the Braves shifted the pal quickly to the right for Elis Fowler (Clifton College) to break free and pass to Wes Block (Claremont) who took it some seventy meters for the try. The conversion failed but the Braves were now in front 21-15. Lomas had opportunities to close the gap but missed a couple of kickable penalties. UBC remained strong in the tackle and finished the game forcing a turn-over in its own twenty two meter zone to win a hard fought and competitive encounter and go top of the League.
 

The current League standings can be found HERE.
 

Thanks to referee Brad Schwalger
 

Andrew Coe named Player of the Game in Rugby Canada loss to Maori All Blacks
It was a great reflection on the UBC program to see current players Andrew Coe (Bill Crothers) and Ben Lesage (Henry Wisewood) start against the Maoris as well as former player Brock Staller (Kitsilano). Brock scored all Canada’s points with three penalties while Andrew was named Rugby Canada’s Player of the Game. All three are now on the European leg of the November Tests.

Results:
September 9th @ Burnaby, Lost 11-9
September 16th V Ravens, lost 17-32
September 23 @ Vikes, Won 44-22
September 30 V Capilano, Won 34-26
October 14th V Westshore, Won 43-19
October 21st @ Seattle, Won 36-14
October 28th V CW, Won 53-7
November 4th @ Meraloma, Won 72-17
November 15th to 19th: National University Championship, Guelph, Ontario
November 28th @ Nanaimo, KO 2.30pm
December 2nd @ Ravens, KO 2.30pm
December 9th V JBAA, KO 2.30pm

November 9, 2017

Last season, the Birds won a close fought semi-final against Castaway Wanderers on their way to their third consecutive Provincial Title. Given the standings this season, it seems that at the end of the year these teams may see each other again when the final placements are completed.

Coming into this weekend, CW remained undefeated and despite player unavailability due to callus to Rugby Canada, the visitors still looked formidable. UBC came out firing on all cylinders and after just one minute they were on the scoreboard when from a scrum deep in the twenty two Theo Sauder (St George’s) swerved round his defender and went seventy meters to score under the posts and then convert. 7-0 soon became 12-0 when James Carson (Oak Bay) attacked the short side in right field. He threw an outrageous dummy pass which saw him break into the clear before being brought down by CW cover. The ball was recycled quickly and prop Clint Lemkus (Paul Roos) shifted the attack left with a long pass to fellow prop Cali Martinez (Earl Marriott) who also dummied his defender and broke into space before sending another pass to the left for hooker Connor Sampson (Charles Tupper) to crash through a tackle and score. The conversion was missed and after just ten minutes CW were back in the game after full back Brent Johnston put fly half Connor Pullin in the clear to score in the left corner. Justin Logan converted to reduce the UBC lead to 12-7.

Both teams continued to attack at every opportunity. Birds’ winger Cole Keffer (Sutherland) had a try disallowed and CW’s Johnston and center Mike Adibe were making inroads into the UBC defence. The UBC scrum was certainly providing a great attacking platform for the home team and, following a series off rests in the CW twenty two, scrum half Fraser Hurst (St George’s) broke right and angled away from the defence for the corner only to slip the pass back on the inside for number 8 Nick Allen (Mulgrave) to score and make it 17-7. As the half continued, both sides created scoring opportunities with Sauder and Logan missing penalty kicks which kept the score at 17-7 at the half.
 

The second half started in a similar vein as the first half for UBC. Centre Nathan Rees (Porth County) came on for Ben Lesage and made an immediate impact up the middle of the CW defence. The ball was shifted right and Sauder found space to score his second try of the afternoon and make it 22-7. He followed this with a penalty to increase the lead to 25-7. Another try followed for the Birds as flanker Jake Ikeda (Magee) took an offload from Sauder to score at the posts. Sauder’s conversion made it 32-7 and when CW number 8 Finnemore was shown a red card, the gates opened and in the final fifteen minutes UBC scored three more tries, all converted by Sauder. Flanker Michael Smith (Earl Marriott), on for Owain Ruttan (St Mary’s) scored a final individual effort for the first. Ikeda then added his second of the afternoon before winger Evan Norris (Shawnigan Lake) crossed for the third following a quick line out throw. The final score was 53-7 and the Birds now prepare for a local clash with Meralomas at Connaught for the Buzz Moore Trophy. Current league standings can be found HERE.
 

Thanks to Referee Chris Assmus.

Braves make it six wins in a row to go top of the Reserve League standings

The Braves won an entertaining and hard fought encounter with Castaway Wanderers but were made to work for the entire eighty minutes for the victory. UBC got off to a great start and took the lead after just five minutes. From a scrum in the CW half the Braves attacked right before switching the play to the left and then back to the right where centre Flynn Heyes (Carson Graham) collected a lobbed pass to break through and feed flanker Harrison Smith (Handsworth) for the score. Myles Donoghue (Ashbury College) missed the convert as the early score stayed at 5-0. The visitors came back strong and, after putting pressure on the UBC defence from a line-out steal and subsequent penalty, full back Vaitaki scored on the left. Fly half Tate converted to give CW a 5-7 lead. The Braves went back in front almost immediately when, after good continuity, Wes Wong (Shawnigan Lake) grubber kicked the ball through in the CW twenty two and Wes Block (Claremont) scored after the ball was mishandled by the CW full back. Donoghue converted to put UBC in front 12-7. The teams then traded opportunities before CW scored again after a concerted period of pressure where UBC defended its line for almost two minutes until the CW left winger found a gap and scored at the posts for Tate to convert and put the visitors up 12-14. This lead would increase to 12-19 as the half neared its conclusion. CW made the most of a poor decision to clear the ball and from the ensuing scrum scored following a chip and chase. The try went unconverted.
 

The Braves produced one of their best second half performances of the season as they dominated territory, keeping CW pinned in its own half, and scored seventeen unanswered points to claim the bonus point win. Winger Evan Norris (Shawnigan Lake) was first to cross the line as he came in off his wing and crash over at the posts. Wong converted to tie the scores at 19-19. Wong added a penalty to make it 22-19 and then Nick Froese (Point Grey) broke free for a superb solo effort and the bonus point try. Wong converted again and with fifteen minutes gone the score was 29-19. While there was no further scoring for the remainder of the half, both sides continued to attack and counter attack in search of points. Braves scrum half Tommaso Castaldi (Ardingly College) had a strong game, bravely dealing with some poor line-out ball from his pack while cover tackling magnificently to keep CW from getting back into the game. The final score was 29-19 for UBC.
 

League standings HERE. 
 

Thanks to Referee George Van.

National University Championship, November 15th to 19th in Guelph

A National University Championship will be held in mid-November at the University of Guelph.
The details can be found in the following link.

We will be forwarding more information on this event in the coming weeks.
 

Current and Past UBC Players in Canada squad to face NZ Maoris

Congratulations to current players Andrew Coe (Bill Crothers) and Ben Lesage (Henry Wisewood) and past players Brock Staller (Kitsilano) and Jorden Sandover-Best (Robert Bateman). All are in the squad to for the game on Friday November 3rd at BC Place.
 

Results:

September 9th @ Burnaby, Lost 11-9

September 16th V Ravens, lost 17-32

September 23 @ Vikes, Won 44-22

September 30 V Capilano, Won 34-26

October 14th V Westshore, Won 43-19

October 21st @ Seattle, Won 36-14

October 28th V CW, Won 53-7

November 4th @ Meraloma, KO 2.30pm

November 15th to 19th : National University Championship, Guelph, Ontario

November 28th V Nanaimo, KO 2.30pm

December 2nd @ Ravens, KO 2.30pm

December 9th V JBAA, KO 2.30pm

November 1, 2017

This was an excellent win for the Birds and a great weekend for the Club as the teams went 3-0 despite having a total of 32 players unavailable. Another bonus was the fact that the game was in Ferndale and on grass.

One of the great sights for the Birds was seeing Andrew Coe (Bill Crothers) back in kit and playing his first league game since the Final back in May. His selection paid immediate dividends as he picked off a Seattle pass in his own half and motored down the field to score in the left corner. Theo Sauder (St George’s) landed the convert and give UBC the early 7-0 lead. The score remained the same, despite Sauder almost adding to his tally by hitting a post with a long range penalty attempt, for the next twenty minutes as both teams looked to find a rhythm in the wind and the rain. With flanker Owain Ruttan (St Mary’s) excelling in the loose, UBC were causing Seattle all kinds of problems with continuity and it was not surprising when the Birds increased their lead following a mid field scrum in the Seattle twenty two after forcing a knock on. The ball was moved wide to the right where John Jubenvill (Earl Marriott) kept the play alive for lock James Carson (Oak Bay) to drive over for the try and push the score to 12-0.
 

Seattle suffered a double setback when the full back and winger were red and yellow carded respectively for foul play incidents but overcame them to snatch a try from a line out drive close to the UBC line following a penalty kick to touch. The conversion was good and the score favoured UBC 12-7. Almost immediately, Seattle was penalized for obstruction in the backs and Sauder kicked the penalty to increase the lead to 15-7 at the half time whistle.
 

The Birds produced a disciplined and controlled display in the second half and extended their lead on the ten minute mark when left wing Cole Keffer (Sutherland) broke out of his half and cross kicked, putting the Seattle back three under pressure. Ruttan recovered the ball on the ground and it was moved wide to the right at speed for center Ben Lesage (Henry Wisewood) to barge his way over. Sauder converted superbly from the side line to make it 22-7. The UBC forwards had been controlling the sets most of the afternoon and it was from a midfield attacking scrum that the bonus point try was initiated. Nick Allen (Mulgrave) picked and drove left before offloading to substitute William Percillier (Brentwood College) who powered his way over. Sauder converted again. The Birds lead was now 29-7. With fifteen minutes to go, Nathan Rees (Port County) came on to huge cheers for his first appearance of the season. Rees was involved in the final score of the game as UBC forced another turn over before moving it quickly to the right for Sauder to complete the try scoring and the overall scoring as he added his fourth conversion. The final score was 36-7, another bonus point win heading into a home game with the undefeated Castaway Wanderers.

Current league standings can be found HERE. 
 

Braves score a late try to secure win against Seattle

His fixture last year produced a remarkable finish in which the Braves scored a last minute try and Wes Wong converted off the left post to snatch a 31-31 draw. UBC came into this fixture on the back of fur successive wins and, with the rain holding off, the team started brightly despite the line-up changes that saw Conor O’Flaherty (International School Brussels) and Joe Sourisseau (St George’s) start at prop and Wes Wong (Shawnigan Lake) fill in at scrum half. This game also marked the first time that three of four Carsons in the program were on the team sheet; brothers Frank Carson (Southpointe) and Donald Carson (Southpointe) packed down at locks while cousin David Carson (Oak Bay) was in the back row. The pack began the game by asserting itself in the sets and the loose and it was no surprise when O’Flaherty barged his way over after a quick tap penalty and surprised Seattle. Myles Donoghue (Ashbury College) added the extras to put UBC up 7-0. This quickly became 12-0 when Donoghue chipped through, gathered the kick and outpaced the defence to the line.
 

The score remained at 12-0 for the rest of the half ass both teams battled the cold, making handling errors and poor decisions. This, along with some fourteen penalties awarded by the referee, made it difficult for the teams to mount any real continuity and pressure. The Braves actually spurned the opportunity to add to their lead by not kicking a couple of easy penalties in front of the Seattle posts as time wound down. These decisions almost came back to haunt them in the second half as the home side started strong and continued to pressure UBC for the majority of the half.
 

As the wind picked up, Seattle started the half with more energy and eventually pulled a try back after fifteen minutes, making the most of a penalty kick to put UBC under pressure and close the gap to 12-7. The Braves had their opportunities as the game progressed, always looking dangerous when they spread the ball wide to Wes Block (Claremont) and David Turner (St George’s). The sets, and particularly the line out, were letting UBC down. Frank Carson had great success at stealing the Seattle throw but numerous ‘not straight’ assessments by the referee nullified UBCs own throws. Seattle profited and went ahead after twenty five minutes as more pressure from both strong running backs and forwards was rewarded with another converted try to see the home side move ahead 12-14.
 

UBC dug in and responded magnificently on both sides of the ball. Block made a superb try saving tackle on a Seattle breakaway on the left before centre Flynn Heyes (Carson Graham), prop Henry Davitt (Sutherland) and Block combined for a Braves attack which eventually saw Donald Carson gallop over on the right. Donoghue missed the conversion as UBC pulled ahead 17-14. With time winding down and Seattle pressing for the winning score, Charlie Macdonald forced a turnover to see the Braves home and dry.

Current league standings can be found HERE
.

Undermanned U23s come away with a win at Capilano

Game report courtesy of Alasdair Hamilton

The loss versus UBC Okanagan the previous week end turned out to be a blessing. The group trained hard with a focus on general skill development and improving their contact skills, specifically retaining possession, tackling and overall defensive skills. That emphasis definitely paid dividends for the UBC team on this day. With the many injuries throughout the Club, the U23 team was stretched for the first time this season and only18 players were available for the game against Capilano at Klahanie Park.
 

The first half was a defensive struggle with play ebbing and flowing in the centre of the pitch. Caps dominated possession but not territory and rarely ventured into the UBC half, choosing to use their big men (forwards and backs) to batter the smaller UBC defence. UBC were more than equal to the task, with Caps essentially recycling ball sideways in phase play across the width of the pitch until UBC defensive pressure caused a passing or handling error to stop progress. The U23s were often able to transition the turn overs quickly and effectively in attack with subsequent deep penetrations inside the Caps half. In one such situation fifteen minutes into the game, a decisive tackle by John Tolton (United World College) forced the turnover ball. Flanker Carter McDonald (Elgin Park) scooped up the ball and drove hard into contact with Evan Ruiz (De LaSalle) in support. The ball was recycled quickly for scrum half Kilik Saxer (Carson Graham) who offloaded to winger Sam Hughes (Handsworth) to score in the far left corner. The conversion was wide but UBC, against run of play, now led 5-0.
 

The struggle continued with Caps pressing heavily and with seven minutes remaining in the half Hughes was penalised for a high tackle and received a yellow card. With 14 men it appeared Caps would likely even the score. However on consecutive attacking forays by the Caps inside the UBC twenty two, the UBC defense bent but did not break. UBC 5 Caps 0 at the half.
 

UBC had defended staunchly for most of the first half and with the game in balance, there was a prime opportunity for one team to take hold of the match. From the start of the second half UBC stepped up the pace. Saxer, leading from scrum half, inspired attacks by the forwards Ben Beaulieu (Trinity College), Carter McDonald, Austin Zimmer (Yale), Nick Zimmer (Torrey Pines) and James Telford (Rockridge) to dominate in the loose. With the forwards on the front foot, and all the players now providing effective support at the breakdown it seemed that a score was inevitable.
 

Carrying on from an outstanding first half effort, Nick Zimmer continued to provide attacking initiative and support play from the base and was rewarded with a try three minutes into the half. The conversion was wide and UBC led 10-0. Both Tolton and full back Tommaso Castaldi (Ardingly College) were now able to dictate truly offensive back play and push Caps on their heels as the second half progressed. The team was rewarded with more tries fom Hughes, Saxer, Beaulieu, Michael Shilliday (Bishop O’Dowd) and Jack Bottyan (Terry Fox). With Saxer adding two converts, UBC ran out 39-0 winner.
 

This was a gritty performance with much improvement from previous outing and there is still much to work on as this group of players continue to develop their individual, unit and team skills. The next game for the U23s is against Richmond on November 4th.
 

Current league standings can be found HERE.
 

Next Home Games

October 28th: Birds v Castaway Wanderers, kick off 2.30pm

October 28th: Braves v Castaway Wanderers, kick off 12.45pm

Both fixtures at UBC

October 25, 2017

The game could not have started any better for UBC as a Westshore player taking the kick off knocked on in the shadow of his posts. From the resulting scrum number Nick Allen (Mulgrave) picked and fed his scrum half Fraser Hurst (St George’s) going right. Hurst passed to Theo Sauder (St George’s) who needed no invitation to take the gap and score. Sauder missed the conversion but the Birds were up early, 5-0.

 The home side continued to pressure the Westshore defence and centre Niko Clironomos (Lord Byng) was the next to cross the line, bursting onto a pass from full back Nick Collett (Southridge) to score under the posts. Sauder converted for a 12-0 lead. The point a minute kept up when UBC scored its third try from the counter attack with Sauder sweeping away from defenders before the supporting Cole Keffer (Sutherland) fed Hurst for the try. The convert was missed but the Birds were now in front 17-0. The bonus point try followed at the thirty minute mark following more good work by Allen. Winger Cole Keffer was the recipient as his unconverted try put UBC up 22-0.

Up to this point, Westshore had been feeding off scraps of possession and UBC looked like it might further dominate the game and the scoreboard. Some excellent work by the back row of Jake Ikeda (Magee), Cam Mc William (St George’s) and Nick Allen had given the home side’s play better continuity while the front five was providing a solid scrum platform. As the half wound down, the complexion of the game changed. Instead of killing the game and the opposition off, the Birds allowed Westshore a glimpse of hope. A lazy knock on gave the visitors a scrum from which they launched an attack through their number eight Vaa and eventually scored in the left corner. The convert was added to close the gap to 22-7 before the Birds wasted an opportunity to add a fifth try as Westshore turned the ball at a line out drive and then prop Clint Lemkus (Paul Roos) was shown a yellow card.

There was a similar pattern to start the 2nd half as UBC adapted to play a man down and Westshore worked hard to get back in the game with Vaa outstanding in this effort. Nick Allen was rewarded for his own diligent play with a try after UBC returned to full strength. Sauder added the convert as the Birds stretched the lead to29-7. William Percillier (Brentwood College), coming on for Hurst who shifted to the wing, to produce a moment of individual brilliance by breaking left from a ruck and outpacing all defenders to score in the corner. Sauder converted from the sideline to put UBC up 36-7.

The last fifteen minutes of the game resembled the last fifteen minutes of the first half with UBC failing to press home its advantage. Westshore responded to outscore the home team by two tries to one.  Strong forward play gave the visitors the next try which was converted to make the score 36-12. Sauder then scored his second try off the afternoon after an interchange of passes with Keffer on the left. He converted to bring his own tally for the afternoon to 18 points, giving the Birds a 43-14 lead. Westshore had the last word scoring a third unconverted try to make the final score 43-19. UBC now sits in fourth place in the standings.

We would like to thank Referee Harry Mason.

Braves pull away from Westshore in the second half to win again

The final score does not reflect the overall nature of this game. This was a very hard game for the Braves who scored an important try in time added on for injury at the end of the first half when the game was still very much in the balance at 7-5 in UBC’s favour. Up to that point UBC had an underwhelming display; making poor decisions, executing haphazardly and not providing any continuity as they struggled to get out of their own half. Credit also goes to Westshore who piled the pressure on the home team and pinned them down with very good ball control and some sound tactical execution. Westshore were physical from the onset and challenged the contact point at every opportunity. So it was no surprise when the visitors took a 0-5 lead after twenty minutes following a line out drive on the UBC 5 metre line. The kick off finally allowed UBC to get out of its own half and it was somewhat ironic, given how well Westshore had played in the sets, that the tying score came off a Westshore line out just outside the twenty two metre line. The ball was overthrown and collected by Tyler Rowland (Mentor College) who rambled past and through a number of defenders to score near the posts, giving Myles Donoghue (Ashbury College) an easy convert and the Braves a 7-5 lead. Westshore came back with more pressure only to be denied through errors in execution and poor decision making. As the half time approached it looked as though the Braves would take a slender lead into the break. The clock continued to turn and after four minutes of time added on for injury strong runs from flankers Thomas Choi (Earl Marriott) and Harrison Smith (Handsworth), and then centre Flynn Heyes (Carson Graham), winger Evan Norris (Shawnigan Lake) broke tackles on his left wing before cutting back inside and rounding the last defender to score at the posts and give Donoghue a simple convert and UBC a 14-5 lead.
 

In the last three games the second half performances of the Braves had been somewhat inconsistent, falling off stronger first half displays. Within fifteen minutes of the restart, this pattern had been overturned as the home side stormed out of the blocks with three tries to move into a 31-10 lead. Flynn Heyes was the first to score following a line-out to make it 19-5. Myles Donoghue then dodged his way over for the bonus point try on a fifty metre counter attacking run and converted to stretch the lead to 26-5. After a Westshore score, Heyes added his second to make it 31-10. In the final twenty five minutes with Westshore’s fitness exposed and UBC bringing on fresh legs, there were further scores for lock Donald Carson (Southpointe), hooker Jack Bae (Kitsilano), winger David Turner (St George’s) and flanker David Carson (Oak Bay) with Donoghue adding a further three conversions. Westshore added a further two tries and a conversion to make the final score 57-22.

The braves currently sit 2nd in the table which can be viewed HERE

Thanks to Referee Shanda Mosha-Gallant.

U23s lose to UBC Okanagan

The U23s lost their second league game to UBC Okanagan Heat 14-34 to stand at one win and one loss in the current sstandings. The young UBC side played competitively against an older and more experienced UBCO side and scored tries through centre Devan Hunter (Crescent School) and back row Joe Shaw (St Joseph’s) while Hunter and Michael Shilliday(Berkeley) added conversions. This was a good test for this group who will only grow and develop as the year goes on. Next week the team will be playing at Capilano.U23 Standings can be found HERE

Next games

Thunderbirds @ Seattle, 2.30pm kick off

Braves @ Seattle, 12.45pm kick off

U23 @ Capilano Academy, 11.15am kick off

The Seattle games will be held at the Chuckanut Bay fields in Ferndale: 7090 Dahlberg Road, Ferndale, Washington.

October 18, 2017

Story and Image courtesy of Wilson Wong, UBC Thunderbirds Communications 
VANCOUVER – The UBC Thunderbirds dropped a hard fought 27-22 match against the Calgary Dinos at the Gerald McGavin Rugby Centre on Friday afternoon, but a sensational try by UBC eighth-man Lyric Atchison was enough to propel the 'Birds into the Canada West playoffs.
 
"We did all we could today, I think," said UBC head coach Maria Gallo. "I'm proud of the effort today."
 
An unfortunate break for the 'Birds put them in a deficit in the 4th minute. Against the run of play, Calgary's Emmanuel Anye blocked a kick, recovered the ball and ran it to the end zone from 40 yards out.  Cassidy Jones kicked the conversion and it was 7-0 Dinos.
 
The Dinos added to their lead in the 9th minute when Jones grabbed the ball out of a ruck and plunged into the end zone.  The conversion attempt hit the uprights making the score 12-0 Dinos.
 
Calgary lit up the scoreboard again just minutes later. Some nifty passes across the face off the field resulted in Samantha May having a clear path down the left wing into the scoring area. The conversion was missed and Calgary had jumped out to a 17-0 lead.
 
After UBC fly-half Mackenzie Carson sustained an upper body injury, causing her to leave the game, the 'Birds seemed to rally around their fallen captain.  Some determined running and ball movement by the 'Blue and Gold' allowed Alayna Scramstad to dive into the scoring area from three yards out, right underneath the uprights.  Brooke Bazian made the conversion and the score stood at 17-7 Dinos at the half.
 
The 'Birds came out flying in the second half. In the 43rd minute, Bazian made a probing run across the half-line, juked a Dinos tackler and blasted into the end zone. Bazian converted her own spectacular work and the Dinos were clinging to a 17-14 lead.
 
But Calgary regained the momentum and padded their lead in the 52nd minute when Cassidy Jones' swerving run off the left wing put the Dinos up 22-14. The conversion was pushed wide.
 
The 'Birds answered in the 60th minute, when a winding charge through the heart of the Dinos defence by Lyric Atchisonmade the score 22-19. Bazian was just short on the conversion.
 
But Calgary stormed right down the field and scored again the 64th minute when some deft passing by the Dinos backfield propelled Charity Corcilles-Harris past the far right pylon.  The conversion as missed and the score was 27-19 Dinos.
 
A Bazian penalty kick pulled the 'Birds to within five, setting up a furious final ten minutes.
 
But despite relentless pressure from the 'Birds in the Calgary half of the field, they could not make the final push for a deciding score. The referee blew his final whistle and the scoreboard read 27-22 Dinos.
 
Because the 'Birds came were able to lose by less than seven, they secured an all-important bonus point, giving them seven on the season and earning them a spot in the Canada West playoffs.
 
"There's nervous excitement now," added Gallo. "I told the girls we are very proud of them. We'll recover from this game physically and then take it from there on Monday."
 

October 13, 2016

The game began in a slight drizzle of rain combined with sunshine and with Capilano reshuffling its line up from the one in the program.

Alex Boyd came into the centre and national sevens player Adam Zaruba started on the wing. Jordand Reid-Harvey moved to the back row providing support for captain Glenn McKinnon and former UBC stalwart Connor Weyell. UBC’s major change was prop Cali Martinez (Earl Marriott) being declared fit to start. The Birds started brightly with prop Clint Lemkus (Paul Roos) crashing over with just a minute on the board. Theo Sauder (St George’s) converted to give UBC a 7-0 lead. There was then a definite lull in play following three injuries, one of which saw Michael Smith (Earl Marriott) replace Owain Ruttan (St Mary’s) on the UBC flank. It was Capilano who came back the stronger with full back Franklin adding a penalty to make the score 7-3. What followed was a multitude of penalties and errors by UBC before Franklin closed the gap again to 7-6 with his second penalty kick. With ten minutes to go in the half the Birds made a tactical change, moving winger and Canada U20 scrum half Fraser Hurst (St George’s) to the number nine spot and shifting Cole Keffer (Sutherland) to the wing.

There was an immediate payoff as UBC worked the midfield before switching the play to the blind side to send Keffer scooting free to score in the left corner and increase the margin to 12-6. UBC should have scored a third try following a counter attack by Sauder and further support play by winger John Jubenvill (Earl Marriott). Stand-off Nick Collett (Southridge) straightened the attack and strode through a gap on the left only to see his final pass to the overlapping Niko Clironomos (Lord Byng) go astray and into touch. The Bird’s loss was their opponents’ gain as Franklin converted his third penalty to reduce the gap to 12-9 at the half.
 

Strangely, UBC’s dominance at the scrum was yielding little rewards, only penalties to add to those given up at contact. Despite using width and a potent counter attack there were too many instances of poor discipline and decision making and pursuing lost causes at the tackle and ruck. Meanwhile, Caps were thriving on playing direct confrontational rugby and patient ball control. The Birds began the second half well gaining a penalty in front of the Capilano posts just outside the twenty two. Choosing the scrum instead of points UBC attacked left but were stopped when a pass went forward near the try line. Caps took over possession and went through the phases again before a knock on gave the home team another set scrum in right field. Sauder exploited space from his full back spot to score on the left and covert to push the lead to 19-9. Once again, the visitors came back despite a yellow card to McKinnon. Franklin added his fourth penalty to make it 19-12. As the game moved into the final fifteen minutes, the teams then traded scores to keep the match finely balanced. Sauder made it 22-12 with a penalty. UBC was then penalized at the tackle and Capilano kicked to the left corner and scored on the ensuing line out drive. Cassells converted to make it a three point game at 22-19. The Birds responded again. Following a penalty after dangerous tackle, UBC took a scrum in left field and after a reset Nick Allen (Mulgrave) picked and drove, Jake Ikeda (Magee) continued the drive before Sauder attacked the line and put in a pin point grubber kick for Ben Lesage (Henry Wisewood) to score the bonus point try. Sauder’s convert made it 29-19. Back came Caps with a mirror image try from another penalty and line out drive. This time hooker De Freitas scored and Cassells converted. It was 29-26 with less than three minutes to play. The drama continued. UBC recovered the kick off, and after multiple phases and great ball control Sauder finally sent Jubenvill in for the easiest of scores and a 34-26 victory, denying Caps a bonus point in defeat.
 

Current League table is available here.
 

UBC’s next home game is against Westshore on October 13th. Many thanks to Referee Brett Hay.

Braves win third successive game with victory over Capilano

There was a change to the expected starting lineup for the Braves with injured centre Kevin Vertkas (Mentor College) replaced by Myles Donoghue (Ashbury College) who moved to stand-off and Connor Byron (Yale) shifting to outside centre. Early pressure from the Braves resulted in a try for centre Nick Froese (Point Grey) who reverted to using his flanker skills on pick and drive to score near the posts and give Donoghue an easy conversion for a 7-0 lead. UBC continued to display strong running skills with breaks and half breaks by both backs and forwards supported in numbers. The next score cam following a powerful scrum in the Capilano twenty two. The Braves pack drove the visitors back almost twenty metres. From the penalty that followed, UBC chose the set and after scrum half Tommaso Castaldi (Ardingly College) made the initial blind side break, prop Tyler Rowland (Mentor College) eventually powered over for the score. Donoghue converted again for a 14-0 lead.

From the kick off the ball was moved from right to left and into contact before coming into the blind on the left through Donoghue, Evan Norris (Shawnigan Lake) and Byron for flanker Harrison Smith (Handsworth) to take the final pass and score. Donoghue continued with his successful kicking by converting to take the score to 21-0. The next score came following a quick tap by Castaldi who passed the l on to left winger Wes Block (Claremont). With no room seemingly available Block got outside the first defender and then cut back in field to outpace the remaining defense and score by the posts. Donoghue’s fourth convert made it 28-0. The first half scoring was completed when Rowland took a short throw near the Capilano line and powered across the line to make it 33-0.

UBC played the opening half with intensity, making good decisions and looked to break the indecisive second half performances from the previous two games. The Braves started well with no diminishing of their play for the opening ten minutes. The game then died a slow death with poor decisions and execution. The game was never in doubt but the only score of the half came from Elis Fowler (Clifton College) whose try made it 38-0. On a positive note, the bench was emptied giving more players the opportunity to play and adding more experience at this level and the win gave UBC a third successive bonus point win moving them into second place in the standings which can be seen here.

Highlights of the game can be seen here.

Thanks to the referee Jamie Levchuk.

U 23s produce a dominant display in win over Capilano Academy U23s

The U23s produced a consistent display from start to finish in a 59-7 win over the Capilano team, scoring eleven tries and just two conversions. Stand-off Dane Hopkins (Handsworth) got the first score with a final individual break and Sam Hughes (Handsworth) scored the simplest of tries, taking an unselfish pass from prop Conor O’Flaherty (Brussels International School) to put UBC up 10-0.

With the scrum providing a solid base and the back row of Conor Sinclair (Shawnigan Lake), David Carson (Oak Bay) and Joe Shaw (St Joseph’s College) constantly harrowing the opposition, the scores kept coming. Sinclair scored the third try, dummying his way through the defense to touch down. Hughes added the convert to push the lead to 17-0. Caps briefly got back into the game with well taken try in the left corner before Hughes notched his second and the team’s bonus point try to make it 22-7. Sinclair, O’Flaherty and hooker Ben Beaulieu (Trinity College) continued to impress in the forwards while Lucas Perron (Abbey Park), Devan Hunter (Crescent School) and John Tolton (United World College) gave the backline playing width and penetration. Killick Saxer (Carson Graham) was unlucky not score following a powerful scrum near the Caps line. It was left to winger Bryan Sun (Western Academy Bejiing) to complete the scoring from a quick tap penalty. Hughes added the extras to give the U23s a 29-7 half time lead.
 

The coaches made a number of changes in the second half to ensure game time for nearly all the bench including the US trio of Evan Ruiz (De Lasalle), Michael Shilliday (Berkeley) and Nick Zimmer (Torrey Pines). A further six tries were scored through Toltan and Jack Bottyan (Terry Fox) who got singles while Hunter and Elis Fowler (Clifton College) each grabbed a brace. The next game for the U23s is on October 14th against United.

Thanks to referee Paul Kelly.

Current League standings here.
 

Next Games

There are no games next week on Thanksgiving

October 14th

Birds v Westshore @ UBC, kick off 2.30pm

Braves v Westshore @ UBC, kick off 12.45pm

U23 v United @ UBC, kick off 11.15am

October 2nd, 2017

Following the home defeat to the Ravens in week two, there were a number of changes to the line-up. Nick Collett (Southridge) moved to stand off and Theo Sauder (St George’s) to full back, while Sean Duke (Prince of Wales) made first start on left wing and Daniel Archer (Renaissance College) starting on the right.
 

UBC’s scrum looked powerful at the onset and the first try came early. An opening attack following a Vikes knock on saw the Birds test the middle and edges of the field. Then from a scrum on the right, the Birds made ground up the centre before shifting the ball wide to the left with speed for Duke to score in the left corner. Sauder converted for a 7-0 lead. The Vikes got back into the game immediately following a poor UBC kick off reception and forced their way back into the game after thirteen minutes when centre Ethan Hager crossed on the left and Guiseppe du Toit landed the conversion tie the scores at 7-7. UBC responded well and, following a series of scrums and forward carries in the left corner, hooker Connor Sampson (Charles Tupper) crossed the line. Sauder converted again and the Birds were up 14-7.

It soon became 19-7 when Sauder release a perfectly timed short offload to Archer who changed his angle and made ground into the Vikes twenty two. Collett had drifted to Archer’s vacant spot on left wing and he beat his man with an inside dummy pass before stepping out of the tackle to score in the corner. The conversion failed. The Vikes came back again, winning a penalty from the kick off and then scoring from a line-out drive through flanker James O’Neill. The conversion by du Toit was good and the UBC were ahead 19-14. The Birds then put the Vikes under a period of pressure before the half, working the forward tight and then the backs posing an outside threat. It was perhaps inevitable that UBC score again when a scrum on the right corner took a while to set. The pack controlled the drive and number 8 Nick Allen (Mulgrave) burrowed over on the left for the bonus point try. With e convert failing the score moved to 24-14 which is how it finished at the half.
 

The second half started as the first half had finished with Allen adding his second of the game to push the Birds further out to a 29-14 lead. Lock James Carson (Oak Bay) looked to have added to this lead but was judged to have incorrectly grounding the ball in the right corner. From the ensuing play it was Duke who scored his second try to extend the lead to 34-14.

The game opened up at this point with both sides finding gaps and creating chances as the Vikes tried to close the gap and the Birds looked for further scores. The Birds began to empty its bench and give more players experience and playing time including freshman scrum half William MacDougall-Percillier (Brentwood).And it was UBC who extended the lead when Sauder broke down the right on the counter before threading a pass between two converging defenders for the supporting Ben Lesage (Henry Wisewood) to score by the posts. Sauder added the convert and the Birds were in front 41-14 with ten minutes remaining. Vikes winger Cathal Long scored to make it 41-19 before a Sauder penalty moved the scoreboard to 44-19. A final Vikes surge saw them score a bonus point try to close the scoring through Matt Gallagher to make it 44-24 for UBC.
 

The win gave UBC its first league points of the season and also gives the Birds an automatic berth to the National University Finals in Guelph in November. They also have twenty point advantage in the Wightman Boot game, with the second leg to come in the New Year. Next up is a home game against Capilano on September 30th with a 2.30pm kick off.
 

Braves get another win but will rue second half performance
This was almost deja vu for the Braves, with a similar performance to last week’s win over Ravens. They won the first half 22-7 and lost the second half 12-21 to come away with a 34-28 win. There were was one major change to the Braves starting line-up with Myles Donoghue (Ashbury College) coming in at stand-off for a delayed Wesley Wong (Shawnigan Lake).

The Braves exploded out of the blocks when winger James Newman (Oak Bay) came into the line and powered through before offloading to centre Kevin Vertkas (Mentor College) to score. Donoghue added the conversion and UBC were ahead 7-0. Ten minutes following a left field attacking line-out in twenty two, the braves drove effectively before Sam Turner (St George’s) sheared off on the open side and powered through tackles to score to push the lead to 12-0. Flanker Thomas Choi (Earl Marriott) was next on the score sheet. Choi was everywhere, making tackles and stealing balls, and this time he was on hand to score from a ruck to make it 17-0 and then, with Donoghue’s conversion, 19-0. With ten minutes to go to the half, the home team got back in the games through some UBC ill-disciple scoring a converted try from a quick tap to make it 19-7 before Donoghue added a penalty to close the half at 22-7.
 

While this first half display was heartening for the Braves, the second half was a completely different story as a plethora of poor executions and decision making allowed the University of Victoria to get back in the game. Despite some promising play from UBC, a no look pass was intercepted and converted by the hosts and the gap closed to 22-14. Almost immediately it became 22-21 when poor defensive tackling in the twenty two allowed the Norsemen to stroll across the line and convert. With twenty minutes still to play UBC got back on the board through Harrison Smith (Handsworth), giving the Braves a bonus point try and a 27-21 lead. Multiple penalties against UBC plus poor ball control saw the Norsemen come back into the game and a second interception converted interception try gave them a 27-28 edge and a lead for the first time in the game. To their credit, the braves fought back and a storming of the line in the left corner saw Christoph Stangl (Carson Graham) crashed over for the final score with David Wensley (West Vancouver) adding the convert giving UBC the 34-28 win.
 

UBC v SFU cancelled

This game was cancelled by SFU meaning the next game for the U23 side with be against Capilano on September 30th.
 

Next games: September 30th 2017

Thunderbirds v Capilano at UBC, 2.30pm kick off

Braves v Capilano at UBC, 12.45pm kick off

U23 v Capilano at UBC, 11.15am kick off

September 24, 2017

While the final score line of 17-32 seems to indicate a big difference between these two teams, it could not be further than the truth. The two teams traded blow for blow in an entertaining game at the Gerald McGavin Pavilion.

The game was cut and thrust throughout with the visitors taking the lead after just through five minutes when fullback Aaron McLelland got outside his tackler on the right before weaving back in field to score by the posts. Former Bird Harjun Gill added the extras to put the Ravens up 0-7. UBC responded well breaking out wide through second year wingers Jake Lan (Rockridge) and John Jubenvill (Earl Marriott). The Birds’ play built on the forwards competitive play, especially at scrum and after fifteen minutes they tied the score from a left field scrum in the Ravens’ twenty-two. Jubenvill came between his centres from the right and the ball was recycled quickly from the ruck for Theo Sauder (St George’s) to score on the second effort. He converted to tie the game at 7-7. Gill gave the Ravens a 7-10 lead when he converted penalty for a dangerous tackle on lock Sam Clark before The Birds fought back following a break from front rower Clint Lemkus (Paul Roos) and Cali Martinez (Earl Marriott), paving the way for Sauder to even the score at 10-10 from score after a ruck infringement. The breathless first half finished tied and there was much to be admired in UBC’s effort in the first half. Once again the scrum was solid, constantly putting pressure on its opponent while the line-out was much improved from the Burnaby game as the returning Connor Sampson (Charles Tupper) hit his mark with greater consistency.
 

The second half began with an early penalty miss by Sauder before the Ravens displayed their outside threat once again as centre Cully Quirke put Sean Ferguson away to score on the right wing. Gill missed the conversion but the visitors were back in front 10-15. UBC’s response was quick. Within four minutes the Birds were across the white line after a series of penalties allowed them to put Ravens under pressure near their own line. From a right filed scrum number 8 Nick Allen (Mulgrave) picked and drove left and popped the pass to scrum half Cole Keffer (Sutherland) who zipped over from tem meters out. Sauder converted to push UBC up 17-15. Ravens turned the screw again working the left side of the field and particularly the left corner with a series of line out and drives and when UBC looked to have handled the pressure a penalty on the outside the twenty two was converted by Gill to see the visitors nudge in front 17-18. With less than 10 minutes remaining the single point separated the teams and the Birds were pressing strongly for the next score. Two lapses in execution by UBC then gave the Ravens the edge and the game. First the ball was tipped loose in a tackle and recovered by Ferguson on the right. The ball was recycled quickly and full back McLelland found space on his right wing before cutting back to score at the posts. Gill converted. 17-25 for Ravens. Almost immediately after the restart with the UBC backs moving left, a cut out pass from Sauder was tipped by Ferguson who recovered control to score. Gill converted again giving the Ravens a 17-32 lead. This was the final score of a very entertaining game and the Birds, as they did from the defeat at Burnaby, will learn from this defeat as they prepare for Saturday’s first round of Wightman Boot Game in Victoria.

Braves open their season with contrasting performances in each half in win against Ravens

First of all, this was a good win and the promise showed in the first half augurs well for upcoming games. Further consistency for the whole eighty minutes will be one goal that the Braves will be looking to achieve in their next game at the University of Victoria. The game started well with centre Nick Froese (Point Grey) going over to give the Braves a 5-0 lead. Strong scrummaging and strong early runs by James Newman (Oak Bay), Thomas Choi (Earl Marriott), Owain Ruttan (St Mary’s) and Joe Sourisseau (St George’s) provided UBC with continuity and field position. After another barging run by Sourisseau, Connor Byron (Yale) was held up on the line. Choi burrowed over from the following scrum. At 10-0, the scores now came frequently. On the counter attack, David Wensley (West Vancouver), Newman, Myles Donoghue (Ashbury College) and Byron put Wes Block (Claremont) away on the left to score in the corner. Wesley converted to put UBC up 17-0. The bonus point try came shortly after when the hard working flanker Hayward Mulindi (Carson Graham) was rewarded and Wensley converted to give the home side a 24-0 lead. Then at the half time whistle Froese added his second with Wensley converting again; UBC 31 Ravens 0.
 

While the first half play was very encouraging for the Braves, the second half proved to be more disjointed. The Ravens got on the score sheet earl to make it 31-7 and UBC found itself under pressure for the next twenty minutes. When Mulindi was yellow carded Ravens added a second score to close the gap to31-12 before prop Sam Turner (St George’s) responded with a try from a quick tap following a penalty to increase the Braves’ lead to 36-12. The final fifteen minutes was filled with mistakes and lack of continuity with the Ravens adding a score on the final play to make it 36-17.
 

Inter squad U23 game shows the depth of talent available

Many thanks to Liam Murphy-Burke and Alasdair Hamilton for the following game notes. Conditions were ideal and with the first game of the season at home, between the two teams, it was a perfect early venue for the coaches to appraise the large group of talented freshmen and returning players.
 

The game did not disappoint with a spirited atmosphere. Both sides were evenly matched. Though the score was 26-10 in favor of Chase Kelliher’s team, Murphy-Burke’s Liam’s squad played much of the game one man down with the unfortunate injury of workhorse lock Cole Dreyer (Shawnigan Lake).with a dislocated shoulder. For Kelliher’s team the tries came from lock Evan Ruiz (De LaSalle), make shift prop Nick Zimmer (Torrey Pines), wing Jack Bottyan (Terry Fox) and centre Ellis Fowler (Clifton College) with scrum half Tommaso Castaldi (Ardingly College) adding three conversions. For the Murphy-Burke team, front rowers Henry Davitt (Sutherland) and Nick Gray (Carson Graham) scored tries.
 

The game was one of pace and high energy and the caliber of play was entertaining and a worthwhile opportunity for players to display their skills. It has been evident in training that this year’s group of High School Grads have been well coached and that UBC is very fortunate to have these young talented athletes on campus.
 

Parents’ Support

A huge thanks to Brock Turner for organizing the Parents’ pot luck lunch which was a huge success and enjoyed by all.

Next Games: September 23rd

Birds @ University of Victoria

Braves @ University of Victoria

UBC U23/Totems v SFU

September 19, 2017

Following three years of continued success, this season for the Thunderbirds will be one more opportunity for the players and staff to develop and compete in the best league in North America and against the best University program in the US, Cal Berkeley.

With the graduation of 11 Birds from the 2016-2017 squad, hooker Alex Mascott (St George's), props Neil Courtney (Handsworth) and Chris Taylor (Dromore), back five players Thomas Roche (St John's Ravenscourt), Sam Clark (Kitsilano), Connor Hamilton (St George's), Connor Weyell (Handsworth), and Nakai Penny (Penticton), half backs Jorden Sandover-Best ((Robert Bateman) and Adam McQuuen (Canmore) and winger Manar Kulkhan (Port Moody), many people will feel that team has lost the core of its recent success. However, if you were to look more closely at the team over the last three years you will see a pattern of selection which reflects the ongoing development of a high number of players that is reflective of succession planning.

On average, over the past three years, almost 40 players have played for the Birds in the course of a single season.
 

In this corresponding fall fixture last season, Burnaby came away with a 27-10 victory scoring there push over tries. With as many as eleven Birds leaving the program and Burnaby retaining the majority of their starting line-up, this was expected to be a tough start for this year’s team. The opening twenty minutes saw both teams feeling each other out and both displaying some early season rust in certain areas. UBC’s scrum, anchored by Clint Lemkus (Paul Roos) and first year Tyler Rowland (Mentor College) more than held its own against the experienced Burnaby pack. The UBC line out was less consistent and certainly hindered the Birds from exerting any continuous pressure. Burnaby took the lead after twenty five minutes when they found space in left field and scored in the corner to make it 0-5. Their second try was scored following a series of UBC errors and infractions. Two poor line outs were followed by penalties at a scrum and ruck. From the ensuing line out the opposition eventually found the overload on the right and scored in the corner and adding the convert to make it 0-12.

From the ensuing kick-off, flanker Cam McWilliam (St George’s) drove the ball up midfield and the attack was carried on by Theo Sauder (St George’s) and John Jubenvill (Earl Marriott). Burnaby infringed and Sauder’s penalty made it 3-12. The Birds exerted  more pressure and both Sauder and scrum half Cole Keffer (Sutherland) were held up short following a series of surges from penalties close to the Burnaby line. During this play former Bird Mike O’Toole received a red card for striking a UBC player and following his dismissal, Sauder added his second penalty to make it 6-12 which was the score at the half.

The Birds started the second half with a bit more intensity and urgency and Sauder had a chance to reduce the deficit with a further penalty attempt. Burnaby soaked up the early pressure a man short and, after Cali Martinez (Earl Marriott) was carded, the home team extended its lead after twenty minutes to make it 6-19. The Birds made a number of changes to try and change the momentum as the game moved to its completion. Burnaby found itself in further disciplinary trouble in the final few minutes with two further cards and UBC finally crossed the line on the right through Ben Lesage (Henry Wisewood) to make the final score 11-19. The Birds will take the positives from this result and will regroup as they prepare for the first home fixture of the season against Ravens this coming Saturday.
 

The following notes are taken from the Burnaby report of the game:

Although there were many new faces in the T-bird jerseys at Burnaby Lake on Saturday, the standard of play was what we have come to expect from the Thunderbirds. I know they have a few players missing to the Canada U-20 squad which affected their depth and I think that they will pose a threat to every team they face this season.

 had heard throughout the summer from many “experts” in the BC Rugby world that UBC wouldn’t be strong this year now that the “bumper” crop of recruits they picked up after the program was revitalized 5 years ago have graduated. No more Staller, Thorpe, Best, Courtney, Kulkhan, Mascott, etc. But, barring a rash of serious injuries to their current standouts (Keffer, Sauder, LeSage) I will be surprised if they aren’t battling for the Rounsefell Cup again this year.
 

Braves Suffer Opening Loss against Burnaby

The Braves displayed many encouraging qualities in their opening game against the two tie defending Division 1 Provincial Champions. Burnaby’s depth and experience was always going to prove difficult for a squad which contained as many as nine first year and eight second year players. The hosts scored three first half tries and a convert to take a 0-17 lead at the half. There were solid performances from scrum half Tommaso Castaldi (Ardingly College) and from stand-off Myles Donoghue (Ashbury College) who was returning to play following a complete year off with an injury sustained at camp in his first year. Prop James Telford (Rockridge) and back five forwards Owain Ruttan (St. Mary’s) Christoph Stangl (Carson Graham), Charlie Macdonald (Rockridge) and Thomas Choi (Earl Marriott) provided stern opposition in the pack.
 

In the second half the Braves emptied the bench and managed to get twenty five players into the game. Connor Byron (Yale) showed promise in the back line while Ben Beaulieu (Trinity College) was his usual busy self when he came on as hooker. Burnaby added a further four scores to make the final score 0-37. This weekend thee Braves will host the Ravens and will look for a stronger performance to get the season going.

Games this coming weekend, September 16th

Totems v UBC U23, kick off 11.30am

Braves v Ravens, kick off 12.45pm

Birds v Ravens, kick off 2.30pm

September 13, 2017

The new BC Rugby CDI season starts on September 9th with the Birds and Braves scheduled to play at Burnaby Lake in a repeat of the 2017 Rounsefell Cup Final. As we speak, 26 players are in Queensland taking part in the pre-season tour with games against Bond University and the University of Queensland.
 

At the same time a number of players are getting ready to leave with the Canada U20 and Hong Kong U20 Teams taking part in the World Trophy in Uruguay.
 

This season will be interesting to say the least as the squad rebuilds following the departure of a large number of graduating Birds. There is great cause for optimism however with an experienced group of players returning and ready to carry on the legacy left by the their predecessors. In addition, we have a great class of recruits coming into the program and everyone will be at the pre-season Camp starting on August 28th.

Our regular weekly newsletter will start next week as we provide updates on events and fundraising and reports on games. We want to welcome back all our existing and new Alumni as well as our new parent group.
 

We are all looking forward to another great year of Thunderbird Rugby.

Dave Brown, UBC Rugby Manager

August 21, 2017