From the Director's Desk
UBC Rugby Newsletter - November 7, 2013
On The Field
The U20’s started the weekend at the Capilanos’ RFC. A slow first half saw UBC up by a 5-0 score but was able to pick it up a notch to score two more tries in the second half to finish on top 17-0. The U20's are undefeated this season and will travel to Victoria this coming weekend, November 9th, to take on UVic’s U20 group. UBC was successful in their home campaign but realize that the younger Vikes will be a bit tougher on home soil. Kickoff is at 1:00pm
The Totes took on the infamous Kats this past weekend at Balaclava Park. The Kats pretty much had their way with our guys who were on the defensive side of the ball for much of the match. The Kats, the number one team in the third division, were clinical on the day and put up 40 points on the boys. We had some chances but errant passes on a very wet day left us high and dry….well more like wet.
On home ground the Braves put up a solid effort and recorded a 44-5 result against United RFC. The Braves scored eight tries with Gabe Grzybowski (Glenlyon Norfolk) contributing a hat trick on the day. Colin Graydon, Eric Olson, Matt Cheong, David Turner and Wyland Milborne all crossed for individual tries. The Braves are on top of the table with 7-and-0 record, scoring 379 points and allowing just 59 points.
The Birds game was a bit of a short affair as the halves were only about 25 minutes. The United RFC had a bit of trouble fielding two complete teams and many of the Birds saw the same players that the Braves did. Credit to the 22-23 players from United who played two games but the pace and the skill level overwhelmed them as UBC put up a 92-0 result. Top scorer on the day Liam Murphy-Burke crossed the line four times as well as converting three. Fourteen tries and eleven conversions were scored on the day. Unfortunately results like these do not help either team.
Down The Road
Most of the league play will be on hold for the upcoming weekend except for the UBC vs. UVic games which will be played on the island. The U20’s will take the field at 1:00pm while the Birds take on the Vikes for the first of the two “Boot” games. UBC and UVic have been playing this competition since 1967 which is in honor of former UBC coach Brian Wightman who kindly donated one of his size 12 boots which was bronzed for the competition. If you are interested in taking a nice relaxing ferry ride over to Victoria please by all means drop by the University of Victoria for a couple of great games of university rugby.
Off The Field
Alumni opportunities
UVIC
November 9, 2013 sees UBC kickoff the Boot Series against UVic. Our team is one of the strongest in years and the boys have a very good chance of returning the Boot to the Mainland. All interested parties currently living on the Island or looking to see two of the best varsity programs in North America going head to head are invited to venture over to Wallace Field on the University of Victoria campus to watch the game.
Las Vegas
The IRB 7s tour is making its only North American stop on January 24-26 in Las Vegas. For the first time UBC will be sending a team down to compete in the college division and we would like to have all of you join the team down there. Two packages containing specials on entertainment and
accommodation are currently being put together and more information will be available shortly.
California
February 2014 will see the World Cup kick off in Berkeley. A small and dedicated fan base have made the trip down to San Francisco in the past years and the UBC rugby program would like to expand upon this. We invite you to come down on the 15th of February for the 1:00 pm kickoff. Our alumni and parent group will be organizing the UBC Tailgate party before and after the game. We plan on not only winning the game on the field but also putting on the best tailgate in the lot! We look forward to seeing you cheer on the Birds and soak up some California sun.
Sincerely
Spence McTavish
Director of UBC Rugby
