From the Director's Desk
UBC Rugby Newsletter - November 12, 2013
On The Field
While the rest of BC Rugby had the weekend off, UBC traveled to UVic to play a U’20 game and the first of two “Boot” games. The U’20’s were up first scoring in the first five minutes of play with scrum half Rupert Peers (Elgin Park) darting into the left hand corner to make it 5-0 for UBC. That would be the last and only time that UBC would have the lead as UVic struck back with three tries and a penalty kick in the first half to make it 18-5 at the half. The second half was much like the first with UVic scoring two more tries and a penalty to capture the game 33-5.
The Birds were up next and they were quickly out of the starting gate scoring four tries in the first half, all through the backfield. Nate Rees (Porth County), Ben Grant (St. George’s) Sean Ferguson (Brentwood) and James Thompson (Dromore High School) scored tries as Brock Staller (Kitsilano) added three conversions. The Birds had a number of very good opportunities to add on to that score but were unable to finish and went into the half with a 26-6 lead. The second half saw both teams put together solid efforts on both sides of the ball and eventually the Vikes scored a long range try, against the play, as well as adding a penalty kick matched by a UBC penalty kick.
Final score UBC 29 Vikes 16. There were a lot of happy faces and hugs along with a few hearty slaps on the back after the final whistle as UBC enjoyed their first win over the Vikes since 2008. Yes, it was like winning the lottery, but luck had nothing to do with the win as UBC was the better team on the day. We have a tentative date of January 18th as a possible rematch but other dates will be explored and obviously passed on to our alumni and supporters in due time.
Off The Field
Alumni opportunities
Seattle
The Birds and Braves will make their way across the 49th on November 23rd to play the Seattle RFC who is also undefeated in league play. The game will take place at Magnusson Field close to the University of Washington. KO @ 1:00pm and 2:30pm. Go down early and get some great Xmas specials for your loved ones!
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.
