From the Director's Desk
UBC Rugby Newsletter - November 29, 2013
On The Field
The boys had to get up before the birds were chirping, as 47 of us packed into the bus and headed south to Seattle. We arrived at the boarder at about 8:15 am and eventually cleared customs at 10:45am. That is the longest I have ever waited, even longer than the time, circa 1971, that the patrol thought that I was bringing back some wacky tobacky! Much to their disappointment I was clean as a whistle.
Realizing that we're going to be late the Braves changed and taped on the bus, for the second time this year, and had a brief warm-up before the game. Seattle was big, athletic, and aggressive, but lacked skill at too many positions as the Braves put up a five try performance and a 38-19 victory. Most of the damage was created through the backfield as Francois du Toit, Angus McWhirter, Spencer Miller, Karsten Leitner and Colm Quirke all touched down for five while Liam Murphy-Burke was perfect with his boot with five conversions and a penalty goal.
The Birds were up against a Seattle squad that was also undefeated this half of the season. The Birds were averaging 56 points for per game and Seattle 57 while on the other side of the board Seattle was allowing 13 points per game versus UBC’s 6 points per game. It was bound to be a cracker of a match and it did not disappoint. Nate Rees was the first to score after a nice break by Ben Grant. Big man Eric Hunter-James crossed to make it 12-0. Seattle returned the favor and it was 12-5. Charlie Thorpe pick up a nice bounce from a perfectly weighted chip kick near their goal line and made it 19-5 at the half. Seattle capitalized on a small error and suddenly it was 19-12 with plenty of time on the clock. Brock Staller slotted a key penalty to make it 22-12 and then captain Ben Grant put one across the line to make it 27-12. Staller kicked the convert and it was 29-12…deal done.
The Birds finish the fall season with a 9 and 0 record also matched by the Braves. The Hawks (U20’s) were 5 and 1 and the might Totes ended up with a 1 and 6 record.
The Totems have a game this coming Saturday at Wolfson where they will host Ridge Meadows at 11:30am.
FYI the Birds first game after Xmas will be against UVic on January 18th. Game will be played in front of our new pavilion.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
On behalf of the players and coaches we would like to thank the friends, fans, parents and alumni for your support throughout the fall season. Wishing you all the best during the “Holidays” and we will hopefully see you again in 2014.
Off The Field Alumni Opportunities
UVIC
Come and join us on January 18th, 2014 as we host the Vikes in the second of our home and away match for the Wightman “Boot”. For the first time since 1997 we will take a 13 point lead into the second game. This is a game you do not want to miss so get your derriere’s out to the match and hang around post-match sampling chilly but refreshing ale after 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.
UBC Alumni Reunion Dinner
Please set aside Friday March 21st as we are going to have our alumni dinner at the UBC Golf Club. We have dropped the price significantly. No it is not $250! No it is not $200! No it is not $150! Yes it is $125 per person. Can you believe that! For all you guys out of town, get back into Vancouver and make a weekend of it as Sunday, March 23rd we host Cal. KO at 1:00pm
Sincerely,
Spence McTavish
