From the Director's Desk - April 1, 2014

UBC Rugby Newsletter - April 1, 2014

On The Field

The Totems were at Surrey this past Saturday and came away with a gritty 13-6 result. Chris Rey led the scoring with two penalties and a conversion while Cam Graham crossed for the Totes only try. The weather was not conducive to open rugby as the ball seldom made it past 10 for both sides. Well done Totes.

Sunday was just the opposite for the Birds and their World Cup Game held at Thunderbird Stadium. Blue skies and sunshine prevailed as the Thunderbirds downed the Bears 40-3 to claim the 2014 World Cup. The Birds lost the opener in Berkeley 33-24 to give the Bears a nice nine point cushion coming into this weekend.

A very tight first half, which ended in a 13-3 result for the Birds, gave UBC a one point advantage going into the second half. The Birds came out of the blocks running in the second half and put down four tries in the last 40 minutes to win the game 40-3 and capture the 2014 World Cup by a 64-36 margin. Bryan Tyrel (McRoberts) was our player of the match with a try, three conversions and three penalty kicks contributing 20 points to our cause. Erik Hunter-James (Rockridge) aka “the steamroller” scored two very big tries using his Maori sidestep and carrying bodies with him over the goal line. Center Nate Rees (Wales) and Sean Ferguson (Brentwood) also added single tries. The Birds defensive structure and their persistent tackling shut the Bears out while their transition ball which was swung wide proved to be to very successful. Doing a bit of research it looks like the last time that Cal has been held to 3 points was back in 1990 when UBC put up a 45- 3 result.

Down The Road

The Birds and Braves will host Langley RFC this coming weekend while the Totems will host Ridge Meadows. Kick-offs at 11:30am, 1:00pm and 2:30pm.

Off The Field

Thank you to the 40 or so Alumni who came by for beers and appetizers this past Friday night at the Gerald McGavin Pavilion..A good time was had by all. A special thanks to the four alumni, I will withhold their names, who did such a good job of depleting my home bar and waking my neighbors at 3:00 am.

Sincerely

Spence McTavish

Director of UBC Rugby

Department of Athletics and Recreation

272 6081 University Blvd Vancouver BC

V6T 1Z1

Email: spence.mctavish@ubc.ca

Website: www.ubcrugby.com