Richmond RFC 2nd Division Provincial Champions
Normally, I don’t start off giving up the final score but I felt this was an important occasion. The day started early, 10:00 to be exact, with a players and supporters bus ride to Brockton oval.
With the reflexes of Mario Andretti, the bus driver, weaving through Granville Avenue and downtown got us there in record time. We arrived at 10:30 expecting to see the 3rd division championships getting under way, but apparently both teams, Capilanos and Kats, decided that they didn’t want to play the game. Go figure, and people wonder why there are so many scheduling and default issues in the B.C.R.U. 3rd division.
That was fine with most of the boys however as they spent the next hour just ball handling, kicking, and practicing. Looking at the weather network this morning, it was supposed to be a mild 16 degrees, and playing near the water promised an excellent day for rugby. The reality turned out a little different however, as there was only a slight wind and the sun beaded down on the field, making it about 25 degrees at the field level This would impact the Richmond squad near the end of the game.
Recently acquired from the Rowing club, Jamie Overgaard was able to get us the VRC change rooms, to get ready in. Ironically he played most of his career there, went to three finals but came up a bridesmaid every time. I guess it took a change for him to bring one home.
I’ll give you the bad stuff first. Several parts of the game caused Richmond problems. First, the Seattle restarts were handled poorly by Richmond and were unable to secure any ball. In almost every case Seattle was able take offensive advantage of the miscue’s by Richmond. Secondly, Richmond, whether it was over exuberance or laziness took almost every penalty in the book for being offside, hands in the ruck, or not staying on their feet. This was highlighted by a yellow card given to Tim Ross for coming in offside with 3 minutes left in the 1st half.
The game started off with a flurry from Richmond. In the set scrums Richmond, unlike two weeks previous, was able to dominate the Seattle pack. Their #8 normally effective in running the ball, had a difficult time picking the ball up, and when he did, he was tackled quickly by the flanker or Derek Dempsey at scrum-half. The first 15 minutes saw Richmond all over the Seattle squad.
While the pressure built Richmond lost a little bit of focus looking for the first score. Several times panic set in and unnecessary and errant passes were made which helped Seattle relieve the pressure.
They, Seattle, didn’t escape unscathed however, as a poor lineout and a even poorer pass to their number #10 saw Jamie Overgaard scoop up the ball and sprint 15 meters to touch the ball down in goal. The ensuing convert ricocheted off the posts and out. Richmond led 5-0.
Just minutes later, a Richmond player broke off the side of a stolen ruck with the ball. Making it into the Seattle backline, hoping for support he flipped the ball blindly outside. Unfortunately, the only one who was close enough was just out of reach. The Seattle #12 kicked the ball through, got an opportune bounce, found the ball in his hands and went over for the try from about 15 meters out. The score was tied 5-5.
The contest put Richmond’s defense to the test. In talking to guys on the sidelines, they said that almost every tackle attempted was made by the Richmond squad. This was evidenced by the fact that the only scores Seattle got were by two errant passes by Richmond players and a penalty during the yellow card infraction.
Richmond’s second score came from a lineout on Seattle’s 35 meter line. A quick ball off the top of the lineout turned into a quick series of passes down the back line. Alan Tang received the ball at outside centre, outpaced his opposite number and was tackled by the fullback and winger. His momentum however allowed for his second movement to touch the ball down over the line. The convert was taken from the exact same spot as before. This time however, recent junior Bryan Tyrer slotted the ball to give Richmond a 12-5 lead. Seattle would then pressure back. This was when the referee had had enough of the Richmond off sides and sent Ross to the bin. They also converted for 3 points from 10 meters out.
With two minutes left, Richmond found itself under pressure again. Fortunately we were able to get the ball back on a knock on.
Just wanting to run out the clock for halftime, Malchy called for a wing-in off the set scrum. The Seattle defense over played the wide pass and didn’t see the winger, Tyrer, coming in. He hit the gap, sped down the wing, chipped over and gathered up the ball at full pace. He sprinted down the line and unluckily was tackled out of bounds in the Seattle in goal. Half time.
The second half started off with Ross in the bin for another 7 minutes. Ironically, we would play some excellent ball and put Seattle under pressure during those 7 minutes. A loss by Seattle in the scrum saw Richmond pick the ball and drive it up. After several forward phases Richmond swung the ball down the line. A 3 on 2 saw Bryan Tyrer keep the ball and touch down for a converted try. 19-8. The rest of the game was a back and forth defensive effort by Richmond. We would pressure and then make a mistake that would allow Seattle back in the game. The heat was also taking its toll on the Richmond squad. Finding itself on their own 5 meter line, Richmond made a tough defensive stand but Seattle was awarded a set scrum on a Richmond knock-on. With 10 minutes left Seattle picked from the base and was able to drive over for the converted try, 19-15. The last 9 minutes seemed like an eternity for the sidelines as Richmond tried to weather the Seattle storm. Richmond gained possession and marched down the field several times, only to be hamstrung by a penalty or a stolen ruck. Seattle took advantage both times and either kick deep into Richmond territory or was successful in stealing Richmond ball. The final drive saw Richmond take a dangerous quick lineout, as two Richmond players decided to attack from their 22. A series of plays later Richmond took it’s final penalty of the game. Seattle kick for touch at Richmond’s 10 meter line. On the ensuing line out Seattle knocked the ball on, Richmond recovered and kick the ball into touch. The final whistle blew, and the sidelines came pouring onto the field to congratulate the winning side.
The end of the year banquet later that night showed allowed the club to show it’s appreciation for both the players and supporters as an excellent time was had by all.
Time to relax. A.G.M to be held tentatively on May 28th. Location T.B.A.
Enjoy the summer,
Jon
