The Third Game v Prince of Wales

Hi All,

Wow, have we had an interesting time in Vancouver. It is pretty cold and following a recent snow fall, the streets of Vancouver are still covered with snow and ice. The rugby pitch we played on today was also covered with snow, and it was quite a sight seeing our boys shovelling clear the snow prior to the game. This left a surface that was predominately mud and very heavy under foot.

It was cold , about 9 degrees going into the game, but the temperature soon dropped to an estimated 3-4 degrees. It was decided to play 3 periods of 25 minutes per period.

The first period was dominated by TC. Our boys kept bringing the ball up to the try line, but failed to put points on the board until Tim Badham managed to score wide of the posts about 10 minutes into the period. This was not converted. Score 5-0 favouring TC. Special mention must be made of Rowan Cackett who had a pearler of a game, constantly picking and driving around the breakdowns and turning the opposition. With the rapidly dropping temperature, the boys made the best of the conditions to score late in the period. Richy Sorriba playing at wing received a great pass and managed to dodge round his opponent to score in the corner. This try was not converted. Score 10-0.

The opening 10 minutes of the second period was a more even match. In fading light, Tim Badham did it again with a splendid try, which was not converted. Score: 15-0 in TC's favour. The opposition struck back soon after with a their forwards taking the ball up to and over the try line following a penalty. This try was not converted and the score was 15-5, favouring TC going into the break.

The final period really belonged to the home side. Soon into the period their backs scored with a try that was subsequently converted. Score: 15 - 12 in TC's favour. The rest of the game was played in difficult conditions in which the locals thrived. They strung together offence after offence which our team managed to repel. TC did have a few opportunities to score but the Prince of Wales boys were equally resolute. In the end it was the referee's whistle that saved our team from the Prince of Wales boys stealing the win from us. Final score 15-12, in TC's favour. Nil significant injuries.

This was a challenging game for us. The opposition were very good but lacked match practice. We let them back into it after a fantastic start, the best start of the tour.

The day ended with the usual formalities. Rowan Cackett was voted TC Man of the Match .
The locals are extremely generous and gracious hosts and have welcomed us into their homes. We are grateful to them for the generosity and look forward to hosting their team's visit to Perth in March next year.

Now its early to bed for an early start to Whistler tomorrow. This is just the opportunity of a lifetime for these boys and they are all making the most of it.

Regards,

Bob Graydon