Teams Announced for BCRU 'Match of the Day'

(This game will be televised “live” at http://www.bcrugby.com/live/ )

It appears that Burnaby are coming to Windsor, loaded for bear with a selection that probably represents as good as they can muster. Cejvanovic has joined in from the NSMT’s 7’s; both Gotegote and Dolesau added in the centers and Reekie and Rockson round out the backs. The pack is very solid and newcomer, Mcfeely has been getting some good ink. Interesting to note that in both squads, Burnaby is fielding a total of six “international” players. CW’s selection appears to be out of necessity as Oliver has been moved to fill a gap in the centers, Kelliher, who played well at lock last week, goes to the flank and MacLean comes into the open lock spot. The outcome of this match is critical for BLRFC as it will determine whether their season ends or continues with playoffs. It seems like yonks ago when Burnaby defeated Seattle in Seattle and CW defeated JBAA @ McDonald! Last week, Rowers pushed Burnaby, who were lucky to get the home win.  Burnaby's record in Div One this season, with only one loss, is a credit as to the depth of their club and Saturday will be very unlikely to mar it

The way games have gone this season, predicting outcomes has been a virtual impossibility. What we do know is that this CW core of Blue Collar Boys, has been together through some battles over the past three weeks and will not capitulate to anything Burnaby throws their way. The outcome at Windsor will also have repercussions over at McDonald where JBAA will be battling for their playoff lives. An appeal to “the faithful”, let’s get out to support the boys. Go, CW!

Need to revert to the “international players” referred to earlier. As the BCRU grapples with issues of “eligibility”; carded/non carded; Seattle inclusion, a point has been made on this site many times that the “international player” restriction/combination needs to be totally discarded. I read this week where UBCOB’s Ravens, who have had a marvellous ending to their season, will be losing a number of said players next season, HOWEVER, the key one, Tom Luke who has served as coach has left a legacy of developing local players. This serves to demonstrate the issue. An “international player” who is travelling or who has been referred to a club can do nothing but raise the bar for local players. This has been the case with both Rowers and Caps over the past couple of seasons and UBC, this season. Said player is not pinching a selection spot, thus endeth the lesson. Whilst on UBCOB’s, we tip the cap to Mike Burak who has announced his retirement. Big Mike has served Canadian rugby at the highest level but has also “given back”, being a worthy, skilled opponent at all times on the field and an enjoyed mate off the field. ‘onya, Mike!