Road trips are usually a good time for players to bond and a lot of fun to boot. But this past Saturday, the trip home was a subdued one after loosing two important games to the Kamloops Raiders.

Most clubs have a big advantage on their home field. And those clubs like Kamloops, who have to travel long distances for half of their games, have an even bigger advantage at home. On Saturday, that advantage was felt as the Raiders fielded two large and fit sides. The Kamloops seconds ran up a 31 to nil half time lead before Langley shook off their bus legs. The lads seemed to wake up and started to play aggressive second half ball scoring two trys. The first by Ryan Yoemans, and the other by Aaron Antonio made the sore 31 to 10 but injuries started to crop up and the team played most of the second 40 minutes down by one player. Kamloops did score two more trys with one convert to make the final score 43 to 10.

WINGER AARON ANTONIO TRYING TO MAKE A MOVE ON TWO KAMLOOPS DEFENDERS, SCORED ONE TRY ON THE DAY.

CENTRE KOLBY BREZDEN FENDING OFF A KAMLOOPS DEFENDER

SECOND ROWER TRAVIS ROCKSON WINS A LINEOUT.

The first division game was an epic battle and went down to the final quarter of the game. Langley seemed to control much of the first half ball but with a strong wind in their face. Kamloops converted a penalty for 3 then Langley responded with several phases of rucks and mauls to score in the corner by winger Sean Messenger who also converted for a 7 to 3 lead. The game went back and forth with hard tackling on both sides until Kamloops scored an unconverted try just before the half to take a one-point lead.

WINGERS SEAN MESSENGER AND WADE DICKERSON TRYING TO STRIP THE BALL FROM A KAMLOOPS PLAYER.

TEAM CAPTAIN TAYLOR CROWLEY TRYHING TO BREAK A KAMLOOPS TACKLE.

With the wind now at their backs, Langley was looking at some strategic kicking and should have had the advantage pressuring Kamloops near the goal line. Messenger was good on a penalty in the 54th minute but Kamloops seemed to pick up steam and scored against the flow. Taking the ball on the restart, some suspect tackling let the ball go wide and 50 metres for the try and convert to retake the lead 15 to 10. Despite several inroads towards Kamloops goal, Langley was not able to score. Kamloops padded their lead with a penalty kick, then scored two trys, one stealing a set scrum on their own 5-metre line and taking the ball 95 yards for the major. This seemed to break the locals backs and desperation then entered the game. Kamloops took advantage of some sloppy play and with no time left on the clock scored the final points for a well-earned 30 to 10 victory. Langley will close out their regular season next Saturday at Hume Park in Coquitlam against the United RFC.

John Oliver Park in Delta was the venue for week 7 of the BC Men’s League against defending Div.1 and Div 2 champions Brit-Lions on Saturday.

The first game of the day featured the Brit-Lions Div.2 team that is leading the league with an undefeated scheduled dominating all challengers. Langley’s second div team has had good success and currently in third place was hoping to improve their standings found out why the Brits are at the top of the rankings.

Kolby – ready to flip a pass to Andy Maher for the first try of the game.

Andy Maher – Andy looking for space, scored one try on the day.

Langley faced a large and seasoned side that scored within minutes of the start of the game and continued to press and dominate. Their large mobile forwards tore holes through Langley’s defense and scored trys in abundance for a 44 to 0 half time lead and an embarrassing 68 to nil final score. This team will have to put this game behind them and ready for Kamloops next week. The defeat would not affect the team in playoff standing but every game is important for seeding this time of the year.

The first division team still struggling to clinch a playoff berth needs to win every game. The Brit-Lions clinched a 4th seed spot in the first half but have not been doing so well this half are trailing Langley in the standings.

A tough game with players being driven into the turf. No one was injured but lots of sore bodies after the match.

Div. 1 scrum half Wayne “Striver” Bremner had a strong game spoiling clean ball for his opponent scrum half.

On a great day for Rugby, the host team had the first chance to score on a penalty kick but a cross field wind spoiled the kick, Langley took control of the ball and for the next 35 minutes pressured the Lions inside of their own half. Centre Kolby Brezden broke tackles up the middle 20 metres out then flipped a pass to Andy Maher on his shoulder who burst the final 10 metres for the try. Sean Messenger converted for the 7 to nil lead.

From the restart, Langley brought the ball downfield near the Lions goal area. Stealing the ball from a set piece, scrum half Wayne Bremner spun the ball out wide and fullback Stu Morrison who came in to the back line to create an overlap went in for the try. Messengers convert bounced off the upright and the lead was 12 to nil going into the half.

The Brit-Lions picked up their game in the second half and came back with two trys one converted to tie up the match by the 65th minute. Two minutes of the restart Langley had regained the ball and driven inside the Lions 22 and won a penalty. Messenger was good from 19 metres out to regain the lead 15 to 12.

Wade Dickerson – gathering the ball from Kolby Brezden clinched the game for Langley with a try under the posts.

With time running out, both teams played at a frantic pace with tremendous tackling and the ball changing hands several times. With a few minutes remaining, Langley was on the attack when Kolby Brezden who was being tackled 10 metres from goal flipped the ball to Wade Dickerson who had looped from the wing on a called play slid in under the posts for the touchdown. Messenger converted and Langley held a 22 to 12 lead until referee Blake Lewis blew in full time.

Next Saturday Langley travels to Kamloops at the Exhibition grounds to play a tough home club. Kamloops is ahead of Langley in first division standings and a victory is essential. The first division team is starting to play more to the level we have been sued to seeing, and if they manage to qualify for a playoff spot, they have a good chance of making it to their third BC final in three years.

Langley completed a four game home stand Saturday by dispatching the Simon Fraser University Mountain Old Boys in both divisional games. SFU has been struggling this year finding themselves in the bottom third of the standings. Langley has been steadily improving over the past 4 weeks, the first team has gone undefeated, and the seconds dropped one match. As of Saturday, both teams are in a playoff contention but continuing to win games is essential to maintaining a playoff spot and hopefully improving their seeding.

Doug Morrison diving for the goal line in celebration to score his first try in the div 2 game.

Div 2 action 8th man Kyle Romogioli has turned into a try scoring machine went over for the tying points of the first half.

Saturday was a perfect day for rugby and the field was soft with good footing. The seconds started the day off but were struggling for the first 15 minutes. SFU quickly scored two trys, one converted to take a 12 to nil lead by the 12th minute. The lads seemed to be on their back foot for the entire first 15 minutes allowing SFU over the gain line and eventually trys were surrendered. The early SFU lead seemed to be a wake up call and the team responded with more aggressive play. The first points came from a Ryan Yoemans run setting up winger Noel Maher who turned on his jets and outran SFU defenders for 40 metres and the touchdown under the posts for an easy convert for Andrew Vaydo. Langley from that point on started to take over control of the game and in the final 10 minutes of the half tied the game with a try by 8th man Kyle Romogioli. Langley had other opportunities to score but was unable to get the ball over the goal line, and Vaydo had a penalty kick attempt from a wide angle but missed, the half time score tied at 12.

Ryan Yoemans had another strong performance, setting up one try and scoring his own to complete the days scoring.

Andy Maher opening the scoring for the first division team.

The second half saw Langley explode with offensive possession that resulted in 8 trys and 2 converts. Forward Dan Depadrina opened the scoring followed by standoff Patrick Vaydo, Dan Depadrina for his second, winger Doug Morrison for two in a row, prop Chris Moore on second effort in close, Noel Maher for his second and Ryan Yoemans first to complete the days points. Vaydo converted two more for a resounding 54 to 12 victory.

The first division game was no contest from the start. Langley controlled all facets of the match and ran up a 29 to nil half time lead with trys from Andy Maher, Taylor Crowley, Wade Dickerson, Frank Cole and Rich Pearce with two converts by Sean Messenger.

The second half Langley scored 5 additional trys, Taylor Crowley who had an exceptional game scored his second, Wayne Bremner from a 5 metre set, Crowley his third on the day and Dickerson for his second. Messenger converted two for a 56 to nil thumping.

First Div. captain Taylor Crowley flanked by Rich Pearce (right) make up two of the toughest small guys in rugby.

Flanker Taylor Crowley diving for the touchdown on his first of three trys on the day.

Langley’s two smallest players forwards Rich Pearce and Taylor Crowley once again had great games. Crowley scoring a hat trick and a phenomenal defensive effort. Every time these players had the ball they were running at pace punishing the opponents or first to breakdowns stealing the ball.

Langley is on the road the next three weeks. March 29th the teams will be playing the Brit-Lions at John Oliver Park in South Delta. The Brits second team will be a tough game currently in second place and their firsts have had some tough luck in the second half after finishing the first half in second place overall will still be a tough opponent. Langley and the Brit-Lions have split the past two years Provincial Championships so there is a lot of pride on the line. Kickoffs are 1 pm for the seconds and 2:30 pm for the firsts.

The Langley Rugby Club celebrated St Patrick’s Day Saturday wearing their usual green jerseys sent the Surrey Beavers back to the Beaver Pond in Cloverdale winless. With a good turnout of alumni and supporters wearing green and many sporting old jerseys as far back as the 70’s cheered on the lads.

Aaron Antonio Div 2 - Aaron breaking down the wing for his first try of two on the day.

Ryan Yoemans Div 2 - Yoemans making a move had a strong game at fullback scored the second try of the game.

The second division side opened the day’s games putting on a display of mud bowl rugby and bit of luck of the Irish despite heavy rain and a muddy field. The seconds overrun the Beavers with 54 unanswered points and controlled most of the ball possession and field position despite conditions kept errors to a minimum.

Patrick Vaydo opened the scoring with a penalty kick in the 4th minute followed by trys from Aaron Antonio, Ryan Yoemans, Steve Marce and Kyle Romogioli. Vaydo was good on one convert for the 25-point lead at the break.

Kyle Romogioli Div 2 – Romo has been punishing defenders all year with his hard running and tackling scored the hat trick.

Taylor Connell Div 1 – Taylor has been a force on the first division team joining the side late last year. Connell scored the final try of the game to clinch the match

The second half, Antonio scored his second try, followed by Romogioli for two and Dan Depadrina for 2 trys. Vaydo converted 1 for 29-second half points and a 54 points to nil victory.

Surrey is a club that is improving every year with a youthful side and they have the ability to surprise an overconfident team on the day. Saturday was almost one of those days. With weather conditions leaving the pitch a slippery mess, Langley despite having much of the play and ball possession did not find the opponents rolling over in defeat. The start of the game had Surrey going up 3 to nil after Sean Messenger missed an early attempt at goal, but Messenger made up for the early slip up with a try down the wing and two penalty kicks for 11 points and the lead at half time.

Rich Pearce Div 1 – Pearce is one of the hardest players on the club shows his determination going into contact with the ball.

Andy Maher Div. 1 – trying to make yards never attempts to avoid contact punishes his defenders with a shoulder or straight-arm.

Surrey roared out of the second half-restart buy scoring a try and convert to cut Langley’s lead to 1 point. Despite Langley regaining most of the momentum, Surrey played brilliant defense and kept Langley off the scoreboard until the final 10 minutes of the game. Try’s by lock Jon Bright and flanker Taylor Connell with converts by Messenger capped off the days scoring for a 22 to 10 victory. The firsts record is at 3 and 3, while the seconds improve to 4 and 2. Both teams urgently need to continue winning if there is to be any hope of qualifying for post-season action. Next week, the SFU Mountain Old Boys visit for the final home league game of the season before the club completes the schedule with three road games.

The Piggies came to town, sporting an undefeated first division side and a second division team with only one defeat. Both Langley sides have struggled; the seconds having the better record but suffering from the injury depleted first side moving members up and down to fill the gaps. The club is finally seeing several of our injured troops come back. Saturday saw two more players return, Prop Robbie Hayes who has been sidelined for several months and forward Rich Pearce who had to leave the Abby game three weeks past suited up for the seconds.

DIV 1-FRANK COLE

Div 1-Lineout battle

The first division game started like so many other this season falling behind our opponents early then having to fight back. The Piggies scored in the 5th and 23rd minute both times using the width of the field and their speedy wingers. Langley did have opportunities but were turned back by a large and hard Cowichan defense. The first half ended with Cowichan in a 12 to nil lead and Langley taking their favorite end of the field going downhill. After taking control of the ball after the restart, Langley made several inroads into the Piggies 22 but were turned back until a long series of phases finally paid off going out wide to the wing and young Sean Messenger outran his defender for a touchdown. Messenger missed his convert attempt and the Piggies lead was cut to 7 points. For the next several minutes, the ball was moved in the centre of the field before the Piggies were able to move the ball close to Langley’s goal, forming a maul, the ball was driven over the goal line and touched down to retake the 12 point lead.

Div 1-Messenger try

Div 1-Gary Ewasiuk

Langley never let up and started to pick up momentum. If it were not for a great Cowichan defense, Langley would have scored on several occasions. In the 62nd minute, Langley won a penalty and Messenger was good on a 30-metre attempt to make the score 17 to 8. Just as it seemed Langley had a chance to chip away at the Piggies lead, Cowichan was awarded a penalty inside Langley’s 22 and regained their 17 point lead, with 12 minutes remaining in the game. Some substitutions had to be made and these players had an instant impact on the game. Rich Pearce and Robbie Hayes entered the game and started to hit the rucks with great intensity. The ball started to bounce for Langley and the first was a Frank Cole try from 20 metres out after the ball was knocked loose from a hard tackle. Messenger converted to make the score 20 to 15.

On the restart, Langley slowly moved the ball down field pinning Cowichan inside there 22. Cowichan had possession and passed the ball into their backs but once again after hard contact coughed the ball, Cole again snapped up the ball from 30 metres and broke away form Cowichan tacklers for a try under the posts to tie the game. Messenger was good on the convert to take the lead and kill the final 8 minutes for the victory.

Div 2-Yoemans try

DIV 2-PEARCE

Cowichan’s second division team was youthful and full of large players have had Langley’s number the past couple of years. Langley opened the scoring in the 6th minute when winger Noel Maher chased a kick into the corner from Mike Roberts. Cowichan appeared to get to the ball however the defender under pressure fumbled the ball and Maher touched it down first for the score. The celebrations were short lived when Cowichan ran off the next two tries with converts to take a 14 to 5 half time lead. The day did not get better for a young Langley side. Cowichan scored 3 minutes from the restart before Langley was able to put one over the goal line for them selves when winger Aaron Antonio out races his marks for a try in the corner. Cowichan continued to score with two more trys one converted for a 33 to 10 lead. Ryan Yoemans completed all scoring when he broke for the goal, tackled as he reached the goal line, Yoemans managed to touch the ball down for the try on his second movement. The convert was good by Andrew Vaydo and score seemed a bit more respectable 33 to 17 for Cowichan.

Langley hosts Surrey Beavers next Saturday, and the club will be celebrating Alumni and Supporters day. All past members, social and players as well as our many supporters are asked to come out, wear green and cheer on Langley.

On Feb. 23rd, Langley made the long road trip to Port Alberni only to arrive heavily short handed and the result was evident with a pair of losses 15 – 8 for the firsts and 21 – 10 for the seconds.

This past Saturday, Langley hosted the Nanaimo Hornets for the first time. Nanaimo had placed second in the Island First Division championship loosing a heart breaker to James Bay of Victoria in January, and so far had gone undefeated in the spring league. Langley’s Firsts are a disappointing 0 – 3, the poorest start in several years.

Saturday’s game saw the return of the clubs co-captains back row forward Taylor Crowley and standoff Gary Ewasiuk. While flanker Rich Pearce would be missing from the forwards with an injury and outside centre Colby Brezden is sitting out due to suspension. Coach Jim Ryan had to again make several adjustments however on this day they were the correct ones and the lads came out to play.

Div. 1 game Flanker Dwayne Peters caught a partially blocked Nanaimo clearing kick and sprinted 15 metres for the try.

Div 1 flanker Jason Warnick going into contact score two trys on the day.

Field conditions were perfect with a breeze testing the kickers. Langley scored first in the 16th minute when Jason Warnick scored off a set scrum 8 metres out. The convert was wide and the score 5 to nil. After a prolonged attack inside of the Hornets 22, Langley had several close attempts to score. Nanaimo defenders made some poor clearing kicks that kept the ball close to the goal line. Finally, after a lineout, and 7 phases of play, second row Jon Bright went over for the try. The score now 10 to nil it seemed that Langley had the game in hand but a large Island team gave the message quickly to Langley they would not give up easily. Recovering the ball on the restart kick Nanaimo showed they had speed on the wings with some great passing which paid off with a try 4 minutes later to cut Langley’s lead in half. Langley did have one attempt at goal but the wind pushed Sean Messenger’s kick just wide of the post and the half ended 10 to 5.

Div. 1 Flanker Jason Warnick scored his second try of the game from a 5 metre set scrum.

The second half was exciting and tense with both teams scoring. Jason Warnick scored his second try in the 55th minute from a set scrum 5 metres from Nanaimo’s goal. With the Messenger convert, the score now 17 to 5 Langley seemed comfortable with their lead and continued to control the ball when a Nanaimo back intercepted a Langley pass with a clear 40 metre sprint to Langley’s goal line with the convert cutting Langley’s lead to 5. The score was a confidence booster for Nanaimo nad the attacked Langley finally scoring a try to tie the game at 17. Both teams played hard defense and stopped any incursions into their zones until Frank Cole playing up in Brazens place intercepted a Nanaimo pass and sprinted 60 metres for the try under the posts. Messenger made the easy convert to regain the lead 24 to 17. The final whistle by referee Norm Upton was a relief for the Langley players and fans and Langley firsts had finally won their first game of the schedule.

Langley’s seconds have had a great start to the spring schedule. After finishing at the bottom of the standings in the winter schedule, the lads had run off their first two victories then loosing to Port Alberni are sitting in the middle of the pack. Nanaimo were in second place undefeated.

Div 2 game, centre Kevin Molenaar tops off 30 metre run scoring Langley’s second of three trys on the day.

From the start of the game, Langley controlled ball possession and field possession inside of Nanaimo’s half. Patrick Vaydo had the first effort to score with a penalty kick going wide of the posts, then a few minutes later Flanker Dwayne Peters picked up a blocked clearing kick and sprinted the short distance for a try. Vaydo was good on the convert for a 7 to nil lead. In the 20th minute, centre Kevin Molenaar caught a poor clearing kick 30 metres from Nanaimo’s goal and cut his way past Hornet Defenders for a diving try. Vaydo was again good on the convert for a 14 to nil lead. With one minute remaining in the half, veteran Prop Mike Berg taking the ball on a penalty tap from scrum half Mike Roberts covered the 5 metres and stretched out and touched the ball over the goal line before he could be stopped for the team’s third try of the half.

Starting the second half up 19 to nil, it appeared Langley had the game in the bag however Nanaimo came out with a vengeance and scored two successive try’s cutting the lead to 9 points. With 7 minutes remaining in the match, Langley was able to defend their lead and won their third of four games.

Next week, Langley will host Cowichan Piggies from Duncan. Both games will be at Crush Crescent, kickoffs at 1 and 2:30 pm.

Week 2 of the Provincial league had Langley traveling to Abbotsford Saturday. Coming off a split decision with Seattle, the First Division team was hoping for a miracle as they lost another key player to injury their journeyman front rower Ryan Brown, already missing their other starting prop Robbie Hayes, the depth chart is getting a bit thin on crucial positions. Good news Andy Maher rejoined the team and several players returned to the second division team from injuries. Coach Jim Ryan again had to shuffle the lads to fill holes and this has resulted in less than a smooth flowing offensive effort. Unfamiliarity in Langley’s backs and players shuffling to fill gaps has had a negative impact. In Saturdays match, Langley fought valiantly for the first 20 minutes and had their chances to score. Abby with a full healthy squad and 3 former internationals on their roster finally managed to crack Langley’s tough defense. Scoring 17 points before Andy Maher split Abby’s defense then outmaneuvered others to ramble 45 metres for a try under the posts. Sean Messenger converted and the lads felt good about the game going to the half down by 10. The second half rally did not happen as Abby managed to counter attack Langley’s offensive thrusts with long runs and setting up eventual scores with 26 second half points for a 41 to 7 final.

Div 1 – Centre Andy Maher broke the tackle and rambled 45 metres for Langley only try of the game.

The Second Division team won their second straight game Saturday. Returning from injury Patrick Vaydo slotted back at his number 10 positions and Kyle Romogioli playing his second game for Langley at number 8 had a huge impact in the forwards and in loose play. The first half Langley controlled most of the ball possession and field position. Abby was only able to get over their half once and were stuffed at the goal line only to have the ball go the length of the field for a Langley score. Flanker Joe Parsons had a strong game scoring the opening points and the final try of the game. As did Romogioli who made some thundering tackles and scored one try from a 5-metre set. Doug Morrison scored the third try of the first half with a convert from Andrew Vaydo for a 17 to nil half time lead.

Div 2 – Kyle Romogioli goes into contact and bulls his way over the goal line for a try.

Perhaps the dominating score and play got to the heads of the youthful side as they let Abby back into the game at the 57th minute of the half. Scoring two quick trys, Abby now trailed by only 5 points. With 8 minutes remaining in the game. Vaydo converted a penalty kick that was followed by two trys, one a penalty try awarded after Sean Messenger was taken out chasing his kick to goal, and the other Joe Parsons second of the afternoon to cap off a well-deserved 30 to 12 win. Next week Langley completes their road trips with an outing to Port Alberni before returning home for 3 home matches starting with Nanaimo, then Cowichan and Surrey.

The Langley Rugby Clubs senior men's rugby teams kicked off the spring edition of the BC Mens First Division League this past Saturday hosting the Seattle Rugby Club. The matches are the first of 10 games against opponents from the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island the US and the BC Interior. First up, Seattle in a rematch from November where the clubs split the games. Conditions at Langley were brutal with cold temperatures and a steady mist falling over the pitch. The wet weather did cause some problems during the first half of the second division game that kicked off at 1 pm. Both teams had problems holding onto the ball and neither side were able to penetrate more than a couple of times inside the 22 metre lines. Seattle did manage to break the deadlock with only 1 minute remaining in the half with a try and convert. Langley had an opportunity to kick a penalty kick, in the 20th minute but the ball went off Andrew Vaydos boot like a rock wide and low of the uprights.

Div 2 MIke Robets at scrum half trying to find space scored the final points in the victory.

Going into the second half, Langley seemed to pick up thier game scoring two trys in two minutes by back Frank Cole. The first try was a great effort over 40 metres breaking tackles and going under the posts. The 10 to 7 lead however was short lived when Seattle replied with two trys of their own to push their total to 19. Langley stormed back with two trys, one by Stu Morrison and another by Mike Roberts catching Seattle napping on a pena;ty call 5 metres from goal. quick tapped the ball and weaved through defenders scoring the final points. The final whistle gave the seconds a victory 27 to 19.

Frank Cole

Langley Prop Mike McRoberts going in to support a langley back in close match that went to Seattle.

The firsts missing 5 starters but had injured players returning from the first half and welcomed verteran back Wayne Bremner back. Coach Jim Ryan put together the best squad possible despite the shortages and the game was very close but the local lads came up short. Seattle deserved full credit for their 10 to 6 victory defending well and using their forwards to control most of their play. Seattle opened the scoring with a try and convert in the 18th minute. Sean Messenger converted a pehjalty attempt in the 21s t mknuter and the half ended 5 to 3 for Seattle. The second half, Seattle scored a try in the 24th minute and Langley scored a penalty in the 31st by Messenger. Both sides had a penalty attempt each but were unable to convert. Langley had their chances but Seattle suffed the backs and forwards on their goal line. The defeat was a huge disappointment and games will not be getting any easier with a road trip next week to Abbotsford then Port Alberni the week after.

Langley's Mini Rugby program is getting off to a huge start with over 60 boys and girls from K to Grade 7. The Mini's meet every Sunday at noon at the Club. Newcomers are always welcome.

A tired and battered Langley team took to the pitch on November 24th to complete their 10th and final game hosting the Kelowna Crows. After completing a brutal 3-week road trip that took the club from Seattle to Kamloops then back to Vancouver, with only 1 victory and two defeats had a toll on numbers. Many players had to step up to the plate and put in two games each week. This is not healthy and resulted in more injuries and missing players.

Andy Maher trying to jump over two Kelowna tacklers could not hold on to the ball

Sean Messenger slipped his mark and scored a try down the wing.

The final whistle last Saturday was more a sigh of relief than a celebration of the victory to finally end the struggle and a 5th place finish, the poorest in several years.

The game against Kelowna was not a classic event and both teams were tentative at the start. Trading penalty kick attempts Kelowna finally opened the scoring mid half with a try and convert holding a 7 to nil lead into the half time break.

Frank Cole ran through the opposition and rambled untouched 30 metres for a try.

Andy Maher making a tackle a bit early resulted in a penalty to Kelowna.

Langley rebounded in the second half and took control of the match controlling the final 40 minutes of the game. Scoring for Langley were Kolby Brezden on a 40 metre romp, Sean Messenger breaking free on the wing, Frank Cole for a burst up the middle for 30 metres and Dwayne Peters in support off a hard Andy Maher run stopped on the goal line. Patrick Vaydo was good on 3 of 4 conversions for a 26 to 7 victory. The score could have been higher were not for a strong Kelowna defensive effort.

Kelowna could not form a seconds team, however Langley would have also been hard pressed to field a side on the final day. The seconds did manage a victory over the Scribes Club from Vancouver two week ago dominating 15 – 0 but finished near the bottom of the charts.

The BC Men’s First Division League will start on February 2nd;will have up to 16 teams including those teams who were relegated from the CDI Premier league qualification leagues. Those teams are not happy with relegation and will be aiming at dominating the competition.

The club will continue to train at Milner Park every Tuesday and Thursday evening at 6:30 pm. over the break.

Both Langley senior men’s teams traveled to Emerald City Saturday to take on the Seattle Rugby Club. Under clear skies and a mild wind, the first division team started off first. Traveling to Seattle short players, in fact only 25 players for two teams required the firsts to do double duty. Seattle, usually a tough home team started the game dominating using their forwards. They were really a grinding team on the day. Their first possession from the start resulted in a try, using their forwards to chip away at yardage, and keeping possession finally resulted in the try and convert for a 7 to nil lead. Langley finally responded with some good defense though Seattle was stuffing our backs on most plays. Finally, Kolby Brezden split Seattle’s centers 15 metres from goal and went in for the major. Patrick Vaydo converted for the tie. Seattle scored two more trys using their forwards in similar fashion. Langley had their opportunities but could not convert. Vaydo had two easy penalty kick attempts in front of the posts but misjudged the strong breeze blowing into his face and pushed the ball wide of the posts. Seattle held a 19 to 7 lead at the break.

Kolby Brezden splits backs to score first try of game for Langley.

Andy Maher going into contact supported by Brezden.

After a serious half time discussion, the side came out with a different attitude that resulted in complete domination of the game. Brezden scored his second try followed by Taylor Crowley, Stu Morrison, Sean Thompson, Robbie Hayes on a 70 metre sprint and Jason Warnick. Vaydo was good on 4 of 6 converts for a 45 to 19 final.

The second division side with 5 very tired firsts took the pitch and quickly found themselves under pressure from a fresh Seattle team. Seattle opened the scoring for a 5 to nil lead and continued to pressure. Sean Messenger starting his second game intercepted a Seattle pass and went 60 metres the other way for Langley’s first point’s tying the game at 5. Seattle was the dominant team of the day and ran off 22 points before Langley scored their final points by Robbie Hayes subbing in late in the game. The final was 27 to 12 for Seattle.

Sean Messenger at 18 years old starting another firsts game for the club on wing scored a 70 metre try in the second division game.

Taylor Crowley back at his usual flanker spot dives for a try had an outstanding game.

The firsts currently hold 4th place behind Richmond. Abbotsford and the Brit-Lions. The early defeated have really cost this team dearly and will have to rely on impossible odds to capture a first half playoff spot. With three games remaining, Langley travel to Kamloops next Saturday then to Vancouver to play the Kats/Scribes conmbined clubs before closing the season at Crush Crescent on Nov. 24th hosting Kelowna.

For the first time this season, Langley rugby teams have swept their opponents. The SFU Mountain Old Boys were sent packing back to Burnaby Mountain after being schooled in Milner Saturday. Langley teams outscored the SFU squad 98 to 15 and the second division team had their best game of the year with a 51 to 7 drubbing.

DIV. 2 GAME, ALUMNI ROBBIE KANAZAWA STRAPPED ON THE BOOTS AND SCORED A TRY.

DIV. 1 GAME RYAN BROWN SCORES ON A NICE EFFORT WAS ALL OVER THE FIELD IN SUPPORT.

The seconds exploded after an even start to the game. Most of the play was between the 22’s before Langley scored in the 19th minute with a try by Frank Cole. SFU responded several minutes later with a converted try to even the score at 7. Langley started to dominate play in the final 15 minutes of the half, Robbie Hayes and Brandon Kiloh both went in for touchdowns with converts by Andrew Vaydo for a 19 to 7 half time lead. The second half, Langley continued to dominate and 95% of the play was inside of SFU half. Trys by Robbie Kanazawa, Frank Cole for his second and Brad Madu for 2. Colin Scott finished off scoring for a 51 to 7 victory.

FIRST DIVISION GAME
The firsts were a different looking side on this day due to some untimely injuries after last weeks game in Surrey. Several players had to play different positions and despite the victory, it was an undisciplined affair. SFU opened the days scoring with a try in the 19th minute with a long run down the sidelines from mid field.. Langley was guilty of giving up penalties allowing SFU to drive the ball downfield. Langley responded with a try 2 minutes later by second rower Jon Bright and went ahead with Patrick Vaydo’s convert. Vaydo had an outstanding kicking game on the day, making 7 of 9 attempts. Two penalty kicks by Vaydo before the half and one for SFU rounded out the scoring for a 13 to 8 lead for Langley.

DIV 1 GAME – JASON WARNICK GOING FOR ONE OF HIS TWO TRYS.

DIV. 1 GAME JON BRIGHT SECONDS BEFORE SCORING OPENING TRY OF THE GAME.

Langley continued to dominate the game in the second half with further scoring by Vaydo in the 48th minute with a penalty kick, then trys by Jason Warnick and Rich Pearce. Warnick then scored his second try before Ryan Brown who has a strong game is support sent over for a try. Brendon Kiloh finished off the scoring for a 47 to 8 victory. Langley is on the road to Seattle next Saturday. The next scheduled home game is not until November 24th.

Division 1 Game
A vastly improved Surrey squad gave Langley a game Saturday at Sullivan Park. Langley has had their way with Surry the past few seasons almost scoring at will found themselves having to scramble at times to stop Surrey from scoring on counter attacks. Langley went into the half time break down 3 to nil despite controlling 95% of the play. Surrey defended well and disrupted Langley’s backs. This play caused frustration and Langley’s discipline broke down to individual play. At the break, senior members spoke of the task at hand and refocused their efforts on consolidating the ball and good support for the backs.

Kolby Brezden making a move had a strong effort in the centres.

Patrick Vaydo scored first try for Langley.

In the second half, Langley continued to press and finally turned into points when winger Patrick Vaydo went over in the corner to take the lead 5 to 3. Fullback Andy Maher then went in for a try, followed by a Vaydo penalty kick. Prop Robbie Hayes completed the days scoring with a try towards the end of the game for an 18 to 3 victory. Several players had outstanding games, Rich Pearce and Taylor Crowley on the loose play and Patrick Vaydo and Stu Morrison in the backs.

Stu Morrison had an outstanding game in the backs was man of the match.

Div. 2 game Jason Warnick scores try to get Langley close at the end of the game.

Division 2 Game
Unfortunately, not all details were available at press time. The seconds have dropped their 5th straight game but this effort was much better. The downfall to this game was two ball-handling errors that gave Surrey two trys and a 10-point advantage going into the last 10 minutes of the game. Langley did fight back and came close with a late Jason Warnick try but fell short by 5 points. The final score was 22 to 17 for Surrey.

Next weekend, both Langley senior men’s teams will host SFU Mountain Old Boys at Crush Crescent. Kickoffs will be at 1 pm for the seconds and 2:30 p.m. for the firsts.