Team News

United Men take 2 of 3 weekend games

Photo by Jerald Waliser

1st Division: United Men’s 1st Division team defeated Langley by a score of 19-3 to improve their record to 2-0. The 2nd half of this season has been a complete turn around for the squad as they were finding ways to lose in the games past, but are now finding ways to hang on to leads and close games out. Home field was successfully defended on a day where the sun shone bright and produced a brilliant setting for rugby. All the scoring was in the 1st half as United got tries from Manar Kulkan, Penioni Drikibau and Steve Levis. Two conversions were courtesy of the able-footed Nick Hammerschmidt of Douglas College. Levis’s try was a result of running a perfect line that put him though a gap in the Langley defense and into daylight.

The 2nd half featured no scoring but lots of men in the bin. Fortunately strong defensive play prevented Langley from scoring despite the advantage in man power. A big moment in the game came in the 1st half when the game was close and the Langley inside centre broke a few tackles and looked sure to score. He was crunched by a couple of United defenders right at the goal line and the impact forced a knock on. This hard hitting rugby was carried on throughout the day as there were a lot of big collisions from both teams. Douglas College's Josh Cullen continued his strong play in the forward pack. United looks to stay unbeaten when they travel to Richmond for a 2:30 kickoff on February 26.

2nd Division: United’s 2nd division side also remained undefeated with a 39-24 victory over a feisty Langley squad. United got off to a quick start using great pace out wide to open up a 24-0 lead. First half try scorers were all young Tri-City products including recent grads Tanner Elgear (Gleaneagle) and Curtis Giffin (Port Moody), and 17 year old Terry Fox student Jean Koorsten who touched down twice. Second half tries were scored by not-so-recent Port Moody alumnus Chris Turpin and Terry Fox grad Joe Patko. Patko made an immediate impact once subbed in and scored while United was down 2 men. 9 points were contributed from the foot of Ken Prosser over the course of the afternoon.

Langley deserves credit for fighting back once they were down and forcing United into many discipline related penalties including the 10 minute stretch when United received 2 yellow cards. Fortunately defense prevailed and United came away with the 39-24 win. Richmond plays host to United next week, kickoff at 1:00.

3rd Division: United's 3rd division side suffered their first loss falling 53-12 to Abbotsford in Abbotsford. United took a mix of really young players with some older vets but were outpaced by an extremely fast Abbotsford side. Both United tries were scored off strong forward play as Adrian Sherriff and Paul Bovell punched through to pay dirt. Bovell's try came as he bowled over a couple defenders from the inside centre position. United did not lack in courage and everyone was able to see the field.

The loss drops their record to 2-1 and United's 3rd division XV will travel to face Chilliwack's top team next weekend.

Men's Rugby Sweeps SFU

Nick Hammerschmidt
Photo by Jerald Waliser

It has been a difficult season for mens rugby, as the first division team was winless coming into the final game of the fall season. The 2nd division team had been more competitive, but had only recorded two wins. This weekend the club came up against a traditional rival in SFU.

The 2nd division set the tone for the day, running out to a 57-12 win.

The 1st division won their first of the season over SFU by a 19-10 score. Nick Hammerschmidt returned from injury to play a big role in the victory.

Old Spaghetti Factory Player of the Week

Nick Hammerschmidt
Photo by Jerald Waliser

Nick been a student at Douglas for 3 years and is currently taking courses towards his Sports Science degree.

Nick has progressed steadily at the scrumhalf position, moving from the 3rd division team in his first year to the 1st division squad this season. He is a dedicated athlete, and while not generally outspoken, he demonstrates leadership qualities by way of his hard work and commitment during both practices and games.

Coaches and teammates know that Nick can be counted on do anything to help the team whether it be on or off the field.