VICTORIA STOCKS BC BEARS

(ISN) — Victoria will provide nine of the 22 Canadian Direct Insurance British Columbia Bears players in the final match of the 2010 Canadian Rugby Championship season Saturday in Burlington, Ont.

They include captain Pat Riordan who is also from the Burnaby Lake Rugby Club, Cam Pierce, Sean Duke and Ryan Hamilton, UVIC Vikes RFC; Seamus Gay, Castaway Wanderers; Connor Braid, Mitch Gudgeon, Hugo Belanger and Sean White, James Bay Athletic Association.

After two losses the Bears will not have the opportunity to play for the National Championship.

However, a great deal of provincial pride will be on the line as British Columbia versus Ontario is a historic rivalry.

The young Cam Pierce of Vernon has showed well for the Bears this season and will start at the number 8 position. Seamus Gay will represent the Bears for the first time this CRC season and has been named as a starting flanker.

Another youngster and recent U20 international Adam Zaruba (Capilano RFC) is promoted from the reserves to claim the #4 jersey.

The 9 – 10 “Loma Connection” of Colin Brown and Eric Wilson will be at their creative best and provide sound leadership on the pitch along with Riordan.

Kick-off for the BC Bears versus Ontario Blues game  Saturday is set for 4:30 p.m. at Burlington Centaurs RFC in Ontario.

LOCAL WRESTLERS SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL AT VELOX

By Scott Paterson

Summer and sizzle was at the Velox Rugby Club on Saturday as the Summer Super Slam outdoor charity wrestling event took place, bringing three Victoria wrestlers and former WWE Intercontinental champion the Honky Tonk Man to the squared circle.

The charity event, which had partial proceeds going to Canada Breast Cancer, started off with a local band Step Back Dave playing a few songs to get the atmosphere up and then the nonstop action started.

Indy wrestling is a lot like the AHL in terms of young wrestlers trying to get seen and, on the other end, older wrestlers trying to keep the passion going from their glory days.

It was great to see the Honky Tonk Man mingling with the fans, taking pictures and signing autographs for longtime fans in awe of a hero from their childhood.

The first match had Victoria talent Pete Powers getting the win over Kyle O’Reilly, the match was fast paced with some hard hitting, plus a little help from the referee.

Second up was a women’s matchup featuring Nicole Matthews getting the win over Veronica Vice, another good match to get the crowd going, some good wrestling on the ladies parts with Nicole playing the bad girl to a tee, plus a little help from the ropes to get the pin.

Those matches were followed by a three-way over the top rope elimination match. The three competitors were “Ladies choice,” accompanied by two ladies, Australian wrester Rick the Weapon and Lak Siddartha from Victoria.

Both Ladies Choice and Rick the Weapon ribbed the crowd about the rugby players.  Lak Siddartha was double teamed until he did a modified choke/power slam to Rick the Weapon then threw him out. Then Lak went after and destroyed Ladies Choice, as Lak was throwing Ladies Choice over the top ropes, the ref was distracted costing Lak the match.

In speaking to Lak after the match, he stated that he just had a WWE tryout in Florida and is waiting for them to call back.

Tag team match with Kenny Lush and Billy Suede vs Toni Baroni and Artemis Spencer was the 4th and the most exciting match. Suede had many high flying moves with Lush being the power man of the two, lots of in-and-out of the ring action including the match being taken into the empty chairs.

The match ended in a devastating move that had two of the wrestlers on the top turnbuckle and Lush bringing them both down hard to the mat.

The third and final wrestler from Victoria, Nelson Creed, was in a rematch against Rocket Randy Taylor. They met last year as the mid-card for a boxing card at Velox. In the grudge match the action was in and out of the ring, both men controlled parts of the match.

The highlighs of the match happened in the beer garden as both men tried to break the other on the tables. At one point Nelson had Taylor streched out and was pooring a beer on Taylor’s head.

When going back to the ring, Taylor grabed a chair (one that the WWE does not use) and hit Nelson over the back right in front on me, I can tell you that one hurt.

The match ended with Nelson doing the frog slash from the top rope for the three count.

The final match brough in the Honky Tonk Man, the former WWE superstar and longest running intercontinental champion. He sang along with his trademark song, wearing his Elvis outfit.

His opponent, Georgeous Michelle Star, came to the ring with the pink star pained on his face and pink feather boa.  The referee had some troubles checking Star, then the match started.

The flamboyant Star controlled the first part of the match, doing as much as he could to take it to the Honky Tonk Man, using the ropes and wrist straps to choke out his opponent.

Then, in true fashion of a WWE superstar, the Honky Tonk Man took control ending the match with his finishing move the shake, rattle and roll.

12 ISLANDERS WITH BC BEARS

The BC Bears have recruited 12 their 22-member squad from Vancouver Island to play in their first 2010 Canadian Rugby Championship fixture Saturday in Calgary against the Prairie Wolf Pack.

The CRC consists of The Rock (Atlantic Canada), the Prairie Wolf Pack, the Ontario Blues, and the 2009 Canadian Champions – the BC Bears.

Playing for the Canadian Direct Insurance British Columbia Bears are Cam Pierce, Sean Duke, Keaton Styles and Ryan Hamilton from the University of Victoria Vikes RFC; Ben Johnson, Tye de Goede, Sean White, Connor Braid, Hugo Belange, Dave Cameron, Mitch Gudgeon  and Callum Morrison  of the James Bay Athletic Association

THE HONKY TONK MAN IS COMING!!!

(ISN) — The Honky Tonk Man is coming!!!

Velox Rugby Club presents Summer Super Slam, an outdoor charity wrestling event, held right in the middle of Velox field at 3957 Gordon Head Road.

The longest reining WWE Intercontinental champion of all-time, The Honky Tonk Man will be headlining the event against ‘Gorgeous’ …Michelle Star.

Victorias own Nelson Creed will look to settle some unfinished business when he faces off against ‘Rocket’ Randy Tyler in a Grudge match.

Tag team match – Kenny Lush and Billy Suede vs Toni Baroni and Artemis Spencer.
Singles match – Rick the Weapon X vs The Ladies Choice
Womens match – Veronica Vice vs Nicole Matthews

Partial proceeds from this family event will be going to Canada Breast Cancer.

So bring your kids or come for a party or come see a WWE legend in action.

There will be plenty of parking at the event with Mt Doug High supplying parking for $5 a pop, with UVic picking up overflow.

Tickets are available at Lyles Place, 770 Fort st.

Just added: Local band STEP BACK DAVE will be opening and closing the event.

THE HONKY TONK MAN IS COMING!!!

(ISN) — Velox Rugby Club presents Summer Super Slam, an outdoor charity wrestling event, held right in the middle of Velox field at 3957 Gordon Head Road.

The longest reining WWE Intercontinental champion of all-time, The Honky Tonk Man will be headlining the event against ‘Gorgeous’ …Michelle Star.

Victorias own Nelson Creed will look to settle some unfinished business when he faces off against ‘Rocket’ Randy Tyler in a Grudge match.

Tag team match – Kenny Lush and Billy Suede vs Toni Baroni and Artemis Spencer.
Singles match – Rick the Weapon X vs The Ladies Choice
Womens match – Veronica Vice vs Nicole Matthews

Partial proceeds from this family event will be going to Canada Breast Cancer.

So bring your kids or come for a party or come see a WWE legend in action.

Tickets go on sale this Friday and are available at Lyles Place, 770 Fort st.

TEAM CANADA GROUNDS EAGLES

By Meghan Mutrie

Canada’s National Senior Women’s Rugby Team won its last match before the World Cup and completed a sweep of the Can-Am series Friday by defeating the USA Eagles by a score of 34-22 at Bear Mountain Stadium in Langford.

The way Canada came out of the gate with fullback Julianne Zussman scoring a try after just two minutes, they looked to run away with the match, but a yellow card in a pivotal position halted Canada’s momentum and brought the USA to life.

Contests between the North American rivals have been notoriously close; the last four matches have been decided by seven points or less, including Monday’s test when Olympian Heather Moyse scored a last-minute to give Canada a 14-8 victory.

Canada’s first three tries were all scored in the backs as the end result of simple offloads after hitting several sets of hands. Zussman’s initial try clearly stung the USA who could only muster 12 points in the opening frame.

The Americans rallied after half and the 27th test between these two nations became another arm wrestle.

Scrumhalf Laura Stoughton was given a yellow card for not rolling away at the breakdown, leaving Canada unsure of whom to slot into the central role.

Match captain Maria Gallo, who reached 50 caps Friday, stepped into the position more for her leadership abilities than her pass, and the Canadians were able to hold the States scoreless while a player down.

Canada exhaled too early and USA wing Vanesha McGee crossed the line just as Stoughton returned to the pitch, leveling the score at 22.

The NSWT found themselves on their own 5m line numerous times, but their defense held and shifted the match’s momentum yet again. The Canadian pack stood out for its efforts all over the pitch, but especially in open play, both offensively and defensively.

Stoughton found redemption for her absence in the form of a try, scoring in similar fashion to the first three.  Replacement flanker Heather Jaques capped off an exceptionally sharp game with Canada’s last try.

From there, it was a matter of battening down the hatches to weather the certain USA storm. Canada would hold on to give them the Can-Am sweep, and assurance that they have come a long way since losing to the USA in the 2009 Nations Cup in August.

These two wins over the USA give Canada the perfect platform from which to narrow their focus – and their squad – to the World Cup in August.

Head Coach Johnathan Long has asked his team to play in the National Women’s League Final to get as much match-time as possible before August.

A squad of 26 athletes and six non-travelling reserves will go to the 2010 World Cup in England. The roster will be announced publicly after the NWL Championship once the NSWT coaching staff has had a chance to confirm the availability of all 32 players selected.

Canada will play Scotland in the opening match of the 2010 Rugby World Cup in London on August 20.

Scoring:
Canada 34 (22)
Tries: Julianne Zussman, Brittany Waters, Mandy Marchak, Laura Stoughton, Heather Jaques
Conversions: Schnell (2), Marchak
Penalties: Schnell

USA 22 (10)
Tries: Christine Ringgenberg, Emily Bydwell, Vanesha McGee
Conversions: Ringgenberg (2)
Penalties: Ringgenberg

EIGHT ISLANDERS IN BEARS VS KIWI MATCH

Eight Vancouver Islanders will be among the 23 BC Bears to take on the Royal New Zealand Navy side at 6 p.m. Friday at Klahanie Park in West Vancouver.  

Playing for the Bars will be Liam Murray, Cam Pierce, Casey Cavers and Jamie McKenzie, University of Victoria Vikes; Ben Johnson, Hugo Belanger and Dave Cameron, James Bay Athletic Association; and Seamus Gay, Castaway Wanderers RFC.    

Coach Mike James says this presents an excellent opportunity for individuals to earn their spot on the Bears team, which will take part in the 2010 Canadian Rugby Championship in August and September.

A representative side of the Royal New Zealand Navy (HMNZS Te Kaha) has sailed to Vancouver as part of the Canadian Navy’s Centennial.

HMNZS Te Kaha is one of two frigates serving in the Royal New Zealand Navy.
The name Te Kaha is Maori, meaning ‘fighting prowess’ or ‘strength’.

The Bears will look to counter the tourists’ prowess and strength when they kick off for an evening match.

8 ISLANDERS WITH BC Bears VS ENGLAND COUNTIES

(ISN)– Five players and three replacements from Vancouver Island will be on the BC Bears team for the game against RFU England Counties on Saturday in Vancouver.

BC Bears -  Starting XV versus RFU England Counties include:  Rob Down and Eric Lopatinsky, Velox RFC, Cam Pierce of the University of Victoria Vikes, Seamus Gay of the Castaway Wanderers RFC and  Callum Morrison, JBAA.

Replacements include Dave Cameron and Hugo Belanger, JBAA; and Jamie McKenzie, University of Victoria.

With the Churchill Cup and Sevens programs eliminating many players from selection, and with many Under 20 players involved in the National U20 Competition, the squad is a mixture of both youth and experience with Coach Mike James opting to give a number of players an opportunity to vie for places on the squad when it gets together in August for the CRC competition.

UBCOB Ravens lock Mike Burak will serve captain and is the lone International.

He is supported by five players who played for the Bears against Russia last season: Rhodri Hamner, Gay, Jake Hirst, Brock Nicholson and Taylor Dalziel are all named in the starting line-up.  

Dalziel, the UBC center, is one of five current or former Canada Under 20 players on the squad.

He is joined by McKenzie, Sevens returnee Connor Trainor and recent performers at the World Trophy in Russia – Kurtis Appeldorn and Adam Zaruba.

The Bears last game against Russia seems a distant memory but few will forget the impact of Vancouver Rowing Club’s Brock Nicholoson on the wing.

Nicholson will again be hoping to impress along with Pierce who made a big impression with the Provincial U18s in 2009 and had a great impact this season with the Canadian Direct Insurance League Provincial Champions, University of Victoria Vikes.

The North Shore will be represented well by both Zaruba and Brady Carpenter from Capilano, as well as Nicholson andBelanger, the James Bay flanker who learnt his trade at Windsor Secondary School.

Other players to watch will be former Blues scrum half Colin Brown and up-and-coming Velox lock Loatinski.

The team will practise together today at Klahanie and take on the Counties team that has won its opening two games of the Tour against the Rock and Blues on Saturday Afternoon.

At 1 p.m. there will be an U20 Men’s Vancouver Wave versus Vancouver Island Rising Tide fixture as a curtain raiser to the Bears game.

WORK WANTED

Kevin Sommerfeldt of the Velox Valhallians is looking for full time work through the summer.

If you have any leads for him, you can reach him at kevin_kevin87@hotmail.com

VELOX PLAYER JOINS NEW ZEALAND BAABAAS

(ISN) — Dean Budd, the Auckland Blues’ player who spent the spring season with Velox, has been selected to the New Zealand Barbarians.

The New Zealand Barbarians team will play an historic match against the Maori team in Whangarei on Saturday.

The 22-man squad includes an impressive 14 players from the Super 14 competition and will have at least two players from the visiting Irish squad.

Coach Bryce Woodward said he was delighted with the calibre of the players invited to join the New Zealand Barbarians.

“Although three of our spots are still to be confirmed, we’re very excited that in the spirit of the Barbarians tradition, two of the Irish internationals are joining us.

“This is a great opportunity to play a part in celebrating another great milestone in rugby history – that of 100 years of Maori rugby in this country. I’m delighted that the New Zealand BaaBaas get the first match against the New Zealand Maori in their Centenary year,” Woodward said.

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