The Burnaby Lake Rugby Club kept pace until they couldn’t.
When it comes to playing the three-time defending premier league champion University of B.C., it’s all about the finish.
While Burnaby enjoyed a solid start and strong middle in their match against UBC, the host T-birds pulled out a 34-20 decision last week in Vancouver, improving to 14-3 in B.C. premier men’s rugby action.
In a back-and-forth battle, the visiting Lakers had their share of highlights, matching UBC tries early in the game on a scoring drive by Ed Swire.
Tied 8-8 at the half, the hosts retook the lead but were countered by Burnaby’s Cole McQueen to knot the score again.
In what appeared to be a major break, the visitors ventured ahead on Ben McIvor’s 70-metre sprint, set up by winger Gino Paolella, for a brief 20-15 lead. But UBC replied and struck for a go-ahead try late in the final quarter. They’d cap their comeback to make it look like a comfortable victory.
It ended the Lakers’ three-game winning streak, with the most recent coming three weeks ago against Nanaimo, by a 76-30 score.
Turning in strong games against UBC were Burnaby South alum Nolan Shelley at fly half, who racked up some key tackles on defence, and forward Cole Mosychuk, who counted some big yardage along with a good collection of tackles.
The loss drops Burnaby’s record to 11-7, with their next test coming at home April 7 against James Bay.
In Div. 2 action, Burnaby Lake stopped United 48-12, improving to 9-5-1 in league standings.
