Vancouver’s UBC Old Boy Ravens are gearing up for their final game of the Fall season this Saturday when they play host to Capilano RFC in Canadian Direct Insurance Premier League week six action.
Currently ranked fourth with a 3-2 record, the Ravens have already matched last year’s win total when they were nearly relegated with a 3-9-3 seventh place finish.
Canadian Direct Insurance Premier League – Sat. November 23rd:
Capilano RFC at UBCOB Ravens (JerichoPark) 2:30pm
BurnabyLake at Meraloma (ConnaughtPark) 2:30pm
Vancouver Rowing Club at James Bay AA (MacDonaldPark) 2:30pm
Castaway Wanderers RFC at UVic Vikes (Wallace Field) 2:30pm
The Ravens are led this year by new head coach Dean Murten who has the program eyeing a top-four ranking heading into the winter break.
Their offence is averaging a steady 25.6 points per game (4th in Premier League) and their defence of just 13.8 ppg against is ranked second.
“The main positive for the Prems (Ravens) has been the consistency in selection. This is helping the player to gel together which was needed with a new looking squad,” Murten said.
The Ravens have welcomed back some key players to this year’s roster including former national team player Mike Burak.
Captain and front row standout Garret Garbe continues to lead the pack and some veteran leadership from BC Bears Captain Callum Morrison is proving essential to this year’s early success.
The back line has plenty of firepower in youngsters Matt Law, Cameron Johnston and Shea O’Hallahan.
Shane O’Connor currently leads the side in scoring with 22 points to his credit through a try, three penalties and four conversions.
The Ravens’ wins have come against Vancouver Rowing Club, Meralomas and Castaway Wanderers, with their two defeats at the hands of BurnabyLake and UVic.
The Ravens went toe-to-toe with the Vikes but came up just short in a 22-18 decision.
“We have played some good defence during most of the games but have a tendency to have too many lapses in concentration,” Murten added of the November 16th defeat.
The Ravens have had to regroup for the final home stand of 2013, gearing up for a clash with Capilano RFC this weekend.
The Caps started 0-3 but have since beaten the top two teams in the league with wins over BurnabyLake and James Bay.
Around the League
Heading into the final weekend of the Fall Premier League season, four teams are currently sitting with 3-2 records.
No.1 BurnabyLake (4-1) travel to Meraloma (0-5) this weekend looking to carry the momentum into the break.
No.5 Vancouver Rowing Club (3-2) are on the road to no.3 James Bay (3-2) and the no.7 Castaway Wanderers (2-3) will head to Wallace Field for a clash with the no.2 UVic Vikes (3-2).
The CDI Premier League will resume play on February 15th.
