Cofeemate Cup 2022 - Match Report

The Pandemic was very hard on everyone including the Capilano RFC. The Club unfortunately lost several member to this Pandemic. It was a fitting day to remember them and other Club members that are no longer with us. And to honour our war hero’s. The pregame ceremonies that are as much a part of the Coffeemate as the game, went well with an outstanding performance by the Piper, the young man on the trumpet and the mandatory pre- game drink!

Last year the Coffeemate Cup was a touch affair and not the traditional game. Those of us that originally organized the Coffeemate Cup were disappointed with that situation. We were assured by the Club that this year it would be a “Real Event”. There have been good crowds to this event in the past but this years turnout was beyond our wildest dreams.

Chris Robinson did an outstanding job putting together the pre game announcements and the concept of having a junior game as a curtain raiser was brilliant. Julia Wilby is congratulated for organizing this game between the Capilano U-18’s and United. Hopefully this concept will continue in coming years to add even more flavour to the Coffeemate, magic day. The involvement of Mini Rugby and Women’s Rugby makes it a full Club event. The stands were full and everyone seemed to be enjoying the festivities.

The junior game was won handily by the Capilano side and congratulations to the Cap U-18’s and thanks to United for participating. The score in the Coffee Mate doesn’t really matter but this year the Second division won by a couple of tries. Speed kills so they say and that was the deciding factor in today’s match.

Several of the Premier Women (Nicola Jones, Emily Dodd, Santina Luti and Isabel Nielson) took part and following in the path of Andrea Burk, who starred in the match several years ago. The women, did not disappoint. Malcolm Klaver showed up and played very well for the Snowcaps, as did Kyle Watson, giving the old guys some much needed speed. Ian Smortchevsky also played for the Snowcaps and looked good. Nick Belmar, the Capilano President, played for the young guys and he has been playing for the Seconds fairly regularly in order to ensure the Capilano’s field 3 sides. Raul “Chile” who has been playing for the 2nd Divisions played for the Snowcaps. Mike Johnson volunteered to referee as every one forgot that one is very necessary. Mike was replaced by Saro Turner a top BCRU referee who showed up to his son’s mini practice. Ken Robinson managed to find some shorts and a jersey and he assumed the duties. Thanks Saro, your participation was greatly appreciated by all of us including Mike who prefers to play. Thanks also to Tim Bannister who subbed in for me as announcer as I was a bit late due to a luncheon. I continued my battle with the Microphone that cuts out regularly and always needs new batteries. I prematurely announced that as the crowd was leaving to please bring their empties to the bins. I was then informed that there was another period to play. I tried to make the correction but the mike went dead and the batteries had to be changed. Fortunately very few people left.

The after game festivities went on for an extended period. The young guys were awarded the “Coffee Mate Cup” and many drinks were consumed. Nick Belmar, Rang the Bell! And that was followed by another Bell ringing by a Snowcap who was celebrating his birthday. Many stayed into the early evening so another great Coffee Mate Cup perhaps the best ever goes into Club history. Thanks to all involved for making this a great event!

Caps4Life, John Langley