TIGHT LOSS TO TMR AS STE ANNE'S SWEEPS ALL LEAGUE TITLES 28th Sept 2008League play ends, time to gear up for Cup rounds

The Saints' first XV  fell 19-17 to a hard running, fast paced TMR squad on Saturday 27th September 2008, while  the second XV defeated the reserves. It was a terrific display of Rugby on all levels, and it came as Ste-Anne's learned that they are League Champions in 1st, 2nd and 3rd XV League Championships.

In the Reserves (2nd XV) game, two players at opposite ends of  the age spectrum put on a great display. Guyler, a rookie, tore up the field with exciting catches and counters while veteran Scotty Armstrong, one  player who always typifies a winning outlook, crashed through on a pop  pass from Sanchez that set the crowd on fire.

There were also excellent performances from Maitland, Taylor, Murray and Pinkiu who 
also played in the A game. One play stands out, that saw Maitland pass to Murray in 
support, who in turn popped up to Pinkiu, who dove over the line. Heady  stuff.

It was a solid match, and one that bodes well for the Reserves' chances next week. They have been playing good Rugby and hopefully with a good turn out at training this week, we will see a strong performance next week as the Cup rounds begin.

 

In the A game, TMR took advantage of a ball dropping flu' that seemed to afflict the Ste-Anne's side. Falling behind 19-5, SAB turned it  around in the second half, only falling short by inches when a Degraff  drop goal missed the posts.

Palmer again flew into the  end zone for a score, and it was heartening to see the impact of the SAB bench with  Lapalme, AJ and Bryce coming in to come within inches of turning the the loss into victory. In between, there were great moves from both sides and later at the historic Town clubhouse, fans and players alike, praised referee KO Jones and  a great display of Rugby.

       

Later on the same evening, there was a memorable party in honor of Tess Kelly. This year  has been one to remember for Ste-Anne's, both on the field and off.  Coach Leroux must be proud of taking all three teams to first place finishes and the players gathered at President JM's house to bask in  the glow of a successful season. Of course, they were also there to drink his booze.

But the real reason for this downtown apartment crawl was to celebrate Tess Kelly's birthday. The buzz was  strong and with good reason.

Tess is a wonderful girl, and she has been a major factor in the Club's success this year. Registrations, game reports, fundraising efforts, and of course, sparkling play on the field, were all parts of the way she raised her game on our behalf this year. . At JM's place, then at Matty's tiny but comfy apartment, and finally at Erica Leonard's flat, we celebrated Tess's birthday.

However, it will be on the pitch next week that all players will have a chance to 
show their appreciation for her, coach Leroux's and the Executive's tireless work this 
season. Time to raise your game. Pump it up for the Cup.