Now TMR and Ste-Anne's are two teams that can be counted among the best women's Clubs in Canada, and if you will allow me, I would venture to say in the world. Both have produced players for the Canada National Women's Team and both are at the heart of organizing the social life of their Clubs.

This weekend, however, both sides were missing key players. Despite this, both teams put on a lively show of skilled Rugby. Kevin Jones put his whistle aside and let two well-drilled teams go at it. Ever since announcing the coming addition to his family ( and I have to admit that I didn't even know KO had a girlfriend ) he seems to have mellowed even more. 

In any case, Ste-Anne's took the lead through terrific tries by Angela Goodfellow, Trischa Walsh and there was some excellent support play by Proudfoot and Mongeau to ensure that Ste-Anne's notched a victory.

Coach Chinny will be proud to hear how intently his charges listened to the advice of stand-in coaches Oosthihazen and Lavery. Later a small group of fans lingered at the shed discussing the game and the advantage of having such an experienced, open, coachable, organized, friendly and good-looking women's team.

       

Sunday morning Rugby was in evidence again as a small work crew arrived early at Ecole St Georges to prepare for the Under 14 Rugby Tournament.  Even before the crew had set up all the tents, BBQs, serving tables and therapist first-aid posts, most of the two hundred or more under 14-year old players had arrived from four different Clubs: West Island, the hosts; Mont Tremblant; Chelsea, Quebec;  and, and, Beaconsfield RFC.

This event must have been close to some kind of record for mini Rugby at ESG, and probably for all of Quebec. The games were intense and exciting. Savannah Leroux played at scrum-half which brought back memories of her father's play. Then, in the flag division, Hanna Banana led her team in support play.

 
Even before the final mini game wrapped up around 2:00 pm, a stir of excitement went through the ESG Rugby complex, when for the first time ever, a Ste-Anne's Under 15s team took the field. Nicknamed "The Angels," this squad of young female players fought hard against a strong Ormstown squad. It was an extraordinary event for all concerned and congratulations go to the coaches, players and Clubs who helped organize this historic game. ( Photographs for all games mentioned in this report can be purchased at

 

 

Following this match, the Under 18 girls and boys squads also played Ormstown. The games were intense and followed closely by the huge crowd. Ormstown won a close game against the Ste-Anne's girls and finished with another win against the SAB boys.

 

For Ste-Anne's, the junior matces and large squads are the crowing achievement of a rebuilding process, begun in the late 1990s. At the top end, Ste-Anne's has seen its men and women's senor sides reach three FRQ finals in 2008. Now with the age grade and junior programs gaining momentum, the future of the Club and its teams looks to be built on a sold foundation. We appear to have a terrific summer ahead for this group of young, keen athletes. And I for one, am glad to be a part of it.