SAB THIRD XV, ABBOTT, MCGILL AND MAC GAMES MAKE FOR BUSY WEEKEND
Busy Rugby Weekend Despite First and Reserve Team Byes  20th Sept 2009

Rumours about a Rugby crazy town out on the western tip of the island  of Montreal were confirmed this weekend as no fewer than eight Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue based Rugby teams took to the field in unseasonably warm and sunny weather. And, all of this activity took place while the  local  Club's top teams were idle with byes in the Quebec Cup rounds.

 

 

Neither Ste-Anne's RFC First or Reserve squads was in action this weekend, while the the Senior Women's  season ended with a Cup victory almost a month ago.

 

 

On Saturday,19th September, while the Ste-Anne's third XV squad played what was likely its first quarter final in many years, the West Island Mini Rugby squad traveled to Arundel, Quebec to play with, and against the Mont Tremblant minis. Early reports indicate that Savanna Leroux led the under-12s to victory while Hanna Banana  suffered her first Rugby injury, a sore pinky finger.

 

 

 

           

 

A victory celebration was later held on the pink bench at Ste-Anne's hq., with ice cream for keen supporters such as Piper, Caitlin, Zenith and Beansy.

 

Meanwhile, at the Ecole St Georges pitch, Sherbrooke's young team provided tough opposition, but the Ste-Anne's thirds  were highly organized and fly-half Austen was able to  make productive use of the quick, clean ball provided by the  forwards. In fact, the forwards provided their own version of open play, highlighted by a long run down the field by Milligan which was converted to a score by PK in close support. With such a convincing victory, the third XV squad earned a spot in next  weekend's final home stand game at Ecole St-Georges. It should be a remarkable day, with all three sides 
playing, the 1st XV against the Irish, the 2nd XV vs Quebec and the 3rd XV vs Ormstown.

 

              

On Sunday, 20th September, 2009, a Brunch 'n Rugby party took place at the McEwen field behind the west end zone. World class Rugby player Gillian Florence enjoyed  a snack of watermelon, croque monsieur and apple turnovers with Shaun, Leroux,  Val, Joey and Macintosh, while downtowners Decaff and Bobby Africa  preferred some mickey d's off on their own ... can you figure? All were treated to an entertaining match.

 

Much of the offense was supplied by  Laval, but there were moments of brilliance from McGill, notably a  terrific chip and chase from centre Chelsea Prive. Kat, Yerbury and Tiffini also provided solid tackling, while Katie O. was sidelined with an injury. Despite losing 30 to 0, McGill showed good  organization and structure. As the team develops its own identity, its strengths should start to show some good results.

 

Following the match, most fans migrated over to watch the John Abbott men's team take on Vanier. Earlier in the day, the JAC women had played a strong match against the Vanier women's  side. The JAC girl's team, despite some recruitment problems early in the season, showed that on the field they are a committed and fit squad. The game was highlighted by at least 8 or 9 tries.

 

 

         

 

The men's side was faced with a physically larger team, but they used their pack of mobile forwards and some exciting open play to win by a comfortable margin. A good percentage of their points came from classic attacks, where the ball moved  to the wing where nifty hands and speed provided the finish. They also provided top level entertainment for the large number of spectators.

 

       

Normally that would be enough Rugby for a day, but there was still a "Fall Series" match back at McEwen field to watch. Here, the Ste-Anne's 3rd XV squad assisted by a number of  Montreal Wanderers, provided stiff opposition for the Mac College team.

 

 

Old  School and Manny anchored the Ste-Anne's squad which also saw appearances from  Guiler (his "friends" Palmer and Half Caff watched from their  canoe ... can you figure?) Armstrong, Belvedere, PK and Belinsky, while star prop Barrington was resting up, due to a particularly hard cattle  drive the week before.

 

The week ahead promises to be just as busy with solid training sessions for the local Club  scheduled on Tuesday at at 6:00 pm at Ecole Ste-Georges, then on Thursday at 7:00pm at McEwen field. All are invited to attend.