WINE + FINALS + FISHER = GREAT WEEKEND: Abbott Men Repeat; Women Come Close.  2009 Wines Unveiled           16th November 2009

Last Sunday was a pretty good day in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue. There were two Rugby Finals for the local CEGEP, being played down at Concordia. There was an added bonus in that Old Stone's nephew was the  Dawson scrum-half. The John Abbott men won  their game and the women lost narrowly.

           

The CEGEP Women hung in tight, and late in the game they were only 5-3 down and they were pressing with a penalty deep in the  Dawson zone. However, the blue defense held and late in the game the downtown team scored a second try to seal their victory.

         

Meanwhile, the John Abbott guys team played a strong game in the forwards and backs. They have worked hard all season and they definitely peaked for this game. Very early in the match the Dawson fly half sent the ball deep into the Abbot half. It was a tricky kick with intense pressure being put on the gold's back three. But young Jamieson gave a dummy that must have made his dad  proud, then raced up the field, kicking the ball and Abbott was out of  danger. It was all that Dawson saw of the Abbott goal line until late 
in the game when they roared back for two tries. But by this time Abbott, on the 
strength of its forwards, had already scored five times.

   

In the end, this final  was a solid victory for john Abbott against a strong opponent and the fact that Mickey Moroz made the all star team with an excellent performance was icing on the cake for Old Stone. It seemed like a great way to close out the season. The game saw the biggest crowd this reporter has ever seen at a CEGEP final. And the end of the season comes just in time. The ESG gym opens for the Club  this Wednesday for the start of basketball and soccer  from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. I will see you there.

         

On Friday night, the club unveiled its vintage reserved wines for the 2009 season. There were some terrific wines, and their quality was attested by  the fact that two cases 
disappeared before the evening was over. The oenophiles' verdict:. Better than last year, which was a pretty damned good vintage anyway.  You can order or pick up wines from 
Laurie Thomassin or Stone.

         

New Canterbury shirts are also available, embroidered with the club emblem. The jerseys are available in white or blue and only cost $ 30. For $ 50 the Club is offering a gift pack of which includes a bottle of wine or Mr Beer, an embroidered  jersey and a signed copy of Sweep. Get yours soon as we don't know how long we can hold this price.

The banquet is now only a couple of weeks away.  The tradition of the Awards banquet is older than the Club, going back at least 34 years to 1975, when the MAC version of the Club almost burned down the arboretum chalet.

Back then, the Club raised money for only one reason: So that there would be an open bar at the banquet. Since these days, the Club has grown.  We have much to be proud of, especially the junior and mini programs. The banquet has changed as well. Professional entertainers now fill the roles of Master of Ceremonies and this year everyone looks 
forward to Mandy Mongeau and Frank leading the festivities.

Word has it that Macintosh has completed extensive renovations in order to have  the cocktails back at his house. His bid has been accepted. Do not miss these events. Over 100 members and guests are expected to attend. See you there.