A heartfelt and resounding thank you resonates from the depths of 240 Gordy and his esteemed team, as we reflect upon yet another extraordinary week of Rugby squash. In the embrace of camaraderie and spirited competition, adorned by the presence of seasoned rugby aficionados, enthusiastic squash players, courageous newcomers, and even the lively banter of our cherished hecklers, we found ourselves enveloped in an atmosphere of pure sportsmanship and joyous celebration. Through the collective efforts and unwavering support of each participant, Rugby squash triumphed, yielding a remarkable sum of $6000 dedicated to fortifying our beloved rugby section. Such a magnificent achievement is a testament to the indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment of our community. Congratulations to all involved! Your dedication and passion have truly made this endeavor a resounding success, and for that, we extend our deepest gratitude.
Easter Parade 2024 – Mark your calendars and brace yourselves for an exhilarating event like no other! This Sunday, March 31, promises to be an electrifying extravaganza as the Annual Beaches Easter Parade bursts onto the scene at 2 pm sharp! Picture this: the streets adorned with vibrant colors, pulsating with energy, as the parade kicks off from Queen Street East and Munro Park Avenue, igniting a wave of excitement that will sweep through every corner of the city. But wait, there’s more! Prepare to witness a spectacle unlike any other as our very own Rugby section proudly joins the procession, draped in the iconic blue and gold, ready to showcase our spirit and passion for rugby to the entire community. So rally your friends, don your finest attire, and get ready to line the streets, because this year’s parade promises thrills, cheers, and unforgettable moments at every turn. Don’t miss out – see you there!
Brian Williams – It is with a heavy heart I have to inform you about the passing of Brian Williams. A Nomad and Beach player who represented Canada on several occasions. His love lives on through his many family and friends who we think about during this most difficult time. https://memorials.ashburnhamfuneral.ca/brian-williams/5367493/
Congratulations Lisa De Sario, for winning the position of Sports Director with the BBC board of directors. Hugh Sutcliffe (Finance Director) and Jennifer Sharp (Community, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Director) remain on the Board
Save the Date – The club will be celebrating their 70th in 2025 and we want you to come hang out with us and join in the festivities on June 5,6,7 (Saturday) and 8, 2025.
The Balmy Beach Club AGM will be held on Monday January 22. If you are a current member and in good standing with the club you will receive a voting link today (January 19th). Or if you choose to vote in person, the polls open at 6pm on January 22.
Remember your voice counts. Good luck to our very own, former Rugby Section President Lisa De Sario who is running for Sports Director.
The rugby section is still hard at work as they transition to the pre-season with indoor training soon. Here are some other notes:
2024 Coaching
The rugby section has been busy looking for new head coaches for both the men’s and women’s sections. Stay tuned for an update on this.
2024 ORU Men’s Schedule
The club master schedule is at the link below: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/18mkCBRLUbHcDklw3lFpU-JXMDaXPpZDI?usp=drive_link
Currently only the ORU Men’s Schedule has been released, but when the men’s and women’s TRU schedules are released I will update this document to include them.
For the men’s ORU I’s the seeding for McCormick Cup is now based on the overall league standings NOT August playoffs. The more successful we are in our season games, the higher seeding we will get come September.
2025 League Reformatting
After this year, on the men’s side, the entire league is being restructured into a “Top 6 Premiership”, two conferences of 5 “ORU B Championship”, and then branch unions (TRU, NRU ect…)
No one wants to be in a relegation battle in August, so that means our first on the field goal this year is to win our East Division and get us an automatic pass into the premiership next year.
Before anyone asks; yes, it is possible for us to finish second in our division, lose the relegation battle, win the McCormick Cup, and then still get relegated based on league standings.
Here are thee award winners from last week’s Rugby Banquet – Congratulations to all the winners
ORU 1s Most Valuable Forward – Owen McLean Lavado
ORU 1s Most Valuable Back – Jason Park
ORU 2s Most Valuable Forward – Matthew Mufandaedza
ORU 2s Most Valuable Back – Simon McLean Lavado
TRU 1s Most Valuable Forward – Elamu Karego Maswi
TRU 1s Most Valuable Back – Simon Onyango
TRU 2s Most Valuable Forward – Adrian Godwin
TRU 2s Most Valuable Back – Cian Donohoe
Men’s Most Improved Player – Waleed Popal
Men’s Most Dedicated Player – Hugh Barry
Men’s Most Dedicated Player – Ben Jones
Men’s Rookie of the Year – Evan Dermott
Women’s Most Valuable Forward – Kristin Bonomo
Women’s Most Valuable Back – Autumn Gervais
Women’s Most Improved Player – Cassia Cidro
Women’s Most Dedicated Player – Maddy Harris
Women’s Rookie of the Year – Bethany Spiers
Volunteer of the Year – Maddy Harris
Harvey Jaanuson Award – Mark Lawless
Ed Caterer Award – Krisitin Bonomo
Asshole of the Year – ORU 1’s
Holiday Silent Auction & Market On December 2nd, the Balmy Beach RFC will hold its annual Holiday Silent Auction & Market. This event is one of the most important for the rugby section. You can find more information on how to contribute in several ways on the Home Page. Please see the attachment and make it a point to make it to the club. Holiday Auction Donation Letter >>>
Rugby Annual General Meeting & Board Elections On the night of November 13th, the Balmy Beach RFC held its AGM. Some great discussion about some important issues took place, and the Board for the 2024 Season was elected. Please welcome…
President – Iain McLeish
Fundraising and Sponsorship – Brock
Clancy Secretary – Kristin Bonomo
Communications Director – Ben Jones
Social Director – Mark Lawless
Player Safety – Andrew Crawford
Treasurer – Malency Wainwright
Celebration of Life for David Baldwin – David played rugby for the Balmy Beach in the 1960’s. Ken McAulay, a teammate, remember’s David as a tough competitor who laughed easily, and enjoyed a joke and a beer. David passed away peacefully at the age of 84 at his home in Victoria Harbour on Thursday January 20, 2022. There will be a celebration of Life held for David at the Balmy Beach Club November 19th from 1:00-5:00PM.