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After a 2 week hiatus, the gentlemen are back on the pitch this weekend to take on the long time rival the Scottish. The 2XV are currently in 4th place, just one point behind the Scottish so this will be a pivotal game for seeding purposes. The 1XV are in 7th place and are tied with Waterloo who we split games with this season, 2 points behind the Barbs in 5th, and 3 points behind the Scottish in 4th. The 1XV have been on an absolute tear since the break in August and have a chance to end the season in 3rd place but first the task at hand is to handle business this Saturday.

Both games are at home this weekend – Hope to see you at the pitch
2XV – 2pm
1XV – 3:30pm

Stewart Gage – We lost one of the true heartbeats of the Beach with the passing of Stewart Gage. Across sixty-five years as a member of Balmy Beach Club, Stewart wasn’t just a player, he was part of the club’s fabric, a familiar face on the field who helped build the community and camaraderie the Beach is known for. Stewart’s spirit will stay woven into that field for a long, long time. The Beach won’t be the same without you. Stewart Gage Memorial

Saturday was filled with emotion as we took on the Brantford Harlequins at home this past weekend. Speaking to some of the players they said this week was tough as the constant thought of coach Brian was on everyone’s mind and how can we best honour him. With a pair of wins in dominant fashion.

With black tape on the arms of our athletes, our 2XV took to the field. The rules state that we can only field 15 players but you know coach Brian was out there in spirit. The Beach implemented a new defensive structure that saw us attack the gain line and push out when the ball cleared the channel. This resulted in a lot of double tackles, stops behind the gain line and kept the Quins at bay for most of the half. The Beach climbed to a commanding 19-0 lead but a late try by the Quins saw the halftime score 19-7. The Quins opened the second half with a try bringing the score to 19-14 and then another try making the score 21-19. Late in the second half with the Beach camped out inside the Quins half, we won 2 scrums against the head. The second scrum drew a penalty which allowed up to pin the ball inside the Quins 22m. Although we couldn’t convert the lineout into points, we did get a turnover, ran a play short side and scored in the corner making the final score 26-21.

A beautiful moment before the 1XV kicked off as both teams lined up on the 15 for a moment of silence. There were flowers presented to coach Brian’s wife as well from the Beach. After the tears were wiped from the faces of the faithful and the men, the whistle sounded the start of the game. There was an early card by the Quins for a deliberate knock on which led to a try for the Beach. Then a perfectly weighted cross kick saw us put more points on the board. The half time score was 26-5. The Qunis opened the second half with a try but they didn’t have enough to threaten the lead. A turnover by the Quins on the Beach goal line was scooped up by the Beach winger and taken 80m. A couple of passes and we dotted down behind the uprights and we ended the game on a high note. The final score 48-24. Don’t look now, but the 1XV have won their 3 games and have climbed their way into 5th place. There are 2 games remaining in the regular season both at home against the Scottish and Oakville.

Both teams are now on a 2 week break so there won’t be any action until September 12th.

Coach Brian Krawetz – It is with a profoundly heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of Coach Brian Krawetz, our senior men’s forwards coach. Brian left us early Monday morning, with his wife by his side, after an intense and heartbreakingly brief battle with cancer. Brian was more than a coach, he was a steady presence, a mentor, and a man who cared deeply about the players he worked with. His impact on our club, and on the people within it, will not be forgotten. There will be a moment of silence held before both games this weekend as we honour his life, his commitment, and the legacy he leaves behind. Please keep Brian’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.
Coach Brian Krawetz Remembered >>>

The women kicked off the homestand this past weekend by taking on the Scottish in the Women’s TRU Premiership Championship game. The women entered the game riding a 10 game winning streak and absolutely destroying everyone in their path but have not faced the Scottish this season. The Scottish came out looking very sharp with a clear game plan to pin the Beach deep in their half and apply pressure through driving mauls and pick and goes off the base. This pressure opened up to a 21-7 lead including a penalty try for too many penalties around the goaline. A well timed water break helped the Beach women reset and the last 20 minutes of the half saw the women expose some shoddy Scottish defense leaving some gaping holes. The speed on this team was on full display for the home side support to see as we went into the half level 21-21. The second half was all about defense and taking advantage of Scottish miscues. The women gave up an unconverted try early in the second half but at the 65 min mark, we took the lead and never looked back. The final 36-26 raising the trophy. Well done ladies. Winning the TRU results in a promotion to the Ontario Women’s League (OWL) for next year. The top tier for women’s rugby in Ontario. Congratulations ladies, Up the Beach!!!

The Mens 2XV took to the field right while the party was just getting started for the women on the sideline but that energy was electric. We took on a very undersized and young Waterloo County team. The game was all about the Beach from the kickoff. It was clear that our size up front was a huge advantage that Waterloo had no answer for. Every set piece was dominated but us so our backline had clean ball all day long. On defense every scrum they had went backwards resulting in scrums won against the head or penalties for us. A great game all around and everybody on the bench got a run. Final score Beach 33 Waterloo 17. We take on the Harlequins on Saturday at 2pm at Tubs and Gee

The Beach 1XV were ranked in 7th spot and Waterloo was ranked in 6th. Another winnable game for us especially coming off the win in London last week. The game was a see-saw battle with both teams exchanging trys one after the other. We scored a late try at the end of the first half to keep the game tight but down with a score of 26-20. The second half was a lot like the first half but we did not give up. A charge down at the 65 min mark that led to a try, turned the momentum in our favour and after exchanging trys we were but by the slimmest of margins. The final score was Beach 45 Waterloo 40. Since the break, the 1XV have 2 convincing wins and are up against the always tough Brantford Harlequins at Tubs and Gee at 3:30pm this Saturday. Let’s get it done, gents.

Including this weekend’s games, there are 4 games left in the regular season and all 4 of them are at home. Lets make it tough for our opponents and line the sidelines to show some love and support.

The women did it again!!! After a long trip to the Niagara region, the women took on the Wasps with championship game implications on the line. As they have been doing all season long, the women showed their dominance in all aspects of their game. Tough defense, great set piece and taking advantage of their mistakes. The determined blue and gold were able to make it happen and pull off a 48-25 win and punch their ticket to the finals. The finals are this Saturday at Tubs and Gee. Kickoff is set for 12:30pm. WE WANT YOU THERE!!!!! Get your gear, your noise makers and show your support by cheering on the women this Saturday.

Men’s Results
ORU 2’s – The Beach 2’s squared off against the last place London 2’s. London’s 2’s haven’t won a game all year and it became pretty clear right off the bat that today wouldn’t be their day either. The Beach pumped in a couple early trys to open up a lead. The sky’s opened up with heavy rainfall which slowed down the scoreboard for the middle chunk of the game, but Beach trys continued to build up throughout the second half. Final score Beach 50 – London 14.

ORU 1’s – It’s been a season with lots of frustration so far with the Beach men dropping 6 games by less than a try, and three games by less than three points. However this week the streak of close losses broke as the Beach took it to an aggressive London squad. Beach got off to an early lead although for the first half London managed to keep the game close. Powered by a strong scrum, and dominant maul, the Beach managed to control much of the possession in the second half, leading to multiple trys. This gave Captain Jason Park multiple opportunities to earn points with his boot going 8/9 from the tee. While the squad still had work to do preparing for the rest of the season, when the final whistle blew, the Beach had a convincing lead. Beach 48 London 24.

Mens Fixtures
ORU II vs Waterloo – 2pm – Tubs and Gee
ORU I vs Waterloo – 3:30pm – Tubs and Gee

Glen Hamilton – It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you of the passing of Glen Hamilton. Glen loved the club, rugby and the community and he will be missed. The stories and laughs he leaves behind will keep his memory very much alive among everyone who knew him. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers through this most difficult time.

After a 2 week hiatus, our athletes are back on the pitch this weekend. The women who have been on an absolute tear this year take their show on the road to Niagara to face the Niagara Wasps at 12:30pm. If the women win they will be playing in the finals next week. Good luck, let them know what Beach rugby is. If you want to make your way down the QEW, the address to the Niagara pitch is 1105 Barron St Niagara Falls.

The men are also on the road this weekend in London and are looking to bounce back from a couple of tough losses. London is the worst team in the league so hopefully we can get a solid win and turn the season around. The address to the pitch is 4308 Dundas St East, Thames Centre

2XV – 2 pm kickoff
1XV – 3:30 pm kickoff

The women did it again. They took on the Brampton Beavers on Friday night and proceeded to put on a rugby clinic for our visitors. The women dominated every aspect of the game and took advantage of some poor defense. They scored early and often while our opponents had no answers. A big win for the women 42-19. This means they are off to the semi finals for the Women’s TRU Premiership in Ottawa next weekend.

No games this weekend as we observe the Civic holiday. Have a great and safe weekend.

CORRECTION: There are no men’s this weekend. Their next games are scheduled for August 8th The women’s game is still going on Friday night at home vs Brampton at 7:30pm

A very touch and go day at Tubs and Gee last weekend. The weather person said there was going to be rain and the air quality edging on dangerous due to the forest fires in northern Ontario. Unfortunately the women and the TRU men were not able to play their games.

The air quality was safe enough for the 2XV to take to the field against the Barbs. Coming off a big win against Burlington last week, and another opportunity for Beach to move up the standings, the Beach knew this was a must win situation. With the support from the faithful that lined the field, the 2XV played some great rugby. The tough hard nosed rugby we continue to see from this team with some great defense and set piece, the Beach win big 41-20

The 1XV have lost 4 games this year by less than 7 points which shows that they have been playing tough all season long. The boys are working hard at training and trying different combinations to turn this season around. The game was a tough test but unfortunately we fell short with a score of 41-36.

This weeks Fixtures

Friday July 24
7:30pm – TRU Women vs Brampton – Tubs and Gee

I regret to inform you that due to the anticipated rain tomorrow, the festivities for Club Day have been cancelled. So face painting and family activities will not be available.

Also there is a chance that the games may be cancelled too. According to Rugby Ontario with reference to Environment Canada’s Air Quality Health Index (AQHI), the air quality must be lower than a level 6 or moderate risk for the safety of the players. This cancellation of games will not be made official until Saturday morning.

Here are the recaps from last weeks games

The weekend kicked off on Friday night with the women taking on the Markham Irish at home. Another dominant performance that had all the skills on full display. From the opening whistle there was no chance for the visitors. A dominant pack, clean ball for the backs and great defense lead to a 55-7 win.

The 2XV took on the Centaurs on Saturday in Burlington. A win would mean a tie for 4th place in the Marshall Premiership 2XV. The Beach played their gritty style of rugby the same we’ve seen all season. A lot of pressure and tough defense throughout. We gave up a couple of tries but when the final whistle blew, it was the Beach on top 19-14

The 1XV were next to kick off at 3:30 against the best team in the Marshall this season. A strong test for our athletes saw us put up a solid fight but weren’t able to pull out a W. Beach 17 Burlington 24.

Here’s a note from Scott Dunham:

It hasn’t been the season we had hoped for to date, but it hasn’t been through lack of effort. The boys are working hard, and although the standings don’t reflect it – we are damn close to being a legit cup contender. I could go into details about availability, injuries, referees, close losses, the schedule…. But those are all just lame excuses and we can, and will, do better.

What remains in our season is 5 home games and one away, with only our third opportunity to play at Tubs and Gee this season taking place this Saturday July 18.

It would be great to see the blue and gold supporters out in force this Saturday to support the team against Aurora and get us over this hump. Young and old alike will feed off the energy the alumni always bring to supporting the team on home turf. Let’s fill the hill, and propel our boys on to victory. With thanks, Scott

Club Day – Cancelled
This Saturday is Club Day at Tubs and Gee Gage Field. Bring your family down to pitch to support some local vendors, have some family fun, face painting, and watch a full day of rugby.

Here is your schedule

11am – Women TRU 2 vs Women Beach Alumni / Muddy York
12:15pm – TRU Women vs Peterborough
1:45pm – ORU III vs Aurora
2:30pm – ORU II vs Aurora
4pm – ORU I vs Aurora

Hope to see you there

It was a great time at the club last Saturday as the rugby section brought back its annual fundraiser Rugby Volleyball. Even though it was raining, that didn’t stop the faithful from showing up in the wildest costumes to play some beach volleyball, have a few drinks and enjoy the best day of the year. Bravo to the rugby section executives for organizing a great event. I hope it stays at the club where it belongs for many many years to come.

This week is the start of the second half of the season for our blue and gold athletes and all teams except the Women will be on the road. The TRU Women kick the weekend off with more Friday night lights action.

Friday
7pm – TRU Women vs Markham – Tubs and Gee Gage

Saturday
12:30pm – ORU III at Burlington – Sherwood Forest Park (Burlington)
2pm – ORU II at Burlington – Sherwood Forest Park (Burlington)
3:30pm – ORU I at Burlington – Sherwood Forest Park (Burlington)
3:30pm TRU Men at Fergus Highland TRU – Victoria Park Fergus

The Beach women continue to tear up the TRU Women’s Premiership. Coming off 2 big wins against the Mississauga Blues, they continued to ride the momentum train and played Barrie RFC. The women continued their dominance in every aspect but clearly their defense is what stands out the most. Creating turnovers and taking advantage of their opportunities the women notch another W 29-12

The TRU mens made their way to Sunnybrook Park to play against the Bay St Pigs. It was tough to get things going against the Pigs but the Beach fought to the very last whistle. Defensive lapses and penalties allowed the Pigs to run the score up to track meet of a game 57-36 the final.

Scottish 2XV vs Beach 2XV. This game is always circled when the schedule comes out. We know that this game is going to be physical and neither team can afford to make any mistakes. Playing the Scottish at their pitch is just an added level of pressure. Unfortunately the Beach made too many mistakes and the Scottish capitalized. The momentum was always for the Scottish and their dominance in the backline and execution was the difference Beach 14 Scottish 48.

The 1XVs then took to the pitch trying to rebound from their loss last week against the CRU. An intense game all around with both teams trading trys. Our defensive structure was sound, you can see the adjustments made this week by the coaching staff but we weren’t stingy enough as we lost by an unconverted try. Beach 26 Scottish 31.

No games this week because of the observance of Canada Day. That doesn’t mean the fun doesn’t stop. After a 4 year hiatus, the club will be welcoming sunshine and crazy costumes. The biggest fundraiser is back this Saturday as the Rugby section hosts the Annual Rugby Volleyball Tournament. Always a great event and still the best day of the summer.