Here is a recap of the game in Burlington from Coach McLeish – What a game! Beach entered into this game as a seed 6 “underdog” taking on the seed 3 Burlington Centaurs. However, anyone who has watched the Beach Men’s First XV over the last 7 games knew that the seedings don’t reflect the current 7 game win streak that the squad is on. The game started with a penalty to Beach leading to a Burlington kick, maul and score to put them up 0-7. A yellow card to Burlington then led to three free flowing tries for Beach to make the score at 19-7. Unfortunately a yellow card to Beach immediately after Burlington returned to full strength led to two Burlington tries. Both mauls followed penalties and kicks into our 22. Score 19-19. Going into halftime it became clear that Burlington’s game plan was to hold onto the ball long enough to milk a penalty, and then maul every single line out.

Both teams traded blows back and forth throughout the second half when with 7 minutes left both Beach fly Half and the Burlington 8-man with twin yellow cards after a late hit and following exchange of pleasant words, leaving the game tied 33-33. Beach immediately capitalized on the chaos with a quick tap penalty advancing down the field to score putting the good guys up 38-33. With 5 min left to go, Burlington worked the ball into the Beach 22 meters. What followed was a goal line defense stand for the ages. It didn’t matter when Burlington threw at us, Beach responded with intensity and violence. After five minutes of chop tackles, double hits, and absolute dog work, Burlington knocked on, ending the game. Score 38-33

I want to take a second to thank all the fans, players, spouses etc… who came out to support the boys Saturday. That field sounded and felt like a home game with our fans completely drowning out Burlington. It pumped me up from on the far sideline, and I’m sure it did for the players on the field as well. Two more to go….

There is no rugby this weekend as we observe the Thanksgiving Weekend.

Glen Hamilton – On Thursday October 8th, the Beach club will be remembering our dear friend and teammate Glen Hamilton. Please feel free to pass through between 3 and 6pm to pay your respects and share in the celebration of life for such a great man.