Brome Lake Ducks Rugby Club

It was the 2012 season home-opener on May 12th against the rivaled Beaconsfield Rugby Football Club. After 8 weeks of practice, both veterans and rookies were eager to put on a show for all family, friends and alumni who came out in support of the club. The day was right: a temperate 20 degrees, sunny skies and a cool breeze – a perfect Saturday for rugby.

The Reserves men’s team kicked off the home opener earning the Ducks a victory over the 2011 champions with a final score of 14-12 thanks to tries (5 points each) from Derek and Gerald, plus two conversions from Francis (2 points each). The men’s A team battled it out against a much larger pack and showed their competitive nature. It was a tight game which ended in a disappointing loss; the final score 10-13. Jamie put in the two tries, no kicks or conversion made.

Focusing on the positive, Rugby has begun again in Brome Lake! To all the rookies – great job out there!

Over 70 alumni were present on the sidelines to support their club. The ongoing summer food drive is on but needs more commitment from both players and fans – only 22 items were brought to the field. We thank you – but us Ducks can do better. Spread the word around that we want to do something good for the community – at every home game, bring some donations for the Knowlton Food Bank!

See you all on May 26 when the men’s sides face off against the Montreal XV’s and the ladies take on Montreal Barbs II.

The Brome Lake Ducks’ Women’s season got off to a great start this Saturday, May 5th in Beaconsfield against rivals, and friends, BRFC at Beaconsfield High School on a gorgeous sunny day.

The team:

• Ducks’ Rookies who played their 1^st-ever game of XVs rugby: Stephanie Leclerc (Prop) and Vanessa Noiseux (Centre)
• Returning Ducks’ players, with University experience, who took a break after season 1 : Cat Barker (Center),  Sarrah Ewing (Srcum-half)
• Recent additions: Sammy Ewing (8-man) who comes with University experience and has joined Quebec’s Provincial Caribou team, plus Andrée-Claude Larocque (Fullback) and Mariah Côté (Wing) who also have some game experience elsewhere.
• These players joined veterans: Athena Bowbrick (Hooker), Megan O’Donnell (Prop), Caitlin Levesque (2nd Row), Sonia Gauthier (2nd Row), Célie Cournoyer (Flanker), Laurence Noiseux (Flanker), Emily Parker (Flanker), Virginie Rouleau (Fly-half), Viviane Rivard (Wing), Morgan Hennessy (Wing) and Virginia Wilson (Flanker) to form the squad that contributed to a solid victory.

Following the game, at a social hosted by BRFC, Jane Webb, coach and veteran player commented, “Where did you all come from? Kudos to whoever has been working with you and doing your recruiting!”

Here is a short recap of the game:

At the half the Ducks had already registered 24 points ( 5 tries + 2 conversions). The final score is a testament to our determination and drive to compete this season, Ducks 55 – Beaconsfield 0.

• Hooker, Athena Bowbrick, not only delivered good line out throws, she managed an impressive 5 out of 9 conversions putting 10 points up on the board.
• Centre, Catherine Barker broke away with speed and excellent footwork to score 3 tries.
• Number 8, Sammy Ewing, constantly pressured BRFC forwards and broke through their defence like child’s play crossing the try line 3 times as well.
• Second Row and 1st jumper, Caitlin Levesque, stole line out ball from BRFC all day long and delivered a message when she carried the ball across the try line breaking a few tackles along the way.
• Winger rookie, Mariah Côté, beautifully finished a back line attack with a nice run from past the 22 yard line to put the ball down near the posts.
• Centre rookie, Vanessa Noiseux got her start at XVs, and went for a fair run from near the 22 m line to go score a try too.Solid defence in the back field by our wingers and rookie fullback, AC Larocque, as well as great front row work in scrums by rookie Stephanie Leclerc, with hooker Athena and prop Megan, plus all the preparation work that was done with Coach Adam Spirk and early on this winter with Morad Kellal paid off.A collaborative effort by each of the players earned us this win and the victory has confirmed that the newly formed squad, veterans and recruits, are going to make this an incredibly competitive season but a fun one as well.

Next women’s game: Saturday, May 12th at noon vs St.-Lambert Locks @ Ste-Julie

With the unusual spring weather this March, the Ducks have flocked early to the Lions Park in substantial numbers. And, as much as we’ve enjoyed our indoor training facility at Artopex in Granby, there’s nothing like grass, mud, a full-sized field and of course, mosquitoes to get your Duck on!

Great to see new recruits on the pitch! We’re really happy to have you. You’re all showing promise. To all you vets who have yet to make an appearance, your leadership and talent is essential to transform these eager ducklings into true Ducks. It’s time to dust off those cleats and wash those crusty socks from last season! Coach Morad is feeding us a healthy diet of technique and strategy to help us spread our wings.

Recruitment is underway and new registrations are being accepted!
Regular seasons for Senior Men’s and Women’s teams, age 18 and over, resume in May 2012. Write to us at bromelakeducks@hotmail.com or visit the Become a Duck section for more information.