The evening will be held on Saturday, December 3rd @ Christ Church Cathedral, and begin at 6pm with the art exhibition, followed by the team dinner. The paintings will be on sale, and tickets for the exhibition and dinner are 30$. At 9pm, the party kicks off in earnest. Tickets for the party are only 5$. So come join the 2011 FRQ Division Champions and party with men who know how to party: rugby men!

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Quand le rugby rencontre l’art. non, vos yeux ne sont pas en train de vous jouer un mauvais tour. le thème du gala des Westmount Ravens cette année est bien “un vernissage” avec une exposition d’oeuvres d’art réalisées par ses meilleurs joueurs, laissant le Van Gogh qui est en eux s’exprimer.

La soirée débute elle aux alentours de 21 heures. Les billets sont au prix de $5.

Venez nombreux fêter le titre de champion du Québec avec ceux qui savent faire la fête, les rugbymen!

Three generations of rugby enthusiasts spent a sunny Saturday afternoon at Westmount Park on Aug. 6, eating burgers and hot dogs while catching up with old friends – all in support of the Westmount Rugby Club.

“It’s a fantastic turnout,” club president Tony O’Driscoll said of the family day fundraiser. “Complete success. I couldn’t be happier.”

About 150 turned out for the event, including many parents who watched from the sidelines as their kids played a few friendly matches with other youth from Rugby Club de Montreal (RCM) and Rugby XV de Montreal.

O’Driscoll said what sets rugby apart from other sports is that it’s affordable and transcends height and weight restrictions common in other sports like basketball and football. “It’s open to everybody,” he said. “That’s why kids find it so attractive.”

The club supports youth development through its Mini Rugby program, which runs from May to June. Kids aged 8 to 12 spend Sunday mornings running, passing and learning the basics of tackling, if qualified.

“There are bruises each week, but there are a great many rewards as well,” said Matt Harrington, father of Maeve, 8, who is in the Mini’s program. “Rugby teaches teamwork and discipline. It teaches you that you have to work very hard to accomplish what you want.”

Considering the intensity of the game, safety is of the utmost concern. Up until the age of 12, there is no tackling, just touch. There are also strict penalties for foul play. Offenders can be kicked off the field, banned from the game or even fined in extreme cases.

Adults also took to the field.

Westmount players from the last four decades donned their gum shields once again in an opening match between the Old Boys and rookies. “We’re happy to report the Old Boys absolutely murdered the rookies,” said O’Driscoll.

“It was pretty good to play against the young guys.” says Alexandre Pellerin, who retired from the Ravens last year but came out with his family to play and watch the Westmount Ravens take on the Montreal Exiles for the main event.

“It’s a great game,” he said. “We’re winning.”

“Come on Westmount, you lazy sack of bones,” yelled Tom Edmeades from the sidelines. The former captain of the Ravens was sitting out indefinitely due to injuries, but still came to help out the team by grilling burgers. “They’re my family,” he said. “I met all my friends through rugby or associations through rugby. I had to come.”

Energy was high as the Westmount crowd cheered on their local team to victory, 66-14.

“I feel very proud of the team,” said Nicole Fortunaso, who came out to support her brother Jamie Fortunaso. “The Ravens have been kicking butt the last couple of games.”

“When I used to play, there wasn’t the depth and support that this club has today,” said Clive Ebden, who retired from the Westmount team 19 years ago. “They’ve come a long way.”

For more information, visit the Westmount Rugby Club’s website at http://westmountrugby.com/ or their Facebook page under Westmount Rugby Club. If your children are interested in participating with the Mini’s, contact JS Paul via email at jsebpaul@gmail.com.

Feel free to invite your friends, but invite your girlfriends and wives at your own risk.

Hope to see all of you there!

OLD BOYS NIGHT
Le Bull Pub, 2170 Ste Catherine Ouest
Friday, April 1st 20h00

As this is opening weekend, the day won’t end with the final whistle.  After game drinks will be held at the Forum, with festivities continuing through the night.

Go Westmount!

Birthday News – At training on Tuesday wish Andy and Hisashi a Happy Birthday.  Andy is actually 7 years old

Belly News – The Australian pie shop is expected to open this Friday.  It is right next door to Dusty’s on Parc and Mont Royal.

Club Jersey’s – Westmount rugby jersey’s from 2008 / 2009 are on sale and are selling fast.  Speak with Tony about getting a Jersey  today.

Don’t forget that training is on Tuesday at 7:30,  1090 Greene Avenue below Dorchester.

Westmount rugby has a number of great traditions like the first rugby club in North America, Thu  rsday nights at the old cock n bull and now a hand in the Vancouver Olympic games.

The torch took about 4 months to design and the design is based on two main inspirational ideas: the sweeping, undulating, white winter Canadian landscape and elements of winter sports.

It is also club folklore that Tim’s first thought in the design of the torch was “it’s a torch and it must be held.” It is with this insight that has given Tim his position as Westmount’s starting Hooker

The countdown has begun until the start of the winter Olympics and the start of the rugby season

It was an excellent night of entertainment and socialising with a live band, free flowing bar and gourmet dinner prepared by Mike Trevino & Don, the Australian Pie man, and his many minions in the kitchen. This year we also launched the new improved WRFC T-shirts (thanks Tim!) and put up for sale the old jerseys from seasons past. Anyone wanting to purchase these items please contact Tony through the website. The fundraising was a huge success with well over $1000 raised for the 2010 season!

As always it was great to see many new and old faces with great representation from the Old Boys this year, with one fella in particular escaping hospital to attend! Stellar effort Old Boys, keep up the great work and we thank you sincerely for you ongoing support. 2010 promises a strengthening of ties with the Old Boys to help secure the club for generations to come. Watch the website for further news and developments.

As every year we acknowledged the efforts of the players throughout the season with the club awards. All players should be congratulated for their efforts in a tough 2009 season and be proud of maintaining a positive outlook in what was definitely a rebuilding year for the club. There were some exceptional efforts by individuals during the season and they have been duly awarded as follows.

MVP – Mike Lenczner

Best Forward – Hugh Greene

Best Back – James Fortunaso

Best Rookie – Guillaume Themens

Leadership Award- Raymond Bessette

Dave Award- Karl Frigan

Congratulations to all the winners and we look forward to improved performances from all players in 2010. Thanks again to everyone who helped out to make the dinner a huge success. Rest up in the off season and we look forward to a winning season in 2010.

Tony O’Driscoll

President

WRFC

Save your dollars and see you there!

Your club needs your support.

Westmount Fundraising details are listed here.

Thanks Jeremy for spoting this article. Are you become our online Stalker?