By now you are all probably aware of the arrival of Leo's latest arrival, Thomas Caoullette, and if you were really unlucky you received a picture of a half-naked Leo clutching the poor, defensless babe like some freakish, Anne Geddes nightmare gone wrong. The club is offering group therapy sessions for those still traumatised by this disturbing image.
The Canon's have also welcomed a new addition, who's name as it turns out is Elsie Canon. The first seven times Matt told me her name over the phone today I swear he was saying, "Elfie". While I thought that sounded pretty seasonal, I didn't think it was going to serve the kid too well for the rest of the year. As I said, it turns out it's actually Elsie, which isn't a name I've heard in a while. Not since they ended rationing, leastwise. On the good side though, James has promised not to send us any half naked pictures of himself, unless you ask him nicely. He will however send you some pictures of half-naked women from his collection.
Happy-bloody-Christmas!
Friday, December 24, 2004
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Election Fever
As has been the case in recent years, this year’s AGM was attended by only the die-hard politicos and those dumb enough to come outside in weather only fit for staying in to watch the Charlie Brown Christmas Special.
In his last official duties as Club President, Jim Gooch conducted the meeting with all the purpose of a man desperate to quit the job. As many of you already know, the club has been demoted to Division III, and regardless of the wisdom or justice of this, it is a done deal, and not worthy of too much further debate. The consensus of those present was to come together as a club and do our utmost to prove the folly of this decision to NERFU. We will have our first opportunity in the Spring, when the club has elected to compete with the D II sides at the NERFU tourney in Newport. No doubt an appropriate Spring schedule will precede that to ensure that we are up to the task.
Covering Old Business, it was reported that recruitment efforts are continuing on many fronts, excepting the natural holiday hiatus. We are reaching out to many of the local colleges, and Dom Tracey is once again stepping in to the breach to organize the Maine State Collegiate Tournament (see earlier post).
Financially the club did not have the best year, due in large part to some overruns on social events, some unpaid kit bills that finally caught up with us, and the never-ending issue of unpaid. How so many of you malfeasants show up each week and play with a clear conscience is beyond me. Pay your dues goddamit!
As a result the club coffers are a little thin and it is beholden on all of us to ensure that next year brings in some extra cash. 100 commemorative balls have been purchased that celebrate the 35th anniversary of the club, and they would be a splendid addition to your mantle/den/kit bag/jail cell. They are available for purchase for $50 from someone, and I think it is Diesel, but don’t quote me on that.
New Business was minimal, and confined to the subjects of women’s rugby and an over-35 side. Given that several of us have received enquiries about a women’s side, and some of them even from real women, it was agreed that we would try to make a more coordinated effort to put these women in touch with each other and keep them involved with the club to some degree. Perhaps we could organize all-girl sleepovers with mandatory tickle-fights? ……OK, that just set back recruitment for the women’s side by about 20 years. Girls, please understand that I kid, because I love……love too much, usually.
Anyway, where was I? Oh yeah, the over-35 side. While many of you may have thought we were already running an over-35 side (called the A side), this would actually be different, in that it would involve only a 3-4 game schedule that would be more appropriate for players of such a vintage. Of course, these would be played before the A game, for those still looking to get three games in on a Saturday.
Elections were held, with a few notable changes. As mentioned, Jim Gooch stepped down as President to concentrate on his carpentry, but fortunately he had already been grooming a successor in Fred Haymen, who was swept to power in a landslide victory. Also departing was our long-suffering Treasurer, Matt Winch, who has stepped down to concentrate on erasing the memories of his bachelor party and the subsequent re-enactments by Jason Willey. Leo Caullette has stepped up to take the job, and we wish him every success in collecting dues. As many of you know, one of Leo’s most endearing qualities is his soothing voice, and $100 per season seems like a small price to pay for some peace and quiet.
The final roster of officials to be decided on the night were:
Club President – Fred Haymen
Captain – Jason Willey
Secretary – yours truly
Treasurer – Leo Caullette
Fixture Secretary – Mike Desalle
Any other outstanding positions will be decided in secret, without your knowledge, and without your input……What? You don’t like that? Well if it’s OK for Dick Cheney to do it, then you can bloody-well suck it up.
If there is anyone left who I have failed to alienate with this update, then well, you suck too. Happy Christmas/Hannukah/Qwanza/Birthday, Ricky Henderson/Anniversary of your coronation, Emperor Hirohito/launching of the Huygens probe from the Cassini orbiter/ Christmas ceasfire.
In his last official duties as Club President, Jim Gooch conducted the meeting with all the purpose of a man desperate to quit the job. As many of you already know, the club has been demoted to Division III, and regardless of the wisdom or justice of this, it is a done deal, and not worthy of too much further debate. The consensus of those present was to come together as a club and do our utmost to prove the folly of this decision to NERFU. We will have our first opportunity in the Spring, when the club has elected to compete with the D II sides at the NERFU tourney in Newport. No doubt an appropriate Spring schedule will precede that to ensure that we are up to the task.
Covering Old Business, it was reported that recruitment efforts are continuing on many fronts, excepting the natural holiday hiatus. We are reaching out to many of the local colleges, and Dom Tracey is once again stepping in to the breach to organize the Maine State Collegiate Tournament (see earlier post).
Financially the club did not have the best year, due in large part to some overruns on social events, some unpaid kit bills that finally caught up with us, and the never-ending issue of unpaid. How so many of you malfeasants show up each week and play with a clear conscience is beyond me. Pay your dues goddamit!
As a result the club coffers are a little thin and it is beholden on all of us to ensure that next year brings in some extra cash. 100 commemorative balls have been purchased that celebrate the 35th anniversary of the club, and they would be a splendid addition to your mantle/den/kit bag/jail cell. They are available for purchase for $50 from someone, and I think it is Diesel, but don’t quote me on that.
New Business was minimal, and confined to the subjects of women’s rugby and an over-35 side. Given that several of us have received enquiries about a women’s side, and some of them even from real women, it was agreed that we would try to make a more coordinated effort to put these women in touch with each other and keep them involved with the club to some degree. Perhaps we could organize all-girl sleepovers with mandatory tickle-fights? ……OK, that just set back recruitment for the women’s side by about 20 years. Girls, please understand that I kid, because I love……love too much, usually.
Anyway, where was I? Oh yeah, the over-35 side. While many of you may have thought we were already running an over-35 side (called the A side), this would actually be different, in that it would involve only a 3-4 game schedule that would be more appropriate for players of such a vintage. Of course, these would be played before the A game, for those still looking to get three games in on a Saturday.
Elections were held, with a few notable changes. As mentioned, Jim Gooch stepped down as President to concentrate on his carpentry, but fortunately he had already been grooming a successor in Fred Haymen, who was swept to power in a landslide victory. Also departing was our long-suffering Treasurer, Matt Winch, who has stepped down to concentrate on erasing the memories of his bachelor party and the subsequent re-enactments by Jason Willey. Leo Caullette has stepped up to take the job, and we wish him every success in collecting dues. As many of you know, one of Leo’s most endearing qualities is his soothing voice, and $100 per season seems like a small price to pay for some peace and quiet.
The final roster of officials to be decided on the night were:
Club President – Fred Haymen
Captain – Jason Willey
Secretary – yours truly
Treasurer – Leo Caullette
Fixture Secretary – Mike Desalle
Any other outstanding positions will be decided in secret, without your knowledge, and without your input……What? You don’t like that? Well if it’s OK for Dick Cheney to do it, then you can bloody-well suck it up.
If there is anyone left who I have failed to alienate with this update, then well, you suck too. Happy Christmas/Hannukah/Qwanza/Birthday, Ricky Henderson/Anniversary of your coronation, Emperor Hirohito/launching of the Huygens probe from the Cassini orbiter/ Christmas ceasfire.
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
College Tourney Date
PRFC and Hews Truck Bodies & Equipment will once again present the Maine Collegiate Rugby Championships on April 23, 2005.
Saturday, December 04, 2004
Awards and other goings on
There's lots to catch up on, so let's get right on with it.
Firstly, last month saw the annual awards banquet which was a very well attended affair, and saw everyone get together to re-live some of their favorite moments from the past season. As you can imagine, that didn't take too long, so plenty of time was left for drinking.
There was also time for awards, both official and humorous, and I'll do my best to remember them here. Firstly in the official category:
MVP - Jeff Keating
Living proof of the theraputic powers of rugby, Jeff put in another stellar season, playing in every game, whether he was healthy or not. His solid defense, linout prowess and his ability to always be in the right place at the right time were a huge contribution to our success this season. Oh wait....well, it was a huge contribution, anyway.
Biggest Contribution to the Club - Jason Willey
Anyone can be captain when things are going well, but it takes true character to steer the ship when all you can see is icebergs. Jason did just that, making a huge commitment to the club, and keeping our spirits up when things looked the most bleak.
Most Improved Player - Jim Gooch
Although Jim almost let this award slip by unoticed, his modesty conceals a talent and desire that has become invaluable to the club. In fact, I think this is Jim's second year winning this award, proving that he is not one to rest on his laurels. At this rate he'll be MVP in no time.
On the unofficial side, Jimmy Hendrix gave out so many great awards I can't even remember half of them. I do know that the La La Award was finally wrestled out of Jason Willey's grasp, and the head-ringing torch was passed to CB Brady. Bernie, er, I mean Ted, got a t-shirt to help him with his identity crisis. And a bunch of other stuff was given out, and if I hadn't waited so long to write this, then I probably would've remembered some of it. Gerry gave out some awards too, which mostly seem to go to people who've lived in his house at some time or another. That alone deserves an award. Oh, no, really, I was just kidding about that.
OK. That about wraps up the banquet. Props go to Jim Gooch for setting it all up, and for delivering such an elequent recap of the season, all without a crib sheet.
Oh yeah, of course the big news, was that thanks to our perfect season, NERFU has, in its wisdom, decided that we would enjoy next season more if we spent it in Division 3. In an unprecedented move, North Shore decided they wanted to give it a try in D2, and all of a suddden NERFU has started caring about the numbers of teams in our leauge, so down we go. Depending on your outlook, this is a good opportunity to prove a few people wrong, and pick up some hardware in the process. Of course, you could also see it as the final nail pinning you to the couch.
Wow, that's a great segue in to the fact that the AGM is coming up on Tuesday (the 7th), so you can get out and help us put together a plan to regain our rightful place in D2. Or keep your fat arse on the couch. It's your call, but it all goes down in the book.
Right. Last on the list is the fact that we are finally going to get a chance to see some of those pictures Ross took all Fall. My god, the guy was a hero for just standing on the touch line all through the Old Gold game, so make sure you get out to his exhibit on December 12th. It's at the Salt Institute, on Federal Street, from 5pm to 7pm. Be there, and I dare say you'll find someone to go out and get a drink with afterwards.
Firstly, last month saw the annual awards banquet which was a very well attended affair, and saw everyone get together to re-live some of their favorite moments from the past season. As you can imagine, that didn't take too long, so plenty of time was left for drinking.
There was also time for awards, both official and humorous, and I'll do my best to remember them here. Firstly in the official category:
MVP - Jeff Keating
Living proof of the theraputic powers of rugby, Jeff put in another stellar season, playing in every game, whether he was healthy or not. His solid defense, linout prowess and his ability to always be in the right place at the right time were a huge contribution to our success this season. Oh wait....well, it was a huge contribution, anyway.
Biggest Contribution to the Club - Jason Willey
Anyone can be captain when things are going well, but it takes true character to steer the ship when all you can see is icebergs. Jason did just that, making a huge commitment to the club, and keeping our spirits up when things looked the most bleak.
Most Improved Player - Jim Gooch
Although Jim almost let this award slip by unoticed, his modesty conceals a talent and desire that has become invaluable to the club. In fact, I think this is Jim's second year winning this award, proving that he is not one to rest on his laurels. At this rate he'll be MVP in no time.
On the unofficial side, Jimmy Hendrix gave out so many great awards I can't even remember half of them. I do know that the La La Award was finally wrestled out of Jason Willey's grasp, and the head-ringing torch was passed to CB Brady. Bernie, er, I mean Ted, got a t-shirt to help him with his identity crisis. And a bunch of other stuff was given out, and if I hadn't waited so long to write this, then I probably would've remembered some of it. Gerry gave out some awards too, which mostly seem to go to people who've lived in his house at some time or another. That alone deserves an award. Oh, no, really, I was just kidding about that.
OK. That about wraps up the banquet. Props go to Jim Gooch for setting it all up, and for delivering such an elequent recap of the season, all without a crib sheet.
Oh yeah, of course the big news, was that thanks to our perfect season, NERFU has, in its wisdom, decided that we would enjoy next season more if we spent it in Division 3. In an unprecedented move, North Shore decided they wanted to give it a try in D2, and all of a suddden NERFU has started caring about the numbers of teams in our leauge, so down we go. Depending on your outlook, this is a good opportunity to prove a few people wrong, and pick up some hardware in the process. Of course, you could also see it as the final nail pinning you to the couch.
Wow, that's a great segue in to the fact that the AGM is coming up on Tuesday (the 7th), so you can get out and help us put together a plan to regain our rightful place in D2. Or keep your fat arse on the couch. It's your call, but it all goes down in the book.
Right. Last on the list is the fact that we are finally going to get a chance to see some of those pictures Ross took all Fall. My god, the guy was a hero for just standing on the touch line all through the Old Gold game, so make sure you get out to his exhibit on December 12th. It's at the Salt Institute, on Federal Street, from 5pm to 7pm. Be there, and I dare say you'll find someone to go out and get a drink with afterwards.
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
AGM
The club's annual general meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 7th at 6pm in the food court at One City Center. Please be there to vote on President, Captain, Secretary and Treasurer positions, to get an update on the state of the club, and to set the tone for the year to come.
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
Fall '04 wrap-up
I had planned to write a match report about the Newport game, but just never got around to it. The result enabled us to maintain a clean sheet (of sorts) for the Fall, and the match itself followed a now familiar pattern. For a more detailed account, please re-read the Hartford/Providence/Charles River/Springfield match reports, substituting the word "Newport" for the other team where appropriate.
All in all this Fall proved a test of character for the club as a whole. Credit and thanks go to all of you who showed up to play, to cheer us on, to coach us or just to share in our pain. As Kipling said, "it's a thin red line of heroes when the drums begin to roll". Well the line got mighty thin this season, and it may have bent but it never broke. Heroes to a man.
OK, before I get too mushy about you bastards, it is my duty to remind you of the upcoming banquet, to be held on Nov. 20th at Bull Feeney's in the Old Port. Tickets are $20 and include food and some cold beverages. You can pay J-Wil ahead of time at the Deli, or you can probably pony up on the night. At the very least let someone on the exec. know you're coming, and bring a friend if you have any left.
All in all this Fall proved a test of character for the club as a whole. Credit and thanks go to all of you who showed up to play, to cheer us on, to coach us or just to share in our pain. As Kipling said, "it's a thin red line of heroes when the drums begin to roll". Well the line got mighty thin this season, and it may have bent but it never broke. Heroes to a man.
OK, before I get too mushy about you bastards, it is my duty to remind you of the upcoming banquet, to be held on Nov. 20th at Bull Feeney's in the Old Port. Tickets are $20 and include food and some cold beverages. You can pay J-Wil ahead of time at the Deli, or you can probably pony up on the night. At the very least let someone on the exec. know you're coming, and bring a friend if you have any left.
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