An excellent day all around yesterday.

For once the phrase “there are too many people to thank them all” is true.

A great turnout at 9am to start getting our great clubhouse and grounds ready for what we all hope will be an enjoyable and succesful 2010 season.

Whether it was clearing up the laneway, dredging the stream, removing the old rotten staircase and building a flowerbed in it’s place, seeding/feeding the 1st grade pitch or any of the other many important jobs that got done, another old addage comes to mind. “Many hands make light work”.

Once we had these tasks under control it was time to think about that days playing activity, so on a quick inspection of the 2nd feild it was surmised that there were 2 major obstacles to getting the game underway, many many puddles of standing water and Lines.

With the willing assistance of the ladies section “cheif engineer” Huw Roberts set out to get the feild marked out. El Presidente Marky G discovered a hithertoo unknown aptitude for pushing the line marking machine and an hour later we were the poud owners of an interestingly proportioned feild.

The water situation was one that was attaked with gusto and several different methods of dispersal, eventually the sight of 3 senior members of the club sweeping/squeeging water to the sidelines whilst the rookies kicked a ball around caused some to utter the words, ” what the F@&% are Rookies for ?”, uppon which the rest of the water was cleared by hardworking and enthusiastic newcomers to our fine club.

So there we were, sun peeking out from behind the darkening clouds, warming up and seemingly all obstacles to our game behind us. Unfortunately our isitors had forgotten to inform the ref for the day that she was required and therefor we had NO ref !!

I was going to have to ref when James Acker,(who was just there to help out and spectate), graciously offered to officiate.
So resplendant in the latest in IRB approved wellies,(boit de pluie), and windbreaker Jacket James got the game underway.

Both teams had agreed that they would start with all of their rookies and a few more experienced guys to steer the ship for the first 40, with the greasy conditions and lack of experience this was obviously going to lead to some difficulties with handling, but with some asstute refareeing a suprisingly entertaining first 20 minutes came to a close with the teams dedlocked at 0-0.

a quick 5 minute chat and the game was underway again with both teams throwing themselves into the fray with increased vigour, solid rucking and some crunching tackles saw the Irish start to take the upper hand. on several occasions we were only meters away from getting that crucial opening score.
Dave O’Neil in his first game for 10 yrs was unfortunate to have a clash of heads that resulted in a broken nose,(I know we will all be happy to know that he is fine and rearing to get back into the action asap), and the end of his involvement for the afternoon. Half time 0-0.

The second half was always going to be a difficult affair with 3 hookers making up the front row against one of the strogest 2nd division front rows.

However all 15 battled manfully and if the player coach hadn’t thrown an awful miss 3 pass when we had a 4 on 2 overlap the Irish would no doubt have won the game. thanks should also be given to the Locks for reversing their decision to go for goal with 2 minutes to play after some good natured banter.

All in all a great day for all and a justifiable full time score of 0-0, not a spectators dream but a lot was gained by all that participated.

I personally would like to thank the following people for thier efforts relating to the Game: James Acker,(for Reffing at such short notice and thus allowing me to coach). Huw Roberts,James Murray and Andy Plimer,(for watching and coaching different units and supplying feedback),Everyone that helped line/clear water so that we even ad a pitch to play on, Claire for being there as AT, Gary McDougall for playing 80 minutes out of position in the first game of the season to rightfully be voted Man of the Match. The Irish supporters who not only turned out in great numbers but were as usual, vocal yet humerous and well behaved.

2 other people to be mentioned, Rookie of the Day: Hugo (backs) and Aurelien,(forwards).

Tols

Date:
November 14, 2009
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Time:
Arrive at 6:30pm
Dinner at 7:30pm
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Location:
Café République
1200 rue Peel (below Ste-Catherine street)
H3B 2T6
**on the 2nd floor**
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Cost:
$40/person
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Table D’hôte menu:

• soup or salad
• main dish (vegetable pasta, chicken breast, salmon, or sirloin steak)
• dessert
• coffee or tea

 **There will be a bar on the 2nd floor to serve the MIRFC only**

At Noon the Ladies 1st team faced a do or die clash away to the Montreal Barbarians, the winners progressing to the semi-finals next week.

Well the Women came through with a fantastic 22 – 10 win.

Best of luck for the battle on the Plains of Abraham next saturday.

At shortly after 3pm the Mens seconds played TMR II, and despite some great individual performances succumbed 30 -3.

At 4.30pm-ish MIRFC 1sts took on TMR in a battle of huge importance. Both teams being part of a 4 way tie for last place in the Mens Premier division. A win would greatly boost that teams chances of survival a loss would only increase the pressure.

After a good start by the Irish, and then a breif period of pressure by TMR, Huw Roberts opened the scoring with one of his 3 first Half Penalties.

Throughout the first half the Irish maintained possesion and pressure well only to miss out on scoring tries by the narrowest of margins.

TMR used the wind with a lot of kicking. A penalty by the opposition and a try against the run of play gave TMR the slenderest of half time leads  TMR 10 – 9 Irish.

The second half started with a bang, James Acker scorching around the TMR defence to score, shortly afterwards Andy Plimer  entered the line from fullback and sailed through a  gap to score our 2nd try.

With 15 minutes remaining James Acker scored his second try, 5 minuts later captain Gallagher smashed his way over for the bonus point try.

Final Score TMR 10 – 33 MIRFC.

Neale has shared photos with you.

Our women lose to Quebec.

- Neale

Andrew has shared photos with you.

Photos of our Irish juniors winning the first FRQ 7`s tournament of the season. Well done, guys!

- Andrew

Neale has shared photos with you.

Our 1sts lose to Ste Annes

- Neale

Neale has shared photos with you.

Our 2nds beat Ste Annes.

- Neale

Neale has shared photos with you.

Our 1sts lose to TMR.

- Neale

Neale has shared photos with you.

Our 2nds lose to TMR

- Neale