Saturday, April 7, 2017

Fort Niagara State Park

Youngstown, New York

On a chilly April morning, your Burlington Centaurs Sr. men traveled to our southern neighbours for their second annual “Battle of the Border 7’s Tournament. Canadians and Americans, kids and senior players, spectators and athletes alike. All came together on April 7th, 2018 at Old Fort Niagara for a truly unique rugby tournament with competitive opportunities for all ages and experience levels.

Though the team lacked 7’s experience, GM Tim Morton knew through selections they had the right athletes and skill sets to have a successful day. The Sr. Men’s division was made up of two pools and the Centaurs were challenged with a 3-game round-robin, plus a semi’s and finals, if they went all the way. As fait had it, the Centaur’s could not have predicted a better start to their pre-season. They had completed the round robin with a perfect 3-0 record and only conceded a total of 19 points against. “A highlight for us was beating our crosstown rivals, the Hamilton Hornets 46-0 in our third game,” said Cpt Jeff Bronson. “Hamilton has always been a rival club and to put 46 points on them in 14 minutes with using all our subs was awesome.”

With the Centaurs having a perfect 3-0 record and the best points for / against in their division it was onto the semi-finals along with 3 other clubs.  With ‘some’ luck the Centaurs were able to get pass the semi’s and into the finals. Their opponent was a stalwart squad in the Marshall Premiership, the Markham Irish. “As we analyzed the competition throughout the day. We kinda’ expected to meet-up with Markham in the finals, if we made it through, of course” Said Morton. The finals Kicked-off with the Centaurs somewhat on their heels playing defence for the first four minutes. The Centaurs relied on textbook ‘scramble’ defence and their grittiness caused an Irish turnover resulting in a long try, finished under the posts, 7-0 Burlington. Two additional tries were exchanged before half and with a Centaurs missed conversation prior to half-time whistle. Both teams retreated to their sides with the score 12-7 after the first 7 minutess.

As the Centaurs huddled and spoke at half-time. A few lineup changes were made to inject some pace into the match. These keys sub became clutch as the Centaurs opened the second half with two quick tries. With only 3 minutes left, the Centaurs were up 17 points and could smell the championship. They did not let up with putting away one more try across the line and though Markham was able to score with no time left it didn’t matter. The Centaurs were battle of the border champs 31-14. Throughout the day,  It was the ultimate team effort as tries were scored by: T. Atkinson, B. Bryan, D. Jones, K. Waring and multiple tries were scored by J. Tanner, M. Woodley and new comer B. Gilbert.

“I couldn’t be happier with the effort and our execution,” spoke Cpt. Bronson. “Obviously all the boys were outstanding, but hat’s off to our sweeper, Gilbert. He had a great day both offensively and defensively.

The Centaurs brought some hardware back to Fairview Street and they hope the success continues throughout their 2018 Campaign. “We especially want to thank South Buffalo rugby for hosting the tournament and the Centaurs will likely return next year to defend their title,” concluded Morton.

Burlington Centaurs 2018 Battle of the Border 7’s Roster:

Jeff Bronson – Captain

Ken Warring

Trevor Atkinson –Reggie Dunlop

David Jones

Jordan Tanner

Brendan Gilbert

Brenden Bryan

Matt Woodley

Louis Hinselwood

Danny Brotman

Bryan Hannon

Tim Morton

Burlington Centaurs Rugby Club official statement on Rugby Canada Dues Increase:

While the Burlington Centaurs RFC supports our Canadian National Rugby Programs we are disappointed and do not support passing the financial burden directly to the athletes at the grassroots level.

As registration of our annual rugby dues were already established and launched for the Burlington Centaurs RFC, which includes the registration dues for Rugby Canada and Rugby Ontario, this season our club will absorb the Rugby Canada dues increase on behalf of our senior players.

As a result, this year we are asking for the support from all players and membership to help our club offset this burden through the following avenues:

2018 Player Recruitment Program – Any club member referring a new senior registered player, and upon full payment of their dues, will receive a $25 gift card redeemable at the clubhouse.

Increase Club Volunteer Participation– we are extremely fortunate to have our very own clubhouse that the Centaurs call home. The maintenance of the clubhouse and running of club events involves a lot of planning and hard work from our Executive. Ask your divisional directors how you can volunteer and help out your club.

Build our Centaur Rugby Family– encourage family, friends and teammates to support all divisions at our home games and club events. Everyone is welcome to come upstairs to enjoy snacks and refreshments in our clubhouse while watching a game of rugby from our balcony.

Support our 45^thAnniversary Weekend – We will be celebrating our 45^th Anniversary through August 24^th – 26^th,. Get involved and support our Golf Tournament on the Friday, the Alumni Game and 45^th Anniversary Dinner on the Saturday and our Centaur Breakfast on the Sunday. We will also be commemorating the club’s history with a “Centaurs Through the Years” memory book available for purchase.

For Additional information regarding the National Player dues increase:

https://rugby.ca/en/news/2018/04/statement-from-rugby-canada

Thank you for your continued support of the Burlington Centaurs Rugby Club.

“Friends through Rugby, Friends through Life”

Cheers

Nick Manz

Club President

We are expecting and planning for a big year with growth in numbers at the club, having completed highly successful programs for HS aged athletes (Centaurs Academy) and Minis/Juniors (Winter Indoor Rugby). As I always say, looking forward to welcoming new friends and old alike! Spread the word about the program and the club!

• Fee information and registration for U7 and up at: http://centaursrfc.com/registration/
• Note on U5s: Pre-register for U5s with player name, DOB and parent contact details to this email or juniors@centaursrfc.com   U5 registration and fee payment at the club in May (date TBD)
• Start Date: May 7^th, subject to weather and post-winter field conditions.

Summer Season:

1. Training & Details: May to August

Minis – Coed:

1. • Training Monday and Wednesday 6pm to 7pm
   • Non-contact: U7, U9, Intro to contact: U11, U13

Super Minis – Coed:  Weekly Mondays, no official games.

1. • U5 (3 and 4 year olds), play based program.
   • More advanced players always welcome to participate with the U7s.

Junior Rugby – Boys and Girls

1. • U15/U17/U19 Tuesdays and Thursdays
   • Game schedule TBD

Registration includes: festival fees (plus player lunch on festival days) and uniform (shirt, shorts, socks).

Needed: Basic field, rugby or soccer shoes, mouth guard (all ages U7 and up).

2. Game and Event Details:

FESTIVALS: U7, U9, U11:

1. • 8 to 10 festival-style tournaments on scheduled on Saturdays or Sundays.
   • Three games between 9am to 12PM
   • Usual locations: Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton, Brantford, Toronto/GTA.
   • Full scheduled TBD and shared ASAP.

ADDITIONAL GAMES: U7, U9, U11:

1. • Planned once monthly friendly versus local clubs at Burlington during practice time.

JUNIOR GAMES: U13, U15, U17, U19

1. • Regular schedule of games, on a pre-determined day (TBD).
   • Some travel to games within region + opportunities for tournaments,

1. Other Activities:

PARENTS PUB TIME: Open pub planned for key nights – dates TBD.

PARENT V KIDS GAME + AWARDS SOCIAL: End of the year social with food, cake and snacks, plus player recognition awards.

SENIOR RUGBY EVENTS: The club usually hosts  a couple of high-level games among touring sides and provincial teams during the season and mini players and families are always welcome.

Extended Season + Events:

• Continued training in September and October for minis (U5, U7, U9, U11, U13)
• No tournaments, but 1 or 2 game nights possible (TBD)
• SUMMER CAMP (TBD @ additional registration): We are developing a BCRFC summer camp with Kids Play Sports, Burlington! Details to follows
• SANTA PARADE (DECEMBER): Participate in the parade with the club by decorating and tiding the float with the club Santaurs!
• EASTER EGG HUNT (APRIL): The Easter bunny comes to visit with a field wide hunt and hot chocolate at the club pub.
• CENTAURS ACADEMY (OCT – MAR @ additional registration): Winter skills training for high performance high school athletes.
• WINTER INDOOR RUGBY (JAN – MAR): U5 to U13 indoor rugby skills training

Please reach out with any questions, cheers!

Alex Rappos

647-677-6673

Director of Junior Development

Burlington Centaurs – RFC

• Start your Saturday morning off with the return of the 6 Nations Games – Will Ireland win the Grand Slam! Or be spoiled with a win from England?? Followed by the Wales vs France Game
• Club will be closed shortly following 6 Nations and Re-Open at 7:00 pm for Live Music and Celebrations

Everyone has been asking when they could sign up.. and now is the time. You are now able to register online for the 2018 season.

https://reg.sportlomo.com/rugbycanada

Our Partners over at Impact Pro Wear have opened up the first ordering window for the year. The store is up and running now and will be taking orders until March 15th. The next window wont be till late spring so get your orders in for the 45th Anniversary, including the Blue Polo which is an online only special.

Official Burlington Centaurs RFC On-line Store

We would like to welcome the latest addition to the Senior Womens coaching Staff, Kaitlyn Sharpe. Kaitlyn is a retired Centaur lock who recently underwent 2 hip replacements which prevent her from playing. She remains an active individual who figure skates, lifts weights and trains for adventure races. She will be completing her Level 1 coaching this spring and will be assisting Head Coach Paul Harrington where ever he needs an extra pair of eyes or hands. I hope you will extend your congratulations and well wishes to Kaitlyn as she moves into this role as we are grateful for her time and efforts to develop this team.

Senior Womens Director
Rebeca Rosa

LOCATION: Sherwood Forest Park Near Appleby and Fairview, 5270 Fairview Street

REGISTER – Please register your children when you arrive or at the reception afterward.

MEET 2:30PM – Due to the tremendous response, parents should come to the clubhouse at 2:30PM. We can then get the children sorted into their groups and get their flag belts for the event.

MOVE 2:55PM – Coaches will guide parents and kids to the dome for the TRY RUGBY session!

PLAY 3-4:00PM – Try rugby session!

SNACK 4-4:30PM – All are invited to the clubhouse for cake and snacks for the kiddies, and the bar will also be open.

BCRFC Mini Rugby for 2 to 5 year olds (U5) begin to introduce children to Rugby and the specific skills involved, providing a positive environment for children to discover a new world of sporting imagination. Activities are group play based with an emphasis on fun activities that begin the sporting skills for rugby like cooperation, running, taking flags and carrying the ball.

As your child gets older (U7 and up), our practices gently introduce the basic rules of Rugby. Our activities for 5 and 6 year olds focus on fun, encouragement, building self-esteem and confidence. Skills will include ball handling while running and passing and basic attack, defense and scoring.

U9 introduces more advance techniques and play skills. U11 introduces contact with safe tackling and more advanced handling skills coupled with a larger and more expansive game overall. The winter sessions are very fun and designed to keep rugby skills active, introduce new players to the sport at all levels and prepare for the summer season ahead

WHEN: Saturdays starting January 13, 3-4 PM, 10 weeks

WHERE: Sherwood Forest Park – Dome

WHO: Ages  3 to 12

COST: $125

Registration: In person January 13 @ Centaurs Clubhouse, Timbits and hot chocolate provided for the kids

Questions: please contact  juniors@centaursrfc.com

Players/Alumni/Supporters,

We would like to thank all the attendees of yesterday’s Annual General Meeting. The board was happy to present a recap of this year and present plans for the future. It truly was a  banner year for the club and we have the membership to thank for that. We would also like to thank the 2017 board members who sacrificed their time and effort to help make this year one of the best.

It is our pleasure to announce the 2018 Burlington Centaurs Executive Board

President – Nick Manz

Treasurer – Jeff Ellis

Administrator – John Guilfoyle

Facilities – Andy Maunder

Social – David Jones

Senior Mens – Dave Wilson

Games Chair – Mark Chesser

Senior Womens – Rebecca Rosa

Junior – Alex Rappos

Among many things that the board wants to implement in 2018, we have identified some roles that we would like to fill to help us run better as a club. If you are interested in any joining any of the below committees, please contact Nick Manz directly  at Nick_manz@toyota.ca

Communications

Alumni

Sponsorship

Fundraising

Marketing

The Burlington Centaurs Rugby Football Club took home the 2017 Intermediate Cup with a 35-5 win over the Vaughan Yeomen Oct. 14 at Sherwood Forest Park.

The game was the second of a two game series and followed Burlington’s 41-17 road win Sept. 30 in Vaughan. Overall, the Centaurs finished with a 76-22 aggregate victory and earned promotion into the Marshall Championship next season.

The Yeomen got on the board first with an early try on Saturday, but that was all they would muster, as Burlington replied with 35 unanswered points to take the victory.

Burlington was paced on offence by winger Matt Woodley, who notched two tries, while fullback Brendan Bryan scored one try, made three conversions and added nine points on penalties. Dave Wilson also scored for the Centaurs.

The win caps a successful year for the Centaurs, who also won the Niagara Rugby Union A and A2 league titles.

On Saturday, the Burlington Centaurs Rugby Team traveled to face the Vaughn Yeomen in Game 1 of a two-game series The team with the top combined score wins the Fall Intermediate Cup for promotion.

Both teams finished at the top of their leagues, the Centaurs winning the Niagara Rugby Union and Yeomen winning the Toronto Rugby League.

Hooker Steve Giboney scored first for the Centaurs with a run up the middle to touch the ball down over the line.

The Centaurs’ strongly matched the Yeomen forwards and scored two push-over tries touched down by flanker Dave Wilson, who would score three tries on the day.

The hard-running Yeomen were cut down by the Centaurs’ defense. Allowing the speed of the Centaurs’ backs to attack the gain line to set up tries by Cam Hogg and Jordan Tanner.

Brendan Bryan was on target with 4 conversions and a penalty try to help the Centaurs defeat the Yeomen 41-17. Special thanks to the Centaurs supporters bus that attended the game.

The Burlington Centaurs host Game 2 of the Fall Intermediate Cup at Sherwood Forest Park on Saturday, October 14^th at 3:30 pm.

The NOBS/BERTIES are hosting Hamilton as the curtain raiser game at 1:00 pm. (Festival insurance to be provided).

We are looking to get everyone out to cheer on the boys as they battle for promotion into Marshall Rugby. Come out to support the Men’s Centaurs Rugby team in their quest for the Cup!

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of one of the greatest Centaurs of all time.

Cye Beechey was a rugby legend that shaped not only our club but also the sport of Rugby in Burlington.

He was a mentor, a father figure, a coach, a club President and a Lifetime Member. 

He was the embodiment of the Centaurs club slogan “Friends through Rugby, Friends through Life”.

Cye loved the club with all his heart & soul and he will forever live in our hearts.

A Celebration of Life will be announced to honour this great man that will be forever missed.

This past weekend the 1st VX and 2nds won there respective leagues.  The firsts finished off the season going 9-1 and the 2nds 7-3. We will continue to practice and work on getting friendlies for our 2nds while the 1sts continue to work and play for promotion.

A hard fought, back and forth, game that resulted in a victory for the Centaur U18 Girls.

On Saturday June 17th, the men’s teams of the Burlington Centaurs Rugby Football Club claimed two victories with one loss away against the Niagara Wasps. The day started off with the thirds coming out on the losing end of a 50-12 game. It was a hard fought game by the Centaurs who continued to play hard throughout the match despite the one-sided scoreline and strong defensive efforts by veteran players Andy Maunder and Kyle Wilson helped keep the score from getting further out of hand.

The Burlington seconds came together to turn the day around by putting together a strong 45-28 victory. After being down by the score of 21-19 playing against a strong wind in the first half, the Centaurs came back to score four tries in the second half sealing the victory. It was a strong team win with six different try scorers off of several well worked plays.

The Firsts continued the momentum by scoring soon after the initial kickoff, placing the ball down to take a 5-0 lead. Niagara came back to go into halftime up 10-8. Burlington bounced back to score 22 points in the second half while putting forward a strong defensive stand to win 30-10. The Burlington side did well after a couple injuries early in the first half to maintain composure, with the substitutes coming in and not missing a beat. The men now have a couple weeks off to rest up and recover before the Firsts and Seconds take on Fergus, while the Thirds are taking on Grimsby this Thursday June 22nd.