2011 Quebec Saints AFC Awards Night

2011 Quebec Saints AFC Awards Night will be held on Tuesday, November 15th, from 7pm.
Location: McKibbon's Irish Pub 1426 Bishop St.

Round 10 - Match report: Bombers take the win

What a game of footy! Sunny, clear skies, twenty-two degrees and to top that off we had 22 players coming out to Parc Champêtre, Montreal this afternoon. It was the first full 9-a-side game this season. It was great to see our players, spectators and volunteers enjoying the sunshine and footy.

With 9-a-side per team and another two interchange players per team Round 10 was sure to be a fast free flowing game. The first goal was kicked by the Bombers within about 15 seconds of the centre-bounce and it was quite clear how the rest of the game might turn out. The Bombers with first time players Ben Beagley and Matthew Payne (Team Canada) used their skills well in the centre and moved the ball with the assistance of Paul Fairbrother. Fairbrother who once again played a dominant position in both ruck and a key forward ended up kicking 5 goals throughout the game and is well on the way to be the leading goal kicker this season.

The rest of the game was close and there were some hard fought battles between both sides. Some key differences in the overall game play of each team was how the Bombers managed to work well in numbers. Every time they had possession there was 2-3 players running side by side, shepherding and making use of quick handballs. Throughout the centre of the field and in the backline working in numbers was the key difference in how the Bombers managed to get so many on the scoreboard. By half time the scores had the Bombers maintaining control of the game; Bombers: 8 goals 6 behinds-54 to the Saints: 3 goals 3 behinds-21.

In the third quarter the Bombers continued their consistent use of fast ball skills and breaking through tackles to put four on the board. Ronan Shaughnessy and Vincent Mousseau had an excellent quarter in the back-line. When the ball made it down there they managed to gain possession quickly and push the ball forward again. The Saints were left scoreless in the third.

The final quarter saw the Saints Nathan Jacobs and Kyle Graham start to make better use of open space on the wings and bring the ball forward. N. Jacobs managed to get two on the scoreboard for the Saints. The Bombers however were quick to respond and put five on the board by the end of the last quarter in what was a convincing win.

Final score: Bombers 17.8-110 to Saints 5.3-33

Goal scorers:

Bombers – P. Fairbrother 5, M. Payne 5, L. Trumble 2, R. Shaughnessy, L. Belzie, B.Beagley, R. Oxley, S. Turnbull.
Saints – N. Jacobs 2, C. Casado, B. Birt, K. Graham

Best on ground:
Bombers: B. Beagley, P. Fairbrother
Saints: K. Graham, R. Shaughnessy
Leading goal kickers for 2011 update!

Paul Fairbrother is well on his way to be the 2011 Quebec Saints leading goal scorer. Paul has played in all of the nine games this season and thus doing so has managed to rack up 20 goals with an average of 2.2 goals per game. Chris Micheletti who is a close second with 18 goals has participated in four games is pretty close behind but Paul should be a shoe in to take out the award this 2011 season.

P. Fairbrother, 20 goals (9 games played this season), Average per game: 2.2
C. Micheletti, 18 goals (4 games) Average per game: 4.5
N. Koch, 12 goals (3 games) Average per game: 4

"Le 10e match - Quel match de footy!"

Quel match de footy! C’est sous un ciel ensoleillé et dégagé avec 22°C que 22 joueurs se sont retrouvés au Parc Champêtre à Montréal cet après-midi. C’était la première fois que les deux équipes jouaient à 9 joueurs. Quel plaisir de voir nos joueurs, spectateurs et bénévoles s’amuser ainsi au footy.

Avec 9 joueurs par équipe et deux autres joueurs remplaçants par équipe, le 10e match de la saison se devait d’être un match enlevant. Le premier « goal » a été produit par les Bombers dans les premières 15 secondes après le début de la rencontre, et cela laissait déjà présager comment aller se dérouler la partie. Les Bombers jouissant pour la première fois de deux nouveaux joueurs Ben Beagley et Matthew Payne( de l’équipe canadienne de footy), ont profité de leur talent au centre du terrain avec l’assistance de Paul Fairbrother. Fairbrother qui encore une fois à dominé le « ruck » et la zone de centre de l’avant, ce qui lui a permis de marquer 5 fois durant la partie et qui est en pole position pour obtenir le prix de Meilleur marqueur de la saison.

Le reste de la partie a été serrée et il y a eut quelques dures batailles entre les deux équipes. Les Bombers ont fait la différence par leur occupation du terrain. Chaque fois qu’ils entraient en possession de la balle, il y avait 2-3 joueurs qui couraient côte à côte utilisant un jeu de passe à la main rapide. Ce travail en surnombre au milieu de terrain et dans la ligne de défense explique la différence au tableau d’affichage. A la mi-temps, les Bombers gardaient le contrôle du match : Bombers : 8 goals, 6 behinds- 54 pour Saints Saints: 3 goals 3 behinds-21.

Le troisième quart temps voyait les bombers poursuivre leur jeu de passes rapides et ils profitaient de quelques plaquages ratés pour inscrire 4 majeurs de plus. Ronan Shaughnessy et Vincent Mousseau ont eu un excellent quart dans les lignes arrières. Dès que le ballon était au sol dans leur zone, ils en prenaient possession pour la remonter rapidement vers l’avant. Les Saints sont restés muets dans le troisième.

Le dernier quart temps a vue Nathan Jacobs et Kyle Graham des Saints utiliser les ailes pour amener la balle devant. Nathan Jacobs a inscrit deux goals pour les Saints. Toutefois, les Bombers furent rapides à répondre et marquèrent 5 goals pour ce dernier quart temps dans ce qui restera une victoire sans équivoque.

Score final: Bombers 17.8-110 to Saints 5.3-33

Marqueurs de goals:

Bombers – P. Fairbrother 5, M. Payne 5, L. Trumble 2, R. Shaughnessy, L. Belzie, B.Beagley, R. Oxley, S. Turnbull.
Saints – N. Jacobs 2, C. Casado, B. Birt, K. Graham

Meilleurs joueurs:
Bombers: B. Beagley, P. Fairbrother, R. Shaughnessy
Saints: K. Graham
Nouvelles des meilleurs marqueurs pour 2011!

Paul Fairbrother est en bonne voie pour remporter le titre de meilleur marqueur 2011 des Québec Saints. Paul a joué toutes les parties de la saison et a réussi en 9 matchs a marqués à 20 reprises avec en moyenne 2 goals et 2 behinds (2.2) par match. Chris Micheletti , second avec 18 goals en ayant participé à 4 matchs, est proche mais Paul devrait garder son avance pour le trophée 2011.


P. Fairbrother, 20 goals (9 parties cette saison), Moyenne par Match: 2.2
C. Micheletti, 18 goals (4 parties) Moyenne par Match: 4.5
N. Koch, 12 goals (3 parties) Moyenne par Match: 4

Three games left this season

Three games left this season. The schedule will be updated shortly.

Sunday, September 11, 2pm, Parc Champetre, Montreal (Ground 2)

Sunday, September 18, 2pm, Parc Champetre, Montreal (Ground 2)

Sunday, Grand Final - October 2, 2pm (Location to be advised)

Go Saints and Angels!

Round 9 - Saints outright victors

The rain held off this afternoon at Parc Champêtre in Montreal with only a brief shower before the game. When the centre bounce got underway the Saints were very quick to put a quick goal on the scoreboard. Tim Nixon got the first from an excellent display of ruck work by Tom Delaney, who came down from Ottawa to play along with three of his team mates. In what was a close battle, both teams managed to get a couple on the board with Kelvin Thursby adding another one for the Saints then the Bombers came back with two goals from Robert Gordon and Lachlan Trumble. The scores at quarter time were very close with the Saints only up by 4 points 2.7-19 to 2.3-15.

The second quarter got under way with Delaney winning the majority of the hit outs and the Saints continued to clear the centre extremely quickly. The Saints displayed accurate ball work in the centre seeing them put five goals on the scoreboard by half time. The Bombers managed one for the quarter. The half-time scores were 7.12-53 to 3.5-23.

The Saints continued to shine throughout the 3rd quarter kicking four goals against the Bombers display of two. With the continuing dominance in the centre the Saints were able to kick into their forward-line successfully.

In the fourth quarter the Saints ran home with an outright victory. An excellent display of team work by Saints first gamers Nathan Jacobs and Vivien Didelot throughout the forth helped further put the Saints out in front to bring home the victory.

Final score: Saints 16.18-114 to Bombers 6.9-45.

Goals:

Saints - K. Thursby 5, N. Jacobs 4, C. Casado 2, V. Didelot 2, T. Delaney 2, T. Nixon 1.

Bombers - R. Gordon 2, L. Trumble 2, P. Fairbrother 1, A. Nash 1.

Best on ground:

Saints: K. Thursby, T. Delaney, N. Jacobs, V. Didelot

Bombers: R. Gordon

Game details for Sunday 21 August, 2011

Game details:

What will be provided:

Water, socks, jerseys and shorts will be provided for each player for the game.

Pre-game (PLAYERS):

1:15pm - please be at the ground to suit up by no later than 1:15pm.

Game time:

2pm at Parc Champêtre, Montreal.

Directions:

Parc Champêtre can be accessed by walking through the building after you enter Avenue Letourneux.

The address for your GPS's of the game is at:

4300 Notre Dame Est, Montreal (cross street Avenue Letourneux)

Metro:

Take the GREEN line to PIE-IX station and then exit the Metro and take the 139 bus south to the last stop.

Directions via Google can be found here from Berri-UQAM

Parc Champêtre map

Round 8 - Saints win by 14 points

Another great game was played last Saturday afternoon in Montreal for Round 8. Six players from the Ottawa Swans came to assist with numbers due to a large contingent of Quebec Saints players involved in the International Cup in Australia.

Showing speed and agility the Saints' Ronan Shaughnessy (an ex-Saints player from Ireland) assisted the Saints in the centre kicking one of the three goals in the first quarter. Luke Walsh also added one to the scoreboard by the end of quarter time for the Bombers.

In the second the Bombers got off to a great start with some excellent ruck work by Paul Fairbrother and centre work by Ryan Oxley and Chris 'Rock' Peck who added one each for the Bombers. Some inaccurate kicking could have seen the score higher but they managed to get in front bringing the score at half time with the Bombers up by 9 points 3-9-27 to 3-1-19 and leaving the Saints scoreless in the second quarter.

In the 3rd quarter otherwise known as the 'premiership quarter' the Saints made a comeback. Kelvin Thursby and Jay Goldhawk (his second for the game) put two on the board by. With the Bombers only managing one in the 3rd quarter the game was extremely close with the scores almost tied at 5-4-34 to 4-9-33.

In the final quarter, some notable on-ground performances by Thursby and Shaughnessy assisted the Saints forward-line to rack up another 3 goals bringing the Saints to a very close victory by 14 points.

Final score: Saints 8.8-56 to Bombers 5.12-42.

Goal scorers:

Saints - J. Archer 2, R. Shaughnessy 2, J. Goldhawk 2, K. Thursby 1, T. Nixon 1. Bombers - L. Walsh 2, B. Birt 1, C. Peck 1, R. Oxley 1

Best: K. Thursby (Saints), R. Shaughnessy (Saints), J. Goldhawk (Saints)

Next Game 2pm SUNDAY August 21, 2011

Saints vs Bombers

Location: Parc Champetre.

Kick off: 2pm

Quebec Saints & TA: A Winning Combination

Following the 2nd Annual TA (tourtiere australien) pie eating contest this past Sunday, July 17th, the Quebec Saints presented owner Don with a pair of official 2011 season shorts, complete with TA logo on the left.

As you can see in the picture, Don was happy as anyone who has tucked into one of his pies with the way they turned out. In fact, we'd go so far as to say we've never seen a kiwi happier holding a Sherrin and wearing a pair of footy shorts before. Many thanks to Don and TA for their continued support of the Saints. We hope the partnership lasts for many years to come.

In the pie eating contest itself, Vinco Mousseau took out the Saints internal competetition by downing 4+ pies in the alloted 10 minutes. Next best were coach Mat Wilson with 3 and Will Teissier with 2. Definiteily looking for better results next year.

Post written by Coach Mat Wilson

Next ECAFL Match, Sunday @ 2pm

Round 7 of the ECAFL is about to kick off. It will take place this SUNDAY, July 24th at Parc Champetre at 2pm! The schedule and countdown timer have been updated accordingly. Go Saints Go!

Friday Night Match - A Nail Bitter

ECAFL Round 3

10^th June  2011
Saints: 7.11-53
Bombers: 5.4-34

A large step forward for the ECAFL occurred in Round 3 as the first ever match under lights was held at Parc Champêtre in Montreal. Again, both teams were slightly undermanned as the Bombers and Saints faced off under the Friday night lights.

The Bombers carried plenty of momentum into round 3 after a heroic last gasp win in round 2. They started extremely well with the return of Lachy Trumble translating into dominance at the contests. Accurate kicking from Paul Fairborther (including 3 second quarter goals) and another set of missed opportunities from the Saints saw the Bombers leading by 3 points at half time, 4.1-25 to the Saints 3.4-22.

It seemed that once again the Bombers were set to finish the game stronger in the final term after the third was a neutral struggle with both teams scoring 1.2. However, A back injury to the Bomber’s solid first half contributor Dave Wilson as well as determined work all around the ground from 1^st year Saints Will Tessier (2 goals) and Kelvin Thursby saw the Saints finish much stronger despite again missing several easy chances at goal. Neil Koch also impressed in his first game in the ECAFL, despite an inaccurate last quarter he finished with 3.5. Final score Saints 7.11-53 to the Bombers 5.4-34.

Best:
Saints – W. Tessier, K. Thursby
Bombers - P. Fairbrother, L. Trumble


Goals:
Saints- N. Koch-3, W. Tessier-3, C. Michilletti-1
Bombers- P. Fairbrother-5

Round Two, A Close Finish

ECAFL Round 2

4^th June  2011
Bombers: 7.3-45
Saints: 6.4-40

Round 2 of the ECAFL 2011 season saw the Saints and Bombers face off in perfect conditions for football. Despite both teams being slightly undermanned, a fantastic contest took place at Parc Champêtre.

In the first half, it appeared the Saints were starting where they left off in Round 1, taking control of the game from the first bounce and kicking 4 goals to 2 in the first half. The return of key playmaker Mat Wilson saw the Saints compete hard in the midfield. Despite the hard work in the midfield, Wilson was responsible for several key misses in the second quarter that, if converted, would have seen the Saints skip clear before half time. At half time the Saints lead by 14 points, 4.3-27 to the Bombers 2.1-13.

Still smarting from the round 1, second half blowout, the Bombers came out hard in the second half with Paul Fairbrother key in the midfield and Vince Mousseau solid in defense. The third term was a tight struggle that saw only 1 goal scored by either team, the saints leading by 9 points at the last change.

In the last quarter, the Bombers made the Saints pay for missed opportunities in the 1^st half. Despite the hard work from the Bombers the Saints still lead by 1 point with less than a minute to play. A strong contested possession in the midfield by Ash “Smasher” Gasperino and a hard run forward from Paul Fairbrother was rewarded, with the Bombers kicking the winning goal as time expired. Final score Bombers 7.3-45 to the Saints 6.4-40.

Best:

Bombers - P. Fairbrother, V. Mousseau

Saints – W. Tessier, M. Wilson

Goals:
Bombers- P. Fairbrother-3, V. Mousseau-2, A. Gasperino-1, R. Gordon-1
Saints- M. Wilson-3, T. Nixon-3

Saints Smash Bombers in Season Opener

ECAFL Round 1
14^th May 2011
Saints: 14.8-92
Bombers: 3.6-24

After a long cold off-season, the 2011 ECAFL Season kicked off at the new Saints home field, Parc Champêtre. Under grey skies and after several days of heavy rain, the soggy ground ensured a hard slog for the Saints and Bombers to open the season.

The first quarter proved an even affair and it seemed the closeness of last years final series was going to carry over into the 2011 season. Solid contributions from Kyle Graham and star Bombers recruit Paul Fairbrother ensured an arm wrestle in the first quarter with the saints taking a slim 1 point lead into the first change.

After quarter time though the saints took control of the match through consistent hard work in the midfield by Graham and Kelvin Thursby and some spectacular hard running  from defense by veteran Greg Bretiere. The saints kicked 4 goals to none in the second to lead by 29 points at half time, the Saints 6.6-42 to the Bombers 2.1-13.

It was more of the same in the second half, and despite a valiant defensive effort by Canadian National Team representative Margot Legault, Chris Michiletti kicked 4 second half goals and helped the Saints run out winners by 68 points.

Best:
Saints - K. Graham, K. Thursby
Bombers - W. Tessier, P. Fairbrother

Goals:
Saints- C. Michilletti-6, K. Graham-3, K Thursby-3
Bombers-W. Tessier-2, P. Fairbrother-1

Greg Brétière debuts for TEAM FRANCE

 The Québec Saints trusted backline general, Gregory Brétière, has capped off a brilliant eighteen months of footy by debuting for TEAM FRANCE in the countries first ever 18-a-side International Match against Germany last week.  Brétière becomes the fifth Saints player to represent their country, and the first to do so for France.

The match was held in Paris as a warm-up for the French team’s first assault on the International Cup (to be held in Australia in August), and while there were positives signs for the French team, Germany were ultimately too strong and won Germany 13.5 (83) to France 2.7 (19).  

Germany v France, June 2011.

Brétière commented that the French team are still learning how to work as a group but the talent in the team is undeniable. It was a good first hit out from a team that will only improve with each game it plays together.

Another Saint William Teissier and former Saint James-Robert Theis will also be added to France’s line-up for IC2011. Kyle Graham will be pulling on the jersey for Canada while Margo and Aimee Legault along with Lindsay Belzie are all part of the Canadian women’s team. 

ECAFL Schedule Now Posted

Sorry to those who frequently check out our ECAFL match schedule, it has now been officially posted on the website. See the link on the menu on the left for the updated schedule.

AROUND THE GROUNDS - A.LEGAULT

(Around the Grounds is an update on former Saints and Angels playing footy all over the world)

A.Legault, from Angel to Devil

Aussie Rules football was born in the southern Australian state of Victoria, and it’s no surprise that some of the countries strongest leagues reside around the paddock in Melbourne in which the game was first played.

The Victorian Women’s Football League (VWFL) is considered by many to be one of, if not the premier, elite women’s Aussie Rules competition in the world. And for season 2011 that is where Canadian and former Montréal Angel Aimee Legault decided to play, setting herself the ultimate challenge – to play with the best.

In North American women’s Aussie Rules, Aimee Legault’s achievements in such a short space of time (she made her Aussie Rules debut in late 2009) are nothing short of outstanding. She was awarded the Montréal Angels MVP two years running (2009-10), was awarded ‘Most Consistent Player’ of the 2009 U.S Nationals tournament before backing it up with ‘Player of the tournament’ in 2010. Aimee also starred in her club’s 2010 Canadian Nationals victory, booting seven goals and claiming Best on Ground honours alongside her sister Margo Legault who captained the team. Clearly the girl’s father Ron Legault’s interest and passion for Aussie Rules has rubbed off on his two daughters.

The question was always going to be asked, how will a young inexperienced Canadian girl go playing against some of Australia’s best? Aimee’s goals were simple to start with – just make the team. As worry and anxiety crossed her mind about whether or not she could make the cut, or even just gain a place in the reserves squad, all she wanted was the chance to let her newly adopted club – The East Burwood Devils – see her play. They did, and the results are nothing short of superb.

The Devils are currently sitting in the top four (4-3) with a healthy percentage and one eye on playing in the post-season. Their Canadian import not only made the senior squad (first division) but has played every match booting 11 goals in seven games sitting second on her club goalkicking and 13th overall in the league. While those around Aimee had faith in her talent and determination, nobody expected the impact the West-Islander would have amongst the game’s elite.

The International Cup is now only 3 months away, and Canada will be one of the favourites in the women’s division to claim the cup. The Legault sisters have been pivotal in Team CANADA’s success to date, it’s scary to think what almost a year of football in Australia will do to the already sublime game of the famous number 10.

ECAFL AUSSIE RULES HIGHLIGHTS

New Quebec Saints Hoodies for Sale

New Saints merch now available. Awesome hoodies! Available in sizes XS, S, M, L & XL. This season's colour is grey and they're only $35! Contact info@quebecsaints.ca or talk to Ash at training to order.

SWANS 3-PEAT IN PRESEASON CUP

Toronto Rebels and Ottawa Swans square off in the ECAFL Preseason Cup

The ECAFL Preseason Cup has been run and won with the Ottawa Swans securing an impressive 3-Peat in the tournament adding to their already impressive trophy cabinet of ECAFL silverware. It was a day of cracking football enjoyed by all with newcomers to ECAFL football the Toronto Rebels pushing the Swans to the limit in the cup final.

Pre-Season Tournament UPDATE

A new field to have the pre-season tournament on has been secured. The location is 4300 rue Notre Dame Est Montréal, QC H1V 2L7. It is at the intersection of Notre-Dame and Letourneux.

The field natural turf which means that player should definitely bring cleated footwear as it has been raining a bit the past couple of days. All other details are the same (be there at 10am SHARP)

For those already in Montreal, you can access the field by metro and bus:

Option 1: Take metro green line until Pie IX and then take the line 134 direction south at 9:45 am until Notre-Dame. You can then walk to the field.

Option 2: Take metro green line until Papineau and then take line 34 direction east at 9:50 am until Pie IX.

USEFUL INFO: Water and toilets will be provided for the Tournament. We will run a BBQ and have fresh drinks available. We will also have Québec Saints hoodies and raffle tickets to sell

Remember to also get your memberships for 2011 before they get more expensive on May 2nd. This can be done online (see right), by cash or cheque at the tournament.