ANOTHER PRESIDENT’S DAY – ANOTHER VICTORY FOR PRESIDENT’S XV
Plenty of Buccaneers players, friends and family gathered November 8 for the much anticipated day long President’s Day celebration. Bucs sponsor bar; Leaside Pub, aired live rugby matches including England vs. New Zealand, and, South Africa vs. Ireland. The latter being particularly spirited given the number of Irish and Springbok supporters in the club. Any differences fans had during the international matches would be later settled on the rugby pitch during the President’s Day game.
After enjoying a hearty breakfast and a few libations on the Leaside Pub, the Bucs made their way to the local rugby pitch on a wet and cold afternoon. Club captain Fraser Cook, and Bucs President Brian Crothers selected the two sides competing of the President’s Cup trophy. It was a hard fought match, but the President’s team emerged victorious with a 19 – 7 win. Gideon Haasbroek, the Bucs long time South African, was especially motivated by the Irish supporters from the morning’s international match and doled out some heavy hitting retribution on the field, while also running in two tries. Although it should be mentioned that the sole try scored by the Captain’s XV was by Aidan “Irish” Smyth. Simon Bright, the most veteran player on the pitch, put in a solid effort flanking for the President’s XV and was Man-of-the-Match.
Post game celebrations continued for the entire club back at the Leaside Pub, where ‘awards of distinction’ were handed out recognizing some of the most bone-headed moments of Bucs players during the 2014 season. Leaside Pub owner Param was presented with a Buccaneers RFC hockey team jersey as a special thank you for his support. Past President James Phillips was recognized with a special award for all his hard work during his tenure. Also, Jaimie Galloro, “the Buccaneers little sister”, was recognized with a special Bucs mug for all her hard work producing the Buccaneers ‘Game On Toronto’ video submission.
