Saturday 20 September 2008
Wednesday 10 September 2008
CHICAGO 09 ??
Dear Ian, this is jamie cantorna from chicago frogs writing to tell you what a wonderful time we had in Scotland, and especially playing the Puffin Gannets.I would like to extend a special invitation to have your team come to Chicago for a rematch next summer. We would love to host your team and show you Chicago. A truely wonderful city, especily in the summer.We would be happy to host you, house you in our homes, feed you and enjoy your company. We could arrange a couple of games for you during the week. I hope you will consider our offer. I think it would be a memorable occasion for both of our clubs. June or Sept would be the best months.And we would love a rematch!
Sincerely
Jamie Cantorna.
Chicago Frogs Rugby
Check out the Courier too - Puffin Gannets are world stars ! The wives now know of our tour plans ....
Sincerely
Jamie Cantorna.
Chicago Frogs Rugby
Check out the Courier too - Puffin Gannets are world stars ! The wives now know of our tour plans ....
Puffin Gannets Fame
Google 'Puffin Gannets" and look at the No 1 Hit!
One for the clubhouse?
Click Here
One for Chris The Builder's wall?
Click Here
One for the clubhouse?
Click Here
One for Chris The Builder's wall?
Click Here
Monday 8 September 2008
Puffin Gannets versus Chicago Frogs (Saturday 6th September)
The final match of the Golden Oldies Festival was between the Puffin Gannets and The Chicago Frogs. It kicked off at a fast and furious pace with both sides running and handling well. From the word go it was clear that these two well matched teams were both up for it! Team selector/coach Grant Denholm had twenty five able body men raring to go along with big Glenda who was limbering up on the touch line waiting for the nod from Granty. A great covering tackle after only seven minutes of the game played stopped the Frogs from forging ahead in the match. Unfortunately Robin Grant had to leave the field injured and his service was badly missed. The puffins fought on tirelessly trying to get the first score of the match but some good defensive play from the Frogs kept the first period of play scoreless.The players although playing on the coldest day so far were seen to take on more water at the break than usual showing what this first half had taken out of them.
The puffins started the second half playing into a stiff breeze and up the hill. But within minutes of the restart Stuart MacIntyre made a great break from the half way line and passed to the safe hands of Peter Sanderson who passed to Jason Logan who sprinted at pace for the first try of the match. Within minutes Jason Logan put in a tackle to stop what would have been a certain try for the Frogs. The Frogs within minutes were back and after some ferocious play managed to breach the resolute Puffin line for their first try of the match. At this point and after one hundred and forty eight minutes of play on came Johnny (The Doc ) Macnair for the first time in the tournament. From some open play on the Frogs ten yard line super fit Abbin Anderson picked up the ball and went for the line to score a fine try. Both sides at this point were putting on rolling subs as the pace of the game was fast and hard. With four minutes to go before the end of the second period the Frogs scored a well taken try through their former American international No8 and fly half to bring the score to two tries a piece the end of the second twenty minute period.
The teams were evenly matched at this point. The Frogs from Chicago which has twenty five rugby union sides in the city of eleven million people have more players to call on than the Puffin Gannets who hail from North Berwick,Dunbar,Dirleton,Gullane,Aberlady and The Boggs Holdings.
Glenda our ex referee was sufficiently warmed up and took the field at number eight for several memorable minutes and a couple of good tackles before retiring to the sideline. Some very good rugby was being played as both teams were looking for the next score. Almost end to end rugby played in the very best of spirit. A break down the left wing with handling by six or seven players ending with a super pass from Abbin Anderson to Iain Maclean who used all his weight to fall over the line for a try which proved to be the match winner. Try as they did for the next six minutes the Frogs were stopped on several attempts from crossing the Puffin Gannets line. The large crowd which included Mummy Dooner and a few of their children along with Mummy Hart our oldest supporter showed their appreciation for a well fought match which included some excellent rugby.
The puffins started the second half playing into a stiff breeze and up the hill. But within minutes of the restart Stuart MacIntyre made a great break from the half way line and passed to the safe hands of Peter Sanderson who passed to Jason Logan who sprinted at pace for the first try of the match. Within minutes Jason Logan put in a tackle to stop what would have been a certain try for the Frogs. The Frogs within minutes were back and after some ferocious play managed to breach the resolute Puffin line for their first try of the match. At this point and after one hundred and forty eight minutes of play on came Johnny (The Doc ) Macnair for the first time in the tournament. From some open play on the Frogs ten yard line super fit Abbin Anderson picked up the ball and went for the line to score a fine try. Both sides at this point were putting on rolling subs as the pace of the game was fast and hard. With four minutes to go before the end of the second period the Frogs scored a well taken try through their former American international No8 and fly half to bring the score to two tries a piece the end of the second twenty minute period.
The teams were evenly matched at this point. The Frogs from Chicago which has twenty five rugby union sides in the city of eleven million people have more players to call on than the Puffin Gannets who hail from North Berwick,Dunbar,Dirleton,Gullane,Aberlady and The Boggs Holdings.
Glenda our ex referee was sufficiently warmed up and took the field at number eight for several memorable minutes and a couple of good tackles before retiring to the sideline. Some very good rugby was being played as both teams were looking for the next score. Almost end to end rugby played in the very best of spirit. A break down the left wing with handling by six or seven players ending with a super pass from Abbin Anderson to Iain Maclean who used all his weight to fall over the line for a try which proved to be the match winner. Try as they did for the next six minutes the Frogs were stopped on several attempts from crossing the Puffin Gannets line. The large crowd which included Mummy Dooner and a few of their children along with Mummy Hart our oldest supporter showed their appreciation for a well fought match which included some excellent rugby.
Sunday 7 September 2008
Weekend Results !!
Edinburgh lose to Munster, Scotland lose to Macedonia ..... :-(
But the PUFFINS beat CHICAGO twice in one day , NBRFC sit on top of Scottish Hydro Electric East Regional League Division 1 2008/2009 having stuffed Duns and the 2nd XV had a comfortable victory over Portobello with a tired and stray Puffin or two adding some experience to the side !! Well done to the Pufflings !! Presumably NBHS had a clean sweep too ? Maybe we'll get a smile from Mumper
Come on Andy Murray - we'll trade the Macedonia match for an US Open !!
The Manager
PS Anyone got Johnny McNair's watch ?
But the PUFFINS beat CHICAGO twice in one day , NBRFC sit on top of Scottish Hydro Electric East Regional League Division 1 2008/2009 having stuffed Duns and the 2nd XV had a comfortable victory over Portobello with a tired and stray Puffin or two adding some experience to the side !! Well done to the Pufflings !! Presumably NBHS had a clean sweep too ? Maybe we'll get a smile from Mumper
Come on Andy Murray - we'll trade the Macedonia match for an US Open !!
The Manager
PS Anyone got Johnny McNair's watch ?
Friday 5 September 2008
WHEN SATURDAY COMES !!
You will need to get up early to get the 7.27 train from NB for 10.00am ko vs Chicago Frogs
Squad
J-Lo
Babe
Nobby
Simone
Robin
Smithy
The Manager
Peter S
Macky
Bobby D
Dougie H
Scotty
Kip McCrae
Bobby A ?
Davie D
Builder C
Stevie T
Jerry C
Big J
Dennis
Gerry Halliwell
Jonny making his debut
Abbin
Knighty
Kai - tbc
Davie Miller - tbc
Tom Hill and Davie Driver may cameo !!
Sydney is considering the red shorts option
Prob be a tough game - they seem up for it and have won 2 so far
Dress code - kilts and polos
Has anyone got a spare bottle ( whisky ) to present to them - maybe some pitch side beers too
By the way Nikkis have done us proud and I will be encouraging you to use their catering services !! We are to receive pitch side bacon rolls post match tomorrow
http://www.nikkis.co.uk
Outside Catering Menu
All prices quoted are per head - please email info@nikkis.co.uk with any order or query you may have. When ordering, please remember to include any quantites and/or special requirements you may have.
Warm breakfast platter £1.50 per person A mix of freshly cooked bacon, link and lorne sausage rolls, halved for easy eating and served on platters. Perfect for your early morning breakfast meeting.
Continental breakfast platter £2.20 per person A mix of danish pastries, muffins, croissants and fresh fruit served on platters with butter and preserves
House sandwich platter £2.30 per person A selection of our classic sandwich fillings served on a mix of white, brown and seeded rolls and sandwiches.
Executive sandwich platter £2.75 per personA selection of our premiere sandwich fillings served on a mix of white, brown and seeded rolls and sandwiches.
Finger food platter £3.50 per personA selection of homemade vegetarian and non-vegetarian savouries.
Vegetarian sandwich platter £2.30 per personA selection of fresh, vegetarian sandwich fillings.
Fresh fruit platter £1.50 per personA selection of fresh seasonal fruit.
Health conscious platter £2.50 per personA selection of healthy, low fat fillings served in wraps, bagels and wholemeal bread.
Just Giving for H&B could also do with a boost ....
Iain
Squad
J-Lo
Babe
Nobby
Simone
Robin
Smithy
The Manager
Peter S
Macky
Bobby D
Dougie H
Scotty
Kip McCrae
Bobby A ?
Davie D
Builder C
Stevie T
Jerry C
Big J
Dennis
Gerry Halliwell
Jonny making his debut
Abbin
Knighty
Kai - tbc
Davie Miller - tbc
Tom Hill and Davie Driver may cameo !!
Sydney is considering the red shorts option
Prob be a tough game - they seem up for it and have won 2 so far
Dress code - kilts and polos
Has anyone got a spare bottle ( whisky ) to present to them - maybe some pitch side beers too
By the way Nikkis have done us proud and I will be encouraging you to use their catering services !! We are to receive pitch side bacon rolls post match tomorrow
http://www.nikkis.co.uk
Outside Catering Menu
All prices quoted are per head - please email info@nikkis.co.uk with any order or query you may have. When ordering, please remember to include any quantites and/or special requirements you may have.
Warm breakfast platter £1.50 per person A mix of freshly cooked bacon, link and lorne sausage rolls, halved for easy eating and served on platters. Perfect for your early morning breakfast meeting.
Continental breakfast platter £2.20 per person A mix of danish pastries, muffins, croissants and fresh fruit served on platters with butter and preserves
House sandwich platter £2.30 per person A selection of our classic sandwich fillings served on a mix of white, brown and seeded rolls and sandwiches.
Executive sandwich platter £2.75 per personA selection of our premiere sandwich fillings served on a mix of white, brown and seeded rolls and sandwiches.
Finger food platter £3.50 per personA selection of homemade vegetarian and non-vegetarian savouries.
Vegetarian sandwich platter £2.30 per personA selection of fresh, vegetarian sandwich fillings.
Fresh fruit platter £1.50 per personA selection of fresh seasonal fruit.
Health conscious platter £2.50 per personA selection of healthy, low fat fillings served in wraps, bagels and wholemeal bread.
Just Giving for H&B could also do with a boost ....
Iain
NOBS / Nomads Match Report
Puffin Gannets versus Niagara Old Boys/Toronto Nomads
Thursday 4th September 2008
The second international fixture of the week had the Puffin Gannets matched with a composite of two clubs from the Toronto area.
The Puffins’ started the match playing down hill into a slight breeze. The pace was fast and both teams looking in good form. After several bruising minutes of forward play Jason Logan broke away and sprinted down the right wing from well inside his own half to score the first try. The forward exchanges continued and Glenda, the 6’2” American/Kiwi lady referee was having a tough time seeing everything that was going on.
The second PG try came from Stuart Macintyre who intercepted a pass on half way however the opposition, with Iwan Tukalo of Selkirk and Scotland fame, kept pressure on the defence. NOBS pulled a try back after a break by Tukalo only to see it canceled out by another try from Stuart Macintyre on good ball won by the forwards.
With five minutes of the first period remaining NOBS were starting to feel the heat and replaced some of their players and brought on two young ladies. After some fine rugby by both sides Jason Logan again made a fine break to go over for the Puffins fourth try .It was at this point that the referee sent Iwan Tukalo off for his constantly disputing the referees decisions.
The second period had just started when Paul Devine made a rare tackle on an opponent only to find his face come into contact with his knee. Hospital treatment was required but it was good to see that Devo managed to drag his bruised and stitched face back to the bar in the late afternoon.
The game continued and became fairly physical with both teams playing good fast rugby. A great try saving tackle was put in by Dennis Mccafferty before Jason Logan made another superb break from the Puffins twenty two and scored a magnificent try to end the second period of play and bring the score to five tries to one.
The start of the final period saw the Puffins powering down hill again and after some good close play Ian Smith went over in the corner. The NOBS kept coming back but some fine tackling by the Puffins kept them out and almost against the run of play the ever dangerous Jason Martin broke away from his own ten yard line to sprint the length of the pitch for his first try of the day. NOBS had yet again slipped on an extra man/woman to bolster their side however this was pointed out to the referee by the vocal Puffins’ support on the sidelines Abbin Anderson then sprinted forty yards to score his first try of the tournament after good back up play. NOBS finally managed to breach the resolute PG defence for their second try again made by their big No.8.
With time and breath running out Jason Logan sent Stuart Macintyre in for a well taken try then Nobby Clark slipped a pass to the ever present Abbin Anderson who made some good ground before popping to a youthful Chris Macrae to make the final score ten tries to two in favour of the Puffin Gannets.
Thursday 4th September 2008
The second international fixture of the week had the Puffin Gannets matched with a composite of two clubs from the Toronto area.
The Puffins’ started the match playing down hill into a slight breeze. The pace was fast and both teams looking in good form. After several bruising minutes of forward play Jason Logan broke away and sprinted down the right wing from well inside his own half to score the first try. The forward exchanges continued and Glenda, the 6’2” American/Kiwi lady referee was having a tough time seeing everything that was going on.
The second PG try came from Stuart Macintyre who intercepted a pass on half way however the opposition, with Iwan Tukalo of Selkirk and Scotland fame, kept pressure on the defence. NOBS pulled a try back after a break by Tukalo only to see it canceled out by another try from Stuart Macintyre on good ball won by the forwards.
With five minutes of the first period remaining NOBS were starting to feel the heat and replaced some of their players and brought on two young ladies. After some fine rugby by both sides Jason Logan again made a fine break to go over for the Puffins fourth try .It was at this point that the referee sent Iwan Tukalo off for his constantly disputing the referees decisions.
The second period had just started when Paul Devine made a rare tackle on an opponent only to find his face come into contact with his knee. Hospital treatment was required but it was good to see that Devo managed to drag his bruised and stitched face back to the bar in the late afternoon.
The game continued and became fairly physical with both teams playing good fast rugby. A great try saving tackle was put in by Dennis Mccafferty before Jason Logan made another superb break from the Puffins twenty two and scored a magnificent try to end the second period of play and bring the score to five tries to one.
The start of the final period saw the Puffins powering down hill again and after some good close play Ian Smith went over in the corner. The NOBS kept coming back but some fine tackling by the Puffins kept them out and almost against the run of play the ever dangerous Jason Martin broke away from his own ten yard line to sprint the length of the pitch for his first try of the day. NOBS had yet again slipped on an extra man/woman to bolster their side however this was pointed out to the referee by the vocal Puffins’ support on the sidelines Abbin Anderson then sprinted forty yards to score his first try of the tournament after good back up play. NOBS finally managed to breach the resolute PG defence for their second try again made by their big No.8.
With time and breath running out Jason Logan sent Stuart Macintyre in for a well taken try then Nobby Clark slipped a pass to the ever present Abbin Anderson who made some good ground before popping to a youthful Chris Macrae to make the final score ten tries to two in favour of the Puffin Gannets.
Wednesday 3 September 2008
Stillbillies Match Report
Puffin Gannets versus Stillbilies (Terry Hills, New South Wales, Australia)
Tuesday 3rd September 2008
The Puffin Gannets inaugural Golden Oldies fixture was played at Roseburn against the Australian Stillbillies. The visitor’s team included Australian rugby legend Mark Ella and were also supplemented by several younger Gentlemen of Northern players.
The Golden Oldies rules took a little time to get used to but after several good passages of play PGs took the lead through Chris McGhie who barged over from close range. A fine handling move saw Nobby Clarck go over for a second try and a third try was scored by Jason Martin who broke down the left wing after good ball was won by the forwards. The Stillbiles started the second 20 minute period with some more fresh legs with the help of some Edinburgh Northern players who were cheered on by Ronnie Pugh who played for Northern in the early 1970's. Ronnie is the brother of our Chairman Nigel who was also on the touch-line making noises.
The Puffin Gannets continued their stylish play and further tries were added by Simon Glynn and Ken Lauder who fell over the line in exhaustion after supporting a great break from inside his own 22 from Jason Logan. The Stillbilles kept at it and were eventually rewarded after good work in midfield my Mark Ella to put Trogsy the winger in for their first try. Puffin Gannets 'Man-of-the-Match' Pete Sanderson scored a further breakaway try before the end of this period of play.
Puffin Gannet selector Grant Denholm started the 3rd period by replacing Iain McLean with Gavin Hastings. The former Scotland and British Lion pulled on a Puffin Gannets shirt for the first time and desperate to impress the selectors for future matches and no doubt fuelled by the nerves of a first PG cap, took out a Stillbilly red short wearing OAP with a chest high tackle. The referee rejected his plea of colour blindness and the penalty was awarded.
The Billies came back strongly with their ‘man of the match’ Trogsy a continual threat and he created the space for their second score. However Chris the Builder who’s strategically placed knee took the wind from his sails ensured that he was slowed down for the remainder of the game.
As both sides began to tire, Bobby Dooner powered over from the base of a five yard scrum then with two minutes left on the clock Chris McGhie showed his strength to drive over from close range for a his second and the teams eighth try. The Stillbillies fought hard to the end were rewarded with a try on the final whistle.
The large crowd who had by now gathered showed their appreciation of a good game played in the best of spirit with many converging on the food hamper and bottles of port which were exchanged by the two captains.
Tuesday 3rd September 2008
The Puffin Gannets inaugural Golden Oldies fixture was played at Roseburn against the Australian Stillbillies. The visitor’s team included Australian rugby legend Mark Ella and were also supplemented by several younger Gentlemen of Northern players.
The Golden Oldies rules took a little time to get used to but after several good passages of play PGs took the lead through Chris McGhie who barged over from close range. A fine handling move saw Nobby Clarck go over for a second try and a third try was scored by Jason Martin who broke down the left wing after good ball was won by the forwards. The Stillbiles started the second 20 minute period with some more fresh legs with the help of some Edinburgh Northern players who were cheered on by Ronnie Pugh who played for Northern in the early 1970's. Ronnie is the brother of our Chairman Nigel who was also on the touch-line making noises.
The Puffin Gannets continued their stylish play and further tries were added by Simon Glynn and Ken Lauder who fell over the line in exhaustion after supporting a great break from inside his own 22 from Jason Logan. The Stillbilles kept at it and were eventually rewarded after good work in midfield my Mark Ella to put Trogsy the winger in for their first try. Puffin Gannets 'Man-of-the-Match' Pete Sanderson scored a further breakaway try before the end of this period of play.
Puffin Gannet selector Grant Denholm started the 3rd period by replacing Iain McLean with Gavin Hastings. The former Scotland and British Lion pulled on a Puffin Gannets shirt for the first time and desperate to impress the selectors for future matches and no doubt fuelled by the nerves of a first PG cap, took out a Stillbilly red short wearing OAP with a chest high tackle. The referee rejected his plea of colour blindness and the penalty was awarded.
The Billies came back strongly with their ‘man of the match’ Trogsy a continual threat and he created the space for their second score. However Chris the Builder who’s strategically placed knee took the wind from his sails ensured that he was slowed down for the remainder of the game.
As both sides began to tire, Bobby Dooner powered over from the base of a five yard scrum then with two minutes left on the clock Chris McGhie showed his strength to drive over from close range for a his second and the teams eighth try. The Stillbillies fought hard to the end were rewarded with a try on the final whistle.
The large crowd who had by now gathered showed their appreciation of a good game played in the best of spirit with many converging on the food hamper and bottles of port which were exchanged by the two captains.
Additional Squad Members
1. A.G.Hastings OBE
Scotland Caps 61
British & Irish Lions Caps 6
Puffin Gannets Caps 1
Now apparently suffering from severe colour blindness
2. S.Hastings
Scotland Caps 64
British & Irish Lions Caps 2
Puffin Gannets Caps 0
3. 'Gorgeous' George Anderson
Scotland Caps 0
British & Irish Lions Caps 0
Puffin Gannets Caps 'too many to count'
Thursday
Thank you all for a tremendous performance yesterday !! Top photos
Grant has now announced his squad for Thursday which is 12.30 KO at Saughton vs NOBS inc Tukalo
J Lo
Doc Martin
Nobby Holder
Simple Simon
Ken White Boots
Scotty Hastings
BrainS
The Smiths
Gorgeous George ( official match reporter and player )
Mack the Knife
The Manager
Bobby Davro
Journo Chris
Chris the Builder
Ranger Bobby
McGoldie tbc
Hart to Hart
Puffin Gannets News
Jerry the Playmaker
Gerry and his Pacemaker ?
John Boy Walton
Abbo
Devo
The Menace
The Boy Bryce
Balfour Beatty - are you coming ?
Let Grant know if wrongly omitted / included
Suggest 10.20 train from NB to Haymarket and taxi to Saughton - if going direct go direct for 11.30 - changing at Saughton
The Manager
Grant has now announced his squad for Thursday which is 12.30 KO at Saughton vs NOBS inc Tukalo
J Lo
Doc Martin
Nobby Holder
Simple Simon
Ken White Boots
Scotty Hastings
BrainS
The Smiths
Gorgeous George ( official match reporter and player )
Mack the Knife
The Manager
Bobby Davro
Journo Chris
Chris the Builder
Ranger Bobby
McGoldie tbc
Hart to Hart
Puffin Gannets News
Jerry the Playmaker
Gerry and his Pacemaker ?
John Boy Walton
Abbo
Devo
The Menace
The Boy Bryce
Balfour Beatty - are you coming ?
Let Grant know if wrongly omitted / included
Suggest 10.20 train from NB to Haymarket and taxi to Saughton - if going direct go direct for 11.30 - changing at Saughton
The Manager
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