Saints Match Report Round #8

The West Coast Saints were gallant in defeat against the Delta Bayhawks on Saturday. With pride on the line following a 107 point drubbing last time the two teams met, the Saints were determined to improve. And it was a different story this time around with the Saints in it right until the end, eventually losing by 19 points. Wayward kicking for goal ultimately proved costly, with a final score of 9.9.63 to Delta’s much more accurate 13.4.82.

Good players were Lachy “42” Scott, Nat Doyle, Luke Nerriter and Quinny.

The Saints were also helped by the return of several key players including Sean Hayes, James Maitland and slithering Matt Sutherland. With more players returning for the Whistler Cup the Saints should continue improving ahead of the finals.

Kelowna Tournament 2010

Saints name new assistants

The West Coast Saints are proud to announce Clint Joy and James Maitland as assistant coaches.

The pair will support head coach Ryan Martin for the remainder of the BC Footy season.

Maitland was a founding member of the Saints back in 2008 and brings extensive football knowledge to the role.

He has represented Canada’s national team the NorthWind several times.

Joy also boasts an impressive football pedigree, having played WAFL Colts at Claremont and representing Western Australia at junior level.

He won the 2009 BC Footy best and fairest and leading goal-kicker awards.
Both were members of the Saints first premiership in 2009.

Joy said the new assistants were looking forward to their roles.

“Obviously we’re hoping for back to back premierships, but we also want to develop our players for the future,” he said.

Saints Match Report Round #5

The West Coast Saints lost their clash with league leaders the Cougars in a tough battle on Saturday.

A poor last quarter proved costly after the Saints were within striking distance for most of the game.

The return of premiership stars Ben “Quiche” Scott and Nat Doyle was not enough with the Cougars winning 13.6 (84) to 8.6 (54).

After a close start the Cougars took a handy lead into quarter time.

They continued to hold the upper-hand until three-quarter time, but could not shake off the Saints until the final term.

Despite the five-goal margin there were plenty of positives for the Saints.

The forward-line again worked well with everyone’s least favourite room-mate Clint Joy kicking three goals, and Wade “Ginger Ninja” Bambling, providing an imposing target across half forward.

Cathal was ecstatic with his first goal of the year, while Dave Miller again proved his determination to not kick a goal, missing another shot from close range.

Marty “Moose” O’Donnell also had a chance to kick a goal in his Saints debut, but his attempt was stolen on the line by Billy in the dying seconds of the game.

Saints Match Report Round #4

The West Coast Saints hit top form with a percentage-boosting win over the Burnaby Eagles at Langley on Saturday.

A great team effort saw the reigning premiers dominate the match to win 13.13 (91) to 4.9 (33).

The first quarter was evenly fought, but the Saints took the upper hand with the midfield providing plenty of opportunities for the forward-line twin towers of Clint Joy- who finished with five goals- and Billy Crossland.

Scott Fleming was winning the majority of ruck contests, while Brandon Bliss and Sean Hayes were valuable contributors.

Other good players were Lachy “Party Boy” Scott, the lankiest wing in Canada Matt Sutherland and Darra Conlon.

The Saints kept the pressure on in the second quarter to take a 33-point lead into half time.

In the second half the move of Wade Bambling to centre-half forward had a major impact.

Wade had overcome a controversial week- in which the BC Footy anti-doping team found he had tested positive to Fanta- to become a key weapon in the Saints forward line.

By three-quarter time the result was decided, but the Eagles continued fighting and outscored the Saints 16 points to eight in the last term.

A last-quarter cameo by the Pres Dave Miller almost proved successful but he sprayed his shot at glory in front of an open goal.

But the biggest case of the yips came from Karl Lewis, whose set shot would have missed a third set of goal posts.

Overall it was a great day for the Saints, who take on the Vancouver Cougars in a top of the table clash next week.

Saints Match Report Round #3

The third round game saw the West Coast Saints Saints take on the club which they were aligned with last year the Delta Bayhawks in the ANZAC Day game. Unfortunately the saints were struggling for numbers as some of the big names were missing due to holidays, injuries and wedding preparations in Kelowna. This was not helped with reports that both Cathal O’ Loughlin and Clint Joy were seen in a very inebriated state in the Roxy the night before this game. Coach Ryan Martin has said he will be looking into the event and will be “severely disciplining any players found to be in breach of their contracts”. But the Saints were relieved that Wade Bambling had been given the all clear to play after recovering from a serious case of gingerivitis.

There had been some rain over the weekend which softened up the UBC field but the clouds parted and the sun broke through approximately 2 hours before kick off to make for perfect playing conditions. There were some great passages of play from the Saints, with Wade Bambling, Nat Doyle, Lewis Morrison, Adam Pegg & Luke N all playing above their usual standard of footy! Unfortunately the Bayhawks looked to be that little bit hungrier for the ball on the day and this proved to make the difference in the game. Tow Kewell showed that the year and a half of practice of kicking the ball has been a complete waste, as when he received a hand ball from Scott Fleming out on the wing and preceded to drop kick the pill through for a goal. Goal umpire Ron Fleming was fearful the ball would get stuck between the post the angle was so tight. The Saints then had to deal with an injury to Darra Conlon who appear to tear his hamstring and a some soft tissue damage to Scott Scheen’s calf, which at the end of the game had inflamed to more the size of a cow.

The Saints now have a weekend off, which will give everyone much needed time off to recover from all the injuries, bumps and bruise which had been sustained in the 3 previous rounds. This will also offer everyone good opportunity to get down to training and work on our skills and also for the older members to welcome the new members into the club and head for a few beers at the Sin Bin afterwards.

Also a special mention for the Ben “Quiche” Scott the 2009 Saints B&F who is competing in the Vancouver marathon this Sunday. It will be Quiche’s first ever marathon.

From all the Saints, we wish you the best of luck.

Pre-Season Game – March 27, 2010

The West Coast Saints will fine-tune their premiership defence with their first practise matches this Saturday. The Saints will line-up at the UBC rugby fields starting at 1PM and will play two matches, each consisting of two 15 minute halves.

Several premiership heroes who are leaving Vancouver will be farewelled on the day, including Adrian Pell, Murray Foltyn and Michael Deer. A barbecue and refreshments will be provided.

The team will then head for dinner at the Sin Bin, where the hockey and UFC will be shown.

Decision on new coach has been delayed two weeks.

The possibility of former Saints hard-man Tim McDonald filling the role has forced the postponement. The new coach will now be announced at the club’s first function for 2010, the Premiership Hangover on February 6, 2010!

McDonald, who now lives in Saskatchewan, said he was interested but the logistics would be a problem. “So there I was right… sorry, I mean yeah it’d be great to coach the Saints, I’m just not sure I could handle the commute,’’ he said. “But there are a couple of bars left in Vancouver I haven’t wormed across yet, so I might have to come back.”

The Premiership Hangover

The West Coast Saints are planning to overcome the dreaded premiership hangover the only way they know how, by replacing it with a real hangover!

The Premiership Hangover, at The Sin Bin on February 6 2010, is the club’s first major function of 2010. It will also act as a membership drive, a farewell to a favourite son
Richie “Winmar” Ferri- who will be signing pictures for fans-, and hopefully an unveiling of the new footy gear for the upcoming season.

The day will feature drink specials, raffles and prizes.

Playing and social memberships will be available on the day, so bring your cash and or cheque books and get on board!

A playing membership, which costs $150 for the year, includes:

• Insurance to play;
• Shorts and socks;
• Limited edition member 2010 t-Shirt;
• Stubby holder;
• Membership Card (Which entitles the holder to a discount at our main sponsor, The Sin Bin);

Meanwhile holders of $30 social memberships will not have to worry about lining up at Saints games. They will receive free tickets, guaranteed front row seats and access to players for autographs and photos, as well as a t-shirt and stubby holder.

To summarize the event:

When: February 6, 2010
Time: 2PM – 6PM
Where: The Sin Bin – 295 W 2nd Ave, Vancouver.
Cost: FREE for members or $10 for non members

RSVP HERE

UFC will be shown after 6pm for those interested but will incur a small cover charge.

Players are also encouraged to attend a pre-party training session at Jonathon Rogers Park at 11am. More info about this soon, so stay tuned!

Pre-season training switched to Tuesdays

Coming Soon!