This past weekend, Enfield RFC was given the opportunity to host a very exciting event. The Rugby Nova Scotia Senior Keltics Provincial Program hosted it's first games of the season at our very own Lion's Den.
Photo: Jennie Fougere
This marked the return of the Eastern Canadian Super League for the Senior Men versus the New Brunswick Spruce and the first exhibition match versus the Prince Edward Island Abbies for the Senior Women. Enfield RFC was well represented on both Keltics squads, with four on the Women's side and seven on the Men's side. Tasha MacKenzie, Daniela Mayo, Adrienne MacDonald, and Betts Tremblay donned the Keltics jersey for the Women and Sam MacDonell, Kyle Cigolotti, Justin Dunn, Scott Marrison, Drew Hutt, Alex Malay, and Evan Dickie (captain) added to the Men's squad.
Though, both Senior Keltics matches resulted in big wins for the home teams (Keltics Women 53 -PEI Abbies 27 and Keltics Men 53 - NB Spruce 14), this wasn't the only excitement of the day (CBC, Chronicle Herald, Weekly Press). Enfield RFC hosted a free mini rugby "Try-It" event where young players interested in the sport were given the opportunity to get their hands on the ball and work together.
Photo: Pat Healy
For the adults, an end-zone beer tent and BBQ were the popular venues to take in the matches though, with over two-hundred athletes and fans, the sideline stands were packed as well.
The event also included a moment of silence for Brodie McCarthy, the 18-year-old P.E.I. man who passed-away two weeks ago during a high school rugby match. We were overwhelmed by the rugby community coming together in this time of loss and were able to raise over four hundred dollars in support of the newly formed Brodie McCarthy Memorial Scholarship Fund (further contributions to the fund can be made here).
Photo: Pat Healy
Enfield RFC would like to extend many thanks to everyone that helped to make the day such a success. Special thanks to Rugby Nova Scotia for their trust that our community club can manage events such as these. Thanks to Curly Portable's for organizing the beer tent and hosting the men post game, Moosehead for their support with the beer tent, the Enfield & Elmsdale Lion's Club for the use of their field, Renfrew Strength and Conditioning for the Player of the Game gear, and Withrow's Farm Market for the BBQ. Our biggest thanks go to everyone that volunteered their time throughout the day, be it with the minis volunteers, set up/tear down, working the bbq, taking photos, and cheering loudly. This was truly a community effort. 'Magine