A day of rugby

We had a wonderful day today. It started out this morning with the kids playing their regular game. However, the World Cup made an appearance and all the teams had their pictures taken with it. I managed to get a picture of it, too.



After the kids' games in the morning, we went home for a quick lunch before heading off to the "big game." This was the Canada vs. USA World Cup qualifier, game 2. Game one was held last weekend in North Carolina and Canada lost 12-6. Canada needed to win this game with a minimum of 7 points over USA today to qualify for the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand. They not only won today, they were great! The final score today was 41-18!

The whole family had a fantastic time. The weather was perfect and the crowds were really good.

During half-time, the kids' teams entertained the crowds with a little bit of their kind of rugby. The older kids were at the ends of the field but our crew were right in the middle. The footage is a bit shaky as I was in a really awkward position during filming and I was zoomed in as far as I could.

The first video is of Isabella's group of 4 & 5 year olds. The 2nd and 3rd videos are of the 6 & 7 year olds. In the second video, Joshua is kicking in the ball. In the third video, Katerina is kicking the ball.








Here are some pictures from the day:













James Pritchard


Justin Mensah-Coker


Chauncey O'Toole

I'm a pathetic rugby mom ;-)

The kids are really enjoying playing rugby. I sit on the sidelines and watch all three play and practice. I clap when our team scores a try (goal). I cheer when it is one of mine.

However, I have never seen a "real" game and I have no idea of the terminology of rugby (other than a "try"). I shock people when I tell them this. They look at me like I am from another planet. LOL.

Well, I will rectify this egregious situation this summer. I just purchased tickets for the whole family to see a real game. It is Canada vs USA in a World qualifying game, on July 11. It is taking place at the same place where my kids play. How cool is that?

Maybe after I see this game, I might be able to understand the terminology. Or not. :-D

First rugby game of the season

Here is some rugby action:

Katerina




Isabella's group:



Joshua and Katerina's group:

Rugby Shorts for Isabella

The ready-to-wear (RTW) rugby shorts are expensive and they really don't make them small enough for Isabella. I used black twill for these as that is what the twins' shorts seem to be made from. The pattern used is Kwik Sew 2132, view B, size 5, however the pattern is now out-of-print. I used a larger elastic than called for. I used 1 1/2" elastic. I also topstitched down the inseams and the centre seams for added strength. I did not install a pocket.

Thermal wicking undershirt

Rugby season has started and it is still cold (freezing temps). Isabella and Joshua still have their shirts from hockey but Katerina has outgrown hers. These are a combination of thermal and wicking. The wicking part is the dark fabric. The pattern used is Jalie 2448, size 8. I cut the collar shallower. I used the depth of size 2 but the length of size 8. I also top-stitched all seams. I had made this pattern before without top-stitching and I found the underarm cross-seam stressed too much.

Thermal wicking leggings

After making 4 pairs out of non-stretch fabric, here are 6 pairs made from stretch fabric. The wicking fabric is still not extremely stretchy so the leggings fit snug but they still work well. It will do for this spring on the rugby pitch but I'm going to have to hunt around for some wicking lycra, I think, for next time. The pattern used is Jalie 2444, sizes 5 and 8. Two pairs are size 5 and four pairs are size 8.

Non-stretch leggings

I had some thermal wicking fabric and I used it to makes 2 pairs each for the girls for rugby. However, I neglected to check the stretch. So, 4 pairs of non-stretch leggings are now sitting in my scrap bin. *sigh*

Some rugby action

Here are the twins playing rugby on Sunday. (Yes, I know "rugby" is missing the "b" in the title.)