Wednesday's Ruck & Maul

December 24, 2025 Posted in News / Victoria BC / Rugby Club / Prems / Giving Back / CW Rugby / Community

SEASON'S GREETINGS

On behalf of the President, and the Board of Directors of CWRFC, this site wishes all our SPONSORS, SUPPORTERS, and PLAYERS a joyous season of celebration. Christmas season brings a lengthy lull in the seniors’ schedule, a time to reflect and gather, but mostly to be thankful for family, friends, our health and those bounties that we enjoy. It is a time for giving and although not everyone can give a material item, we can give ourselves. On this note, blessings to all from The Ruggernut.

The Christmas Season is a time when players lend a service to the club by gathering trees for recycling, compliments of BARTLETT TREE SERVICES. We offer a unique service that commences on Boxing Day for any families who might be headed for the snow. Trees can be dropped off at the Windsor Park Rose Garden on Currie St., between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. It will continue every weekend following until January 17th. Drop off will be available on New Years Day as well.

We leave readers with a whimsical message, compliments of the late Don Burgess. Our club Secretary, Joe Sheldrake, has taken an interest in compiling a history of the Wanderers Club before amalgamation. A recent source has been the loan of Burge’s Thesis for his Master of Education degree, on the History of Rugby on Vancouver Island. One can just imagine the grin on Burge’s face when he concluded his research with the following quote.

” There he lay with his nose in the mud, utterly breathless but obscurely happy. He was still dazed and panting when a minute later the whistle blew, and a noise like the Last Trump told him that by a single point he had won the match for his country. He continued to lay there silent, still, utterly winded.” Two laddies from the Cowgate surveyed their fallen hero.

“He’s deid”, said the first in doom-laden tones. “Ay”, agreed his companion, “but it was worth it.” (“Rugger My Pleasure”. A.A.Thomas. 1955.)

Our thanks to Don’s family. RIP, Burge. You were one of the best.