Oh what a day/night !!

Where do you start? What an action packed day/night we saw on Saturday that will surely go down in the Cougar annuals for years to come.

For many, the day began with the trek out to Burnaby Lakes for what was supposed to be Game 3 of the Cougars v Eagles Series. However, as most of us approached the grounds, it was quickly evident that something wasn't right with fields and fields of school kids playing Ultimate Frisbee and not a goalpost to be sighted. A gathering of the Eagles hierarchy looking sad and sullen, confirmed the worst - the fields had been double booked and we were stranded with nowhere to go.


Eagles HandyPrez Hilton contemplates how to kick 300 school kids off our fields.

Within 5 minutes of arriving at the ground, Teddy took matters into his own hands and set off to scout out a ground. It wasn't long before he reported back that he had found what looked to be a perfect compromise at Burnaby South High School. So 60 players and supporters from both teams quickly jumped in their cars and headed off to the ground. However, it was quickly evident that things just weren't meant to be - as in the 15 minutes it took for us to get there, a bunch of high school kids had settled into the ground for a lacrosse practise !!

With thoughts of the post game Grills BBQ on many minds, it was quickly decided that any chance of the game occurring was a bust, so the only smart thing to do was to start the Barbie early !! It quickly turned into the best decision of the day. En mass the boys headed to the Grills residence and with the generous hospitality of Stewie and Laura shining through and the sun showing up as if on queue; it soon turned into a corker of a day.

Let the good times roll !!

During the BBQ, Cougars Veteran's SuperCoach Grills, President Cooper and Guru Edmonds took time out to honour one of their own - Doug Vargo, who after 5 and a half years in Canada (and with the Cougars) is heading off to get married, travel through Central and South America for a year and then return home to Australia. During the touching tribute, Vargo was honoured by having his beloved BCFooty Goal-kicking award perpetually named in his honour. His jumper (no.23) was also officially retired....at least until the club can get a new one as Vargo had already done his own work to prevent others from wearing his jumper by buying it from the club. As the accolades were bestowed upon him, Vargo was visibly choked.


President Cooper demonstrates how Vargo's jersey will be hung in the rafters of the Cougars future clubroom's


Cougars veterans Grills, Vargo, Cooper and Edmonds with 223 games, 175 goals (165 of them to Vargo&Grills) and 3 Best&Fairests (.....all to Coops) between them.

With the beers continuing to flow and the barbie cooking up a storm, there was only one thing missing. It quickly became evident that this was about to be remedied though as SuperCoach Grills got the saw out and began working on a piece of wood and started taping up a tennis ball. Yes - it was time for a good old game of backyard cricket!!


Grills fine tuning his version of the Gray-Grills Nicholas Scoop

Of course many of the usual rules applied - six and out over the fence and one bounce-one hand catches provided you had a beer in your hand. The bat for ball rule was relaxed a little to ensure that everyone got a chance to bat abd bowl (or throw in many cases).


Grills careful eyes a vicious out-swinger


Baseball batting styles can work too....


What's a game of cricket without a drinks break?

After a sensational session of cricket, and a quick drink by all out of a "special" mug donated to the Cougars by the Eagles, is was time to kick onto stage 2 of the day's festivities - the Eagles ladies night.


The Cougar faithful enjoy a last drink at the Grills household (click picture of Karl above for Gallery)

Of course someone had to go that step above and that proved to be Grillsy who took the "Ladies" night idea to a whole other level.


Is any comment really needed?...

It quickly became evident that he would not be alone, with Brenton, Pete, Justin all getting into the spirit. To their credit, the Eagles put on a sensational function which no doubt was a spectacular fundraiser for the club. Approximately 250-odd people (with a 3-1 female to male ratio) turned out to be pampered and fretted over by the Eagle players and the party kept kicking on until the wee hours of the night.


Two coaches sharing a tender moment together


Four of the prettiest ladies who showed up for the night

What started out as a disappointing day for footy ended up being a sensational high for both clubs.

To see the full gallery of the day, click the picture below....