In a close contest, the Brumbies went down to the Melbourne Rebels 34-27 in their opening match of the Super Rugby season on Friday 15 February at GIO Stadium, Canberra.
The Brumbies’ next game is against the Chiefs on Saturday 23 February, 7.45pm kick-off. The Brumbies Super W side is also playing on Saturday, taking on NSW at 5pm. Both games are at GIO Stadium.
The Brumbies Runners will also take to the field for the first time this year when they play the Auckland Contenders at David Campese Field, Queanbeyan on Friday 22 February, 5.30pm kick-off. Entry to the game is free.
In other club news, head coach Dan McKellar has signed a two-year extension to his current contract that will keep him in the hot-seat at the club until at least the end of the 2021 season.
“I think it’s a vote of confidence, not just in myself but in the program in general, the assistant coaches and the high-performance staff,” McKellar said. “It’s a sign that Phil Thomson [Brumbies CEO] and the board are happy with the direction the team is heading.”
The Brumbies have also announced sponsorships with Civium Property Group and Poplars, a brand-new business and retail park development at Jerrabomberra.
Kent trains in Japan
Cavalry starting pitcher Steve Kent is currently participating in Spring Training with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in Okinawa, Japan, showcasing his skills in front of BayStars coaches and executives.
The announcement comes on the heels of a successful first season of the relationship between the Cavalry and the Yokohama DeNA BayStars of the Nippon Professional Baseball League in Japan.
“Imanaga, Mikami, Kuniyoshi and Aoyagi were fantastic players for the Cavalry this season and were integral to the team reaching the playoffs. I am excited to train alongside other great players in the Baystars organisation,” Kent said.
Kent is participating in the NPB club’s Spring Training camp from 14 to 27 February. Fellow Cavalry starting pitcher Steve Chambers is also attending Spring Training with the BayStars, serving as both Japanese language interpreter and player participant.
At a glance
Hart off to Poland
ACT cyclist Nathan Hart is set to compete at the 2019 UCI Track World Championships in Poland (27 February to 3 March) after being selected in the 17-rider Australian team.
Raiders down Eels
The Canberra Raiders had their first pre-season hit out on 17 February defeating the Parramatta Eels 22-20. The Raiders will take their best available squad to Bega for their second pre-season match on Saturday 23 February against the Bulldogs at Bega Recreation Ground. Kick-off 5pm. Tickets: $15; raidersshop.com.au
Ten Pin Bowling
Winners of the recent ACT State Tenpin Bowling Masters and Cups will represent the ACT in various tournaments throughout the year. The Restricted Disabilities Champion is Paul Bell and the Restricted Classic Champion is Corey Harber; Steve Gerards will represent the ACT in the National Restricted Cup; Drew Charlton and Amy Shoesmith will represent the ACT in the Australian Open Masters.
Ice hockey marathon
Female hockey players faced off on 16 February as part of worldwide non-stop marathon ice hockey game. Billed as the Global Girls Game, the aggregate score since its inception has Team Blue leading Team White 134 to 129 goals.
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