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37 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, June 19, 2009 The Abbey Park Eagles midget boys' rugby team, pictured after winning the Barbarian Cup. Quality athletes crucial for rugby success Continued from page 36 easier as the results improve. Just two years ago, Abbey Park's seniors lost 76-0 to OT. This year, with just two Grade 12 starters, they gave the Devils a competitive game in the final. "You really need the athletes, not just the knowledge (of the game)," Leggatt said. "You also have to have the right culture of the sport. (Players) have to want to go to the weight room. They have to want to come to training." With a midget team that Leggatt describes as "keen and passionate," the Eagles appear on the right path. And with each rugby ball confiscated in the hallway, Abbey Park will inch a little closer to its ultimate goal. Gillies skips to national division title Oakville's Brittany Gillies was the girls' 15-17 division champion at last month's Canadian National Rope Skipping Championships in Abbotsford, B.C. Gillies won two gold, a silver and a bronze in her four individual events to claim her division title. The Holy Trinity student added an overall gold in team competition, teaming with Olivia Bruce, Megan Jarchow and Kylie Matheson to win five gold, two silver and a bronze in the eight team events. The Brampton Acro Ropers team set Canadian speed records in four of those events. Gillies, who competed in the world championships last summer in South Africa, will likely compete in next year's worlds in England. DATE: CANLAN ICE SPORTS OAKVILLE WWW.ALEXCORRANCEMEMORIALFUND.COM