As usual Spring is proving to be a fickle mistress, but like lusty suitors we're prepared to press our advances undaunted, and consumate the season with merry abandon.
So Saturday night we'll be getting things underway with two (and a half) matches, first in an extended game (3 x 30's) against Amoskeag and then another full game against UMF.
It all kicks off around 6pm at Memorial Field (Deering High School), and promises to go until the wee small hours.
Google Ludlow Street, Portland for directions to the field.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Banquet This Saturday! (12/5)
In case you hadn't heard Portland is holding its end-of year wrap up this Saturday at the Eastland Park Hotel, from 5pm until 9'ish.
There's still plenty of room left. Tickets are $25 if you've paid your dues, and $30 for the rest of you. Since we've upped the ante on the venue this year, formal dress is required.
Food is supplied, along with a cash bar with pre-negotiated low rates on selected adult beverages.
Find a date, bring your mum, whatever. See you there!
There's still plenty of room left. Tickets are $25 if you've paid your dues, and $30 for the rest of you. Since we've upped the ante on the venue this year, formal dress is required.
Food is supplied, along with a cash bar with pre-negotiated low rates on selected adult beverages.
Find a date, bring your mum, whatever. See you there!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Season Wrap Up
It turns out a few people were still waiting to find out how the season ended up for us, so here's a quick recap of how the last couple of weeks went.
Well, first off, that Friday-night rugby thing lived down to the expectations, as Portland fell at the final hurdle to Middlesex. A frenetically paced game remained close until the 2nd half, by which time the pace and endless supply of fresh legs from Middlesex took its toll and Portland began to loose its shape. In the end Middlesex came out on top 18-7, and finished their first season in D2 undefeated. Not bad going.
Despite the loss, it looked as though Portland had still done enough to make the playoffs, but we were going to have to await the outcome of the weekend's other matches to find out for sure. In the end Newport were able to win their last two games on back-to-back days to sneak in to the second place spot, leaving Portland in third - meaning a road trip to Met NY.
But where in Met NY? Well, that was going to take another week of waiting, since their season still had another week left to run. In the end, it was Montauk who made a strong late run to secure the second place in their league and earn the spot as Portland hosts.
So last weekend Portland made the long trek down to the end of Long Island, in the middle of a Noreaster, to do battle with a heavyweight Montauk side. Although the rain let up by kick off time the field was pretty much drenched, and conditions were less than conducive to running rugby. This worked to the advantage of Montauk's forward-oriented style of play, but Portland was able to hang in the game in the early stages.
At half time the scoreline was close, with Montauk holding a slight lead. However, having only been able to muster 18 players for the trip down, as the match wore on, the magnitude of the effort required began to sink in. At the same time Montauk began to turn the screw and were able to put some daylight between us and them. In they end they ran out 34-15 winners, and a wet and muddy Portland side traipsed off, to begin their long trip home.
So, that's how the season ended up, with a bit of a whimper, but it was a still a great season overall, considering its length, and the shaky start.
Well, first off, that Friday-night rugby thing lived down to the expectations, as Portland fell at the final hurdle to Middlesex. A frenetically paced game remained close until the 2nd half, by which time the pace and endless supply of fresh legs from Middlesex took its toll and Portland began to loose its shape. In the end Middlesex came out on top 18-7, and finished their first season in D2 undefeated. Not bad going.
Despite the loss, it looked as though Portland had still done enough to make the playoffs, but we were going to have to await the outcome of the weekend's other matches to find out for sure. In the end Newport were able to win their last two games on back-to-back days to sneak in to the second place spot, leaving Portland in third - meaning a road trip to Met NY.
But where in Met NY? Well, that was going to take another week of waiting, since their season still had another week left to run. In the end, it was Montauk who made a strong late run to secure the second place in their league and earn the spot as Portland hosts.
So last weekend Portland made the long trek down to the end of Long Island, in the middle of a Noreaster, to do battle with a heavyweight Montauk side. Although the rain let up by kick off time the field was pretty much drenched, and conditions were less than conducive to running rugby. This worked to the advantage of Montauk's forward-oriented style of play, but Portland was able to hang in the game in the early stages.
At half time the scoreline was close, with Montauk holding a slight lead. However, having only been able to muster 18 players for the trip down, as the match wore on, the magnitude of the effort required began to sink in. At the same time Montauk began to turn the screw and were able to put some daylight between us and them. In they end they ran out 34-15 winners, and a wet and muddy Portland side traipsed off, to begin their long trip home.
So, that's how the season ended up, with a bit of a whimper, but it was a still a great season overall, considering its length, and the shaky start.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Friday Rugby Not All That Bad
For those of you thinking that playing rugby on a Friday night has to be the first sign that the Apocalypse is upon us, take a closer look, since the end of civilization as we know it may come with a few added perks.
For those not familiar with the Amesbury, MA facility where we'll be playing, you should know that it is merely an hour south of Portland (the first exit off 495), and offers a fully stocked bar, with a balcony that overlooks the playing field. So if your religion, or even just your sense of right and wrong, prevents you from offending all that is holy and playing rugby on a Friday evening, then you could at least come down and enjoy a pint while society crumbles around your ears.
Given that this is Portland's last regular league game, and that a strong performance will be required to lock in a playoff spot, supporters are encourage to join the caravan that should be leaving the Park & Ride around 5pm on Friday. Check the Message Board for more details.
For those not familiar with the Amesbury, MA facility where we'll be playing, you should know that it is merely an hour south of Portland (the first exit off 495), and offers a fully stocked bar, with a balcony that overlooks the playing field. So if your religion, or even just your sense of right and wrong, prevents you from offending all that is holy and playing rugby on a Friday evening, then you could at least come down and enjoy a pint while society crumbles around your ears.
Given that this is Portland's last regular league game, and that a strong performance will be required to lock in a playoff spot, supporters are encourage to join the caravan that should be leaving the Park & Ride around 5pm on Friday. Check the Message Board for more details.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Portland rolls on
Portland kept their win streak going in miserable conditions this past Saturday as they came from behind to beat Newport 12 - 5.
Newport opened the scoring first after a sloppy first quarter, both in terms of the weather and the handling. Portland struck back quickly however with Mike Milliken finishing off an Alan Gibbon break to touch down under the post. Evan Harding made the conversion to give Portland a thin 7-5 lead.
That's how the score remained through half time and deep in to the second half, with most offensive moves petering out thanks to strong defense by both sides. Portland finally broke through again however, with Fred Hayman aquaplaning into the try zone after a move through the backline. No conversion this time, so 12-5 Portland.
With 15 minutes or so left, Newport came back aggressively, but scoring twice more in these conditions was going to be a big ask, and ultimately Portland were able to close the door on any comeback aspirations.
Portland's record is now 5-2, with one regular season game left against the undefeated Middlesex, who have already secured their place in the playoffs. The game will be on Friday night (10/30), so check the Message Board for departure times. There will still be two games, so we need as many players to make the trip down.
Newport opened the scoring first after a sloppy first quarter, both in terms of the weather and the handling. Portland struck back quickly however with Mike Milliken finishing off an Alan Gibbon break to touch down under the post. Evan Harding made the conversion to give Portland a thin 7-5 lead.
That's how the score remained through half time and deep in to the second half, with most offensive moves petering out thanks to strong defense by both sides. Portland finally broke through again however, with Fred Hayman aquaplaning into the try zone after a move through the backline. No conversion this time, so 12-5 Portland.
With 15 minutes or so left, Newport came back aggressively, but scoring twice more in these conditions was going to be a big ask, and ultimately Portland were able to close the door on any comeback aspirations.
Portland's record is now 5-2, with one regular season game left against the undefeated Middlesex, who have already secured their place in the playoffs. The game will be on Friday night (10/30), so check the Message Board for departure times. There will still be two games, so we need as many players to make the trip down.
Friday, October 23, 2009
10/24 - Portland vs. Newport @ Fox Street, 1pm
Portland took care of Providence a few weeks back and have been enjoying a much needed break during their bye week. After that last win Portland's record improved to 4-2, and they now find themselves firmly in the playoff hunt, although with two big games ahead.
Firstly, this weekend, Newport comes to town sporting a similar record to Portland, and are no doubt happy to be setting the record straight after a tough season last year. The game kicks off on Fox Street at 1pm, with the B-side to follow, so please come on down and cheer the lads along.
Then to wrap up the regular season Portland will take on the undefeated newcomers, Middlesex, next Friday evening in Amesbury, MA.
Yes, you read that right, Friday evening. What is the world coming to?
Firstly, this weekend, Newport comes to town sporting a similar record to Portland, and are no doubt happy to be setting the record straight after a tough season last year. The game kicks off on Fox Street at 1pm, with the B-side to follow, so please come on down and cheer the lads along.
Then to wrap up the regular season Portland will take on the undefeated newcomers, Middlesex, next Friday evening in Amesbury, MA.
Yes, you read that right, Friday evening. What is the world coming to?
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