New Pics
There are a couple of great pictures from the Attitash Tournament this past June that Tractor has decided to finally come forward with. Check out Gallery 6.
Friday, November 07, 2003
2003 Awards Ceremony
This year's Awards Ceremony will be held at the Hilton Garden Hotel on Commercial St. in Portland on Saturday, Nov. 22nd. The event starts at 7:00 and the price is $30 per person, which includes hors d'oeuvres throughout the event and free Gritty's beer compliments of Richard Pfeffer.
There will be another annual "Pre-party" at the home of Al and Sherri Parks starting at 5:00. The dress for the event is semi-formal, so get your suits and ties out of the closet!
On the same note we need to vote as a team for the following:
1. Team MVP
2. Most Improved Player
3. Largest Contributor to the Club
Please get your votes to Jimmy Hendricks asap along with your rsvp for the banquet. Also, please pass on the word to your teammates and other rugby-types who might not be on the e-mail distribution list. The awards banquet is for everyone - active and inactive players, social members and Old Boys. It was nice to see a few Old Boys at the banquet last year, so let's make sure to get the word out!
This year's Awards Ceremony will be held at the Hilton Garden Hotel on Commercial St. in Portland on Saturday, Nov. 22nd. The event starts at 7:00 and the price is $30 per person, which includes hors d'oeuvres throughout the event and free Gritty's beer compliments of Richard Pfeffer.
There will be another annual "Pre-party" at the home of Al and Sherri Parks starting at 5:00. The dress for the event is semi-formal, so get your suits and ties out of the closet!
On the same note we need to vote as a team for the following:
1. Team MVP
2. Most Improved Player
3. Largest Contributor to the Club
Please get your votes to Jimmy Hendricks asap along with your rsvp for the banquet. Also, please pass on the word to your teammates and other rugby-types who might not be on the e-mail distribution list. The awards banquet is for everyone - active and inactive players, social members and Old Boys. It was nice to see a few Old Boys at the banquet last year, so let's make sure to get the word out!
11/1 Final Home Win Against Charles River
Portland wrapped up its season in dramatic fashion with a blowout win against Charles River of Boston. With a large contingent of older players, Old Boys and new faces, Portland turned in its most complete game of the season and ends at 3-5 after starting 0-3.
From the outset, Portland was determined to pound the ball inside on the guests. As it turned out, Portland's backs were as productive as the forwards have been all season with strong running by Fred Hayman, superb kicking and some nifty cutbacks moves from English Evan, and Joey D'Andrea having his best game of the season with excellent tackling and breakaway runs.
The forwards were no slouches, either, with Big Jim, Tom Lovering and Marco "Diesel" DeSalle punishing Charles River tacklers and the pick-and-go working very well. Portland also makes sure to take care of its own. Marc Fournier was deliberately head-butted by Charles River's loose-head prop, breaking his nose and sending him from the game. The prop was inexplicably given a yellow card only. Both props suffered the consequences, however, with one leaving the field soon after and both continuing to talk about the issues they encountered in the rucks and scrums throughout the Social.
All in all, 8 Portland players scored and Andy had a field day kicking points-after, with the final score: Portland 50 - Charles River 5.
Portland wrapped up its season in dramatic fashion with a blowout win against Charles River of Boston. With a large contingent of older players, Old Boys and new faces, Portland turned in its most complete game of the season and ends at 3-5 after starting 0-3.
From the outset, Portland was determined to pound the ball inside on the guests. As it turned out, Portland's backs were as productive as the forwards have been all season with strong running by Fred Hayman, superb kicking and some nifty cutbacks moves from English Evan, and Joey D'Andrea having his best game of the season with excellent tackling and breakaway runs.
The forwards were no slouches, either, with Big Jim, Tom Lovering and Marco "Diesel" DeSalle punishing Charles River tacklers and the pick-and-go working very well. Portland also makes sure to take care of its own. Marc Fournier was deliberately head-butted by Charles River's loose-head prop, breaking his nose and sending him from the game. The prop was inexplicably given a yellow card only. Both props suffered the consequences, however, with one leaving the field soon after and both continuing to talk about the issues they encountered in the rucks and scrums throughout the Social.
All in all, 8 Portland players scored and Andy had a field day kicking points-after, with the final score: Portland 50 - Charles River 5.
10/25 Win at Springfield
After a bye week that helped Portland nurse injuries to many starters, Portland scored a convincing win against a Springfield side playing their last game of the season. Things got ugly quickly, and stayed that way throughout the game. After an obvious try that wasn't scored by the ref, some harsh words between the teams and a lack of composure on the part of some Portland lads, Willey and Tractor were sent off for infractions. Despite the tough play, Portland took this win as a late turning point in the season and looks forward to their final home game next week against Charles River.
Final score: Portland 29- Springfield 3
After a bye week that helped Portland nurse injuries to many starters, Portland scored a convincing win against a Springfield side playing their last game of the season. Things got ugly quickly, and stayed that way throughout the game. After an obvious try that wasn't scored by the ref, some harsh words between the teams and a lack of composure on the part of some Portland lads, Willey and Tractor were sent off for infractions. Despite the tough play, Portland took this win as a late turning point in the season and looks forward to their final home game next week against Charles River.
Final score: Portland 29- Springfield 3
Tuesday, October 28, 2003
New Pictures
Diesel has some new pictures in the Gallery from Amoskeg and the Navigators Booze Cruise.
Diesel has some new pictures in the Gallery from Amoskeg and the Navigators Booze Cruise.
Monday, October 06, 2003
10/4/03 Tough Loss to Connecticut Yankees
After a 4 1/2 hour trip to Norfolk, CT, the Portland ruggers stepped onto the Connecticut Yankees pitch to the sound of a horrible marching band and an a-- of a band leader. The music must have lulled the Portland stalwarts a bit, because the game against the Yankees was nearly over before it began.
Yankee backs immediately began chipping over a somewhat limited-speed Portland backfield (no offense to the two forwards playing in the centers), and their larger-than-life backs were in pursuit before any defensive movement could be made. Portland centers Willey and Spicoli made tackle after tackle while flyhalf Evan made excellent kicks to relieve some pressure, but the Yankees went up 4 tries to none before Portland could get untracked. Fullback Joey D. played well for a second straight week with some unbelievable return runs, but it wasn't enough to stem the tide of chip-and-chase plays made by the Yankees. With 15 minutes left in the first half, Portland's lineouts and wheeling, rolling mauls started to work well and the tandem of Richard Pfeffer and Marc Fournier punished a number of Yankee forwards to score Portland's first try of the day. The Yankees came back to score another try just before half to make the score 43-5.
The second half was reminiscent of the Spring game against Newport. Portland began punching off loose ball and working mauls off lineouts to effectively keep the ball out of the Yankee backs' hands. Portland scored another try 10 minutes in as Tom Lovering demonstrated that rugby is an effective stress-reliever, bulling his way in through two defenders. The Yankees scored twice more on chip-and-chase maneuvers to end the scoring, but Portland played evenly with the top-ranked team in DII for the entire second half of the match and earned a bit of respect.
Final score: Conn. Yankees 52, Portland 12.
The B-game was a wild affair, with some new/old players suiting up and doing battle with a big, strong side for Connecticut. There was no scoring until late in the second half when the Yankees scored on 5-phase ball from inside Portland's 10 meter line. Portland couldn't score in the final minutes, but a valiant effort was made by newcomers John and Sean, and old-comers Richard Pfeffer and Tom Lovering, who played every minute of both games.
***As an aside, Portland wishes its gentle giant Irish forward Liam a safe return to the Homeland, and thanks him for his exceptionally strong play and cheery disposition these past few weeks. He will be greatly missed, and we look forward to seeing him again soon. ***
Portland travels to Hartford this week to take on the Wanderers.
After a 4 1/2 hour trip to Norfolk, CT, the Portland ruggers stepped onto the Connecticut Yankees pitch to the sound of a horrible marching band and an a-- of a band leader. The music must have lulled the Portland stalwarts a bit, because the game against the Yankees was nearly over before it began.
Yankee backs immediately began chipping over a somewhat limited-speed Portland backfield (no offense to the two forwards playing in the centers), and their larger-than-life backs were in pursuit before any defensive movement could be made. Portland centers Willey and Spicoli made tackle after tackle while flyhalf Evan made excellent kicks to relieve some pressure, but the Yankees went up 4 tries to none before Portland could get untracked. Fullback Joey D. played well for a second straight week with some unbelievable return runs, but it wasn't enough to stem the tide of chip-and-chase plays made by the Yankees. With 15 minutes left in the first half, Portland's lineouts and wheeling, rolling mauls started to work well and the tandem of Richard Pfeffer and Marc Fournier punished a number of Yankee forwards to score Portland's first try of the day. The Yankees came back to score another try just before half to make the score 43-5.
The second half was reminiscent of the Spring game against Newport. Portland began punching off loose ball and working mauls off lineouts to effectively keep the ball out of the Yankee backs' hands. Portland scored another try 10 minutes in as Tom Lovering demonstrated that rugby is an effective stress-reliever, bulling his way in through two defenders. The Yankees scored twice more on chip-and-chase maneuvers to end the scoring, but Portland played evenly with the top-ranked team in DII for the entire second half of the match and earned a bit of respect.
Final score: Conn. Yankees 52, Portland 12.
The B-game was a wild affair, with some new/old players suiting up and doing battle with a big, strong side for Connecticut. There was no scoring until late in the second half when the Yankees scored on 5-phase ball from inside Portland's 10 meter line. Portland couldn't score in the final minutes, but a valiant effort was made by newcomers John and Sean, and old-comers Richard Pfeffer and Tom Lovering, who played every minute of both games.
***As an aside, Portland wishes its gentle giant Irish forward Liam a safe return to the Homeland, and thanks him for his exceptionally strong play and cheery disposition these past few weeks. He will be greatly missed, and we look forward to seeing him again soon. ***
Portland travels to Hartford this week to take on the Wanderers.
Monday, September 29, 2003
9/27 Win Against Burlington
Portland's third home game in a row turned out to be a charm this weekend as they outlasted a strong Burlington team in a muddy game at Fox Street field. As always, Portland's pack was the strongpoint, but the backfield took a major step forward with gritty defense and strong play in the second half to seal the win for Portland.
Portland started off strong again, with two pushover trys off rolling mauls and strong rucking within the first 10 minutes of the game. (Special credit goes to Mike "Diesel" DeSalle's punishing Thursday practice of nothing but rucking and mauling for this.) Burlington's loose play was strong, however, and breakaways ended up costing Portland two trys before half to make the game close.
The second half saw more of the same, with additional pressure put on Burlington's forwards by the Portland pack and exceptional tackling by the backs. The match was a toss-up until a pivotal tryzone stand won by Portland, effectively ending the threat and sealing the win. Strong play by scrumhalf Matt Winch (Man-of-the Match honors, shared with flanker Jimmy Hendricks), the foot of English Evan, tackling by Jason Willey and Carl Brady, and strong running by Marc Forunier and Fred Hayman were the highlights of Portland's first win this season.
Final score: Portland 29, Burlington 19.
Portland's third home game in a row turned out to be a charm this weekend as they outlasted a strong Burlington team in a muddy game at Fox Street field. As always, Portland's pack was the strongpoint, but the backfield took a major step forward with gritty defense and strong play in the second half to seal the win for Portland.
Portland started off strong again, with two pushover trys off rolling mauls and strong rucking within the first 10 minutes of the game. (Special credit goes to Mike "Diesel" DeSalle's punishing Thursday practice of nothing but rucking and mauling for this.) Burlington's loose play was strong, however, and breakaways ended up costing Portland two trys before half to make the game close.
The second half saw more of the same, with additional pressure put on Burlington's forwards by the Portland pack and exceptional tackling by the backs. The match was a toss-up until a pivotal tryzone stand won by Portland, effectively ending the threat and sealing the win. Strong play by scrumhalf Matt Winch (Man-of-the Match honors, shared with flanker Jimmy Hendricks), the foot of English Evan, tackling by Jason Willey and Carl Brady, and strong running by Marc Forunier and Fred Hayman were the highlights of Portland's first win this season.
Final score: Portland 29, Burlington 19.
9/20 Loss to Providence
This was the "game that got away" for a Portland team looking for its first victory of the season. From the outset, Portland and Providence were fairly evenly matched overall, with an advantage to Portland's strong pack in the sets. Portland got on the board 10 minutes into the match with a penalty try after a lineout and drive to the try line. A few minutes later, our own Marc "Frenchy" Fournier scored off another driving maul, and Portland was looking to pull away from a seemingly tired Providence pack. A Providence try off broken play, however, was followed by a penalty kick which brought the teams close at half.
The second half was a reversal of fortune for both clubs. Portland's offense got untracked and made little headway against an increasingly strong defense, and two quick trys off the wing for Providence effectively put the game away. Portland responded with another brilliant try from a tough, 8 or 9 phase pick-and-run segment, with Tom Lovering scoring a 20 meter try off another maul, but time ran out for Portland.
Final score: 23-18 Providence
This was the "game that got away" for a Portland team looking for its first victory of the season. From the outset, Portland and Providence were fairly evenly matched overall, with an advantage to Portland's strong pack in the sets. Portland got on the board 10 minutes into the match with a penalty try after a lineout and drive to the try line. A few minutes later, our own Marc "Frenchy" Fournier scored off another driving maul, and Portland was looking to pull away from a seemingly tired Providence pack. A Providence try off broken play, however, was followed by a penalty kick which brought the teams close at half.
The second half was a reversal of fortune for both clubs. Portland's offense got untracked and made little headway against an increasingly strong defense, and two quick trys off the wing for Providence effectively put the game away. Portland responded with another brilliant try from a tough, 8 or 9 phase pick-and-run segment, with Tom Lovering scoring a 20 meter try off another maul, but time ran out for Portland.
Final score: 23-18 Providence
Wednesday, September 17, 2003
9/13 Loss to Old Gold
The second match of the season, and first home match, was against arch-rival Old Gold. New-and-improved Fox Street Field was brimming with a home crowd on a sunny day, a perfect day for rugby. Portland got off to a great start, with both backs and forwards making strong advances into Old Gold's end of the field. Old Gold went up 3-0 on a penalty kick, however, and penalties continued to keep the Boys in Blue out of the try zone until midway through the half. Fred Hayman dove in after juking a few backs off a set piece within the 22 meter line. Back and forth play ended the half.
The second half was a slug fest in every sense of the term, and not until late did Old Gold capitalize on a picked-off pass an an 80-meter try. Portland couldn't mount enough of an offense in the final minutes to even the score. Final score: 15-5.
Portland has another home game this Saturday against Providence, 1:00 at Fox Street Field.
The second match of the season, and first home match, was against arch-rival Old Gold. New-and-improved Fox Street Field was brimming with a home crowd on a sunny day, a perfect day for rugby. Portland got off to a great start, with both backs and forwards making strong advances into Old Gold's end of the field. Old Gold went up 3-0 on a penalty kick, however, and penalties continued to keep the Boys in Blue out of the try zone until midway through the half. Fred Hayman dove in after juking a few backs off a set piece within the 22 meter line. Back and forth play ended the half.
The second half was a slug fest in every sense of the term, and not until late did Old Gold capitalize on a picked-off pass an an 80-meter try. Portland couldn't mount enough of an offense in the final minutes to even the score. Final score: 15-5.
Portland has another home game this Saturday against Providence, 1:00 at Fox Street Field.
Monday, September 15, 2003
9/6 Portland Loss to Newport
In an opening match reminiscent of this past Spring's game against Newport, Portland got off to a rocky start and didn't get untracked until it was too late to mount a comeback. Newport showed it's strength in its speedy backline, which was too much of a match for the Portland side's patchwork backfield.
Newport got on the board early with two penalty kicks off pressure from their backline. Portland, with three forwards playing in the backs, couldn't get it wide and play was sloppy early on. The Portland forwards began mauling and keeping the ball close late in the first half, and converted a strong try on 6 phases within Newport's 22 meter line. After half, Portland's strategy to keep the ball closer in to the forwards created another driving try, but Newport's speed and chip kicks into open territory were too much of a match.
The final score: 40-10.
In an opening match reminiscent of this past Spring's game against Newport, Portland got off to a rocky start and didn't get untracked until it was too late to mount a comeback. Newport showed it's strength in its speedy backline, which was too much of a match for the Portland side's patchwork backfield.
Newport got on the board early with two penalty kicks off pressure from their backline. Portland, with three forwards playing in the backs, couldn't get it wide and play was sloppy early on. The Portland forwards began mauling and keeping the ball close late in the first half, and converted a strong try on 6 phases within Newport's 22 meter line. After half, Portland's strategy to keep the ball closer in to the forwards created another driving try, but Newport's speed and chip kicks into open territory were too much of a match.
The final score: 40-10.
Monday, August 25, 2003
8/23 Amoskeag Warm-Up for Fall Season
I was going to apologize for not being there on Saturday, but after hearing about printed copies of our website being flung about, along with assorted ugly adult beverage concoctions, I am glad I missed it. The boys from Manchester came up to Portland this past Saturday looking for some payback, it seems, for the somewhat lackluster performance by their crew at the Mt. Washington tourney this past June. This week showed their commitment over the summer - they were big, strong and fit, and defeated a Portland side that knows now what it needs to do for the upcoming season.
After an initial score by Brewmeister Pfeffer, who seemed to be fit with just two practices under his belt, it was mostly a show by Amoskeag's forwards and backs. Portland had three more tries and two conversions for 24 points and practiced their tackling skills for 80 minutes, but Amoskeag's scoring was over 50 for the day.
Captain Andy remarked that the benchmark has been set, and the next two weeks of practice will require strong commitment and effort by everyone to get to where we want to be for our opener against Newport, in Newport. Get ready for the season, get out to practice this week, and get everyone else out, too. Let's get ready to play.
I was going to apologize for not being there on Saturday, but after hearing about printed copies of our website being flung about, along with assorted ugly adult beverage concoctions, I am glad I missed it. The boys from Manchester came up to Portland this past Saturday looking for some payback, it seems, for the somewhat lackluster performance by their crew at the Mt. Washington tourney this past June. This week showed their commitment over the summer - they were big, strong and fit, and defeated a Portland side that knows now what it needs to do for the upcoming season.
After an initial score by Brewmeister Pfeffer, who seemed to be fit with just two practices under his belt, it was mostly a show by Amoskeag's forwards and backs. Portland had three more tries and two conversions for 24 points and practiced their tackling skills for 80 minutes, but Amoskeag's scoring was over 50 for the day.
Captain Andy remarked that the benchmark has been set, and the next two weeks of practice will require strong commitment and effort by everyone to get to where we want to be for our opener against Newport, in Newport. Get ready for the season, get out to practice this week, and get everyone else out, too. Let's get ready to play.
Tuesday, July 29, 2003
Fall Schedule Changes
Please note the entirely new Fall schedule that has been updated as of 7/29/03. As you can probably tell, we have drawn a very tough road schedule. Our very own Jerry Alves has already set us up with transportation for the Away games, however, so we should be well-rested when we show up in the distant ports of call to which we are being sent to play rugby.
For those of you who are married, have kids, need to rake the lawn, etc. this Fall, make sure to clear your schedules for the dates shown. Portland will be fielding very, very strong sides this season but need everyone to make a concerted effort to make the Away games shown.
Please call Jimmy or Andy with questions.
Please note the entirely new Fall schedule that has been updated as of 7/29/03. As you can probably tell, we have drawn a very tough road schedule. Our very own Jerry Alves has already set us up with transportation for the Away games, however, so we should be well-rested when we show up in the distant ports of call to which we are being sent to play rugby.
For those of you who are married, have kids, need to rake the lawn, etc. this Fall, make sure to clear your schedules for the dates shown. Portland will be fielding very, very strong sides this season but need everyone to make a concerted effort to make the Away games shown.
Please call Jimmy or Andy with questions.
Wednesday, July 09, 2003
Portland's New and Improved Website
As you can probably tell, Portland RFC's website has a new and improved look and feel. Thanks to our friends at Caption Digital Media and the ever-inspired work of our own Dominic Tracey, we now have a site much more user-friendly and easier on the eyes. Please take a minute to look around, and let any of the officers know what you think - all the e-mail addresses are in the Contacts section. Good or bad, we need to know how to improve it so that you keep on coming back.
The Fall Schedule has been posted, and there are quite a few new pictures from some of our latest matches. Coach's "new addition" picture is mixed into the Chicago pictures - we'll try to fix that soon. Any other pictures you would like to add to the site should be sent to me or Dom via e-mail, and we'll try to get them on as soon as possible. Please self-edit for content, as Dom and I do not want to be inundated with porn shots from anyone/everyone. Speaking of porn, someone needs to make sure Tractor gets his New Hampshire and Chicago pictures to us soon. He seems to have melted into the vile swamp they call Old Orchard this summer. Enjoy the next few weeks, and we'll see you soon.
As you can probably tell, Portland RFC's website has a new and improved look and feel. Thanks to our friends at Caption Digital Media and the ever-inspired work of our own Dominic Tracey, we now have a site much more user-friendly and easier on the eyes. Please take a minute to look around, and let any of the officers know what you think - all the e-mail addresses are in the Contacts section. Good or bad, we need to know how to improve it so that you keep on coming back.
The Fall Schedule has been posted, and there are quite a few new pictures from some of our latest matches. Coach's "new addition" picture is mixed into the Chicago pictures - we'll try to fix that soon. Any other pictures you would like to add to the site should be sent to me or Dom via e-mail, and we'll try to get them on as soon as possible. Please self-edit for content, as Dom and I do not want to be inundated with porn shots from anyone/everyone. Speaking of porn, someone needs to make sure Tractor gets his New Hampshire and Chicago pictures to us soon. He seems to have melted into the vile swamp they call Old Orchard this summer. Enjoy the next few weeks, and we'll see you soon.
Tuesday, June 10, 2003
Chicago Tour a Success
I am at a loss for words regarding our trip to Chcago to play the Chicago Blaze in a "friendly" this past weekend, mostly because I'm still hung over. That about sums up the weekend, and hopefully is PG enough for the website. From Scotty Too Hotty starting a near-brawl an hour and a half into the trip, to meeting Joe Friday and Fran and the absolute downward spiral from then on, to a 20 year old hitting on a 60 year old, to the Sh----y Dollar Bill being introduced to Chicago, to 300 lb morning wake up calls, Joey's Mexicano dance with and without Rock, and finding out who the true Mexican on our team really is, the trip was a success in every way other than rugby. For being in the shape we were in, the match actually turned out OK. The Blaze's excellent bartender, however, stole the show before and after play and totally outshadowed whatever we might have done on the field. I will try to piece together a bit more PG from the weekend, without Willey's help of course, and possibly with the permission of Jerry Alves, whose stories changed our weekend from "slim" to "fat"/phat. More to come, but absolutely no pictures, Tractor (Portland's new Hugh Hefner). See you all at Leo and Jessica's reception on Saturday. We know this marriage will last a long, long time since we all heard their loving husband/wife conversations for an hour and a half on Sunday morning while staring at a blank TV screen and two morons (Jimmy Hendricks and Jason) trying to play Nintendo Rugby. Is there really anything more to say, other than Girls Gone Wild DVD sales have skyrocketed in the Portland area the past two days? Thanks to Jimmy and Matt for putting together a tour to remember for the ages.
I am at a loss for words regarding our trip to Chcago to play the Chicago Blaze in a "friendly" this past weekend, mostly because I'm still hung over. That about sums up the weekend, and hopefully is PG enough for the website. From Scotty Too Hotty starting a near-brawl an hour and a half into the trip, to meeting Joe Friday and Fran and the absolute downward spiral from then on, to a 20 year old hitting on a 60 year old, to the Sh----y Dollar Bill being introduced to Chicago, to 300 lb morning wake up calls, Joey's Mexicano dance with and without Rock, and finding out who the true Mexican on our team really is, the trip was a success in every way other than rugby. For being in the shape we were in, the match actually turned out OK. The Blaze's excellent bartender, however, stole the show before and after play and totally outshadowed whatever we might have done on the field. I will try to piece together a bit more PG from the weekend, without Willey's help of course, and possibly with the permission of Jerry Alves, whose stories changed our weekend from "slim" to "fat"/phat. More to come, but absolutely no pictures, Tractor (Portland's new Hugh Hefner). See you all at Leo and Jessica's reception on Saturday. We know this marriage will last a long, long time since we all heard their loving husband/wife conversations for an hour and a half on Sunday morning while staring at a blank TV screen and two morons (Jimmy Hendricks and Jason) trying to play Nintendo Rugby. Is there really anything more to say, other than Girls Gone Wild DVD sales have skyrocketed in the Portland area the past two days? Thanks to Jimmy and Matt for putting together a tour to remember for the ages.
Tuesday, June 03, 2003
Bull Moose 15's
After a wild four games in two days, Portland captured third place in a rough and tumble tournament at Attitash, NH. The first game against Mystics was described by many as an absolutely horrible showing by Portland; from the lack of discipline on the Portland side, to the punch heard round the world which created a uncontested scrumming situation, to the eventual early whistle to end the "match", it was a poor showing but one that would lead to fun, exceptional play both on and off the field, and a third place cup for the boys in baby blue. The second game on Saturday against the Orange Whips/Charles River II's was played by "savage mutes" as first described by MVP Cannon and delivered by our new and improved Jim Gooch. You could almost hear the crickets as Portland lost its collective voice and let their shoulders and feet do the talking. If they weren't so ugly, you'd almost have felt sorry for the Whips. Ted/Bernie managed to stay awake and see his first action of the year, Matt Winch saved a try with pure hustle - wait, did I just say that?- and although things loosened up near the end, Portland walked away with a big confidence-building win. Of course, as things would down for the day the boys begain preparing to win the party hosted by a tremendous NH club NOT located in Portsmouth. The Seacoast women did their best to lure us into their Britney-webs, but cops passing out single cups of water after a 7 hour drinking fest sobered us up enough (so Coach thought - have another!) to keep us from too much trouble. Even illicit girlfriends and a Chamber of Commerce ass-grabber couldn't keep us down, so after a few hours of restless sleep, the Portlanders went to work on Sunday morning against an Amoskeag club just asking for a beating. As their cocky and very large #8 was pounded again and again by J Willey and Tractor and Tom Lovering seemed to be with the backs on every play - oh, wait, he was- Portland maulled and rucked their way into the finals against an Old Gold team trying to break their 0-36 streak against us. It was not to be. Portland shut up and scored-up on a club that just can't get past the "flying fists" approach to rugby. Our silent tongues started to waggle a bit towards the end of the match but not before we had secured a third place finish and a place in the history books. Our weekend ended with our crystal hardware filled and unfilled many times at the Old Port Fest, and a good time was had by all. Thanks to the girlfriends, wives and other family members who made the trip (Willey's dad is sooo much cooler than Willey) and helped us out. Pictures to come.
After a wild four games in two days, Portland captured third place in a rough and tumble tournament at Attitash, NH. The first game against Mystics was described by many as an absolutely horrible showing by Portland; from the lack of discipline on the Portland side, to the punch heard round the world which created a uncontested scrumming situation, to the eventual early whistle to end the "match", it was a poor showing but one that would lead to fun, exceptional play both on and off the field, and a third place cup for the boys in baby blue. The second game on Saturday against the Orange Whips/Charles River II's was played by "savage mutes" as first described by MVP Cannon and delivered by our new and improved Jim Gooch. You could almost hear the crickets as Portland lost its collective voice and let their shoulders and feet do the talking. If they weren't so ugly, you'd almost have felt sorry for the Whips. Ted/Bernie managed to stay awake and see his first action of the year, Matt Winch saved a try with pure hustle - wait, did I just say that?- and although things loosened up near the end, Portland walked away with a big confidence-building win. Of course, as things would down for the day the boys begain preparing to win the party hosted by a tremendous NH club NOT located in Portsmouth. The Seacoast women did their best to lure us into their Britney-webs, but cops passing out single cups of water after a 7 hour drinking fest sobered us up enough (so Coach thought - have another!) to keep us from too much trouble. Even illicit girlfriends and a Chamber of Commerce ass-grabber couldn't keep us down, so after a few hours of restless sleep, the Portlanders went to work on Sunday morning against an Amoskeag club just asking for a beating. As their cocky and very large #8 was pounded again and again by J Willey and Tractor and Tom Lovering seemed to be with the backs on every play - oh, wait, he was- Portland maulled and rucked their way into the finals against an Old Gold team trying to break their 0-36 streak against us. It was not to be. Portland shut up and scored-up on a club that just can't get past the "flying fists" approach to rugby. Our silent tongues started to waggle a bit towards the end of the match but not before we had secured a third place finish and a place in the history books. Our weekend ended with our crystal hardware filled and unfilled many times at the Old Port Fest, and a good time was had by all. Thanks to the girlfriends, wives and other family members who made the trip (Willey's dad is sooo much cooler than Willey) and helped us out. Pictures to come.
Tuesday, May 06, 2003
Colby Sweeps Championships
Colby men and women took home hardware this weekend. See the tournament web-site for details and pictures.
Colby men and women took home hardware this weekend. See the tournament web-site for details and pictures.
Friday, May 02, 2003
Maine Collegiate Rugby Championships
Five men's teams and three women's square off 5/3 at the Cumberland Fairgrounds to vie for bragging rights in the Maine Collegiate Rugby Championships presented by Hews Truck Bodies and Equipment. Check out the tourney web-site for more details.
Five men's teams and three women's square off 5/3 at the Cumberland Fairgrounds to vie for bragging rights in the Maine Collegiate Rugby Championships presented by Hews Truck Bodies and Equipment. Check out the tourney web-site for more details.
Saturday, April 19, 2003
Friday, March 14, 2003
Sunday, March 02, 2003
Grudge Match 2
Portland Rugby once again had their hats handed to them at the the wheeled code by the Casco Bay Navigators. Mike Whitehead and Brad Williams led the Navigators to a 33-9 halftime lead before they let off the gas. Marc Fournier and Joey D'Andrea (who have been working out with the Navigators) put together some nice movements for Portland Rugby.
Portland Rugby once again had their hats handed to them at the the wheeled code by the Casco Bay Navigators. Mike Whitehead and Brad Williams led the Navigators to a 33-9 halftime lead before they let off the gas. Marc Fournier and Joey D'Andrea (who have been working out with the Navigators) put together some nice movements for Portland Rugby.
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Brad Williams, Donnie Wright and Mike Whitehead put Gary Devoe into the boards |
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Some of the guys start the trash-talking for Grudge Match 3 |
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