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.