Maine Mainacs Defeat All Blacks (sort of)

All Blacks Bust It Open
Originally uploaded by PRFC Sec..

While Portland's 1st XV was mixing it up with Newport, an assortment of players and old boys from various Maine teams travelled to NH for the first ever One Helix Cup against the NZ Consular XV.

Spare a thought for Karen Woodsum, who provides us with the following match report and the associated pics [click through the shot for more action]. With sons playing in each of the games on Saturday, she finally had to choose which one she loved the most.

Don't worry Francis, we still love you.

Maine Wins Inaugural One Helix Cup Rugby Match

The much anticipated rugby match between the Consul XV and the Maine Maniacs took place Saturday, October 7, 2006. After the obligatory team pictures the New Zealand team attempted to intimidate their opponents with a loud and enthusiastic haka. The haka appeared to work its magic on the Maine Maniacs as the Consul XV dominated the first period. Indeed, the Consul XV landed the first score as Paddy Casey broke tackles to race into the try zone. Not to be completely intimidated, Chip Brewer, of the Maine Maniacs took a pass at about midfield and zigged and zagged his way down to tie the game.

As the second of the three 15 minute periods began, the conditioning of the New Zealand team (or lack thereof, i.e. I learned that our host and hooker for the Consul XV, Simon Leeming, trained by getting on the treadmill a couple days ago) began to take its toll. Although the Maine Maniacs dominated the second period, the New Zealand team dug in their heels and held fast, preventing any scoring. During the third period, Mike O'Callaghan, a former All Black from New Zealand, tried valiantly to put more points on the board for the Consul XV. However, with five minutes remaining in the game it was again Chip Brewer who took a pass from Jerry McQueeney and put the Maine Maniacs ahead. Justin Rutledge then added the two point conversion capping the scoring at Maine Maniacs - 12, Consul XV - 5.

The lust for blood and broken bones will have to be fulfilled by the knowledge that many a player would be feeling bruised and achy the following day. New cleats, worn for the first time on Saturday, will be put away hoping to be pulled out again next year in a rematch between the teams. As is traditional after a rugby match the teams put aside their differences and spent an evening together drinking and singing.