To cap off a fine day of rugby this past Saturday, Portland "killer" Bs took on Mount Washington Valley RFC, aka Bull Moose, who have recently been promoted to D3 after knocking off Seacoast Bs in the Fall Classic. The Portland side comprised of many of the B Side stalwarts, along with a sprinkling of a couple of the younger A Side tykes, and a guest appearance at Center of all places from that wily old vet, Tim McMahon.
For most of the first half the two teams were well matched, with a huge Bull Moose pack dominating in the set piece, but their partners in the backfield being well closed down by the Portland defense. As for many fledgling clubs, numbers are an issue, and once a couple of the Bull Moose starting line went down with injuries, there were only so many Stripers they could bring on as replacements. First to go was the Bull Moose fly-half, the deliciously named Sebastian Chocobar, who no doubt was getting a bit runny in the hot sun. Runny...chocobar...hot sun...geddit?!?!?
[Sound effect: crickets chirping]
Anyhoo, as Bull Moose adjusted to their new subs, Timmy Mac was able to capitalize on their confusion by busting out one of his hypnotic runs from a quick tap penalty, and running around, under and through almost the entire Bull Moose pack before touching down under the posts on the stroke of half time. "Slippery" doesn't even come close to describing it.
The second half saw Portland take firmer control over the game, and while Bull Moose occasionally threatened, most plays we soon snuffed out by a committed Portland defense. Not to take anything away from their offensive skills however, as Portland were able to put away two more tries in the second half. One I don't remember much about, by the final score saw Byron Brinkley break out of a ruck to cover almost half the field, only to be brought down just shy of the line. But who was on his shoulder? None other than Ryan, who was there to receive the pass and touch down under the posts. Even with his unorthodox "line drive" kicking style, Matt Winch was able to make the conversion and bring the final score to 17-0 in Portland's favor.
The B's remain undefeated for the season, proving there is a new found depth to Portland's strength. Man of the match was meant to go to Byron for his solo effort, but since he'd left early, we gave it to Ryan for helping close out the move and because we just love to see him throw up. Unfortunately however he didn't seem to want to cooperate on this particular Saturday.
Big thanks to all those who played and kept the streak alive.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Rebels defeated, insurrection quelled
Looking to capitalize on their NERFU D3 success last Fall, Portland dipped their toes in to the regional NRU pool this weekend when they took on Hudson Valley Rebels at home. Just what it is that they're rebelling against remains unclear, but as with many other parts of this country world, the tyranny of British Colonial rule still seems to rankle. People, let's move on, K?
Anyway, that's probably not the point. Saturday dawned grey and drizzly, but that didn't seem to dampen the spirits of the many college sides who were already plying their trade at the Fairgrounds by 8:30 in the morning. Among other things the day proved that the college rugby game is in robust health, with our two public colleges producing some of the most physical rugby witnessed in a long time.
An early shout should go out to Portland Women's team who started the day off right with a win in a 10-aside game against Hudson Valley Women. I'm not sure of the score, but no doubt a write up of their own will soon appear on the site, so stay tuned for the blow-by-blow account.
So, on to the Headliner, which kicked of in cool and damp conditions, yet with a warm throng of supporters on the sidelines. It was soon apparent that the HV side were to play a very similar style of game to Portland, with a strong pack, efficient at keeping the ball to themselves and man-handling it upfield. Thus the game started with an initial testing out period as both sides looked to assert their physical presence on the game.
After about 10 minutes Portland were able to open the scoring which Tom Zabriskie intercepted a midfield pass from the HV backs to run it back the other way and touch down under the posts. Carlos made the conversion, and it was 7-0 Portland. Not long after that Portland followed up with a more deliberate score, taking the scoreline to 12-0, and it looked as though the home side might be able to engage cruise control.
The Rebs had other ideas however, and proved themselves to be no pushover, putting themselves back in the game with a quickly created try. Unfortunately for them their kicker had a bit of a 'mare on the day, and pushed the conversion wide. These were not to be the last extra points that went begging for HV.
One of the recurring themes for the day was that whenever HV was able to score, Portland were able to score one right back, making it difficult for the visitors to create any momentum. Sure enough, after the first Rebel score, Portland were able to march right back down the field and put away another try, wresting back control of the game. Half time came and went, with the scoreline somewhere around 17-12. With weather conditions improving the Portland backs were able to begin the second half with some fine running rugby. Soon enough a fine breakaway effort by Evan Harding was capped off by Fred Hayman to get the scoreboard ticking over again.
Portland did not have it all their own way however, as HV mounted their own counter attacks and proved that their own backs had some skills of their own. At one point the scoreline closed to 21-17, proving the value of those extra points, but as mentioned, Portland were always able to turn the screw a little tighter and maintain control.
A late score from the Rebs just at the stroke of full time made the final score 32-21, closing out a strong, if perhaps less-than-clinical performance for Portland. Known try scorers were Tom and Fred, already mentioned, a brace for Hannes, and one mystery score who no doubt will be in touch with me shortly.
Thanks to the Hudson Valley lads for making the trek up to Maine and for sticking around to enjoy the rest of the day. We wish them the best of luck for the rest of the Spring and their future Fall campaign.
For the efforts, Portland now gets to make the trek up to Syracuse for the D3, NRU Final 4, where they get to take on Syracuse Chargers, and the Superleauge and D1 cast offs from Old Blue and the Wolfhounds. Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose, eh?
After the break, news of a strong B side performance against Bull Moose...
Anyway, that's probably not the point. Saturday dawned grey and drizzly, but that didn't seem to dampen the spirits of the many college sides who were already plying their trade at the Fairgrounds by 8:30 in the morning. Among other things the day proved that the college rugby game is in robust health, with our two public colleges producing some of the most physical rugby witnessed in a long time.
An early shout should go out to Portland Women's team who started the day off right with a win in a 10-aside game against Hudson Valley Women. I'm not sure of the score, but no doubt a write up of their own will soon appear on the site, so stay tuned for the blow-by-blow account.
So, on to the Headliner, which kicked of in cool and damp conditions, yet with a warm throng of supporters on the sidelines. It was soon apparent that the HV side were to play a very similar style of game to Portland, with a strong pack, efficient at keeping the ball to themselves and man-handling it upfield. Thus the game started with an initial testing out period as both sides looked to assert their physical presence on the game.
After about 10 minutes Portland were able to open the scoring which Tom Zabriskie intercepted a midfield pass from the HV backs to run it back the other way and touch down under the posts. Carlos made the conversion, and it was 7-0 Portland. Not long after that Portland followed up with a more deliberate score, taking the scoreline to 12-0, and it looked as though the home side might be able to engage cruise control.
The Rebs had other ideas however, and proved themselves to be no pushover, putting themselves back in the game with a quickly created try. Unfortunately for them their kicker had a bit of a 'mare on the day, and pushed the conversion wide. These were not to be the last extra points that went begging for HV.
One of the recurring themes for the day was that whenever HV was able to score, Portland were able to score one right back, making it difficult for the visitors to create any momentum. Sure enough, after the first Rebel score, Portland were able to march right back down the field and put away another try, wresting back control of the game. Half time came and went, with the scoreline somewhere around 17-12. With weather conditions improving the Portland backs were able to begin the second half with some fine running rugby. Soon enough a fine breakaway effort by Evan Harding was capped off by Fred Hayman to get the scoreboard ticking over again.
Portland did not have it all their own way however, as HV mounted their own counter attacks and proved that their own backs had some skills of their own. At one point the scoreline closed to 21-17, proving the value of those extra points, but as mentioned, Portland were always able to turn the screw a little tighter and maintain control.
A late score from the Rebs just at the stroke of full time made the final score 32-21, closing out a strong, if perhaps less-than-clinical performance for Portland. Known try scorers were Tom and Fred, already mentioned, a brace for Hannes, and one mystery score who no doubt will be in touch with me shortly.
Thanks to the Hudson Valley lads for making the trek up to Maine and for sticking around to enjoy the rest of the day. We wish them the best of luck for the rest of the Spring and their future Fall campaign.
For the efforts, Portland now gets to make the trek up to Syracuse for the D3, NRU Final 4, where they get to take on Syracuse Chargers, and the Superleauge and D1 cast offs from Old Blue and the Wolfhounds. Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose, eh?
After the break, news of a strong B side performance against Bull Moose...
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
College Tourney & so much more...
This Saturday, Portland Rugby Club will be hosting the fifth annual Maine Collegiate Rugby Championship at the Cumberland County Fairgrounds. Men's and women's teams from all over Maine will converge on the Fairgrounds to decide the state champions and compete for a spot on the Maine select-side that will compete in the upcoming New England Championship. Things kick-off at 8 a.m. (ouch! We all know how those students hate to get up in the morning), and will continue through to the awards ceremony at 4 p.m.
As if that wasn't enough excitement, the Portland men's club will be hosting the Met New York D3 Runners Up, Hudson Valley in a regional play-off game. Both teams will be competing for a berth in the Northeast Final 4, which is to be held the following week in Syracuse. Kick-off for that game is 12:25 p.m.
Add to that a B game against Bull Moose from Mount Washington Valley, Portland Women against Hudson Valley Women, as well as High School action and PRFC hosted mini-clinics, and you're sure to get your fill of rugby for the day.
Entry is free to all spectators and refreshments will be available on site.
As if that wasn't enough excitement, the Portland men's club will be hosting the Met New York D3 Runners Up, Hudson Valley in a regional play-off game. Both teams will be competing for a berth in the Northeast Final 4, which is to be held the following week in Syracuse. Kick-off for that game is 12:25 p.m.
Add to that a B game against Bull Moose from Mount Washington Valley, Portland Women against Hudson Valley Women, as well as High School action and PRFC hosted mini-clinics, and you're sure to get your fill of rugby for the day.
Entry is free to all spectators and refreshments will be available on site.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Newport News
After all the waiting and wondering, Portland finally made the trip down to Newport this weekend to settle our fate for this Fall in a Challenge Match which, according to NERFU, was to decided any promotion and relegation after the end of last season.
It meant an early start on a raw morning, with the assembled faithful gathering at the Park & Ride alongside a bus that clearly had more miles on it than even some of our oldest veterans. Despite any misgivings about the mode of transport, the luggage compartment held several cases of refreshment, kindly donated by our new sponsors, Steinlager, so everyone boarded secure in the knowledge that we had more than enough lubrication for the ride home.
Oh, if only we knew then what we know now.
But more on that later. As the bus headed south, so the weather deteriorated. Cloudiness gave way to showers, which gave way to rain and then a steady, driving downpour. Not ideal conditions for such a match, but also weather that is not unfamiliar to the Portland boys, given some of the rain soaked affairs we had been involved in last Fall. Perhaps it was a good omen, disguised as a wet slap in the face.
Having arrived in Newport in good time, the bus soon turned in to a sweaty sauna, as everyone tried to stay dry as long as possible and struggled to don their kit in the cramped conditions. Yet, despite the steamed up windows, there was no disguising the fact that it was still raining cats and dogs outside. Even when the brand new shorts were handed out (courtesy of Steinlager and Portland Pie Company), everyone managed to find their metaphorical glasses half empty, complaining that they were all too big. Apparently, despite most of the team's ample upper body proportions, and dare I say it, man-breasts, they have all somehow managed to retain girlish waistlines and narrow hips that fail to hold up all but the tightest of shorts. Mystifying!
But I digress. After an extensive warm up that was still not able to chase the chill out of the bones, the game finally kicked off, with Portland losing the toss, and finding themselves playing in to the teeth of the gale for the first half. Newport naturally sought to take advantage of the wind, quickly pinning Portland in to their 22 and piling on the pressure. The conditions did not make for great handling however, so there was more than the usual share of scrummaging on account of all the knock ons. The Portland pack was up to the task however, holding their own and even pushing the Newport pack backwards on several occasions. With this kind of resistance Newport found it hard to turn their pressure in to points, having to settle for just a solitary penalty as their only points in the first half. As the whistle blew to mark the interval, Portland were able to look optimistically to the second half, with the wind at their backs to offer some relief.
Sure enough, Portland were able to use the wind to establish themselves within the Newport half, although the slippery conditions still meant that it was difficult for either side to string much together. Indeed, the first Portland points came from some scrappy ball that an alert Mark Fournier (hmmm, I don't recall ever having written that phrase before) kicked through in to the Newport try zone. Displaying some well concealed pace, he was able to out run the shocked defenders and pounce, or perhaps I should say fall, on the ball for the opening score. Carlos Tetzlaff nailed the conversion, 7-3 Portland. Shortly thereafter, Portland were able to add to the score again, this time from a penalty kick, also by Carlos. 10-3.
With about a quarter of the match remaining, Portland scored their second try of the day, this time in a more conventional manner. In keeping with the conditions, it was the Portland pack that mauled the ball over the line, with Hannes Bouwer being helped over by Tractor, Francis and the rest of the crew. Another conversion from Carlos, followed shortly by another penalty, and that effectively put the game out of reach in these conditions. Reduced to 14 men by a late yellow card, Newport staged some last ditched offence, but Portland were able to close the door, and the final score remained at 18-3.
A solid performance by Portland, and surely worthy of a place back in Division Two. Right NERFU?
Despite the worsening conditions, there was still a B Game to be played, and kudos to all those who waited on the touchline in the rain for their turn to run around. Of course, both sides were cold, but it was probably the previous result that gave the bigger lift to Portland. It was all grit and determination up front, but there was also a little finesse, as some deft handling put Dan Joyce through under the post for a first half, 7 point lead.
The second half offered more of the same, with the forwards staying warm as they rucked and mauled around the field, while the back line froze as the rain turned to hail. Portland were able to add to their tally with another try, although I don't remember who scored it. The final scoreline, 12-0, and spectators and players alike were relieved to hear the final whistle so they could retreat to the bus and begin the task of getting dry.
Thanks to Newport for their post-match hospitality, putting on a good spread, with plenty of hot food. A side man-of-the-match honors went to Jason Willey for being the first man at almost all the breakdowns, B side honors went to Dan Joyce, for demonstrating some fine pace on an otherwise slow moving day.
The ride back to Portland proved to be longer than any of us imagined, particularly when the beer ran out by Kennebunk. For some, it was just as well that there was no beer left, since they were already bringing back up their earlier intake. For others though, the lack of beer was the final straw after the bus blew a tire, causing us to limp from Kennebunk to Biddeford before finally giving up the ghost just off Exit 32. Thanks to all the friends & family who came to pick us up, and deliver the weary but happy travelers back to the Park & Ride.
Portland are at home this weekend to Hudson Valley in a regional D3 play-off match. This game, along with a B-side fixture against Bull Moose, and a host of college games will be played at the Cumberland Fairgrounds in the fifth annual Maine Collegiate Rugby Championships. It promises to be a great day of rugby, so please come out and lend your support.
It meant an early start on a raw morning, with the assembled faithful gathering at the Park & Ride alongside a bus that clearly had more miles on it than even some of our oldest veterans. Despite any misgivings about the mode of transport, the luggage compartment held several cases of refreshment, kindly donated by our new sponsors, Steinlager, so everyone boarded secure in the knowledge that we had more than enough lubrication for the ride home.
Oh, if only we knew then what we know now.
But more on that later. As the bus headed south, so the weather deteriorated. Cloudiness gave way to showers, which gave way to rain and then a steady, driving downpour. Not ideal conditions for such a match, but also weather that is not unfamiliar to the Portland boys, given some of the rain soaked affairs we had been involved in last Fall. Perhaps it was a good omen, disguised as a wet slap in the face.
Having arrived in Newport in good time, the bus soon turned in to a sweaty sauna, as everyone tried to stay dry as long as possible and struggled to don their kit in the cramped conditions. Yet, despite the steamed up windows, there was no disguising the fact that it was still raining cats and dogs outside. Even when the brand new shorts were handed out (courtesy of Steinlager and Portland Pie Company), everyone managed to find their metaphorical glasses half empty, complaining that they were all too big. Apparently, despite most of the team's ample upper body proportions, and dare I say it, man-breasts, they have all somehow managed to retain girlish waistlines and narrow hips that fail to hold up all but the tightest of shorts. Mystifying!
But I digress. After an extensive warm up that was still not able to chase the chill out of the bones, the game finally kicked off, with Portland losing the toss, and finding themselves playing in to the teeth of the gale for the first half. Newport naturally sought to take advantage of the wind, quickly pinning Portland in to their 22 and piling on the pressure. The conditions did not make for great handling however, so there was more than the usual share of scrummaging on account of all the knock ons. The Portland pack was up to the task however, holding their own and even pushing the Newport pack backwards on several occasions. With this kind of resistance Newport found it hard to turn their pressure in to points, having to settle for just a solitary penalty as their only points in the first half. As the whistle blew to mark the interval, Portland were able to look optimistically to the second half, with the wind at their backs to offer some relief.
Sure enough, Portland were able to use the wind to establish themselves within the Newport half, although the slippery conditions still meant that it was difficult for either side to string much together. Indeed, the first Portland points came from some scrappy ball that an alert Mark Fournier (hmmm, I don't recall ever having written that phrase before) kicked through in to the Newport try zone. Displaying some well concealed pace, he was able to out run the shocked defenders and pounce, or perhaps I should say fall, on the ball for the opening score. Carlos Tetzlaff nailed the conversion, 7-3 Portland. Shortly thereafter, Portland were able to add to the score again, this time from a penalty kick, also by Carlos. 10-3.
With about a quarter of the match remaining, Portland scored their second try of the day, this time in a more conventional manner. In keeping with the conditions, it was the Portland pack that mauled the ball over the line, with Hannes Bouwer being helped over by Tractor, Francis and the rest of the crew. Another conversion from Carlos, followed shortly by another penalty, and that effectively put the game out of reach in these conditions. Reduced to 14 men by a late yellow card, Newport staged some last ditched offence, but Portland were able to close the door, and the final score remained at 18-3.
A solid performance by Portland, and surely worthy of a place back in Division Two. Right NERFU?
Despite the worsening conditions, there was still a B Game to be played, and kudos to all those who waited on the touchline in the rain for their turn to run around. Of course, both sides were cold, but it was probably the previous result that gave the bigger lift to Portland. It was all grit and determination up front, but there was also a little finesse, as some deft handling put Dan Joyce through under the post for a first half, 7 point lead.
The second half offered more of the same, with the forwards staying warm as they rucked and mauled around the field, while the back line froze as the rain turned to hail. Portland were able to add to their tally with another try, although I don't remember who scored it. The final scoreline, 12-0, and spectators and players alike were relieved to hear the final whistle so they could retreat to the bus and begin the task of getting dry.
Thanks to Newport for their post-match hospitality, putting on a good spread, with plenty of hot food. A side man-of-the-match honors went to Jason Willey for being the first man at almost all the breakdowns, B side honors went to Dan Joyce, for demonstrating some fine pace on an otherwise slow moving day.
The ride back to Portland proved to be longer than any of us imagined, particularly when the beer ran out by Kennebunk. For some, it was just as well that there was no beer left, since they were already bringing back up their earlier intake. For others though, the lack of beer was the final straw after the bus blew a tire, causing us to limp from Kennebunk to Biddeford before finally giving up the ghost just off Exit 32. Thanks to all the friends & family who came to pick us up, and deliver the weary but happy travelers back to the Park & Ride.
Portland are at home this weekend to Hudson Valley in a regional D3 play-off match. This game, along with a B-side fixture against Bull Moose, and a host of college games will be played at the Cumberland Fairgrounds in the fifth annual Maine Collegiate Rugby Championships. It promises to be a great day of rugby, so please come out and lend your support.
Seacoast Warm Up
On an unseasonably hot early-Spring day, April Fool's Day no less, Portland traveled to UNH for a warm up (no pun intended) against Seacoast, and a mixed Keene State/UNH side. With the thermometer pushing 70, there was almost as much exposed flesh on campus as at Spring Break in Daytona, and it was a wonder that any of the team made it to the ground without rear-ending someone (in their cars, I mean).
UNH had set aside a nice artificial turf field for the day's activities, which had been marked with lines for every conceivable sport, and had a few extra taped on for good measure. Regardless, the Portland boys took to the field hoping that their many months of Winter training would pay dividends. Indeed, there were many positive signs of the work that had been done, with the Portland pack chucking the ball around right from the whistle. This they continued to do, much to the frustration of the backs, only to find that they continued to make one pass too many, where anxious hands led to the inevitable knock on. Portland were however blessed with tons of possession in the first half, so despite their mistakes they were able to post the first points of the game with a penalty slotted over by Eric McClain (Spyder). Shortly afterwards another forward passing play was finally executed without error, with Jason Henry making the final moves to touch the ball down. 10-0 Portland, with the promise of more to come.
The first half however finished without further event, other than seeing Mike DeSalle cut down in mid stride by a Hamstring that gave up the ghost. A bitter reward for all Mike's hard work in the off season, but hopefully one that will heal quickly and not keep him out of the game too long.
The second half saw a major re-shuffle by Seacoast, and a reinvigorated pack, much more committed to running the ball at Portland. This being their first game of the season however, Seacoast were not without their own handling errors, and the Portland defense was able to smother any fledgling attacks. However, with possession now no longer a certainty, the inventiveness dried up, and the second half ended without a score for either side. 10-nil the final score, with still plenty of questions left unanswered before the all important Newport match.
The first half of the B game was literally a case of men against boys, with Portland lining up against the college select side. In this instance however it was the boys who came out on top, using their speed and fitness to run around and through the Portland lines on more than one occasion. While the competition up front was more in Portland's favor, there was enough ball supplied to the collegiate backline to make them a serious threat. I don't know the exact score, but it was not flattering to Portland.
The second half was played at a more sedentary pace however, with the Seacoast B side replacing those young college pups. This allowed room for our own young bucks, Ryan Facey and Hannes Bouwer, to link up several times and make themselves a real handful for Seacoast. With Portland reverting to some 10-man rugby, they were soon rumbling over the tryline despite the sudden monsoon conditions. Again, the score line is missing, but Portland put in at least two tries, and I think Seacoast may have managed just one.
All in all a good day out, but an expensive one, with two costly long term injuries. Mike DeSalle, who's hamstring I already mentioned, and Matt Burgess with some kind of groin deal.
UNH had set aside a nice artificial turf field for the day's activities, which had been marked with lines for every conceivable sport, and had a few extra taped on for good measure. Regardless, the Portland boys took to the field hoping that their many months of Winter training would pay dividends. Indeed, there were many positive signs of the work that had been done, with the Portland pack chucking the ball around right from the whistle. This they continued to do, much to the frustration of the backs, only to find that they continued to make one pass too many, where anxious hands led to the inevitable knock on. Portland were however blessed with tons of possession in the first half, so despite their mistakes they were able to post the first points of the game with a penalty slotted over by Eric McClain (Spyder). Shortly afterwards another forward passing play was finally executed without error, with Jason Henry making the final moves to touch the ball down. 10-0 Portland, with the promise of more to come.
The first half however finished without further event, other than seeing Mike DeSalle cut down in mid stride by a Hamstring that gave up the ghost. A bitter reward for all Mike's hard work in the off season, but hopefully one that will heal quickly and not keep him out of the game too long.
The second half saw a major re-shuffle by Seacoast, and a reinvigorated pack, much more committed to running the ball at Portland. This being their first game of the season however, Seacoast were not without their own handling errors, and the Portland defense was able to smother any fledgling attacks. However, with possession now no longer a certainty, the inventiveness dried up, and the second half ended without a score for either side. 10-nil the final score, with still plenty of questions left unanswered before the all important Newport match.
The first half of the B game was literally a case of men against boys, with Portland lining up against the college select side. In this instance however it was the boys who came out on top, using their speed and fitness to run around and through the Portland lines on more than one occasion. While the competition up front was more in Portland's favor, there was enough ball supplied to the collegiate backline to make them a serious threat. I don't know the exact score, but it was not flattering to Portland.
The second half was played at a more sedentary pace however, with the Seacoast B side replacing those young college pups. This allowed room for our own young bucks, Ryan Facey and Hannes Bouwer, to link up several times and make themselves a real handful for Seacoast. With Portland reverting to some 10-man rugby, they were soon rumbling over the tryline despite the sudden monsoon conditions. Again, the score line is missing, but Portland put in at least two tries, and I think Seacoast may have managed just one.
All in all a good day out, but an expensive one, with two costly long term injuries. Mike DeSalle, who's hamstring I already mentioned, and Matt Burgess with some kind of groin deal.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
HBS fail to make Dean's list...
Thursday proved to be a raw, windswept night for the scheduled run-around with Harvard Business School in Amesbury. While this was to be the first warm up match for Portland, HBS were fresh off their European Tour, where they had emerged victorious in some big, international post-grad rugbyfest. Indeed, this year's HBS team definitely had a league-of-nations feel to it, with a broad assortment of accents to be heard in every ruck and maul.
The format for the night was to be 3, 30-minute periods with unlimited subs, providing all of the 25+ Portland players at least one full period of rugby. Thanks to all those who stayed up way past their bedtime to attend, and to all those trying to stay warm on the touchline either waiting for their chance to get on, or supporting those on the field.
The first period of the game was played at a frenetic pace, with HBS looking to spin the ball wide and Portland equally looking to maintain quick ball from each breakdown. While play became a little scrappy at times, Portland maintained the upper hand for most of the period, outscoring HBS by about 3 tries to 1.
After a bit of a reshuffle, Portland took the field sporting a heavier pack and a re-tooled backline, which slowed the game down a little but provided more stability in the set pieces and a stronger platform off which to work. Cold hands and some anxiety about making an impact meant that a few opportunities went begging, but Portland maintained their dominance and put another couple of scores on the board, while HBS managed just a solitary try.
For the third period, a less familiar Portland line up struggled to control the more experienced HBS unit, allowing probably 3 or 4 unanswered tries to make the scores somewhere close to level for the night.
Nevertheless it was a positive first outing for the Portland lads, helping to identify those areas that require more work, as well as those of existing strength.
Practice schedule for the coming week: Tuesday at Gorham (8pm), at the PAC on Thursday (7pm) and at Higgins Beach on Saturday (1:30pm). See you all there.
Romanes Eunt Interweb? A little humor for all you Classics scholars.
No rugby game today, just this fiendish little devil.
The format for the night was to be 3, 30-minute periods with unlimited subs, providing all of the 25+ Portland players at least one full period of rugby. Thanks to all those who stayed up way past their bedtime to attend, and to all those trying to stay warm on the touchline either waiting for their chance to get on, or supporting those on the field.
The first period of the game was played at a frenetic pace, with HBS looking to spin the ball wide and Portland equally looking to maintain quick ball from each breakdown. While play became a little scrappy at times, Portland maintained the upper hand for most of the period, outscoring HBS by about 3 tries to 1.
After a bit of a reshuffle, Portland took the field sporting a heavier pack and a re-tooled backline, which slowed the game down a little but provided more stability in the set pieces and a stronger platform off which to work. Cold hands and some anxiety about making an impact meant that a few opportunities went begging, but Portland maintained their dominance and put another couple of scores on the board, while HBS managed just a solitary try.
For the third period, a less familiar Portland line up struggled to control the more experienced HBS unit, allowing probably 3 or 4 unanswered tries to make the scores somewhere close to level for the night.
Nevertheless it was a positive first outing for the Portland lads, helping to identify those areas that require more work, as well as those of existing strength.
Practice schedule for the coming week: Tuesday at Gorham (8pm), at the PAC on Thursday (7pm) and at Higgins Beach on Saturday (1:30pm). See you all there.
Romanes Eunt Interweb? A little humor for all you Classics scholars.
No rugby game today, just this fiendish little devil.
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