I had planned to write a match report about the Newport game, but just never got around to it. The result enabled us to maintain a clean sheet (of sorts) for the Fall, and the match itself followed a now familiar pattern. For a more detailed account, please re-read the Hartford/Providence/Charles River/Springfield match reports, substituting the word "Newport" for the other team where appropriate.
All in all this Fall proved a test of character for the club as a whole. Credit and thanks go to all of you who showed up to play, to cheer us on, to coach us or just to share in our pain. As Kipling said, "it's a thin red line of heroes when the drums begin to roll". Well the line got mighty thin this season, and it may have bent but it never broke. Heroes to a man.
OK, before I get too mushy about you bastards, it is my duty to remind you of the upcoming banquet, to be held on Nov. 20th at Bull Feeney's in the Old Port. Tickets are $20 and include food and some cold beverages. You can pay J-Wil ahead of time at the Deli, or you can probably pony up on the night. At the very least let someone on the exec. know you're coming, and bring a friend if you have any left.
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Halloween
Ah Halloween, the one time of the year that it’s OK to dress like a woman. But this year, instead of sitting on the couch eating all your candy, why not get your freak on and bring it Jerry Alves’ Halloween Party. It’s this Saturday, and apparently it’s from whenever you feel like showing up, to whenever you feel like leaving.
I know that most of you have lived at Jerry’s house at one time or another, so you know where it is. But, in case you don’t, feel free to call him on 879-0356 or 252-2075. If you’re afraid to call Jerry and want to get directions from J-Wil instead, 751-8029. That way you can make sure you won’t both turn up wearing the same dog collar and strap-on.
Newport match report to follow soon.
I know that most of you have lived at Jerry’s house at one time or another, so you know where it is. But, in case you don’t, feel free to call him on 879-0356 or 252-2075. If you’re afraid to call Jerry and want to get directions from J-Wil instead, 751-8029. That way you can make sure you won’t both turn up wearing the same dog collar and strap-on.
Newport match report to follow soon.
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
Springfield report
There's bad luck, there's lousy luck, and then somewhere below that there's Portland luck. With our first home game in what seems like two years the Portland side was swelled by some very welcome experience as they went in to the match against Springfield this weekend. So much for that. In the space of about 30 early-game seconds, all of that good news was erased when three players went down with game ending injuries, leaving the team back at square one.
On a blustery day at Fox Street, the game opened with some intense Springfield offense, and some equally intense defense by Portland inside their own 22. It was in this period that Mike Desalle picked up the first injury with a compound fracture/dislocation/laceration of his thumb. Before the ref even had time to blow the whistle for that injury, CB Brady picked up a gash to the head that would also send him to the hospital. With subs in place, play resumed only to have "little" Jake go down at Center with a separated shoulder.
I'm happy to say that after a brief tour of Portland's finest hospitals, all were taken care of, and made it back in time for the all important drink-up. Meanwhile, those left standing set about grinding themselves out of the hole they now found themselves in. The strong wind in the first half helped to keep most of the early play deep in Portland territory. Before long the Springfield backs were able to set up an overload in broken play, looking like a bunch of guys who had played together more than a few times. The all too familiar breakaway try ensued, which in past weeks might have sent the Portland boys into a downward spiral. By now however this side has faced pretty much every bitter pill that fate has handed out to them, swallowed it with a smile, and asked for more. Bouncing back off the ropes, Portland was able to string together a couple of passes of their own from the back of a scrum, ultimately sending Freddy Hayman scything through a couple of defenders and over the line.
Although Portland trailed at the half, their tail's were up, and were ready to take advantage of the wind in the second half. So, naturally, the wind dropped...
Nevertheless Portland hung on after the re-start, and were able to level the score at 12-12 with a pick up off the back of a 5 meter scrum. Alas, that was as close as they were going to get to victory, as cracks inevitably began to show in the makeshift side. No disrespect to all of those players who came on to fill in the gaps and give their all. In the end though, Springfield were able to rack a couple of breakaway scores, giving them the ultimate victory. The game ultimately fizzled out a little, with some suspicion that the game was called a little early due to the inevitable rancor that set it. Any ill feeling that may have been simmering was no doubt brought to the surface by a certain Springfield Center who squealed like a little girl, and had a little-girl hairdo to match. No doubt this character has been making friends throughout the division. I rest easy though, knowing that the long arm of NERFU will reach out to right injustice, spreading goodwill throughout the league.
The B Game also saw a win for Springfield, as they fielded pretty much the same side as in the first game. I don't know the score, but I do know that the game was superbly officiated, and saw a batch of new faces that might just be the future of the club.
Portland play their final game of the season this Saturday, at home to Newport. Kick off is at 1pm, so be sure to come out and rally round the family.
On a blustery day at Fox Street, the game opened with some intense Springfield offense, and some equally intense defense by Portland inside their own 22. It was in this period that Mike Desalle picked up the first injury with a compound fracture/dislocation/laceration of his thumb. Before the ref even had time to blow the whistle for that injury, CB Brady picked up a gash to the head that would also send him to the hospital. With subs in place, play resumed only to have "little" Jake go down at Center with a separated shoulder.
I'm happy to say that after a brief tour of Portland's finest hospitals, all were taken care of, and made it back in time for the all important drink-up. Meanwhile, those left standing set about grinding themselves out of the hole they now found themselves in. The strong wind in the first half helped to keep most of the early play deep in Portland territory. Before long the Springfield backs were able to set up an overload in broken play, looking like a bunch of guys who had played together more than a few times. The all too familiar breakaway try ensued, which in past weeks might have sent the Portland boys into a downward spiral. By now however this side has faced pretty much every bitter pill that fate has handed out to them, swallowed it with a smile, and asked for more. Bouncing back off the ropes, Portland was able to string together a couple of passes of their own from the back of a scrum, ultimately sending Freddy Hayman scything through a couple of defenders and over the line.
Although Portland trailed at the half, their tail's were up, and were ready to take advantage of the wind in the second half. So, naturally, the wind dropped...
Nevertheless Portland hung on after the re-start, and were able to level the score at 12-12 with a pick up off the back of a 5 meter scrum. Alas, that was as close as they were going to get to victory, as cracks inevitably began to show in the makeshift side. No disrespect to all of those players who came on to fill in the gaps and give their all. In the end though, Springfield were able to rack a couple of breakaway scores, giving them the ultimate victory. The game ultimately fizzled out a little, with some suspicion that the game was called a little early due to the inevitable rancor that set it. Any ill feeling that may have been simmering was no doubt brought to the surface by a certain Springfield Center who squealed like a little girl, and had a little-girl hairdo to match. No doubt this character has been making friends throughout the division. I rest easy though, knowing that the long arm of NERFU will reach out to right injustice, spreading goodwill throughout the league.
The B Game also saw a win for Springfield, as they fielded pretty much the same side as in the first game. I don't know the score, but I do know that the game was superbly officiated, and saw a batch of new faces that might just be the future of the club.
Portland play their final game of the season this Saturday, at home to Newport. Kick off is at 1pm, so be sure to come out and rally round the family.
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
Burlington report
Nothing tests a side like a trip to Burlington. Not that there's anything wrong with the city itself. In fact, if you happen to like life on the crunchy side, then this is the town for you. But trust me, it's no day trip.
Somewhere just south of Canada was another team struggling at the bottom of D2, and they had the honor of hosting the Portland boys this weekend. At this stage of the season it would be safe to say that wooden utensils are being discussed, and both sides are looking for the positive signs for next season. From the Portland perspective it was good to see a couple of brand new faces; proof positive that even a little bit of recruitment can pay dividends. Hopefully more of the same can only serve to swell the ranks for next year.
The match itself was an all too familiar story, with Portland failing to translate guts and determination in to points. Compounding this was the inevitable road weariness that took some time (and one score) to shake off, the growing list of injuries, and the fact that no ref materialized and the match was instead officiated by one of the Burlington coaches. Seemingly the refs hate the drive up there even more than we do. Whether an impartial ref would've made any difference to the outcome is doubtful, but the fact this bloke was handing out yellow post-it notes (offering a free trip to the sin bin) to Portland players faster than a secretary on speed gives you some idea of the distractions we had to contend with.
As usual, a tight half-time score gave way to a widening gap in the second half. The Burlington kicker was in the groove, and was able to punish pretty much every penalty we gave up. Final score was in the neighborhood of 30-10, with the Portland boys scrapping both literally and figuratively right up to the end. Man of the Match for Portland was Jeff Keating, who showed up and played with his ribs barely held together, and helped to set up at least one of the Portland tries.
The B game had little to commend it, other than the presence of our roving reporter, Chris Joob, who stepped out from behind the notebook to lace up some boots and get a taste of the game first hand. Credit to Chris for giving it a try, and hopefully it's not the last time we'll see him in a scarlet jersey. Thanks go to all those who made the trip and left it all out there on both games.
At this stage we have just two home games left in the season. Most of the regular players in the club are carrying at least one injury, and those still standing don't need to be playing two games every weekend. If you ever pulled on a Portland jersey, we need your help for the next two weekends. Even if you think you've only got half a B game in you, we need you to shoulder the load and help out the club. Who knows, you might even find out that you miss the game.
Somewhere just south of Canada was another team struggling at the bottom of D2, and they had the honor of hosting the Portland boys this weekend. At this stage of the season it would be safe to say that wooden utensils are being discussed, and both sides are looking for the positive signs for next season. From the Portland perspective it was good to see a couple of brand new faces; proof positive that even a little bit of recruitment can pay dividends. Hopefully more of the same can only serve to swell the ranks for next year.
The match itself was an all too familiar story, with Portland failing to translate guts and determination in to points. Compounding this was the inevitable road weariness that took some time (and one score) to shake off, the growing list of injuries, and the fact that no ref materialized and the match was instead officiated by one of the Burlington coaches. Seemingly the refs hate the drive up there even more than we do. Whether an impartial ref would've made any difference to the outcome is doubtful, but the fact this bloke was handing out yellow post-it notes (offering a free trip to the sin bin) to Portland players faster than a secretary on speed gives you some idea of the distractions we had to contend with.
As usual, a tight half-time score gave way to a widening gap in the second half. The Burlington kicker was in the groove, and was able to punish pretty much every penalty we gave up. Final score was in the neighborhood of 30-10, with the Portland boys scrapping both literally and figuratively right up to the end. Man of the Match for Portland was Jeff Keating, who showed up and played with his ribs barely held together, and helped to set up at least one of the Portland tries.
The B game had little to commend it, other than the presence of our roving reporter, Chris Joob, who stepped out from behind the notebook to lace up some boots and get a taste of the game first hand. Credit to Chris for giving it a try, and hopefully it's not the last time we'll see him in a scarlet jersey. Thanks go to all those who made the trip and left it all out there on both games.
At this stage we have just two home games left in the season. Most of the regular players in the club are carrying at least one injury, and those still standing don't need to be playing two games every weekend. If you ever pulled on a Portland jersey, we need your help for the next two weekends. Even if you think you've only got half a B game in you, we need you to shoulder the load and help out the club. Who knows, you might even find out that you miss the game.
Monday, October 04, 2004
Charles River report
OK, now I know how Paul Bremmer felt, trying to put on a positive spin on the news with bombs going off in the background. On the "good news" front, it didn't rain this week, although the pitch supplied by Boston Sand and Gravel was proof that there is still plenty of digging left to be done in the city. What you love about Charles River is that you never have to play on the same ground twice. That way you don't have to get attached to any of those nice grounds they used to play on.
Of course, not many of Charles River's current team can remember any of those grounds, nor all the ass-whoppings we handed out back in the day. But that was a much simpler time, when we all knew which way was up, and all the D2 results before they happen. Well holy hell if this isn't a whole new day, and all that old bastards like me can do is sit around and complain about other team's good fortune. Well vive la bloody-fuckin'-difference!
OK, enough of that whining. Charles River fielded a well drilled and physical side, which is something I am getting tired of saying about our opponents this year. With a couple of wins under their belt, they were clearly looking to take advantage of their momentum. I'd love to tell you how many wins exactly, but the nerfu website stumbles from bad to worse. Were you of a mind to try and view the league standings, you might be surprised by the number of draws that have come up. Note to nerfu: just because the the local community college offers html programmers on the cheap, doesn't necessarily mean they know what they're doing.
Sorry, did I say I was done whining? If only. OK, where was I? Right, the first ten minutes or so were played at a frenetic pace, with both sides running and tackling hard. It seemed only a matter of time before one side made a breakthrough. Eventually Portland yielded, allowing River their first score through an overload on the weak side. They soon scored again through a hopeful (or was it gifted?) chip kick, that ended in a 50/50 ball that came down in their favor. Before the half Portland was able to claw some way back with a score of their own, although I'm not sure who got a hand on it in the end. We converted, and I think the half time score was 14-7.
The second half reflected pretty much the same dominance, and while Portland continued to make life difficult, the gap continued to widen. As usual, memory of specific detail is sketchy. I know we scored again, but River scored more. Final score was apparently something like 32-12.
Portland hit the road again this weekend, as they travel to Burlington, for a match up that usually provides an entertaining scrap. Whatever happens, let's hope that the boat that delivered a crap-load of new recruits to every team south of Portsmouth makes a stop in Portland soon.
Of course, not many of Charles River's current team can remember any of those grounds, nor all the ass-whoppings we handed out back in the day. But that was a much simpler time, when we all knew which way was up, and all the D2 results before they happen. Well holy hell if this isn't a whole new day, and all that old bastards like me can do is sit around and complain about other team's good fortune. Well vive la bloody-fuckin'-difference!
OK, enough of that whining. Charles River fielded a well drilled and physical side, which is something I am getting tired of saying about our opponents this year. With a couple of wins under their belt, they were clearly looking to take advantage of their momentum. I'd love to tell you how many wins exactly, but the nerfu website stumbles from bad to worse. Were you of a mind to try and view the league standings, you might be surprised by the number of draws that have come up. Note to nerfu: just because the the local community college offers html programmers on the cheap, doesn't necessarily mean they know what they're doing.
Sorry, did I say I was done whining? If only. OK, where was I? Right, the first ten minutes or so were played at a frenetic pace, with both sides running and tackling hard. It seemed only a matter of time before one side made a breakthrough. Eventually Portland yielded, allowing River their first score through an overload on the weak side. They soon scored again through a hopeful (or was it gifted?) chip kick, that ended in a 50/50 ball that came down in their favor. Before the half Portland was able to claw some way back with a score of their own, although I'm not sure who got a hand on it in the end. We converted, and I think the half time score was 14-7.
The second half reflected pretty much the same dominance, and while Portland continued to make life difficult, the gap continued to widen. As usual, memory of specific detail is sketchy. I know we scored again, but River scored more. Final score was apparently something like 32-12.
Portland hit the road again this weekend, as they travel to Burlington, for a match up that usually provides an entertaining scrap. Whatever happens, let's hope that the boat that delivered a crap-load of new recruits to every team south of Portsmouth makes a stop in Portland soon.
Monday, September 27, 2004
Providence report
A light side traveled to Providence on Saturday without a good number of regulars who had other commitments. The game was a relatively good one with each side scoring a try in the first half, with the 10-5 halftime score reflecting the solid first phase defense of Portland. ScottyToHotty (playing outside center) set up Bernie for a good-looking Portland try. The second half had Portland playing into the wind and the game slipped away with the lads (in their flashy new red strip) being caught out and unable to re-organize their defense to a counter-attacking Providence back-line. Final scoreline was somewhere in the five tries to one ballpark. Kudos to Andy Nelson for making the trip with his trashed shoulder and pulling on a jersey.
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