Tuesday, December 14, 2004
College Tourney Date
PRFC and Hews Truck Bodies & Equipment will once again present the Maine Collegiate Rugby Championships on April 23, 2005.
Saturday, December 04, 2004
Awards and other goings on
There's lots to catch up on, so let's get right on with it.
Firstly, last month saw the annual awards banquet which was a very well attended affair, and saw everyone get together to re-live some of their favorite moments from the past season. As you can imagine, that didn't take too long, so plenty of time was left for drinking.
There was also time for awards, both official and humorous, and I'll do my best to remember them here. Firstly in the official category:
MVP - Jeff Keating
Living proof of the theraputic powers of rugby, Jeff put in another stellar season, playing in every game, whether he was healthy or not. His solid defense, linout prowess and his ability to always be in the right place at the right time were a huge contribution to our success this season. Oh wait....well, it was a huge contribution, anyway.
Biggest Contribution to the Club - Jason Willey
Anyone can be captain when things are going well, but it takes true character to steer the ship when all you can see is icebergs. Jason did just that, making a huge commitment to the club, and keeping our spirits up when things looked the most bleak.
Most Improved Player - Jim Gooch
Although Jim almost let this award slip by unoticed, his modesty conceals a talent and desire that has become invaluable to the club. In fact, I think this is Jim's second year winning this award, proving that he is not one to rest on his laurels. At this rate he'll be MVP in no time.
On the unofficial side, Jimmy Hendrix gave out so many great awards I can't even remember half of them. I do know that the La La Award was finally wrestled out of Jason Willey's grasp, and the head-ringing torch was passed to CB Brady. Bernie, er, I mean Ted, got a t-shirt to help him with his identity crisis. And a bunch of other stuff was given out, and if I hadn't waited so long to write this, then I probably would've remembered some of it. Gerry gave out some awards too, which mostly seem to go to people who've lived in his house at some time or another. That alone deserves an award. Oh, no, really, I was just kidding about that.
OK. That about wraps up the banquet. Props go to Jim Gooch for setting it all up, and for delivering such an elequent recap of the season, all without a crib sheet.
Oh yeah, of course the big news, was that thanks to our perfect season, NERFU has, in its wisdom, decided that we would enjoy next season more if we spent it in Division 3. In an unprecedented move, North Shore decided they wanted to give it a try in D2, and all of a suddden NERFU has started caring about the numbers of teams in our leauge, so down we go. Depending on your outlook, this is a good opportunity to prove a few people wrong, and pick up some hardware in the process. Of course, you could also see it as the final nail pinning you to the couch.
Wow, that's a great segue in to the fact that the AGM is coming up on Tuesday (the 7th), so you can get out and help us put together a plan to regain our rightful place in D2. Or keep your fat arse on the couch. It's your call, but it all goes down in the book.
Right. Last on the list is the fact that we are finally going to get a chance to see some of those pictures Ross took all Fall. My god, the guy was a hero for just standing on the touch line all through the Old Gold game, so make sure you get out to his exhibit on December 12th. It's at the Salt Institute, on Federal Street, from 5pm to 7pm. Be there, and I dare say you'll find someone to go out and get a drink with afterwards.
Firstly, last month saw the annual awards banquet which was a very well attended affair, and saw everyone get together to re-live some of their favorite moments from the past season. As you can imagine, that didn't take too long, so plenty of time was left for drinking.
There was also time for awards, both official and humorous, and I'll do my best to remember them here. Firstly in the official category:
MVP - Jeff Keating
Living proof of the theraputic powers of rugby, Jeff put in another stellar season, playing in every game, whether he was healthy or not. His solid defense, linout prowess and his ability to always be in the right place at the right time were a huge contribution to our success this season. Oh wait....well, it was a huge contribution, anyway.
Biggest Contribution to the Club - Jason Willey
Anyone can be captain when things are going well, but it takes true character to steer the ship when all you can see is icebergs. Jason did just that, making a huge commitment to the club, and keeping our spirits up when things looked the most bleak.
Most Improved Player - Jim Gooch
Although Jim almost let this award slip by unoticed, his modesty conceals a talent and desire that has become invaluable to the club. In fact, I think this is Jim's second year winning this award, proving that he is not one to rest on his laurels. At this rate he'll be MVP in no time.
On the unofficial side, Jimmy Hendrix gave out so many great awards I can't even remember half of them. I do know that the La La Award was finally wrestled out of Jason Willey's grasp, and the head-ringing torch was passed to CB Brady. Bernie, er, I mean Ted, got a t-shirt to help him with his identity crisis. And a bunch of other stuff was given out, and if I hadn't waited so long to write this, then I probably would've remembered some of it. Gerry gave out some awards too, which mostly seem to go to people who've lived in his house at some time or another. That alone deserves an award. Oh, no, really, I was just kidding about that.
OK. That about wraps up the banquet. Props go to Jim Gooch for setting it all up, and for delivering such an elequent recap of the season, all without a crib sheet.
Oh yeah, of course the big news, was that thanks to our perfect season, NERFU has, in its wisdom, decided that we would enjoy next season more if we spent it in Division 3. In an unprecedented move, North Shore decided they wanted to give it a try in D2, and all of a suddden NERFU has started caring about the numbers of teams in our leauge, so down we go. Depending on your outlook, this is a good opportunity to prove a few people wrong, and pick up some hardware in the process. Of course, you could also see it as the final nail pinning you to the couch.
Wow, that's a great segue in to the fact that the AGM is coming up on Tuesday (the 7th), so you can get out and help us put together a plan to regain our rightful place in D2. Or keep your fat arse on the couch. It's your call, but it all goes down in the book.
Right. Last on the list is the fact that we are finally going to get a chance to see some of those pictures Ross took all Fall. My god, the guy was a hero for just standing on the touch line all through the Old Gold game, so make sure you get out to his exhibit on December 12th. It's at the Salt Institute, on Federal Street, from 5pm to 7pm. Be there, and I dare say you'll find someone to go out and get a drink with afterwards.
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
AGM
The club's annual general meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 7th at 6pm in the food court at One City Center. Please be there to vote on President, Captain, Secretary and Treasurer positions, to get an update on the state of the club, and to set the tone for the year to come.
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
Fall '04 wrap-up
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.
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.
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.
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