Friday, April 15, 2005
A cautionary tale
I stumbled across this disturbing story of rugger's night out gone awry and thought I would pass it on. I think this, along with their dismal Six Nations showing this year, clearly sets the Scottish apart from the other home nations. It should also be noted that Portland Rugby has a disproportionally large number of members with a last name beginning with "Mc"...
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Home Opener
After a Winter that seemed like it would never end, Portland got its season underway in bright sunshine this past Saturday. Long time friends and rivals Amoskeag made the trip up to Cumberland Fairgrounds, offering up an early test for Portland's new(ish) looking side.
Before any of that stuff however, we had the treat of watching some of Portland's bygone (and not so bygone) stars do their thing in the Old Boys game. While in the past our A side might have been accused of being long in the tooth, they make for a sprightly looking Old Boys team, and it wasn't long before they were stretching their legs against a not so sprightly side from Amoskeag. To be fair, they did out number they visitors by a couple, but even after we lent them a few players, the Portland side was soon leading comfortably. The match turned in to something of an exhibition for Portland, and the way they were slinging the ball around made it clear that they had no intention of getting their shorts dirty. The final score was unknown, but I've no doubt that Portland won handily.
If the Old Boys game was an exhibition, then the A Side had a grittier quality, even if the final scoreline was as one sided. Portland fielded many new faces from the side that struggled through last Fall, along with well...ahem...a good sprinkling of familiar ones. All in all it looks like a side with a lot of promise, but one that needs to get to know itself a bit better. While Portland competed physically in both the set piece and the breakdown, and won its fair share of ball, it did not capitalize on its chances as effectively as the Amoskeag backline. Indeed, it was the visitor's decision making with the ball in hand that decided the match; turning scrappy ball in to scoring opportunities with crisp passing and sharp running.
Portland should take heart in the fact that they contested the match right down to the final whistle, and threatened to score on a couple of occaisions. It's a cliche, but there's no substitute for match experience, and after all that time indoors playing with ourselves, it was a bit much to expect Ron Jeremy to show up on the first outing. Nevertheless, Portland showed that they knew what was supposed to go where, and showed stamina. Most girls would be happy with that as a start.
Er...OK, I don't know how that got all smutty there. The day was, after all, a great family day out, with plenty of good rugby for all. To cap things off, the B side ended up playing pretty much the same Amoskeag side the A side had faced, so I don't think that game went much better. If anyone knows the score, then let me know. Despite that, the club took a good step forward, and I think most of us had a good day out.
Worcester is visiting us at the Fairgrounds this weekend, so make sure you're at practice again this Thursday. Be at Fox Street at 6pm sharp, since there's a lot to cover, including the election of Selectors "at large".
Before any of that stuff however, we had the treat of watching some of Portland's bygone (and not so bygone) stars do their thing in the Old Boys game. While in the past our A side might have been accused of being long in the tooth, they make for a sprightly looking Old Boys team, and it wasn't long before they were stretching their legs against a not so sprightly side from Amoskeag. To be fair, they did out number they visitors by a couple, but even after we lent them a few players, the Portland side was soon leading comfortably. The match turned in to something of an exhibition for Portland, and the way they were slinging the ball around made it clear that they had no intention of getting their shorts dirty. The final score was unknown, but I've no doubt that Portland won handily.
If the Old Boys game was an exhibition, then the A Side had a grittier quality, even if the final scoreline was as one sided. Portland fielded many new faces from the side that struggled through last Fall, along with well...ahem...a good sprinkling of familiar ones. All in all it looks like a side with a lot of promise, but one that needs to get to know itself a bit better. While Portland competed physically in both the set piece and the breakdown, and won its fair share of ball, it did not capitalize on its chances as effectively as the Amoskeag backline. Indeed, it was the visitor's decision making with the ball in hand that decided the match; turning scrappy ball in to scoring opportunities with crisp passing and sharp running.
Portland should take heart in the fact that they contested the match right down to the final whistle, and threatened to score on a couple of occaisions. It's a cliche, but there's no substitute for match experience, and after all that time indoors playing with ourselves, it was a bit much to expect Ron Jeremy to show up on the first outing. Nevertheless, Portland showed that they knew what was supposed to go where, and showed stamina. Most girls would be happy with that as a start.
Er...OK, I don't know how that got all smutty there. The day was, after all, a great family day out, with plenty of good rugby for all. To cap things off, the B side ended up playing pretty much the same Amoskeag side the A side had faced, so I don't think that game went much better. If anyone knows the score, then let me know. Despite that, the club took a good step forward, and I think most of us had a good day out.
Worcester is visiting us at the Fairgrounds this weekend, so make sure you're at practice again this Thursday. Be at Fox Street at 6pm sharp, since there's a lot to cover, including the election of Selectors "at large".
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Practice 4/11
We are finally moving practice outside and stepping it up to twice a week. Going forward, practice will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm to 8pm at Fox Street Field. For those of you not familiar with Fox Street, click on the Directions link of the site, and it's all right there for you.
On days of potential inclement weather, check back with the site during the day to see if practice has been cancelled or moved.
On days of potential inclement weather, check back with the site during the day to see if practice has been cancelled or moved.
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Home Match - Amoskeag - 4/9
Enough talk already, it's about time you played some damn rugby, and have I got a game for you. This Saturday we've got Old Boys, we've got A & B side, we've got food 'n' a keg, and maybe even a bit of sunshine. Hell, short of hookers and blow, I don't know that there's much more to life than that.
Ahem...ah, well....er, maybe there are a few other things, but you've got plenty of time to take care of those things by yourself. This Saturday it's all rugby, and the fun gets started at noon sharp with the Old Boys. So, if you've got more hair growing out of your nose than on the top of your head, then you'd better be there at 11am for a nice long warm up. Come to think of it, you're likely to see some of the craftiest, free wheelin' rugby this side of the Harlem Globetrotters in that match, so you'd better ALL be there to pick up a few tips.
Anyway, apparently my directions to the Fairgrounds were a little confusing, which just serves me right for trying to snag some content off a frisbee website. Thankfully Leo has stepped up to provide me with some simpler directions. Here goes....from Portland take Washington Ave exit 8 off 295 out of town (Rt 26/100). Stay on this road for about 5 miles to the Hannaford light (entrance to 95 exit 53). then still stay on this road 4.7 miles to the fairgrounds sign..follow directions on the previous post from there.
From 95N or 95S take exit 53, take left at light at end of exit go 4.7 miles (Rt 26/100) to the fairgrounds sign..follow directions earlier post.
Anyone who disagrees with these directions should take it up with Leo. I'm sure he'd love to hear from you. In fact, why don't you call him right now.
Ahem...ah, well....er, maybe there are a few other things, but you've got plenty of time to take care of those things by yourself. This Saturday it's all rugby, and the fun gets started at noon sharp with the Old Boys. So, if you've got more hair growing out of your nose than on the top of your head, then you'd better be there at 11am for a nice long warm up. Come to think of it, you're likely to see some of the craftiest, free wheelin' rugby this side of the Harlem Globetrotters in that match, so you'd better ALL be there to pick up a few tips.
Anyway, apparently my directions to the Fairgrounds were a little confusing, which just serves me right for trying to snag some content off a frisbee website. Thankfully Leo has stepped up to provide me with some simpler directions. Here goes....from Portland take Washington Ave exit 8 off 295 out of town (Rt 26/100). Stay on this road for about 5 miles to the Hannaford light (entrance to 95 exit 53). then still stay on this road 4.7 miles to the fairgrounds sign..follow directions on the previous post from there.
From 95N or 95S take exit 53, take left at light at end of exit go 4.7 miles (Rt 26/100) to the fairgrounds sign..follow directions earlier post.
Anyone who disagrees with these directions should take it up with Leo. I'm sure he'd love to hear from you. In fact, why don't you call him right now.
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Training - 4/6
Fox Street still has ducks on it, so for one last time we'll be practice at the Gorham Sports Center this Wednesday, 9pm to 10:30pm. This is also our last practice before Amoskeag, so if you have any intention of playing, you'd better get yourself along there.
Weather permitting we'll be practicing outside next week, at a much more sociable hour, so watch this space for more info. on that.
Saturday's game has been confirmed at the Cumberland Fairgrounds, which is roughly in this vicinity. Below are some more detailed directions:
Cumberland Fairgrounds
From Portland and north off 295 / I-95:
Take 295 North out of Portland
Take Exit 10 (Falmouth)
Bear right off the Exit towards Rt. 9
At the light, take a right on Rt. 9
Bear left at the fork (this keeps you on Rt. 9)
Go for about 5 miles until you come to the blinking light in Cumberland Center.
Take a left on Blanchard Road. (the road is called blanchard to the left, and tuttle to the right).
Go about a mile on Blanchard.
Cumberland Fairgrounds is on the left.
Go in the entrance, and all the way to the back.
From the South of Portland (I-95 / Maine Turnpike):
Take I-95 North to 495 North (Same road if you take no exits)
Take Exit 53 (which is 1/4 mile past exit 9, it comes up quick).
Go Left after the toll booth (Rt. 100 / 26).
Travel approximately 4.7 miles on this road.
At ~4.7 miles you will see a convenience store on your left.
On your right across from the store there is a sign for the Cumberland Fairgrounds, Take this Right (Range Rd.)
Take the 2nd left (Bruce Hill Rd. - the road sort of looks like a fork at this 2nd left).
The fairgrounds are ~1 mile down on the left. Take this (the first) entrance.
As an alternative take exit 44 off I-95N to 295 North into Portland. Then follow the 1st set of direct above.
It's a little longer but maybe easier to follow.
*NO DOGS ALLOWED!
Thanks to Portland Ultimate for those directions. I always knew those frisbee stoners would come in handy. While you're at it you might want to check out their comprehensive directions to just about anywhere that we may play or practice. No, on second thoughts, I don't want you reading any of that gay stuff. I need you all to stay repressed and aggressive. Stay tunded for times for Saturday's match.
Weather permitting we'll be practicing outside next week, at a much more sociable hour, so watch this space for more info. on that.
Saturday's game has been confirmed at the Cumberland Fairgrounds, which is roughly in this vicinity. Below are some more detailed directions:
Cumberland Fairgrounds
From Portland and north off 295 / I-95:
Take 295 North out of Portland
Take Exit 10 (Falmouth)
Bear right off the Exit towards Rt. 9
At the light, take a right on Rt. 9
Bear left at the fork (this keeps you on Rt. 9)
Go for about 5 miles until you come to the blinking light in Cumberland Center.
Take a left on Blanchard Road. (the road is called blanchard to the left, and tuttle to the right).
Go about a mile on Blanchard.
Cumberland Fairgrounds is on the left.
Go in the entrance, and all the way to the back.
From the South of Portland (I-95 / Maine Turnpike):
Take I-95 North to 495 North (Same road if you take no exits)
Take Exit 53 (which is 1/4 mile past exit 9, it comes up quick).
Go Left after the toll booth (Rt. 100 / 26).
Travel approximately 4.7 miles on this road.
At ~4.7 miles you will see a convenience store on your left.
On your right across from the store there is a sign for the Cumberland Fairgrounds, Take this Right (Range Rd.)
Take the 2nd left (Bruce Hill Rd. - the road sort of looks like a fork at this 2nd left).
The fairgrounds are ~1 mile down on the left. Take this (the first) entrance.
As an alternative take exit 44 off I-95N to 295 North into Portland. Then follow the 1st set of direct above.
It's a little longer but maybe easier to follow.
*NO DOGS ALLOWED!
Thanks to Portland Ultimate for those directions. I always knew those frisbee stoners would come in handy. While you're at it you might want to check out their comprehensive directions to just about anywhere that we may play or practice. No, on second thoughts, I don't want you reading any of that gay stuff. I need you all to stay repressed and aggressive. Stay tunded for times for Saturday's match.
Monday, April 04, 2005
Wedding bells?
Well, it looks as though reports of CC's deportation may have been premature. The attached picture has surfaced indicating his recent marriage, along with a brief note claiming that he now resides in Sacramento, CA. What, no time to send out invites?
The date on the picture suggests that they have now been married for almost three months - and still going strong! I'll try not to read to much in to the fact that the bride isn't wearing white, or that CC's suit seems a little on the large side. I'm sure it wasn't rented.
The smile on the girls face seems genuine enough, so it's probably not part of some elaborate plea arrangement to stay in the country. I'm sure you'll all join me in wishing them good luck and best wishes, and we all look forward to seeing the pictures of baby-CC in oh, about another 3 months.
The date on the picture suggests that they have now been married for almost three months - and still going strong! I'll try not to read to much in to the fact that the bride isn't wearing white, or that CC's suit seems a little on the large side. I'm sure it wasn't rented.
The smile on the girls face seems genuine enough, so it's probably not part of some elaborate plea arrangement to stay in the country. I'm sure you'll all join me in wishing them good luck and best wishes, and we all look forward to seeing the pictures of baby-CC in oh, about another 3 months.
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