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.
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
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.
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
OK, scratch that stuff about the meeting at Gritty’s tonight. That’s all wrong, and will probably be held next week. Practice is ON tonight at Riverton School, under the lights at 7pm. We will be continuing practice at this location from now on. Make sure you make it. Call for directions if you are unfamiliar with Riverton – 329.3630 (me) or 751.8029 (J-Wil). I’ll try to get them posted soon.
On a field more suited to water polo than rugby, Old Gold got the better of Portland this weekend, as both sides sought to come away with bragging rights in this ongoing DII rivalry.
Old Gold, fielding a new look pack, that seemed to have spent a good deal of time at the buffet table over the summer, looked to assert their physical presence early. Using the slope of the field to their advantage, the home team employed a strategy of crash ball that was always going to be hard to defend. While the conditions made it very difficult for either side to maintain possession for very long, ultimately Old Gold were able to break through the Portland defenses and register the first points. Place kicking was not going to be anyone’s strong point on the day, and the score line stood at 5-0 in favor of the “units”.
While Portland began to muster some offense of their own, the lack of predictable possession from the set piece, combined with the early departure of their fly-half, Joey D’Andria, meant it was difficult for them to muster much of a cohesive effort. As a result, Old Gold were soon banging the ball down the slope again, and the laws of physics prevailed, giving them their second score of the half. Unconverted again, the score stood at 10-0 “units”.
Late in the first half though, Portland found themselves at the “dry” end of the pitch and were able to secure clean ball from a line out, which they then drove menacingly towards the Old Gold line. Sensing trouble, the Old Gold forwards did what they know best, and set out to pull the maul down. Although they were unsuccessful, they were able to bring the maul to standstill, resulting in a scrum in their favor. Fortunately the ball managed to squirt out the of the back under pressure from Jerry Alves, and the vigilant Jeff Keating was able to jump on the ball in the try zone. Score one for the good guys. Jason Willey was able to defy the odds and make the conversion, leaving the half-time score at 10-7.
The second half began with Portland applying some gravitational pressure of their own, although they were unable to wade through and cross the Old Gold line. Eventually a kickable penalty opportunity presented itself, but Jason’s attempt to punch a four iron out of the water hazard drifted right, and did not trouble the scorers.
Although it seems as though Portland had much of the second half possession, they were able to do little with it, handling the ball sideways, and making little forward momentum. In the end Old Gold were able to put the game realistically out of reach with their final score, which is sketchy in my memory, but certainly left the final score at 15-7.
No excuses about the final result. Despite a one sided encounter at Attitash in the Spring, Portland have choked against Old Gold in the league for two years running. Time to get a little self belief, and git ‘er done.
In lieu of practice tonight there will be a team meeting at Gritty’s tonight, in the basement at 6pm. All should attend, or at least let J-Wil know why you can’t make it.
Old Gold, fielding a new look pack, that seemed to have spent a good deal of time at the buffet table over the summer, looked to assert their physical presence early. Using the slope of the field to their advantage, the home team employed a strategy of crash ball that was always going to be hard to defend. While the conditions made it very difficult for either side to maintain possession for very long, ultimately Old Gold were able to break through the Portland defenses and register the first points. Place kicking was not going to be anyone’s strong point on the day, and the score line stood at 5-0 in favor of the “units”.
While Portland began to muster some offense of their own, the lack of predictable possession from the set piece, combined with the early departure of their fly-half, Joey D’Andria, meant it was difficult for them to muster much of a cohesive effort. As a result, Old Gold were soon banging the ball down the slope again, and the laws of physics prevailed, giving them their second score of the half. Unconverted again, the score stood at 10-0 “units”.
Late in the first half though, Portland found themselves at the “dry” end of the pitch and were able to secure clean ball from a line out, which they then drove menacingly towards the Old Gold line. Sensing trouble, the Old Gold forwards did what they know best, and set out to pull the maul down. Although they were unsuccessful, they were able to bring the maul to standstill, resulting in a scrum in their favor. Fortunately the ball managed to squirt out the of the back under pressure from Jerry Alves, and the vigilant Jeff Keating was able to jump on the ball in the try zone. Score one for the good guys. Jason Willey was able to defy the odds and make the conversion, leaving the half-time score at 10-7.
The second half began with Portland applying some gravitational pressure of their own, although they were unable to wade through and cross the Old Gold line. Eventually a kickable penalty opportunity presented itself, but Jason’s attempt to punch a four iron out of the water hazard drifted right, and did not trouble the scorers.
Although it seems as though Portland had much of the second half possession, they were able to do little with it, handling the ball sideways, and making little forward momentum. In the end Old Gold were able to put the game realistically out of reach with their final score, which is sketchy in my memory, but certainly left the final score at 15-7.
No excuses about the final result. Despite a one sided encounter at Attitash in the Spring, Portland have choked against Old Gold in the league for two years running. Time to get a little self belief, and git ‘er done.
In lieu of practice tonight there will be a team meeting at Gritty’s tonight, in the basement at 6pm. All should attend, or at least let J-Wil know why you can’t make it.
Friday, September 17, 2004
Meet at the park and ride tomorrow @ 9 am, ready for the game at Old Gold. If you have any questions/problems or would just like to chat, you can call Jason Willey on 207 751 8029. He thinks he's getting lucky tonight, so call and interrupt anyway.
If you are going directly to the ground, directions are here, but call and let us know you're on the way.
If you are going directly to the ground, directions are here, but call and let us know you're on the way.
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