The headline says it all. Players should convene at 11:30 tomorrow at the Fairgrounds, since today's steady rain has rendered Fox Street unplayable again. The weather should be a bit better than last week, but still expect it to be wet under foot. If you've got any of my tarps from last week, please bring them back.
Kick Off is 1pm, and as always, friends, fans and those curious about the sport are more than welcome.
Directions to the Fairground are here.
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Friday, October 14, 2005
No….I love you, man
Awww...we really have come a long way. Those nice guys at Old Gold are giving us props on their website about “livin’ the D3 dream” and even go so far as to post a picture of us mixing it up with their weekend rivals, Providence. Much love, man.
This really is turning in to a regular old love-fest between our two clubs. I feel dirty.
Anyhoo, er...best of luck to those Old Gold chaps for this weekend. Give ‘em hell, and thanks for the mention.
Meanwhile, closer to home, the boys you really love will take on Seacoast on Sunday at an as yet undisclosed location. Kick off is at 1pm, but depending on the weather it may be at Fox Street or back at the Fairgrounds. Keep it tuned right here to find out where exactly it’s going to go down.
For what it’s worth, Seacoast arrive undefeated, although having played one game less than us. Due to rain or poor scheduling it looks as though they have had to hastily paste in a game with North Shore for this Tuesday. Two big games in three days. Better them than me. Let’s make sure they start it off right...
...if you catch my drift.
This really is turning in to a regular old love-fest between our two clubs. I feel dirty.
Anyhoo, er...best of luck to those Old Gold chaps for this weekend. Give ‘em hell, and thanks for the mention.
Meanwhile, closer to home, the boys you really love will take on Seacoast on Sunday at an as yet undisclosed location. Kick off is at 1pm, but depending on the weather it may be at Fox Street or back at the Fairgrounds. Keep it tuned right here to find out where exactly it’s going to go down.
For what it’s worth, Seacoast arrive undefeated, although having played one game less than us. Due to rain or poor scheduling it looks as though they have had to hastily paste in a game with North Shore for this Tuesday. Two big games in three days. Better them than me. Let’s make sure they start it off right...
...if you catch my drift.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Riverton directions and a whine about dues
For those of you looking for directions to Riverside, sorry to disappoint, I only have directions to Riverton, which are right here.
Get thee out to practice tonight as the season hurtles towards its tumultuous climax. Success will not be forged in a single moment but in a thousand tiny details wrought by the hands of the faithful.
Speaking of faithful, it appears that there walks amongst us some who pay lip-service to the ideas of fraternity and brotherhood yet believe that they can play for free, in their free jersey, and then have the temerity to drink our free beer, and eat our free pizza. Does that seem right to you?
It may have escaped your notice, but this club spends money (on you) like a drunken sailor on shore leave, and the only reason we stay out of the poor house is by having everybody chip in. But, that does mean everybody.
Now I’m not the type to publicly humiliate the deadbeats among us. That would take Chris Woodsum nerve. I want to believe that Derrig some good reason why you haven’t all put your Hannes it to your pockets by now. It wasn’t cheap to Boyer all those new jerseys, you know! Fournier’s now I’ve been keeping Tractor of the club’s finances, and there really isn’t much to Dan re-Joyce about. Meeting our financial obligations has become a Zabriskie business. Joe, to all of you miscreants I say, Hay-man, let your Clontz-ience be your guide, Andy you can look forward to enjoying this Jason-day’s game with a clear heart. Pay up.
Get thee out to practice tonight as the season hurtles towards its tumultuous climax. Success will not be forged in a single moment but in a thousand tiny details wrought by the hands of the faithful.
Speaking of faithful, it appears that there walks amongst us some who pay lip-service to the ideas of fraternity and brotherhood yet believe that they can play for free, in their free jersey, and then have the temerity to drink our free beer, and eat our free pizza. Does that seem right to you?
It may have escaped your notice, but this club spends money (on you) like a drunken sailor on shore leave, and the only reason we stay out of the poor house is by having everybody chip in. But, that does mean everybody.
Now I’m not the type to publicly humiliate the deadbeats among us. That would take Chris Woodsum nerve. I want to believe that Derrig some good reason why you haven’t all put your Hannes it to your pockets by now. It wasn’t cheap to Boyer all those new jerseys, you know! Fournier’s now I’ve been keeping Tractor of the club’s finances, and there really isn’t much to Dan re-Joyce about. Meeting our financial obligations has become a Zabriskie business. Joe, to all of you miscreants I say, Hay-man, let your Clontz-ience be your guide, Andy you can look forward to enjoying this Jason-day’s game with a clear heart. Pay up.
Sunday, October 09, 2005
The smell of wet dog...
"At least it's not windy!"
As far as "Famous Last Words" go that must rank right up there with "Oh, I think the levee will be just fine" and "I'll buy you a lobster dinner if the White Sox win".
As if the 5+ inches of rain wasn't enough, the gale that blew up shortly before kick-off was enough for even the most devoted rugby player to question his sanity. That is, of course, unless you happen to play for Portland and you're in a top-of-the-table scrap with the unbeaten Irish Wolfhounds. In that case, neither wind nor rain nor flaming meteor storm could prevent you from doing your duty.
As it was, the home side took the field only slightly dryer than their opposition, having taken advantage of the "Pulling Shed" for their warm up and managing not to actually pull anything.
Playing with the wind behind them in the first half, the Irish began hoisting kicks in an effort to keep Portland back on their heels. Fielding these kicks proved troublesome as they either swirled in the wind, or bounced unpredictably in the patches of standing water. Sure enough, one of these kicks stopped dead in our own 22 only to be kicked on and pounced upon by the Irish full back. The conversion was good, and just like that the home side was in a 7-point hole.
Despite this set-back the Portland pack continued to provide a steady supply of clean ball from both the lineout and the scrum, and given the lousy conditions there was no shortage of knock-ons. Within 10 minutes Portland found themselves on the Irish 22 with the ball in Fred Hayman's hands as he turned back the clock and scythed through four or five tackles to crash over the line and score. The ensuing conversion would have been difficult in dry conditions, but on this day it proved too much for Andy Nelson who sent it wide. Nevertheless, Portland were back in the hunt.
It was not long before Portland were back in scoring distance and were presented with a penalty close on the left touchline. Instead of kicking for touch they opted to run, only to see Hannes slowed down by a high tackle that brought him up short of the line. The tackle didn't escape the ref's notice however, and this time Portland were presented with a kicking opportunity right under the posts. Up stepped Andy to slot the ball over and give Portland a slim 8-7 lead.
By a process of deduction and vague recollection I can tell you that Portland soon scored again, and I know that it was Hannes who scored, Andy converted it, and that it was probably off a lineout. What I can't tell you is whether it came before or after the break, and whether or not I had anything to do with it (as if you cared).
Anyhoo, I do remember half time, and how the gale subsided once Portland had a chance to take advantage of it. It may have been my imagination, but the rain also seemed to ease back from "torrential" to "steady". No matter, the Portland lads took an even firmer grip on the game in the second half, putting it effectively out of reach for the visitors with two more scores.
The first went to Jerry Alves who snuck in around the corner of a maul by using me as a decoy. Who wouldn't have expected the little scrum half to give it up to the lumbering forward outside him? It worked like a charm as most of the defenders moved far enough to the outside to create a gap just big enough for Jerry to wriggle through. Of course, having played with Jerry for more than ten years, I knew he was never going to pass to me, but I gave it my best "I want it" face anyway.
The second score went inevitably to Hannes as the back-row linked up off the back of a five meter scrum. Andy Nelson iced it as he made the conversion from an improbable angle, and that about covers all the action. A few late arrivals for the Irish came on to breath some new life in to their game, but it was too little to late. Scotty and Dean used the wind to their advantage to make sure that any subsequent visits to the Portland half were brief ones. Final score, 27-7, with Man-of-the-Match honors going to Jerry Alves.
The B game was....what, are you kidding me? Nobody wanted another game in that muck, but big props to all those Portland faithful who kitted up just in case or who came out to watch.
Portland's next game will be at home to Seacoast on Sunday (the 16th). Weather permitting we'll be back at Fox Street, so please come out and give us a cheer as we take on another top-of-the-table team.
As far as "Famous Last Words" go that must rank right up there with "Oh, I think the levee will be just fine" and "I'll buy you a lobster dinner if the White Sox win".
As if the 5+ inches of rain wasn't enough, the gale that blew up shortly before kick-off was enough for even the most devoted rugby player to question his sanity. That is, of course, unless you happen to play for Portland and you're in a top-of-the-table scrap with the unbeaten Irish Wolfhounds. In that case, neither wind nor rain nor flaming meteor storm could prevent you from doing your duty.
As it was, the home side took the field only slightly dryer than their opposition, having taken advantage of the "Pulling Shed" for their warm up and managing not to actually pull anything.
Playing with the wind behind them in the first half, the Irish began hoisting kicks in an effort to keep Portland back on their heels. Fielding these kicks proved troublesome as they either swirled in the wind, or bounced unpredictably in the patches of standing water. Sure enough, one of these kicks stopped dead in our own 22 only to be kicked on and pounced upon by the Irish full back. The conversion was good, and just like that the home side was in a 7-point hole.
Despite this set-back the Portland pack continued to provide a steady supply of clean ball from both the lineout and the scrum, and given the lousy conditions there was no shortage of knock-ons. Within 10 minutes Portland found themselves on the Irish 22 with the ball in Fred Hayman's hands as he turned back the clock and scythed through four or five tackles to crash over the line and score. The ensuing conversion would have been difficult in dry conditions, but on this day it proved too much for Andy Nelson who sent it wide. Nevertheless, Portland were back in the hunt.
It was not long before Portland were back in scoring distance and were presented with a penalty close on the left touchline. Instead of kicking for touch they opted to run, only to see Hannes slowed down by a high tackle that brought him up short of the line. The tackle didn't escape the ref's notice however, and this time Portland were presented with a kicking opportunity right under the posts. Up stepped Andy to slot the ball over and give Portland a slim 8-7 lead.
By a process of deduction and vague recollection I can tell you that Portland soon scored again, and I know that it was Hannes who scored, Andy converted it, and that it was probably off a lineout. What I can't tell you is whether it came before or after the break, and whether or not I had anything to do with it (as if you cared).
Anyhoo, I do remember half time, and how the gale subsided once Portland had a chance to take advantage of it. It may have been my imagination, but the rain also seemed to ease back from "torrential" to "steady". No matter, the Portland lads took an even firmer grip on the game in the second half, putting it effectively out of reach for the visitors with two more scores.
The first went to Jerry Alves who snuck in around the corner of a maul by using me as a decoy. Who wouldn't have expected the little scrum half to give it up to the lumbering forward outside him? It worked like a charm as most of the defenders moved far enough to the outside to create a gap just big enough for Jerry to wriggle through. Of course, having played with Jerry for more than ten years, I knew he was never going to pass to me, but I gave it my best "I want it" face anyway.
The second score went inevitably to Hannes as the back-row linked up off the back of a five meter scrum. Andy Nelson iced it as he made the conversion from an improbable angle, and that about covers all the action. A few late arrivals for the Irish came on to breath some new life in to their game, but it was too little to late. Scotty and Dean used the wind to their advantage to make sure that any subsequent visits to the Portland half were brief ones. Final score, 27-7, with Man-of-the-Match honors going to Jerry Alves.
The B game was....what, are you kidding me? Nobody wanted another game in that muck, but big props to all those Portland faithful who kitted up just in case or who came out to watch.
Portland's next game will be at home to Seacoast on Sunday (the 16th). Weather permitting we'll be back at Fox Street, so please come out and give us a cheer as we take on another top-of-the-table team.
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Fountain of Youth
Does it take a good 30 minutes before you can move around normally in the morning?
Is rock music crap these days?
Do hot high school girls call you "Sir" or "Mister"?
Do you care about what beer you're drinking?
Do you have children of your own (that live with you, and actually call you "Dad")?
Has it turned out that your wife or significant other doesn't actually like rugby?
If you answered "Yes" to two or more of these questions, then this means your are probably an "Old Boy". As such, this probably also means that when you're not stressing about work and the mortgage, your only source of joy (other than hot high school girls) is reminiscing about all those great games of rugby you once played.
Once you were an athlete. A marauding, take-no-prisoners alpha male....and inside you know that you still are.
Well, I have some good news for you. Here at the PRFC laboratories we have developed a time machine capable of transporting you back to those halcyon days when you could play two games, drink all night and still get up by Sunday lunchtime to go out drinking again. Code named "bus trip", this top secret project has breathed new life in to many former players who had previously been devoid of any life signs. Created with copious amounts of alcohol, a house band and even the odd high school girl, this device is guaranteed to transform you in to that beer swilling party animal that you once were - at least for a few shining moments. Of course, once you step outside the aura of the "bus trip", gravity and time take hold again, and the girls go back to calling you "sir".
"Where can I get me some of this 'bus trip'?" I can hear you all yelling. Well hold on there old timer, watch your blood pressure. It just so happens that a fresh shipment of "bus trip" is scheduled to arrive on October 22nd to coincide with an Old Boys game to be played under the lights in Amesbury, MA. In order to accomodate your busy weekend "honey do" list, the "bus trip" will not be administered until 1:30pm, with KO scheduled for approx. 6:30pm, after the A Game.
If you would like to get a prescription for a dose of "bus trip", please e-mail Mike DeSalle or Leo Caouette and let them know about your particular symptoms.
If by chance you are the partner of an "Old Boy" who has stumbled across this post, I want you to look deep in to my eyes and concentrate on the sound of my voice. When I count to three you are going to have no recollection of "bus trip", high school girls or alcohol. In fact, you've been wanting your man to have "a little guy time" lately, and feel he should get out by himself more. While he's gone you're going to go to Victoria's Secret and spend a lot of (your own) money. Three, two, one....you're under.....
Is rock music crap these days?
Do hot high school girls call you "Sir" or "Mister"?
Do you care about what beer you're drinking?
Do you have children of your own (that live with you, and actually call you "Dad")?
Has it turned out that your wife or significant other doesn't actually like rugby?
If you answered "Yes" to two or more of these questions, then this means your are probably an "Old Boy". As such, this probably also means that when you're not stressing about work and the mortgage, your only source of joy (other than hot high school girls) is reminiscing about all those great games of rugby you once played.
Once you were an athlete. A marauding, take-no-prisoners alpha male....and inside you know that you still are.
Well, I have some good news for you. Here at the PRFC laboratories we have developed a time machine capable of transporting you back to those halcyon days when you could play two games, drink all night and still get up by Sunday lunchtime to go out drinking again. Code named "bus trip", this top secret project has breathed new life in to many former players who had previously been devoid of any life signs. Created with copious amounts of alcohol, a house band and even the odd high school girl, this device is guaranteed to transform you in to that beer swilling party animal that you once were - at least for a few shining moments. Of course, once you step outside the aura of the "bus trip", gravity and time take hold again, and the girls go back to calling you "sir".
"Where can I get me some of this 'bus trip'?" I can hear you all yelling. Well hold on there old timer, watch your blood pressure. It just so happens that a fresh shipment of "bus trip" is scheduled to arrive on October 22nd to coincide with an Old Boys game to be played under the lights in Amesbury, MA. In order to accomodate your busy weekend "honey do" list, the "bus trip" will not be administered until 1:30pm, with KO scheduled for approx. 6:30pm, after the A Game.
If you would like to get a prescription for a dose of "bus trip", please e-mail Mike DeSalle or Leo Caouette and let them know about your particular symptoms.
If by chance you are the partner of an "Old Boy" who has stumbled across this post, I want you to look deep in to my eyes and concentrate on the sound of my voice. When I count to three you are going to have no recollection of "bus trip", high school girls or alcohol. In fact, you've been wanting your man to have "a little guy time" lately, and feel he should get out by himself more. While he's gone you're going to go to Victoria's Secret and spend a lot of (your own) money. Three, two, one....you're under.....
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Directions to Women's Match
Jes asked me to post these directions to Moakley Park in Boston, and she told me that kick off is at 2pm. I'm guessing that that's on Saturday, but I can't guess who the match is against, since there's a lot of teams who use that field. Anyway, if you want to know, I'm sure Jes will tell you. Good luck to everyone who's playing.
From the West:
Take the Mass Pike East To 93 South
Take 93 South to Exit 15 (COLUMBIA ROAD)
Take left at the end of the ramp onto COLUMBIA RD
toward J.F.K. LIBRARY.
Enter roundabout(Rotary) and take 2nd exit onto
WILLIAM J DAY BLVD.
Field is up on your left, park in the beach parking
lots on your right.
From the South:
Take 93 North to Exit 15 (Columbia Rd.).
Take a right at the end of the ramp onto COLUMBIA RD
toward J.F.K. LIBRARY.
Enter roundabout(Rotary) and take 2nd exit onto
WILLIAM J DAY BLVD.
Field is up on your left, park in the beach parking
lots on your right.
From the North:
Take 93 South through the city to Exit 15 (Columbia
Rd.).
Take a left at the end of the ramp onto COLUMBIA RD
toward J.F.K. LIBRARY.
Enter roundabout(Rotary) and take 2nd exit onto
WILLIAM J DAY BLVD.
Field is up on your left, park in the beach parking
lots on your right.
Here's a map.
From the West:
Take the Mass Pike East To 93 South
Take 93 South to Exit 15 (COLUMBIA ROAD)
Take left at the end of the ramp onto COLUMBIA RD
toward J.F.K. LIBRARY.
Enter roundabout(Rotary) and take 2nd exit onto
WILLIAM J DAY BLVD.
Field is up on your left, park in the beach parking
lots on your right.
From the South:
Take 93 North to Exit 15 (Columbia Rd.).
Take a right at the end of the ramp onto COLUMBIA RD
toward J.F.K. LIBRARY.
Enter roundabout(Rotary) and take 2nd exit onto
WILLIAM J DAY BLVD.
Field is up on your left, park in the beach parking
lots on your right.
From the North:
Take 93 South through the city to Exit 15 (Columbia
Rd.).
Take a left at the end of the ramp onto COLUMBIA RD
toward J.F.K. LIBRARY.
Enter roundabout(Rotary) and take 2nd exit onto
WILLIAM J DAY BLVD.
Field is up on your left, park in the beach parking
lots on your right.
Here's a map.
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