If you're tired of reading my fair and balanced match reports, you can now click on over to the newly created New England Refs website, where refs will get to sound off about how nobody loves them.
Although the site is largely under construction, the Match Report section seems to be up and running, although some refs seem more conscientious than others about filling these out. Nevertheless, it's a good spot to pick up a little intel. Here's another perspective on the Providence game, finally a scoreline on the Newport/Springfield encounter, a brief look at the Burlington upset over Hartford, and much, much more.
Just more stuff for you rugby junkies to obsess about. Enjoy!
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Monday, September 18, 2006
Portland Still Winless; Foxy Lady Fails To Ease The Pain
Portland took their "Back in D2" tour on the road this past weekend, bringing the goodness to the fair city of Providence, where, after years playing rugby in the seamy back streets of the "Beehive of Industry", the Providence Rugby Club has graduated to the rather tony surroundings of East Greenwich.
This week Portland were sporting a bit of a new look themselves, with a significantly restructured side from their earlier loss to Old Gold. While some changes were by design, others were enforced due to injury or absence, leaving only a handful of players in their original starting positions from the previous match. Nevertheless, the lineup was a strong one and as you'll see, the team played with a confidence belying the unfamiliar lineup.
Portland were able to apply some decent pressure right from the kick off, but for the most part the well timed kicking from the opposition fly half kept Providence out of any serious danger in the early stages. Having said that however, Portland did appear as though they were threatening to score at one stage, after some cohesive forward play left a 3-on-1 overload on the far side. Faced with few defensive options, the opposing winger chose correctly, picking off the interception to turn the play around completely to set up a try at the other end. Ouch! Not a very fitting reward for the early effort.
While still reeling from that early disappointment Providence were able to run in another quick score, putting Portland in a 14-point hole with only a quarter of the game gone. Certainly not the start we were looking for, and one that could have easily gotten out of hand if we weren't careful.
From this point on however Portland dug in, and thanks to a pretty dominant lineout performance coupled with some improved tackling at the fringe of the breakdown, the visitors were able to stop the rot and even mount some offense of their own. Portland ended the half with their tails up, and a sense that they could make a game of this yet.
Shortly after the break Scotty Derrig turned this belief into points with a swift blindside break from about 10 yards out, scooting in to the try zone unmolested. Andy Nelson converted to bring the scoreline to 14-7 and breathing some life back into this contest.
From there the play ebbed and flowed for a while, which is a nice way of saying that I can't remember what went on, but I do know that Providence scored next after creating an overload on the open side. The angle fo the coversion proved too much and the lead was only increased to 19-7.
This time however Portland struck back immediately, taking a scrum against the head which was worked to the open side, to see Evan then pop it back inside to Scotty, who crossed the line for the second time. Mark Griffin converted this one, bringing Portland tantalizingly close at 19-14, with 10 minutes left to play.
The last minutes were played at a frenetic pace, but time after time Providence were able to clear their lines, sending Portland back to regroup and mount another assault. The pressure began to tell, with Providence picking up two late yellow cards, but alas the clock ran out before Portland could capitalize, leaving the final score at 19-14, with Portland receiving some consolation as they picked up their first point of the season for the narrow loss.
The "Killer" B's however experienced no such disappointment, as they borrowed a couple of local lads and dominated their game from the start. At the helm was a fired up Ryan Facey, who marshaled his troops expertly, with assistance from several A-side veterans. Man of the Match honors went to Bob (who's last name I'm ashamed to say I still don't know) who displayed some deft handling and strong tackling at center.
So, after a (mostly) glorious Spring, dropping two games on the bounce may have brought on a strange new feeling of impotence, and sometimes you need a little reminder of what it is to be a man. So, when the Providence drink up is no more than a keg toss from the renown Foxy Lady, the temptation to find love in the arms of a stranger is really too hard to pass up. For that brief moment you can convince yourself that you are loved by (or in love with) this vision before you, who surely is only stripping to pay her way through med school, and is just waiting to be whisked away from it all. That is, of course, until you run out of singles and the fat guy flashing the twentys shows up, and then there you are, all alone, still 0-and-2, being told that you shouldn't sit so close to the stage if you're not going to front up any more cash. Right Al?
But of course, no amount of silicone can heal the hurt you feel inside, and the only real cure is to go to training, and to stick it to Springfield, so for pity-sake get a hold of yourself man, get over it, and get to training.
So, I guess the victory dance stays on the shelf for another week...
This week Portland were sporting a bit of a new look themselves, with a significantly restructured side from their earlier loss to Old Gold. While some changes were by design, others were enforced due to injury or absence, leaving only a handful of players in their original starting positions from the previous match. Nevertheless, the lineup was a strong one and as you'll see, the team played with a confidence belying the unfamiliar lineup.
Portland were able to apply some decent pressure right from the kick off, but for the most part the well timed kicking from the opposition fly half kept Providence out of any serious danger in the early stages. Having said that however, Portland did appear as though they were threatening to score at one stage, after some cohesive forward play left a 3-on-1 overload on the far side. Faced with few defensive options, the opposing winger chose correctly, picking off the interception to turn the play around completely to set up a try at the other end. Ouch! Not a very fitting reward for the early effort.
While still reeling from that early disappointment Providence were able to run in another quick score, putting Portland in a 14-point hole with only a quarter of the game gone. Certainly not the start we were looking for, and one that could have easily gotten out of hand if we weren't careful.
From this point on however Portland dug in, and thanks to a pretty dominant lineout performance coupled with some improved tackling at the fringe of the breakdown, the visitors were able to stop the rot and even mount some offense of their own. Portland ended the half with their tails up, and a sense that they could make a game of this yet.
Shortly after the break Scotty Derrig turned this belief into points with a swift blindside break from about 10 yards out, scooting in to the try zone unmolested. Andy Nelson converted to bring the scoreline to 14-7 and breathing some life back into this contest.
From there the play ebbed and flowed for a while, which is a nice way of saying that I can't remember what went on, but I do know that Providence scored next after creating an overload on the open side. The angle fo the coversion proved too much and the lead was only increased to 19-7.
This time however Portland struck back immediately, taking a scrum against the head which was worked to the open side, to see Evan then pop it back inside to Scotty, who crossed the line for the second time. Mark Griffin converted this one, bringing Portland tantalizingly close at 19-14, with 10 minutes left to play.
The last minutes were played at a frenetic pace, but time after time Providence were able to clear their lines, sending Portland back to regroup and mount another assault. The pressure began to tell, with Providence picking up two late yellow cards, but alas the clock ran out before Portland could capitalize, leaving the final score at 19-14, with Portland receiving some consolation as they picked up their first point of the season for the narrow loss.
The "Killer" B's however experienced no such disappointment, as they borrowed a couple of local lads and dominated their game from the start. At the helm was a fired up Ryan Facey, who marshaled his troops expertly, with assistance from several A-side veterans. Man of the Match honors went to Bob (who's last name I'm ashamed to say I still don't know) who displayed some deft handling and strong tackling at center.
So, after a (mostly) glorious Spring, dropping two games on the bounce may have brought on a strange new feeling of impotence, and sometimes you need a little reminder of what it is to be a man. So, when the Providence drink up is no more than a keg toss from the renown Foxy Lady, the temptation to find love in the arms of a stranger is really too hard to pass up. For that brief moment you can convince yourself that you are loved by (or in love with) this vision before you, who surely is only stripping to pay her way through med school, and is just waiting to be whisked away from it all. That is, of course, until you run out of singles and the fat guy flashing the twentys shows up, and then there you are, all alone, still 0-and-2, being told that you shouldn't sit so close to the stage if you're not going to front up any more cash. Right Al?
But of course, no amount of silicone can heal the hurt you feel inside, and the only real cure is to go to training, and to stick it to Springfield, so for pity-sake get a hold of yourself man, get over it, and get to training.
So, I guess the victory dance stays on the shelf for another week...
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Sweet lovin' from the Insurance Man
Hey, he's not just our Treasurer, he's also Vice President of the HCR Group, which means he's like...one step away from the top guy. Kind of like Dick Cheney.
Yes Sir-ee, and when he's not shooting his friends in the face or hiding in his bunker, Al Parks is brokering some sweet deals with The Man on his health insurance. That's right, 'cos sadly we're not blessed with universal healthcare in this country and we have to pay for the privilege of waiting for hours in the ER with all the other whack-jobs. Too bad.
Anyhoo, if you're one of the great uninsured and that's been one of your excuses for not playing, then it's time to cross that one off the list. Click this here link, and after the jump you'll be whisked away to insurance land where The Man can see you right. Be sure to use Agent Code Q0805, which is the industry code to get you into the VIP Room.
I peeped these rates myself and for a hundred bucks a month I've got coverage up the ying. That's right, just one-hundred-large, and that's for a wheezy old health-risk like me. Imagine what you healthy young pups could get away with.
If that process all sounds a bit too hi-tech, or if you're worried about that nasty pre-existing condition that just wont clear up, you can always call Al directly for a good dose of hisSnake Oil professional courtesy. Here's his digits: 773-5111, then hit ext. 202.
You think if you hit x. 201 you'll get to the Prez himself? Yeah, from what I hear x. 203 gets you the secretary, and their ain't no 204. Vice President...meh!
Yes Sir-ee, and when he's not shooting his friends in the face or hiding in his bunker, Al Parks is brokering some sweet deals with The Man on his health insurance. That's right, 'cos sadly we're not blessed with universal healthcare in this country and we have to pay for the privilege of waiting for hours in the ER with all the other whack-jobs. Too bad.
Anyhoo, if you're one of the great uninsured and that's been one of your excuses for not playing, then it's time to cross that one off the list. Click this here link, and after the jump you'll be whisked away to insurance land where The Man can see you right. Be sure to use Agent Code Q0805, which is the industry code to get you into the VIP Room.
I peeped these rates myself and for a hundred bucks a month I've got coverage up the ying. That's right, just one-hundred-large, and that's for a wheezy old health-risk like me. Imagine what you healthy young pups could get away with.
If that process all sounds a bit too hi-tech, or if you're worried about that nasty pre-existing condition that just wont clear up, you can always call Al directly for a good dose of his
You think if you hit x. 201 you'll get to the Prez himself? Yeah, from what I hear x. 203 gets you the secretary, and their ain't no 204. Vice President...meh!
Monday, September 11, 2006
Ooof! Old Gold takes Home Opener, City Weeps
Portland made a less-than-auspicious return to Division 2 this weekend when they dropped their home opener to Old Gold.
On paper at least it appeared as though the planets were to align in Portland's favor, with a large home turnout presenting a veritable red sea of shirts to welcome the smaller Old Gold contingent. Sadly though the numbers belied a lack of cohesion on the part of the home side, as they failed to string together much in the way of multi-phased play and Old Gold, through tenacious tackling, did well to shut down the Portland offense.
Things started brightly enough for Portland as they opened the scoring when someone (Hannes?) broke away from a maul five meters out from the OG line. A typical Portland try that may have fooled the home side into thinking that things were going to go according to the script. On the contrary. Old Gold soon regained their composure and mounted a concerted counter attack, using their forwards to attack off the fringes of the rucks and mauls to great effect. Before long the pressure told, and the inevitable OG overload ensued. Despite OG's protestations of poor fitness in their own match report (not to mention beating me to the anti-French Henry IV reference), Portland proved even less fit as defensive alignment broke down quickly after just a couple of phases of play.
As a result OG were able to run in two scores of their own before the half, giving them a comfortable, but not insurmountable 12-5 lead.
Tip-toeing gently through the minefield of substitutions made throughout the game, I will say that the second half opened at least with the slope in Portland's favor, so the game was still very much alive.
To their credit, Old Gold did well to snuff out any attempts at a Portland fight back. Tenacious tackling meant that Portland frequently failed to make the gain-line and too often resorted to some aimless kicking down the throats of the waiting opponents. Counter attacks ensued, and precious energy was wasted clawing back the yards lost.
Another Old Gold score widened the gap to 17-5, but with 10 minutes to go, Scotty Derrig found the try line from the fringe of a Portland ruck and Andy Nelson made the conversion to bring the score to 17-12, and for a moment it looked as though the home side was in with a shout.
Alas, Portland's bubble was soon burst as they gave up a penalty deep in their own half, only to see Old Gold deliver the donkey punch and make it a two-score lead with less than 10 minutes to go. Portland simply didn't have the fitness to mount a serious counter attack from there, and the game ended like the final scenes from Rocky, with both sides struggling to stay on their feet as they traded blows. Unlike Rocky however, there will be no sequel and no Mr-T to beat on next time. 20-12 the final, with Man of the Match honors going to Jeff Keating, for tackling like the rest of us ought to.
The B game did however offer up some consolation, not least because Old Gold didn't have enough extras to muster up even a sevens team and had to suffer the indignity of looking to us for extras. In addition to the grovelling, our B's proceeded to lay the hurt down, and despite a late fight back from the Old Gold/Bates motleys, we romped home with something to spare. Man of the Match honors went to the Midfield General, Matt Winch, from bringing together a bunch of new faces and steering them in the right direction.
Thanks to all those who came out to play and support the side, and apololgies to all those same folks for the result. The season is still young however, with plenty of rugby to play, so watch this space for more positive news.
Portland travels to Providence this weekend for more D2 style lovin'
On paper at least it appeared as though the planets were to align in Portland's favor, with a large home turnout presenting a veritable red sea of shirts to welcome the smaller Old Gold contingent. Sadly though the numbers belied a lack of cohesion on the part of the home side, as they failed to string together much in the way of multi-phased play and Old Gold, through tenacious tackling, did well to shut down the Portland offense.
Things started brightly enough for Portland as they opened the scoring when someone (Hannes?) broke away from a maul five meters out from the OG line. A typical Portland try that may have fooled the home side into thinking that things were going to go according to the script. On the contrary. Old Gold soon regained their composure and mounted a concerted counter attack, using their forwards to attack off the fringes of the rucks and mauls to great effect. Before long the pressure told, and the inevitable OG overload ensued. Despite OG's protestations of poor fitness in their own match report (not to mention beating me to the anti-French Henry IV reference), Portland proved even less fit as defensive alignment broke down quickly after just a couple of phases of play.
As a result OG were able to run in two scores of their own before the half, giving them a comfortable, but not insurmountable 12-5 lead.
Tip-toeing gently through the minefield of substitutions made throughout the game, I will say that the second half opened at least with the slope in Portland's favor, so the game was still very much alive.
To their credit, Old Gold did well to snuff out any attempts at a Portland fight back. Tenacious tackling meant that Portland frequently failed to make the gain-line and too often resorted to some aimless kicking down the throats of the waiting opponents. Counter attacks ensued, and precious energy was wasted clawing back the yards lost.
Another Old Gold score widened the gap to 17-5, but with 10 minutes to go, Scotty Derrig found the try line from the fringe of a Portland ruck and Andy Nelson made the conversion to bring the score to 17-12, and for a moment it looked as though the home side was in with a shout.
Alas, Portland's bubble was soon burst as they gave up a penalty deep in their own half, only to see Old Gold deliver the donkey punch and make it a two-score lead with less than 10 minutes to go. Portland simply didn't have the fitness to mount a serious counter attack from there, and the game ended like the final scenes from Rocky, with both sides struggling to stay on their feet as they traded blows. Unlike Rocky however, there will be no sequel and no Mr-T to beat on next time. 20-12 the final, with Man of the Match honors going to Jeff Keating, for tackling like the rest of us ought to.
The B game did however offer up some consolation, not least because Old Gold didn't have enough extras to muster up even a sevens team and had to suffer the indignity of looking to us for extras. In addition to the grovelling, our B's proceeded to lay the hurt down, and despite a late fight back from the Old Gold/Bates motleys, we romped home with something to spare. Man of the Match honors went to the Midfield General, Matt Winch, from bringing together a bunch of new faces and steering them in the right direction.
Thanks to all those who came out to play and support the side, and apololgies to all those same folks for the result. The season is still young however, with plenty of rugby to play, so watch this space for more positive news.
Portland travels to Providence this weekend for more D2 style lovin'
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Mum of the Year
Before you get to the good stuff, just a reminder that it all kicks off big-style on Saturday, 1pm at the line-o-rific Douglas Street field. Get your click on here for directions. If you plan on playing, then you'd better be there at early to make your presence felt. Lot's of rugby for all.
Now, on to the parenting showcase...
Now, on to the parenting showcase...
Rugby.net shameless plug
I've recently updated the Rugby.net World Rugby News site to include news from some of the on-going competitions from around the world, including the remains of the Tri-Nations series in which the Wallabies and Boks fight for the table scraps of the All Black feast and the ever-entertaining domestic competitions of New Zealand and South Africa - the NPC and Currie Cup, respectively. Chock full of fine journalism that doesn't include run-on sentences or sentence fragments like this post.
And don't forget to click on the Google ad links. Each time you click on an ad God sets aside a small thimble-full of beer for you in heaven, so get clicking so you don't go thirsty in the hereafter.
And don't forget to click on the Google ad links. Each time you click on an ad God sets aside a small thimble-full of beer for you in heaven, so get clicking so you don't go thirsty in the hereafter.
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