As a herald of the impending league season our training routine gets a little more formal next week with the addition of a Tuesday session and a move to the (slightly) less lumpy venue of Riverton School.
Noobs can find some directions to the Riverton venue here. Just go down to the end of the school parking lot and we should be hard to miss. Tuesday and Thursday sessions kick-off at 6pm as usual, so show up early enough to kit up and be ready to go by then.
Sign up to the message board to get any weather related changes to this plan that may occur as the season unfolds.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Monday, July 30, 2007
Acton (damp)Fireworks
Sorry for the delay in getting this to you, but given that the news is less than scintillating it just hasn't seemed that important. No disrespect to those who participated, but clearly summer isn't a big rugby time for a lot of you, so what's the rush, eh?
Anyway, this was my first time at the annual "New England 10's Championship" put on by Old Gold in Acton, although I'd heard plenty about what a good time it is and Portland's storied past at the event. I'd also heard about what a hard time it could be to get players together in the middle of summer, and this year proved to be no exception. On the face of it you wouldn't think getting 10 plus a few subs together would be all that hard when we can get 45+ out for the chance of a few cheap tries at the fairgrounds, but it wasn't until the morning of that we were able to confirm that we actually had enough players to participate. Indeed, it was only thanks to a couple of St. A's finest, Sean and Ray, that we were able to pass muster.
Portland had been drawn into the erm..."group of death", containing Springfield, Middlesex and the unknown quantity of Brookline High School Alumni, although given the size of the group we would only have to play The Rifles and Brookline.
We arrived just in time for kick off against Springfield, who had returned all of their Irish ringers back to Old Gold, and were now devoid of super powers. The result was a pretty free flowing game that saw Portland put up 43 points while leaking 12. That worked out to about a try every two minutes, and a tackle every five. All that touch-sevens in Payson had clearly put Portland in to an offensive mindset, although would that be at the expense of any defense when the time came?
If Brookline HS ever offered rugby on the curriculum, it was clearly a long time ago, and criteria for the alumni side had become pretty loose. And so it was another sling-around, with Brookline deprived of much possession to do anything with. The result was 35-5 in Portland's favor, without too much to write home about.
2-and-0 in group play gave Portland a pass in to the Championship bracket with all the big guns, although it would be a bit of a wait before our opposition would reveal themselves. In the end it turned out to be Northeastern, who had proven themselves to be Portland's nemesis in the two previous years. On the face of it however it appeared to be a good draw, steering clear of all the D1 clubs for another round.
As it turned out however any hopes of a free pass proved ill-founded, as Portland pretty much rolled over and played dead and allowed the kids from Northeastern to run in 35 uncontested points. Whether it was the lack of opposition in the group games, playing too much touch, or just general apathy, Portland failed to contest for the ball at the breakdown, which sucked in too many players and left too much space for the college speedsters. Towards the end of the match Portland were at least able to mount some opposition, but by then it was of course too late.
So, despite the promising start, Portland went out with a disappointing whimper. Meanwhile Northeastern went out in the next round to the eventual winners, Mystics.
Thanks to all of those who went down and gave it a shot. Congrats to Portland Women's team who won the Bowl Division (Sarah’s hot wet t-shirt picture here) and also to the Stripers who won the Men's Bowl (Chris' not so hot picture here).
Anyway, this was my first time at the annual "New England 10's Championship" put on by Old Gold in Acton, although I'd heard plenty about what a good time it is and Portland's storied past at the event. I'd also heard about what a hard time it could be to get players together in the middle of summer, and this year proved to be no exception. On the face of it you wouldn't think getting 10 plus a few subs together would be all that hard when we can get 45+ out for the chance of a few cheap tries at the fairgrounds, but it wasn't until the morning of that we were able to confirm that we actually had enough players to participate. Indeed, it was only thanks to a couple of St. A's finest, Sean and Ray, that we were able to pass muster.
Portland had been drawn into the erm..."group of death", containing Springfield, Middlesex and the unknown quantity of Brookline High School Alumni, although given the size of the group we would only have to play The Rifles and Brookline.
We arrived just in time for kick off against Springfield, who had returned all of their Irish ringers back to Old Gold, and were now devoid of super powers. The result was a pretty free flowing game that saw Portland put up 43 points while leaking 12. That worked out to about a try every two minutes, and a tackle every five. All that touch-sevens in Payson had clearly put Portland in to an offensive mindset, although would that be at the expense of any defense when the time came?
If Brookline HS ever offered rugby on the curriculum, it was clearly a long time ago, and criteria for the alumni side had become pretty loose. And so it was another sling-around, with Brookline deprived of much possession to do anything with. The result was 35-5 in Portland's favor, without too much to write home about.
2-and-0 in group play gave Portland a pass in to the Championship bracket with all the big guns, although it would be a bit of a wait before our opposition would reveal themselves. In the end it turned out to be Northeastern, who had proven themselves to be Portland's nemesis in the two previous years. On the face of it however it appeared to be a good draw, steering clear of all the D1 clubs for another round.
As it turned out however any hopes of a free pass proved ill-founded, as Portland pretty much rolled over and played dead and allowed the kids from Northeastern to run in 35 uncontested points. Whether it was the lack of opposition in the group games, playing too much touch, or just general apathy, Portland failed to contest for the ball at the breakdown, which sucked in too many players and left too much space for the college speedsters. Towards the end of the match Portland were at least able to mount some opposition, but by then it was of course too late.
So, despite the promising start, Portland went out with a disappointing whimper. Meanwhile Northeastern went out in the next round to the eventual winners, Mystics.
Thanks to all of those who went down and gave it a shot. Congrats to Portland Women's team who won the Bowl Division (Sarah’s hot wet t-shirt picture here) and also to the Stripers who won the Men's Bowl (Chris' not so hot picture here).
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Irish festival now less authentic
Yeah, that's right, apparently the logistics of putting on one game of rugby proved too much for the organizers of the Irish festival and our game for the weekend has been cancelled.
Please go about your business of honing yourself into perfect shape for the Fall season.
Dine hearty Spartans!
Please go about your business of honing yourself into perfect shape for the Fall season.
Dine hearty Spartans!
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Summer Doings
While many of you have scattered to the four winds for the summer there's still a core of players meeting every week for a run around and to try and keep in shape. Unlike previous years this is actually a workout rather than the usual game of grab-ass with the women's team. We have coaches Diesel and McCluskey making the effort to make it out and make it productive, so why aren't you? Acton 10's is just around the corner, so let's be havin' you.
The Fall schedule is now over on the right of your screen, and as you can see, the games come thick and fast come September, so expect some serious training by August. To keep you up to speed on what you ought to be doing to stay in shape, get on over to the message board for the latest tips from the coaching staff, as well as the inane ramblings of everyone else.
That's about it for now. Of course, I couldn't let this little gem go by without a mention. Only Old Gold would decide to go on a diet after the Sweet 16. Meanwhile, some of our own stick to their own strict nutritional regime.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Bull Moose Results
Well, nobody seems to be rushing forward with a report from last weekend, but journalistic integrity prevents me from leaving the whole weekend unreported.
Since I wasn't there I have little more to offer than the bare facts below, but perhaps in an outpouring of free speech, those of you who were there could comment-in all the subtle nuances that I've left out.
What I know is that on Saturday Portland was able to dispatch an under-strength Charles River side and a Seacoast team still suffering from some post-menstrual symptoms.
On Sunday, instead of the usual date with Mystic River, some "hired guns" from Springfield had crashed the party and unceremoniously dumped them out of the tournament to pinch their place in the final. Clearly, that proved to be no mere flash in the pan as Springfield's "foreign legion" came out blazing and racked up a comfortable half-time lead. Despite shoring things up for the second half, Portland couldn't mount much of a fight-back, and it all ended 22-5 in their favor.
That's what I know. Thanks to all those who made the trip on Saturday and/or Sunday. Not so much to all those who said they were but never showed.
Comment it up.
Since I wasn't there I have little more to offer than the bare facts below, but perhaps in an outpouring of free speech, those of you who were there could comment-in all the subtle nuances that I've left out.
What I know is that on Saturday Portland was able to dispatch an under-strength Charles River side and a Seacoast team still suffering from some post-menstrual symptoms.
On Sunday, instead of the usual date with Mystic River, some "hired guns" from Springfield had crashed the party and unceremoniously dumped them out of the tournament to pinch their place in the final. Clearly, that proved to be no mere flash in the pan as Springfield's "foreign legion" came out blazing and racked up a comfortable half-time lead. Despite shoring things up for the second half, Portland couldn't mount much of a fight-back, and it all ended 22-5 in their favor.
That's what I know. Thanks to all those who made the trip on Saturday and/or Sunday. Not so much to all those who said they were but never showed.
Comment it up.
Friday, June 08, 2007
Bull Moose Details
From Dan Joyce:
A couple things about this weekend:
With the number of players going up to Bull Moose, playing time is going to be hard to come by. DO NOT let unpaid dues result in you losing time. Get in touch with either Matt or myself (299-3310) to pay your dues or at least to make arrangements for payment. Do not be upset if you are sitting on the sidelines and have not paid your dues. I can't make it any more clear - PAY YOUR DUES.
Schedule is this: Charles River at 9am, Seacoast at 11am
We will try to get another game at some point in the day for those of you who would like more playing time. Hopefully this will be against a regular club and not a motley side - but I cannot promise anything. If for some reason this does not happen, there should be some sides up there looking for players. Do not be shy about seeking them out and suiting up for them. Game experience is better than any practices.
With all this being said, the more players making this trip the better. It sounds like it is going to be a great tourney this year and should be a lot of fun. We are going up there to win this thing but also to have a good time. So don't let anything I said above deter you from coming along. Below is some info about the tournament - directions, specials, etc.
REMEMBER: The games are in the town of N Conway this year, not Attitash.
I look forward to seeing everyone up there.
Dan
Directions
From the South or East: Take routes 16 & 302 into North Conway Village. As you approach the Village via the shopping strip you will see a Sunoco Gas Station on your left and TD Bank North on your right. Immediately after the Sunoco you will see White Birch Books and an Antique Shop on the left. Just pass the Antique Shop you will see a Police Officer and a couple of our player’s kids directing you to parking and the pitches.
From the West or North: Take routes 16 & 302 into North Conway Village. You will pass the newly sodded Village Park on the right, the brick community center, North Conway Country Club, and playground for little ruggers. Just past the playground you will see a Police Officer and a couple of our player’s kids on the right directing you to parking and the pitches.
Parking
We regret that we have not had a chance to build our parking area on the field yet. On field parking will be available for the NERFU Championships in 2008. All parking for this year’s tournament is within a 5-10 minute easy nature walk to the grounds. When you arrive at the pitch our parking guys will direct you to 1 of 4 parking areas. Rest assured that there is plenty of parking. Please don’t give the Police Officer a hard time.
A couple things about this weekend:
With the number of players going up to Bull Moose, playing time is going to be hard to come by. DO NOT let unpaid dues result in you losing time. Get in touch with either Matt or myself (299-3310) to pay your dues or at least to make arrangements for payment. Do not be upset if you are sitting on the sidelines and have not paid your dues. I can't make it any more clear - PAY YOUR DUES.
Schedule is this: Charles River at 9am, Seacoast at 11am
We will try to get another game at some point in the day for those of you who would like more playing time. Hopefully this will be against a regular club and not a motley side - but I cannot promise anything. If for some reason this does not happen, there should be some sides up there looking for players. Do not be shy about seeking them out and suiting up for them. Game experience is better than any practices.
With all this being said, the more players making this trip the better. It sounds like it is going to be a great tourney this year and should be a lot of fun. We are going up there to win this thing but also to have a good time. So don't let anything I said above deter you from coming along. Below is some info about the tournament - directions, specials, etc.
REMEMBER: The games are in the town of N Conway this year, not Attitash.
I look forward to seeing everyone up there.
Dan
Directions
From the South or East: Take routes 16 & 302 into North Conway Village. As you approach the Village via the shopping strip you will see a Sunoco Gas Station on your left and TD Bank North on your right. Immediately after the Sunoco you will see White Birch Books and an Antique Shop on the left. Just pass the Antique Shop you will see a Police Officer and a couple of our player’s kids directing you to parking and the pitches.
From the West or North: Take routes 16 & 302 into North Conway Village. You will pass the newly sodded Village Park on the right, the brick community center, North Conway Country Club, and playground for little ruggers. Just past the playground you will see a Police Officer and a couple of our player’s kids on the right directing you to parking and the pitches.
Parking
We regret that we have not had a chance to build our parking area on the field yet. On field parking will be available for the NERFU Championships in 2008. All parking for this year’s tournament is within a 5-10 minute easy nature walk to the grounds. When you arrive at the pitch our parking guys will direct you to 1 of 4 parking areas. Rest assured that there is plenty of parking. Please don’t give the Police Officer a hard time.
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