| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
|---|
| 6.2 | | SALEM::RIEU | We're Taxachusetts...AGAIN | Fri Dec 15 1989 12:12 | 2 |
| Isn't she playing Peter Pan now?
Denny
|
| 6.3 | | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Big Mac | Fri Dec 15 1989 13:54 | 2 |
| Since this is a favorite topic of one of the moderators (ME), junk
noting will not be tolerated here.
|
| 6.4 | Radu Durbac RIP | GALVIA::SPAIN | We're going to Sicily. Que sera sera | Fri Dec 29 1989 13:04 | 6 |
|
Former Romanian captain Radu Durbac was killed fighting the Securitate
in the recent unrest in Romania. Many other leading sportsmen also took
up arms to overthrow the Ceausescu government.
Gary.
|
| 6.5 | | CAM::WAY | And The Wall came tumblin' down... | Tue Jan 02 1990 15:50 | 7 |
| Gary --
I wish that story could be impressed upon all the "great" athletes
in this country who are making millions.... Sometimes a little
thing like freedom is worth infinitely more...
'Saw
|
| 6.6 | | AYOV10::DHUNTER | | Wed Jan 03 1990 09:30 | 4 |
| Anyone know what is happening with Cristain Raducanu?
Don H.
|
| 6.7 | | AYOV10::DHUNTER | | Mon Jan 08 1990 06:52 | 15 |
| To answer my own question...
Raducanu still wishes to remain in Scotland. The authorities have
granted his wish. He has applied to join Borougmuir Rugby Club
and the SRU has telexed the Rumanian Rugby Union for their permission
for him to play. He has been in contact with his family every day
since telephone contacts were reinstated last week and is planning
to bring his family over from Bucharest to Edinburgh as soon as
possible.
He learnt that a former captain and a former full-back were killed
in the uprising.
Don H.
|
| 6.8 | Five Nations Tournament Coming Soon | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Big Mac | Thu Jan 11 1990 21:11 | 5 |
| According to my Gren's Rugby Addicts Calendar, the Five Nations
Tournament starts on Jan. 20. What's the word across the pond? Who is
the pre-tourny favorite? How are the teams shaping up? The home
nations have had a bit of work recently with the New Zealand and
Australian tours. Have these tours helped put the teams together?
|
| 6.9 | | AYOV10::DHUNTER | | Fri Jan 12 1990 07:14 | 37 |
|
If you believe the Sport's Media Mafia here are the faves...
In England - France are the Faves.
In France - England are the Faves.
In Wales - Wales are the Faves.
In Scotland - England and France are the Faves.
Not sure about Ireland.
The story for the first round of games involving all teams apart
from Scotland is the number of over 30 year-old players which
have been re-called by the various teams. The English media
point out that the last time England Grand Slammed was with
Bill Beaumont's old boys.
Scottish media points out that the last time 'we' won the G.S.
was with a team which was not meant to win any games.
My prediction is....
TEAM P W L D PTS
Scotland 4 3 0 1 7
France 4 3 1 0 6
England 4 2 1 1 5
Ireland 4 1 3 0 2
Wales 4 0 4 0 0
The game of the championship will, once again, be the Ireland/Scotland
encounter.
|
| 6.10 | Who is playing for Scotland? | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Big Mac | Fri Jan 12 1990 12:34 | 7 |
| Don, how is the Scotland side shaping up? Is the back who was hurt
playing in South Africa playing again (Melrose player whose name
escapes me)? How is that young halfback combination that was supposed
to replace Hastings and ? ?
I miss my subscription to Rugby World and Post. Any word on if DEC
will pick up the sponsorship of this magazine again?
|
| 6.11 | Ireland v Wales for the Wooden Spoon | GALVIA::SPAIN | We're going to Sicily. Que sera sera | Mon Jan 15 1990 10:25 | 12 |
|
Ireland are not expected to win anything. Anything other than 2 heavy
defeats in Twickenham (next Sat) and Paris (March 3rd) would be major
surprises.
WE could beat Scotland in Dublin but the odds must favour the Scots.
I think we'll win the battle for the wooden spoon v Wales on March
24th.
I fancy England to win the championship.
Gary.
|
| 6.12 | | AYOV10::DHUNTER | | Tue Jan 16 1990 08:19 | 36 |
| re: .10
Mac,
the only Scottish player to go to S.A. was Keith Robertson.
He has not been in the national side for two years. The halfback
combination is Chalmers (Stand-off) and Armstrong (scrum-half)
which replaces Rutherford and Laidlaw. A hard act to follow,
however they both were in Oz with the Lions and are progressing
well. Probable Scotland team will include no players from
Glasgow district who won the district championship...
Hastings G.
Stanger
Lineen
Hasting S.
Chalmers
Armstrong
Sole
Milne
Burnell
Gray
Cronin
Calder
Turnbull
Buchanan-Smith
Don't know about DEC's Sponsorship of RW&P.
re: .11
Gary,
any chance of you being in Crowe's prior to the Scotland game?
Don H.
|
| 6.13 | Where? | GALVIA::SPAIN | We're going to Sicily. Que sera sera | Tue Jan 16 1990 10:12 | 8 |
|
> any chance of you being in Crowe's prior to the Scotland game?
Are you coming over Don? I'd love to meet for a drink.
BTW where the hell is Crowe's?
Gary.
|
| 6.14 | | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Big Mac | Tue Jan 16 1990 13:56 | 9 |
| Thanks, Don. Those were the players I was thinking about. I'm
terrible with names to begin with, and the lack of international rugby
coverage over here makes it even worse.
Just my luck that American Airlines frequent flyer deal to Europe ended
before the 5 Nations Tournament started. I was hoping to catch a free
ride across the Atlantic to see my first international. Maybe next
year. I'd appreciate it if you guys would keep me up to date on the
games over there like you have in the past.
|
| 6.15 | | AYOV10::DHUNTER | | Mon Jan 22 1990 07:47 | 49 |
|
England 23 Ireland 0
I'm not going to write much as I'm sure Gary will provide a report.
Suffice to say that some changes will be forthcoming in the Irish
camp before the Scotland game. They have big problems in the front
row, the back row and at stand-off.
England are their own worst enemies. They have a very talented back
division and continually refuse to use it until the last 15mins
of a match (if at all). They had really no weaknesses, however,
they were put under no pressure whatsoever.
Wales 19 France 29
As I've said before, Wales are the dirtiest team in the Championship.
This time they paid for it with a man sent off after 30mins for
stamping on Ondarts (French prop) at a ruck.
Nevertheless a very good game with some great tries, however, a
nightmare for Paul Thorburn whose errors lead to two French
tries.
On this evidence, I'd say that....
England look very good with no obvious weaknesses (with the
possible exception of their laboured delivery of second and
third phase ball. In two weeks time they just might beat the
French.
Wales certainly have potential and have two excellent wingers in
Evans and Emyr. However their ill-discipline will continue to
lose them games.
Ireland look down and out already. They have found a good full
back in Murphy and Anderson and Francis showed up well at the
line-out, but they cannot hope to win games by tackling people
for 80 mins and going backwards.
France are like the Green Bay Packers. You just don't know how
they'll play. They can be brilliant and awful and prior to the
Welsh game had lost 4 games out of 5. Their defense is suspect
and for that reason, England look favourites right now.
Yesterday France B 31 Scotland B 9.
Don H.
|
| 6.16 | Massacure of the innocents | GALVIA::SPAIN | We're going to Sicily. Que sera sera | Mon Jan 22 1990 13:24 | 48 |
|
England 23 Ireland 0
Thanks for the report Don. I couldn't get in here earlier. Ireland
were totally outplayed and have serious problems.
We opened brightly and put Enmgland under some early pressure but
England's total forward dominance ensured that they soon got on top.
Hodkinson kicked a penalty when Ireland collapsed a scrum when a
pushover try was certain. How it wasn't a penalty try I'll never know.
Probyn then picked up an underwood pass to score in the corner (he's a
prop). 7-0 was the half time score and Kiernan had missed 2 kickable
penalties but really England should have been further ahead but they
were reluctant to throw the ball around.
Crossan almost got in in the corner early in the second half and
Kiernan missed another penalty as we briefly threatened a revival.
Egerton scored beside the posts midway through the second half and the
game was effectively over. Hodkinson converted. Underwood scored a
magnificent try despite a brave effort from Keith Crossan to stop him.
He may have had a foot in touch (I thought he had but I'm biased) but
the referee allowed it. It was all academic at this stage and Guscott
scored the try of the game in injury time with Hodkinson converting.
England looked very good up front and Hill and Andrew and half back
very superb. The backs didn't see enough of the ball until late on.
Ireland were totally outplayed up front. The front row was very poor
and Halpin will have to wait for his second cap. Fitzgerald did not
play well at loose head and could be moved back to tight head. Smith
was injured and may miss the Scotland game. Francis was highly praised
in the English papers however I thought he faded badly although he did
well in the lineouts and could keep his place. anderson is clearly
over the hill and must give way. Any bets on the captaincy? The back
row did well. O'Hara was OK. Mannion was superb and Matthews also did
well.
The Irish backs were always under pressure but defended well. Aherne
played well enough but out half Peter Russell had a nightmare debut.
He cannot keep his place for the Scotland game. Kenny Murphy had a fine
debut and will play against Scotland. Crossan was the pick of the
other backs but we lost the game up front and that's really where our
problems lie.
The team to play Scotland will be picked tonight but no matter what the
selectors do I cannot see us winning. Then we have to go to Paris.....
Gary.
|
| 6.17 | The heavy-footed dragon | GVA02::JONES | | Tue Jan 23 1990 10:33 | 33 |
|
As my name implies I am Welsh. I hold absolutely no truck with
Moseley's cynical attitude(more later).
However, referees need to have some assistance in refereeing the
loose. You see - especially from France - time and time again -
players lying(unpinioned) around the loose - on or slightly in front
of the line of scrimmage. They impede the forming of a decent rucking
wedge by the opposing forwards. On Saturday in the loose in question
M. Andrieu - a winger was performing that function not M. Ondarts.
Moseley's sending off was absolutely correct. Griffiths had already
had a little "go". Moseley went into that loose with intent to stop
once and more all the ground obstruction. He calculated that there
may be a penalty given - awkward angle - good bet on know points.
He also reckoned on a warning. Note the cynical approach(a la McEnroe).
Wisely Fred Howard dismissed him immediately. Hopefully he will
not play for Wales again not only because of this one act but because
of its nasty scheming nature and the fact the Wales with 15 men
may have run France close.
It is clear that Wales still have problems. Hopefully having seen
a 7 man scrum with an in position Phil Davies giving the Fench a
tougher time than an 8 man srum with PD at blind-side flanker, Wales
will realise that they have the basis of a decent scrummage. The
centres and fly are reasonable and need "play together" coaching.
Robert Jones is world class. Thorburn should have been dropped long
ago.
I think Wales will do better than you think, maybe only beat Ireland,
but give Scotland and England(especially) a very good run.
|
| 6.18 | Did Scotland pick the Irish team? | GALVIA::SPAIN | We're going to Sicily. Que sera sera | Wed Jan 24 1990 15:20 | 32 |
|
The Irish team has been selected to play Scotland. It read
Murphy, Crossan, Mullin, Irwin, Kiernan, Smith, Aherne
Fitzgerald D, McDonald, Fitzgerald J, Anderson, Lenihan, O' Hara,
Mannion, Matthews
Des Fitzgerald returns to his regular spot at tight head (no
complaints). John Fitzgerald comes in at loose head. Both Clancy and
Popplewell had strong claims but fair enough and JF is from Limerick.
Gary Halpin will get his chance again.
Lenihan is back good but for Francis AAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGHHHHHH. How in
the name of God is Anderson rated higher than Francis. Anderson is
finished. Scotland must be laughing themselves silly.
The back row stays the same which I think is fair enough. It isn't a
patch on the Scots but is the least of our problems.
Smith returns at out half. I suppose there weren't many options but
Ralph Keys is returning to form. Aherne obviously keeps his place.
The three quarters remains the same so we're on the defensive again.
Kenny Murphy stays at full back. It's tough on Philip Rainey who is
now fit and was originally selected v England but Murphy had an
excellent game and couldn't be dropped.
Bill McLaren was very kind on RTE radio this morning and praised the
selection but secretly he must be thrilled.
Gary.
|
| 6.19 | Chalmers info? | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Big Mac | Wed Jan 24 1990 16:18 | 1 |
| I heard that Chalmers (Scotland) has been hurt. What's his status?
|
| 6.20 | | AYOV10::DHUNTER | | Thu Jan 25 1990 08:42 | 32 |
| As of today, Chalmers is fit.
The Scotland team announced yesterday is...
G. Hastings.
Stanger
Lineen
S. Hastings
Tukalo
Chalmers
Armstrong
Burnell
Milne
Sole (Captain)
Cronin
Gray
Jeffrey
White
Calder.
Lo and behold, Scotland go for the old guard in the back row. They
do have so many options in that department, it's embarrassing.
Having seen the Irish selection, I can understand Gary's frustrations.
The Scots, however, are not writing off the Irish in any way and
are studying tapes of their All Black encounter.
It'll be a great game.
Don H.
|
| 6.21 | Nostalgia | GVA02::JONES | | Thu Jan 25 1990 11:19 | 21 |
|
Mr. Hunter is probably correct - Ireland - Scotland games of recent
times have been quite interesting. The whole situation will be helped
this time by Clive Norling, whom we may assume will let the game
run as much as possible.
I can't help feeling Mr.Hunter must be a callow youth as he can
only remember good Ireland Scotland games. In the fifties, sixties
and most of the seventies they were quite dreadful - 3-0, 6-3, etc.
In my newspaper - arrives around 11.30 here in Geneva - I see that
England are once again going to vote against the International Board's
"relaxed amateur" status. I also see that the last two matches of
the Championship are played on consecutive Saturday's. Is this England
again - some England championship that is allowed to change the
agenda again - as the old County Championship was allowed to do
- remember the 3 week gap. Anybody know. And if it is England how
come nobody else gets the same preferential treatment.
R Jones
|
| 6.22 | Scotland look too good | GALVIA::SPAIN | We're going to Sicily. Que sera sera | Thu Jan 25 1990 12:39 | 16 |
|
Re -1,
Don't know anything about the consecutive Saturdays. We meet
France in Paris on March 3rd and Wales in Dublin on March 24th. I
assume the other 4 nations play on Feb 17th.
Chalmers is fit. Scotland show 2 changes from the side that beat
us in Murrayfield last year. Hastings comes in for Peter Dodds at full
back and Stanger replaces Robertson on the wing. Robertson retired
after the South African tour and Hastings is a much more accomplished
full back than Dodds but he was injured last year.
I do not fancy our chances at all.
Gary.
|
| 6.23 | | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Big Mac | Thu Jan 25 1990 12:47 | 5 |
| 6.24 | | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Big Mac | Thu Jan 25 1990 12:50 | 6 |
| The only 5 Nations games I see on consecutive weeks are
Scotland/England (Murrayfield) on Mar. 17 and Ireland/Wales (Landsdown
Road) on Mar. 24. I realize that there are usually 2 matches scheduled
on a Saturday and there is at least a week in between matches, but is
this setup really a problem? No individual team has to play on
consecutive weeks and only one game is scheduled on each of those days.
|
| 6.25 | | AYOV10::DHUNTER | | Mon Jan 29 1990 06:06 | 15 |
| re: Robertson
I think his age and his injury made him quit.
The replacement Stanger scored 5 tries in this first two
internationals. He looks awful good..
I well remember some dour Ireland/Scotland confrontations back
in the 70's, however I feel that the 'worst' games nowadays are
liable to involve England because of the limited way they play
the game. Remember last year's 12-12 draw for the Calcutta Cup.
Don H.
|
| 6.26 | England were awesome | GALVIA::SPAIN | We're going to Sicily. Que sera sera | Mon Feb 05 1990 09:10 | 32 |
|
Ireland 10 Scotland 13
More doom and gloom for Ireland although for a long time we looked like
beating a poor Scottish side. We led 7-0 at the interval despite being
under constant pressure. Scotland failed to capitalise on most of the
possession and a Kiernan penalty and a John Fitzgerald try gave us a
surprise lead.
White scored an early second half try which Chalmers converted.
Hasting loost the kicking job after missing 3 first half kicks.
Kiernan made it 10-6 to Ireland before Chalmers reduced the deficit to
1 point. Scotlaand got the decisive score with 10 minutes left when
White got in for his second try. Ireland still had chances to save the
game. Kiernan missed a kickable penalty that would have tied the
scores but in the end Scotland just about deserved to win.
France 7 England 26
This score was erroneously given as 36-7 by the announcer at Lansdowne
Road and it frightened the wits out of every Scotsman. Even at 26-7 it
still gives Scotland great cause for alarm. This was unquestionably
the finest result achieved by an English side in living memory. France
don't lose in Paris and this result is staggering. France weren't just
beaten they were annihilated. I didn't see any of the game.
Underwood, Guscott and Carling scored tries. Hodkinson kicked 4
penalties and 1 conversion. Lagisquet got the French try with Charvet
kicking a penalty.
Gary.
|
| 6.27 | | AYOV10::DHUNTER | | Tue Feb 06 1990 06:08 | 9 |
|
I'm still trying to recover from the flight back from Dublin yesterday
to comment on the game.
FYI, I was in a single engined four seater Piper Archer with winds
gusting to 65 knots!
Don H.
|
| 6.28 | England v France | SHIRE::TALLON | | Tue Feb 06 1990 10:10 | 27 |
|
Excellent game, well ref'd, and mostly fair. England have learned
a lot of lessons and made no mistakes. France looked jaded (Berbizier
and Blanco may have played just once too often). Guscott is clearly
a sort of new version of Blanco: he does amazing things without
any apparent effort.
England still have quite a few weaknesses, however. The full-back
is not very mobile and their idea of open play is narrow. Wales
will hoist some difficult kicks for Hodgkinson and cause lots of
trouble in the lineout.
The French crowd were dreadful. They acted as if it were the nth
consecutive defeat, whereas France have only lost twice in ten years
in Paris! They have called for everybody's heads and will no doubt
get them, if past bad patches are anything to go by.
Jacques Fouroux, having acknowledged defeat sportingly after the
game, has now accused England of Rambo tactics. With Rodriguez his
pet player, that really is the pot calling then kettle black.
Interestingly, during the national anthems, England looked nonchalant,
while the French team seemed all fired up.
Peter
|
| 6.29 | The Welsh Dragon lives ..... | RDGE44::JONESK | One of the many Welsh Wizards | Thu Feb 08 1990 07:28 | 21 |
| Having scanned through the past 28 replies, I am most upset to read
the negative views broadcast on Welsh Rugby.
Please correct me if I'm wrong but isn't it common knowledge that
Ireland are ALWAYS favourites for the Wooden Spoon EVERY year by
DEFAULT? Or have I been brought up in the wrong country?
The hopes of the Welsh Dragon is high year after year through
thick and thin and has proven over the past decade that they cannot
be discounted against any team (especially in Cardiff).
I guess what all this is leading to is 2 things:-
England v WALES is going to be (as always) a stonking game and one
which you cannot say Wales will lose, and secondly,
Does anyone know where I can get 2 tickets to the game next Saturday??
I've been trying for years but to no avail! Perhaps some kind sole
could help me in my plight.
Eternally Grateful,
Kris Jones. @REO 7-830-3507 OR CHEFS::JONESK, RDGE44::JONESK
|
| 6.30 | LAST GAMES | GVA02::JONES | | Thu Feb 08 1990 07:51 | 74 |
|
The match was well refereed. Mr. Moseley ex-Neath, ex-Wales and
ex-allowed to train with any Welsh club may have had some effect
on the rest of the season. Mr. Doyle immediately penalised France
for unpinioned players lying around loose scrums.
I don't think Berbizier and Blanco have played to much. I would
more suspect that Fouroux's planning and philosophy - no more hookers
play three props who can take a pace forward in unison - scrum half
throw-in to line-outs(hookers are too stupid??) - play crash ball
fly-half instead of inside centre - is causing the problem. All
these infringements on natural play really hurt creative players
like Berbizier and especially Blanco.
Guscott is not really a Blanco - there is not the same threat from
him running out of deep defence as with Blanco. Guscott has got
two great gifts - a la Mike Gibson(wherever positioned) or John
Dawes. He can see space and calculate space options way ahead of
his initial attempts to break. I am not saying he is slow, but he
has average speed. Average speed linked with space perception is
difficult to play against. He also defends well. He seems to be
very well positioned against other half-backs when they break. Perhaps
he can perceive space options on their behalf too.
I think Hodgkinson is a very weak point for England. He will have
a tough time against Wales - especially with Rob Jones's annoying
little kicks. We've seen Rob do this before - notably against England
last year. Whilst Wales can cause England great discomfort, our
continued selection of Thorburn will equal out that thrust.
I don't think Wales will give England much trouble in the line-out.
For some psychological reason Dooley was always shambolic against
Norster. The great Welsh line-out hope was Moseley, and with Young
at the front to clean-up and drive there were some good options
available. Dai Young has gone League - another world class player
lost to Wales and Moseley .... The only good result of this will
be Phil Davies playing in position.
The game also convinced me that Underwood is a great winger as long
as he does not have to carry the ball. Its rather like J.J. Williams
- he's much better following a kick. No need to work out options
but run fast in a straight.
Narrow play. I'm not so sure. It was very interesting to watch the
first try. The decision to go short-side was not a "limited" decision.
Ther inside centre was runnning to loop outside the outside centre
and the full-back advancing giving the French the impression of
an upcoming miss and full-back in the line move. That's why all
the cover moved open-side. Thus Rob Andrew could switch and put
Underwood through. This is a sophisticated move.
The most interesting thing about Frances' publics attitude was the
poll they take after every match for the man of the match. France
having lost 26-7 decided the man of the match was Bob Ackford...NO,
Wade Dooley....NO, Will Carling.....NO, J. Guscott.....NO, well
surely R. Underwood........NO, not even Hodgkinson.....NO. P. Labisguet
the FRENCH winger that scored their only try. Whilst ever this attitude
continues you will see rapidly changing French teams and coaches.
In fact, now I think about this game was back to the future. Before
France started their great run of the 80"s, the tactics against
France were - go like the devil and get 6 or 9 points on the board
in 20 minutes then watch them squabble and fall apart. That's what
happened on Saturday.
Ireland - SCotland - a wee bit dour this, great emotion, very exciting
but not really great Rugby. I think Ireland are under-rated especially
at half-back and full-back, and Scotland are over-rated, especially
at half-back, centre and perhaps the full-back is tired.
Next game predictions England 19 Wales 12
SCotland 14 France 10
|
| 6.31 | I was wrong about England/Wales last year | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Big Mac | Thu Feb 08 1990 18:43 | 8 |
| It seems that Rugby League is drawing a disporportionate number of
players from Wales. I hear of more Welsh name-players going over to
League than from the rest of the U.K. and Ireland. Why is that?
re: .29 and .30
I know the Welsh always play the English tough, but this game will be
played in Twickenham, and the English have dominated their first two
opponents. Do you really think it will be that close?
|
| 6.32 | Alive and (regretably) Kicking | RDGE44::JONESK | One of the many Welsh Wizards | Fri Feb 09 1990 06:42 | 20 |
| I think many people see England/Wales as a Five Nations Rugby
International.
This is, of course, part true but to many more the game bears no
resemblence to previous games of the Tournament. England/Wales
is unique. What happens on the day I believe can only be predicted
in so far as to say that the game will be hard, strategic and exciting.
Over the past decade, predictions have been wrong more often than
not which in a way proves that you cannot assume that because England
"destroyed" France that they will go on to beat Wales.
My conspicuously bias motto reads :-
NEVER UNDER-ESTIMATE THE WELSH ( especially against England ! )
Many bottles of fine malt whiskey have entered my posession thanks
to many "false predictions" from Englishmen in the past!
Kris...
|
| 6.33 | | AYOV10::DHUNTER | | Fri Feb 09 1990 10:42 | 38 |
| RE: .31
Mac,
the oft-touted reason for so many Welsh Union players turning
to League, is that the other Home Unions draw the bulk of their
players from the Professional Classes plus, of course, Farming.
In Wales, so they say, this is a working man's game, therefore
the money on offer in League could easily tempt an unemployed
miner from U to L for example.
Personally I doubt if this is the whole picture. As League is
a Midland to N of England game Wales is awful close to the action
and I think the League talent spotters have a lot of contacts
within the Union ranks in Wales. The only Scotsman to go League
of late was Alan Tait the Scottish Centre. He is now the Great
Britain and Widnes full back and has come on a bomb. His father
played for Widnes so that's the sole connection.
RE: .32
Invasion by the Jones's no less. You're right that no-one should
ever right off the Welsh. However that's exactly what you seem
to imply with Scotland. I'd say that Scotland have played miles
better than last Sat. and still lost and the fact remains that
we beat an Irish side in Ireland which even the All Blacks did
not find easy.
I'm optimistic about the rest of the Championship and I do hope
the Wales do the biz on the English, although I doubt it.
Predictions:
England 20 Wales 12
Scotland 20 France 12
When was the last time both games had the same score I wonder?
Don H.
|
| 6.34 | Battle for the spoon | GALVIA::SPAIN | We're going to Sicily. Que sera sera | Fri Feb 09 1990 11:38 | 19 |
|
I'm not going to write off Wales after last year when they shocked
everyone by beating England at Cardiff. However England must be strong
favourites and it would be one of Wales greatest victories if they
could pull this one off.
Scotland need a kicker if they're going to beat France. The French
will probably give away lots of penalties as usual and lets hope Gavin
Hastings gets his confidence back.
As for Ireland, well this is one Championship Saturday when we won't
lose. Lets hope we win the battle to avoid the wooden spoon on March
24th.
Brendan Mullin is out of the French game on March 3rd. Looks like
Kiernan will be back in the centre where he belongs. It'll be
interesting to see who plays on the wing.
Gary.
|
| 6.35 | Irish XV for Paris | GALVIA::SPAIN | We're going to Sicily. Que sera sera | Thu Feb 15 1990 11:05 | 16 |
|
Well the selectors have finally woken up. The team to play France in
Paris contains 3 changes. Mullin, Irwin and Anderson are out with
Hooks (kiernan moving to centre), Danaher and Francis coming in.
Lenihan will captain the side.
Mullin's ommission was due to injury but the selectors have finally
realised that Irwin and Anderson are over the hill. Hooks is an
excellent tackler which will be vital in Paris and Kiernan will be much
happier in the centre.
The team is Murphy, Hooks, Kiernan, Danaher, Crossan, Smith, Aherne
Fitzgerald J, McDonald, Fitzgerald D, Lenihan, Francis, Matthews,
Mannion and O'Hara.
Gary.
|
| 6.36 | WALES AND LEAGUE | GVA02::JONES | | Thu Feb 15 1990 12:45 | 24 |
| The new Irsih team will still loose in Paris - despite the hectic
French changes.
Welsh defections to Rugby League are not geographical. The major
Welsh clubs are along the south coast and in the first 20 miles
or so of the Ebbw, Rhonda, Ara etc. valleys. The line more or less
starts at Bridgend and finishes at the greatest club in the world
LLanelli. Try and get to a Rugby League club from there without
travelling 150 to 200 miles. THere are no real RU clubs in North
Wales which is in proximity to St.Helens etc. In fact the SCottish
border clubs are closer.
The defections are a matter of class as you say, but the cultural
shock is less also as Welsh players are used to the RU club being
the centre of their community life as the League clubs are in places
like Warrington, Wigan, Castleford, Batley etc. Thus migration is
easier for them.
The only cultural shock I would imagine they suffer is becoming
used to the horrible quality of the League Choirs.
Richard
|
| 6.37 | Bermuda World Rugby Classic | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Big Mac | Fri Feb 16 1990 20:33 | 22 |
| I finally got around to reading some of my January issue of "Rugby", so
I thought I'd put in some news.
The unofficial World Masters Championship was held in Bermuda last
November as the Second Annual World Rugby Classic took place. Teams
made up of former internationals age 33 and above represented Bermuda,
America, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France and New Zealand.
The assembled players totaled 3000 caps between them. Americas Team
(so called because they are not the official U.S. Eagles Masters Team -
although there isn't one at present) was the surprise of the
tournament. They defeated France 15-9, and England 24-17 before losing
to New Zealand 20-8 in the final (can't NZ lose anything in rugby?).
Scotland defeated Ireland 26-20 to take third place. America's Team
also captured first place in the Golf Tournament ahead of England and
Ireland.
The tournament was a single elimination knock out format that took
place over 10 days. All normal rugby laws were in place, except that
scrums were uncontested and unlimited substitutions are allowed. The
tournament was open to former internationals age 33 and over. Next
year the games will be restricted to players 34 years and over who have
represented their country.
|
| 6.38 | USA Rugby East Champions | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Big Mac | Fri Feb 16 1990 20:54 | 26 |
| The U.S.A. Rugby East representatives to the National Championships are
now set. In Division I, Washington (Potomac champ) captured the USARE
championship with wins over Old Blue (Met New York wildcard), Philly/Whitemarsh
(Eastern Pennsylvania champ) in regional action. They defeated Life
Chiropractic College (Georgia wildcard) 29-23 in the semifinals. The
other semifinal match pitted Old White (Georgia champ) with Mystic
River (New England champ) with Old White coming out on top 12-9.
Washington defeated Old White 13-19 in the final.
Union County (NJ - Met NY champ) took the Division II championship. On
route to the title they defeated Worcester (MA - New England - my old
club), and Rochester (Upstate NY champ). Union defeated Savannah
(Georgia Champ) 35-4 in the semifinal with Wilmington (DE - Eastern
Penn champ) defeating Columbia (Palmetto champ) in the other semifinal
44-7. Union then defeated Wilmington 9-3.
In college action, Army repeated as Rugby East champs by defeating
James Madison University 9-6 in the last minute of a second 10 minute
overtime period. James Madison was a virtual unknown in rugby up to
this point. JMU defeated Maryland and Navy on route to the USARE final
four. Army defeated 2 New England representatives, Dartmouth and
Harvard, to go into the final 4. The other 2 teams were Clemson and
Lehigh (another dark horse). Army trounced Clemson 64-8 (must have the
refs ;^}) in one semifinal matchup while JMU defeated Lehigh 32-15 in
the other. As a side note, congratulations on Clemson going this far
with only a faculty advisor in lieu of a real coach.
|
| 6.39 | | AYOV10::DHUNTER | | Mon Feb 19 1990 07:01 | 47 |
| Scotland 21 France 0
England 34 Wales 6
The way things are going, there might one immense game at Murrayfield
in 4 weeks time. If Scotland beat Wales then the Calcutta Cup, the
Triple Crown, the Grand Slam and the Championship will be up for
grabs in this last game between Scotland and England.
The Scottish team were a revelation compared with the game at
Landsdowne Rd. They had obviously worked on their line-out with
Chris Gray dominating throughout the game. The French were pinned
back in their own half for nearly all the second half but Scotland
only had one Hastings penalty to show for their pressure. He then
missed two easy kicks and Chalmers took over and he hit the post.
Chalmers, however, was my man of the match, with a perfect record
of second half penalties and conversions and two tackles which saved
almost certain tries, one on Lagisquet and a despairing tap tackle
on Hontas, the other French wing.
Early in the Second half Carmanati was ordered off after stamping
on Jeffrey's head at a maul. Jeffrey required 4 stitches later,
however it was unbelieveable that Carmanti would be so stupid to
think of doing what he did with the referee standing exactly two
yards behind him.
With the French Lock off the pitch, it was all Scotland. A kick
on by Tukalo was chased by 'half of Scotland' with Lineed hacking
on and Calder getting the touchdown. Chalmers converted.
After a scrum thirty yards out from the French posts, Armstrong
switched play, the ball came to Tukalo who went round Hontas, on
on knee, was tackled again by a French wing forward, went down
on one knee again, and then dived over at the touchline. Chalmers
converted.
Scotland might have scored fifty against a very poor French side
and I might just tip Ireland to cause an upset in Parc Des Princes.
I'll leave the England/Wales encounter to the Jones's. Suffice to
say England looked awful good. Welsh tackling was awful.
Don H.
|
| 6.40 | New coach for Wales | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Big Mac | Tue Feb 20 1990 13:49 | 2 |
| I read in VNS that the Welsh coach has resigned and the manager of
Neath has taken his place.
|
| 6.41 | | AYOV10::DHUNTER | | Wed Feb 21 1990 09:34 | 19 |
| The boyos from the valley's have been very quiet in this note of
late.
RE: .40
Yes Wales have a new coach and by all accounts he is the best man
for the job with a gret record of acheivement while at Neath. It's
a shame this happened in the middle of the Five Nations however
most sources believe that it was inevitable. Wales have only won
two internationals in 19 months, one against Western Samoa and
the other England (last season).
Bill Beaumont was asked about England's last match to come at
Murrayfield. He stated that the main difference England will find
is that Scotland will tackle. He still expects an English victory
though - Surprise Surprise.
Don H.
|
| 6.42 | Well done the Lillywhites! | SHIRE::TALLON | | Fri Feb 23 1990 06:30 | 33 |
|
Suppose everyone's read all about the England-Wales match by now. If
you haven't, the score is a little bit hard on Wales, as they actually
played quite well. The trouble is that England ruthlessly exploited
their weaknesses at full-back, right wing and flanker. They also gave
away too many penalties.
England should have had two more tries but Hodgkinson dropped the ball
twice. He has a long way to go before becoming an all-round full-back.
The main question is, I suppose, what has turned England round from
being a bunch of Nigels into a competitive team?
First, they are very fit. The front row can all run like stags and
create open-play tries. The front five play as a man. The backs are an
immense improvement on themselves and Guscott has made a big impact at
outside centre. Most of all, however, Hill has made a come-back at
scrum-half. Three years ago he was deservedly dropped, but now plays
with tremendous authority and speed. His pass is long and fast and
gives Andrew at fly half a couple of yards advantage.
Scotland will certainly match up to England in the back row and at half
back, though England may have the edge if they are able to throw the
ball around.
Neither Ireland nor Scotland should write off Wales. A new full-back
and the psychological boost a new trainer brings may make them a
handful.
Incidentally, it was great to see the sportsmanship in the
England-Wales match. France please copy.
Peter
|
| 6.43 | | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Big Mac | Fri Feb 23 1990 17:10 | 4 |
| 6.44 | | SHIRE::TALLON | | Mon Feb 26 1990 09:02 | 20 |
|
England's tries were all first-class and resulted from open play.
Underwood's second try was an 80yd interception. He now holds the
England record.
The Welsh try was also good, a 20yd bulldozer run by Davies.
England should also have had a try after a phenomenal burst by hooker
Brian Moore, who can run like a sprinter.
On a sadder note, followers of rugby will not be surprised to learn
that the French media is furious about the Carminati sending off. Last
night the Antenne 2 sports programme showed a video of 'villainy
against our brave lads' during the Scotland-France game. What it
actually showed was a French arm holding the ball in an offisde
position in a ruck with two hefty Scots heeling ball and arm furiously.
In French eyes this was a sending off offence. They really are very bad
losers. I hope Ireland thrash them.
Peter
|
| 6.45 | Beantown goes across the puddle | GRAMPS::BERMAN | Give Blood, Play Rugby! | Thu Mar 01 1990 10:38 | 33 |
|
OK, this is the news you've all been waiting for. I have an
itinerary for our Spring Tour. (Us being Beantown Women's Rugby
Football Club, out of Boston)
This is a little vague, but I will try to write more details if I
get them. If anyone wants to come see a match, send me mail with your
phone number, and I can call with more information when we get in the
area. I'm not really sure where the matches are; I've just listed the
towns we'll be staying in when we play them.
Sat. March 17 Morning match versus Wales XV. I think this is in
Cardiff.
Sun. March 18 Watch Great Britain versus Italy Women's match, in
Moseley.
Tue March 20 Evening match versus North of England, in Sale.
Wed March 21 Evening match versus Wales President's XV in Lampeter.
Fri March 23 Evening match in London versus WRFU President's XV.
(I don't know what union WRFU is)
Sat March 24 Morning match versus Saracens WRFC, London.
Sun March 25 Afternoon match versus Wasps WRFC, London.
Last I heard, we were bringing 18 players, plus one pregnant player
and two husbands. It should be interesting, with the amount and
quality of games scheduled. I'm bringing ibuprofen.
Rachael
|
| 6.46 | Good Luck on the Tour! | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Big Mac | Thu Mar 01 1990 12:41 | 6 |
| 6.47 | France 31 Ireland 12 | SHIRE::TALLON | | Mon Mar 05 1990 12:21 | 25 |
|
A dreadful French team beat a woeful Irish team by a wide margin, but
the match could easily have gone Ireland's way if one or two of their
players had been awake.
Both teams happily ignored the rules of the game and gave away
penalties galore. France scored tries because they still have one or
two good backs.
Incredibly, Irleand were unable to take advantage of the loss of two
French players within the same minute - Lhermet and Blanco.
The French pack were slow and made to look good at the lineout.
Ireland, alas, were dreadful, apart from Smith and Murphy.
The French crowd is so appalling it ought to be banned.
After this classic, we were treated to a few minutes of Wales-Scotland,
with ads in the middle! Scotland did not look too hot, but they will be
much better against England.
Peter
|
| 6.48 | | CAM::WAY | USS Spadefish, SS 411 | Mon Mar 05 1990 12:29 | 7 |
| Pete,
Who do you pick to win the 5-Nations? Or should I say who's
favored? Scotland, or England?
Curious,
Chainsaw
|
| 6.49 | tallon full of baloney | SHIRE::FINEUC1 | | Mon Mar 05 1990 12:53 | 5 |
| Chainsaw,
Don't believe whatever Peter gives for a prediction.
rick
|
| 6.50 | Scotland 13 Wales 9 | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Big Mac | Mon Mar 05 1990 12:54 | 1 |
|
|
| 6.51 | a draw? | SHIRE::TALLON | | Tue Mar 06 1990 05:12 | 20 |
| Ignoring the rude interruption from the Canadian element, it's honestly
difficult to say. Scotland are not a great team but they will be at
home and their back row might cause England a lot of trouble. Their
glaring weakness is a slow scrum half and no single top class running
back.
England are on a high but are not without weaknesses. The media has
already sewed it up for them, which might be fatal. If they can get the
ball to the wings quickly then they will be formidable. Underwood is
capable of swinging a match if he gets a decent pass.
The last time England won the Grand Slam was in 1980 against Scotland
at Murrayfield. They took the match straight to Scotland and ran in two
tries very quickly.
Mr Jones claims England will win. I'm not sure myself.
Peter
|
| 6.52 | Putting my cards on the table | GOONS::RICHARD | | Tue Mar 06 1990 08:24 | 27 |
|
England v. Scotland
England have to be favourites for this game. They at least match
Scotland in every area of the game, except perhaps full-back, where
Gavin Hastings can be inspirational.
In the past Scotland were resourceful and fluid while England were
strong but static. These days the Scottish back row are still a force
,but England as a fifteen are a fitter side. Both sides are trying to
play "total rugby" with all players expected to take on any duty
between each set piece. At the line-out things will be very even, but
I think England are better at consolidating their own possesion. At
the scrum England will have a slight advantage, and this will be re-
inforced by Hill's quick pass to Andrew. Half back is the area where
England have greatest superiority.
As for the media. England have done a great job this year in cutting
out the influence of outside expectations. They have just turned up
and done the job (with great flair). Before the Welsh game they looked
as if they were about to have tea with their Aunt. While the Welsh
huffed, puffed, flexed their biceps. Every opponent Scotland have played
,England have thrashed 2 weeks before. The result at Murrayfield may be
close, but I can't see England losing, and it won't be a draw.
Richard
|
| 6.53 | Records go in Paris | GALVIA::SPAIN | We're going to Sicily. Que sera sera | Tue Mar 06 1990 13:58 | 30 |
|
France 31 Ireland 12
France became the third team this season to score a record points total
against Ireland. They were also roundly booed by their supporters and
frankly were one of the worst French teams I've ever seen. Ireland
improved slightly from their earlier games but still looked a very very
poor side.
Mesnel scored 2 tries for France. Camberabero kicked 5 penalties and 2
conversions. The name of their other try scorer escapes me. I think
it was Lasguisquet (sp?). Kiernan kicked 4 penalties for Ireland.
Wales 9 Scotland 13
Damien Cronin's try turned out to be the decisive score as Scotland
beat Wales 13-9. The Scots were worthy winners but failed to
capitalise on their advantage and nearly lost the game. Wales scored
one of the best tries of the championship in the second half but it
wasn't enough.
Scotland meet England on March 17th for the Championship, Triple Crown,
Grand Slam and Calcutta Cup. On current form England should win but
never write off the Scots at Murrayfield.
A week later Wales come to Lansdowne Road to do battle for the Wooden
Spoon. To think we met in the corresponding game 2 years ago foor the
Triple Crown........
Gary.
|
| 6.54 | Quietly confident. | AYOV10::DHUNTER | | Wed Mar 07 1990 04:54 | 21 |
| Hi guys,
'the game of the century ensues'. This season has been very
odd from Scotland's perspective. They have totally dominated France
and Wales in the set piece but made life hard for themselves for
long passages of each match. What has not been mentioned is that
Scotland probably has the best coaching staff of all the five
nations, Ian McGeechan (team and backs) Jim Telfer (forwards).
As the Independant pointed out on Monday, they not only
did their homework against Wales, they also knew Rene Hourquet
(the ref) would let the line outs sort themselves out and also
the Scots front row refused to engage first time at the scrums.
The Daily Mail has pronounced England as World Beaters
some weeks ago. Scotland are 'unremarkable'. What has not been
realised is that every team that England have duffed up has been
strengthened considerable for the Scotland game.
Suffice to say if you don't have a ticket forget it. A
suitable substitute is to watch the game at the Haymarket bar.
Come early though, they'll be queues there too after 12:30!!!!
Prediction later... Don H.
|
| 6.55 | England v. Scotland | DOOZER::NEWELL | | Wed Mar 07 1990 11:59 | 19 |
|
Re .54
< What has not been realised is that every team that England have duffed >
< up has been strengthened considerably for the Scotland game. >
How about if these teams had had wins going into thier games with the Scots
.Wouldn't they have performed with a bit more confidence. Instead,England
shattered all confidence ,and the respective teams had only 2 weeks
to repair the damage. Ask Wales how being duffed up by New Zealand
helped them in the short term.
Just another point of view.
Richard.
|
| 6.56 | VNS report on France/Ireland | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Big Mac | Wed Mar 07 1990 12:51 | 196 |
|
:::RUGBY UNION
FRANCE Vs. IRELAND
Parc Des Princes, Paris - Saturday, March 3rd 1990
Reporter: Mike Hughes (MACNAS::MHUGHES)
Ireland had one thing in common with the French for this
encounter, - losing. The Gallic flair had deserted the French,
and the little general Fouroux was facing intense criticism from
his own people over it. Ireland had rung the changes for this
match but the injury to Philip Matthews causing his late
withdrawal was a major cause for concern. Ireland had not won a
rugby match in France since 1972 and it was 20 years before that
that they had recorded their previous victory. Slim pickings
indeed and it was 10 years since Ireland had scored a try in
Paris, Freddie McLennan holding that dubious honour from the 1980
encounter.
There had been some big changes in the back line with Philip
Danagher coming in into the centre position, and Ken Hooks on the
wing. Serge Blanco was back in the French fullback slot but
rumoured to be a bit out of sorts, but then 50% of Blanco is
worth 100% of most other players. The French three-quarter line
of Sella, Camberabero, Mesnel, Lagisquet & Co. can be one of the
most flamboyant of all lines.
There was no wind worth mentioning and the man in the middle was
Mr. McCartney of Scotland. The day was dry and conditions were
perfect. Perfect conditions of course were tipped to suit the
Frenchmen. The atmosphere was muted somewhat due no doubt to the
two French defeats suffered at the hands of the English and the
Scottish. Ireland could expect the backlash.
The kick off was taken long and Ireland started with a 22 drop
out. Murphy was tested very quickly by the Garryowen but he rose
magnificently to the occasion. Ireland cleared but were rapidly
returned to their own 22 zone by the boot of Blanco. France
opened it up and but for a bit of bad luck in the final pass
going forward the Irish line would have been breached. Ireland
began to settle but France were winning good lineout possession
in an area where Ireland were supposed to be superior. Ireland
tried to break a couple of times but poor judgement and handling
going forward ended up with France regaining possession and
countering dangerously. As the game approached the tenth minute
a stupid error by O'Hara, in going over the top in a ruck, gave
Mr. Camberabero his chance from 30 metres and he popped it over.
Ireland too tried the long kick off but play was brought back
into the centre of the field where this time the French conceded
the penalty for an infringement in a ruck situation. Kiernan
elected to kick and with a remarkable stroke of the boot put it
neatly dead-centre from sixty yards. With this score he was
knocking on the door of the record for kicks scored in
five-nations championships. It was the eighteenth minute and
France were determined to avenge this score. They attacked
straight from the kick off and went up into the Irish 22 zone,
where Referee McCartney pointed at Mick Kiernan for offside as a
ruck developed. This second technical infringement gave a gift
opportunity to Didier Camberabero to send France back into the
lead. Lhermet the flanker was injured in that ruck but he
continued to play for another minute before it became obvious
that he was unfit to continue. He left the field to be replace
by Eric Melville of Toulon who made history by being the first
non-French national to line out for France. Melville had
recently become a naturalised French citizen and thus was
eligible. His country of origin was South Africa and thus a
piece of rugby history was created. Ireland were becoming a bit
more creative but cumbersome too, nevertheless. A long pass out
the line was grub-kicked by Crossan but it went straight to
Blanco. Serge turned to step back into his 22 zone and in the
simple turn pulled a muscle and barely got the kick into touch.
The great Serge Blanco had to be carried from the field and one
had to speculate that this may well be the last time we will see
this graceful gazelle on the field of battle. Perhaps another
piece of rugby history. This left France with huge problems.
Andrieu came into the side at centre with Phillipe Sella taking
Blanco's position at full-back.
At this time Ireland were putting a lot of pressure on the French
and eventually were awarded a free-kick in a scrum. From the
kick Brian Smith tried a drop at goal but it was blocked down.
Again Ireland tried to break through but Ahearn knocked on in the
tackle to bring it all to naught. Then Ireland surged down the
side line and fed the ball out the line to Danagher who tried a
totally ridiculous manoeuvre of a drop at goal with a free man to
his outside. France raised the siege and brought play down into
the Irish half. From a scrum Camberabero made a very exciting
and incisive break through to the Irish line and when tackled he
fed out to Mesnel who had a simple task to score a brilliant try.
The speed of the break left the Irish bewildered and rocked them
back into the reality of the situation they were facing.
Camberabero added the two points and the score was 12 - 3 with 29
minutes gone.
Ireland applied the pressure and spread the ball wide along the
line to Murphy who grub-kicked to the corner behind the backs of
the French defenders. Crossan hared down the line dived on the
ball with a defender in close attention. The referee did not
allow the try but instead awarded Ireland a penalty for an
earlier off-side by the French. The TV action replay showed
Crossan clearly making the try but it was split second stuff and
the ref. was possible unsighted. Kiernan entered the history
books after the kick and the score was 12-6 with 34 minutes
elapsed.
The French went for the long kick off and Brian Smith replied
with a magnificent return. Ireland worked their way back up
towards the French 22 zone and were awarded a penalty for elbow
work in the ruck by Rodriguez. It was an easy one for Kiernan
but on his weak side and he botched it. Ireland still kept up
good pressure and once when Smith sent a crossfield kick to the
Irish winger it was Hontas the French defender who knocked on a
simple catch. From the scrum Mannion broke with the ball but
again knocked on going forward. The ref. had had enough and blew
it up.
First off Ireland should have been at least on level terms and
had done enough to earn it. It was stupid technical errors that
schoolboys don't make that caused the deficit, but it was
appalling butterfingers and wrong options going forward that had
cost the most. I must question the attacking approach of some of
the players in particular Ahearn and Danagher. Ireland had not
had the lineout domination that was expected. Neil Francis was
playing quite well on his return to the colours but the backrow
bereft of Matthews was definitely off-colour. O'Hara tried hard
however. I felt that Ireland were in with a chance of taking
this one if they could maintain their momentum and avoid their
last quarter wilt. France had gone through terrible trauma with
the almost complete disruption of their threequarters line. Yet
they had managed to hold out the Irish and score a truly
brilliant try of their own.
Ireland kicked off the second half and from the ruck just inside
the French half they gave away a penalty. It was more angled
than Kiernan's first half effort but Camberabero had a go and
when the juices are flowing everything goes right. It was 15-6
and the half had hardly started. France then ran Ireland ragged
up to the Irish line almost but a determined defence forced the
roosters back up to half-way. In the ninth minute Ireland were
penalised for lineout obstruction and Camberabero had a skew shot
that hit the post and went in, it was that kind of a day. He
could get the ball over the cross bar no matter what went wrong.
18-6 then and it was all uphill for the Irish.
Ireland kept trying and again they were awarded a penalty on the
35 metre line but again Kiernan missed the opportunity. Good
Irish pressure was almost rewarded when Smith executed a nice
looping movement and sent Danagher away. At a vital moment
Danagher hesitated and took the wrong option but fed Ahearn who
then linked with Crossan whose grub-kick brought play up to 10
yards from the French line. Again it was pure lack of directness
in approach going forward by Danagher that cost the try scoring
opportunity. Irish pressure was rewarded by another penalty in
the 18th minute on the 10-yard-line in the centre of the park.
This time Kiernan connected and raised the flags to make it 18-9.
Shortly after this Ireland gave away another penalty about 30
metres out which Camperabero elected to kick to the utter disgust
of the French crowd. He was soundly booed and hooted at by his
own supporters as he took the kick but it went straight and true.
Further pressure brought Ireland right up to the French line and
Brian Smith was unlucky in the final pass going forward that
would have sent Hooks in for a fine try. This Irish movement was
roundly applauded by the whole stadium. Shortly after this
Ireland were awarded a penalty for an infringement close to the
French line and Kiernan couldn't miss from the range. 21-12 then
with 14 minutes left.
There was still a lot to play for and the Irish had done well but
the French were in determined mood and went on a fierce raid on
the Irish line. A ruck developed on the Irish five yard line and
before the Irish could settle the ball was fed out to the Biaritz
Express, one Lagisquet, who glided through for a simple and
graceful try. For once Camperabero got it wrong and missed the
added points to leave the score 25 - 12 with ten minutes left in
the game. The game was now out of reach of the Irish and with
two minutes remaining Mesnel put the icing on the French cake
with a try under the posts which Camperabero converted. The
final score was 31-12.
The Irish woes continue with a a whitewash contest between the
two three-time losers Ireland and Wales looming at Landsdowne
Road in three weeks. It was a better performance from the Irish
with at least some creativity in evidence from behind the scrum.
I have no doubt that Matthews was sorely missed. The "novelty"
of going forward with the ball will have to be overcome. Ahearn
was caught out time and again in this mode. Danagher lacks the
guile for this level in the centre position. The better points
were Brian Smith kicking extraordinarily well, Neil Francis going
forward but not in his lineout display, O'Hara in the loose was
tireless. The scrum was steadier making the second phase easier
for the first time this season. All that is left now is to close
the loop on the season that looks like marking the nadir of the
fortunes of the game in Ireland. I'll be back in three weeks to
report on the final game of the season.
|
| 6.57 | Eagles in Ireland | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Big Mac | Wed Mar 07 1990 12:54 | 3 |
| According to my Rugby calendar, the U.S. Eagles played 2 matches in
Ireland during the last few days (Mar. 1-7). Anyone have any
results/details?
|
| 6.58 | | AYOV10::DHUNTER | | Thu Mar 08 1990 06:06 | 18 |
| No details on the Eagles, however on result I can give you is
that...
Digital Ayr duffed up Digital Reading 21-3 prior to the French
game.
re: .55
A valid point, however, if you asked the Coaching staff of the
respective countries about the teams they picked against Scotland
versus the teams picked against England, they'd soon be out
of a job if they admitted to weakening their side.
As to NZ, they usually duff up every side they play and only
dish out lessons in humility.
Don H.
|
| 6.59 | Irish Students XV beat the Eagles | GALVIA::SPAIN | We're going to Sicily. Que sera sera | Thu Mar 08 1990 09:28 | 8 |
|
The U.S. Eagles lost 19-18 to the Irish students this week. The Eagles
led 15-3 at half time and should have won. I don't know whther they
were at full strength but if so this is an embarrassing defeat.
The Irish U25 side meet the Eagles in Limerick on Saturday.
Gary.
|
| 6.60 | The Horns Hooked 'Em! | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Big Mac | Fri Mar 09 1990 19:35 | 5 |
| The University of Texas won the Texas Rugby Union Collegiate
championship last weekend. From here they move on to the Western
Territory Championships to try to earn a spot in the Final 4. They'll
have their work cut out for them as they will probably have to face Air
Force.
|
| 6.61 | American Rugby coverage | GOONS::RICHARD | | Sun Mar 11 1990 12:44 | 14 |
|
How will next weeks Grand Slam game (England v Scotland) be covered
in America ? This is the biggest Union game for years as far as the
British are concerned (the Welsh and Irish may disagree).
The Superbowl is televised live in England, but the media still
treat it as a strange American cultural quirk, which gets a mention at
the end of the main news. Will the Murrayfield game get any kind
of national mention ?
Richard.
|
| 6.62 | | AYOV18::REFADM132184 | | Mon Mar 12 1990 06:18 | 7 |
| The American Eagles lost to the Irish U-25's. One of the US team
was sent off for stamping. I can't recall the exact score, however
12-10 comes to mind with the Eagles scoring 2 tries to 1. Maybe
Gary can help out on this one?
Don H.
|
| 6.63 | Ireland scrape home | GALVIA::SPAIN | We're going to Sicily. Que sera sera | Mon Mar 12 1990 14:28 | 31 |
| 6.64 | | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Big Mac | Tue Mar 13 1990 12:34 | 6 |
| 6.65 | | AYOV18::REFADM132184 | | Thu Mar 15 1990 05:54 | 16 |
| re: .64
The game is expected to break all records for TV rugby viewing in
the UK - 8.5 million are expected to tune in. The game will be
shown live in Holland, France, Italy, Morocco, Hong Kong, New
Zealand and a few others I can't recall.
Prediction time....
SCOTLAND 15 ENGLAND 10
Any other takers?
Don H.
|
| 6.66 | England to shade it but I hope I'm wrong | GALVIA::SPAIN | We're going to Sicily. Que sera sera | Thu Mar 15 1990 09:28 | 10 |
|
Don,
The game will also be live here in Ireland.
I fancy England to shade a low scoring game
Scotland 6 England 10
Gary.
|
| 6.67 | | CAM::WAY | This ain' no technological breakdown... | Thu Mar 15 1990 10:47 | 5 |
| I've got to go with Scotland....(family loyalties ya know)...
I won't predict a score...8^)
fw
|
| 6.68 | ENGLAND TO WIN | GVA02::JONES | | Thu Mar 15 1990 10:58 | 8 |
|
I think the game will be a high scoring game because of the NZ
referee's frre flow theorie which will help Scotland and the emotional
nature of the game.
My score would be Scotland 19 England 23.
Richard
|
| 6.69 | Maybe I can find someone with a dish | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Big Mac | Thu Mar 15 1990 14:40 | 1 |
| Anyone know if the game will be televised in Canada and at what time?
|
| 6.70 | England by 7 | ODIUM::RICHARD | | Fri Mar 16 1990 05:49 | 2 |
|
England 22 Scotland 15
|
| 6.71 | | AYOV10::DHUNTER | | Fri Mar 16 1990 06:23 | 7 |
| Mac,
I do not think the game will be shown live in Canada, however
a call to CBC (?) might suffice. If live it will go out at 9:30 am
EST.
Don H.
|
| 6.72 | Scotland 19 - 16 England | 41430::DKEATING | Shake a Shamrock in Italia'90 | Fri Mar 16 1990 10:08 | 7 |
| The game is going to be very *open* and fast-flowing in the 1st
half...but as things heat-up in the second and Scotland start to
physically dominate...tempers will flare-up leading to punch-ups
and possible sending-offs...England will make a last ditch effort
and come within 3 points of winning.
- Dave K.
|
| 6.73 | Scotland 13 - England 7 !!!!!!! | AYOV10::DHUNTER | | Mon Mar 19 1990 05:10 | 3 |
| YA BEAUTY !!
|
| 6.74 | Beauty in theeye of the beholder | SHIRE::TALLON | | Mon Mar 19 1990 05:33 | 44 |
| As objective a report as possible:
All in all, a poor advert for rugby. No one expected flowing open play,
but one expects the Grand Slam winner to at least dominate.
Scotland spent most of the match in their own 22 and relied on their
back row to put in last-ditch tackles.
England had clearly listened to the trumpetings of the press and
thought they had it made. They deserved to lose for not having taken
their chances.
In fairness, it has to be said that the referee was dreadful and
constantly stopped play from flowing. He also allowed Scotland to get
away with consistent collapsing of the scrum, for which they should
have paid dearly. It was only at the end of the match that the ref
finally decided to penalise the Scots. The lineouts were also a joke.
As Grand Slam winners, Scotland have little to offer except blood and
guts. Chalmers excepted, their backs were ordinary. Their back row is
very good when on the defence. However, they are very well coached and
captained and play to their strengths. The Scottish try was excellent,
but scored from a scrum awarded to them for reasons that remain
obscure.
England should be kicking themselves. They gave away two quite
pointless penalties in the first two minutes, opted to run kickable
penalties in the first half, missed two out of three kickable penalties
in the second half. They scored a beautiful try and, oddly, one or two
of their players were better than they had ever been, especially
Andrew.
One got the impression that having had to cling to results in their
previous matches, and only had a clear win against 14 men, Scotland
were always more likely to scrape home. Having steamrollered everyone
else, England dried when presented with intractable defence.
Pity, really. The weather was great, the ground dry, the crowd
terrific.
Come back Wales and France, all is forgiven.
Peter
|
| 6.75 | | SHIRE::TALLON | | Mon Mar 19 1990 06:08 | 4 |
| I meanly forgot to say congratulations to Scotland. It has to be said
that McGeechan has achieved miracles with limited resources.
Peter
|
| 6.76 | sour grapes?????? | AYOV24::TADAIR | I will tell you this boy | Mon Mar 19 1990 11:19 | 37 |
| re.< Note 6.74 by SHIRE::TALLON >
-< Beauty in theeye of the beholder >-
All in all, a poor advert for rugby. No one expected flowing open play,
but one expects the Grand Slam winner to at least dominate.
>>>>> Scotland did dominate that is why they won
Scotland spent most of the match in their own 22 and relied on their
back row to put in last-ditch tackles.
>>>> Rubbish. Scotland snuffed out the English threat at source whether
it be in the scrum , lineouts or the loose.
As Grand Slam winners, Scotland have little to offer except blood and
guts.
>>>>>> Poppycock. Are you suggesting that any side should allow the
other side to play the way it wants. The object of the game is to gain
control and make the other team make mistakes.
The Scottish try was excellent,
but scored from a scrum awarded to them for reasons that remain
obscure.
>>>>>> England had the initial put in but Teague at #8 knocked on whilst
trying to pick up at the base of the scrum result scrummage to Scotland.
Teague was in fact lucky because the ref could have awarded a penalty for
lifting out at the second row,s feet.
Tony.
|
| 6.77 | | SHIRE::TALLON | | Mon Mar 19 1990 12:08 | 47 |
| Not sour grapes at all.
If Scotland had dominated, then they would have taken the game to
England. They were only on top for the first 1/4 hour.
!The object of the game is to gain
!control and make the other team make mistakes.
Wow, tell me more.
!Are you suggesting that any side should allow the
!other side to play the way it wants.
Scotland certainly didn't play the way they wanted to. They would have
been much happier to control play further away from their own line.
England had ample supply of ball: they made nothing of it as they
threatened to do when they scored the try.
I must have missed the Teague knock-on. (You have to bear in mind that
we have a French commentary, where, unless the game is going against
France, very little is made of refereering decisions.) Strange that the
ref allowed him to make so much ground before blowing. He seemed to
have whistled for some imaginary infringement in the ensuing maul.
Actually, I don't think Scotland snuffed out much at all. They got into
the lead and hung on grimly. I found the dash to the dressing rooms by
many of the Scots players quite significant - inexpressible relief. As
soon as England got their try, Scotland began to totter. A combination
of inept refereeing and inept captaincy by England at a crucial moment
got them off the hook.
The tenor of opinion in the more rarefied air here is that Scotland
defended well, but left no convincing evidence of being a first-class
team. England were also unconvincing. Neither team looked as if they'd
just won three straight matches. It was a big disappointment.
Judging by Ian Robertson's comments of the BBC World Service, McGeechan
and Calder have been elevated to deity status. I presume that the rest
of Scotland has followed suit. Let's hope McGeechan keeps his feet on
the ground.
Peter
|
| 6.78 | | CAM::WAY | Frank Wave and the Ozone Invaders | Mon Mar 19 1990 12:52 | 6 |
| But twenty years from now, all anyone will care about is that
Scotland got the W.
Many 8^)!
Chainsaw
|
| 6.79 | | AYOV18::REFADM132184 | | Tue Mar 20 1990 05:42 | 25 |
| Peter,
in my view several Englishmen were posted missing. In
particular, how often did you hear the names of Ackford,
Skinner, Winterbottom, Halliday? What about the non-existent
pace of Rendall and Probyn? What about the much vaunted
English set-piece play? They were out-played, out-thought
and out-tackled. I felt Hill and Andrew played very well
and Carling had some fine runs, however the Scottish
cover tackling was second to none.
I've watched the game 6 times so far and I can tell
you that Teague did exactly what Tony Adair described in
an earlier note. The ball was slow coming out and he
knocked on whilst getting entangled with Ackford's feet.
The English scrum was also being shunted.
An English journalist after the game wrote....
"One thing is certain, Scotland thouroughly deserved their win
and thank heavens we were saved from the messy, desperately
unsatisfactory scenario a draw would have concocted. Besides,
England did not even deserve that on the day."
Peter Bliss, Glasgow Herald, 19/03/1990.
|
| 6.80 | | SHIRE::TALLON | | Tue Mar 20 1990 06:16 | 17 |
| Well, I certainly agree about Scotland deserving to win.
I only managed to watch the 1st half again. Scotland started well,
England began to dominate and push Scotland about, but lost their
momentum by refusing to kick two penalties. The ref had a purple patch
at the same time: Scotland collapsed the scrum three times and Calder
went several light years offside, all unpunished.
After Scotland got their try, they hung successfully, tackling very
well, their morale high. After all, they had played more or less the
same match against Ireland and Wales. Several of the English players
looked puzzled. They weren't so much slow as uncertain of what to do.
But my main point is that beyond all the excitement, etc, both sides
had very little champion stuff about them. After England-Wales, we had
All Blacks Next' headlines. Lo and behold, one Alastair Reid is now
saying the same about Scotland.
|
| 6.81 | Scots do it against all the odds | GALVIA::SPAIN | We're going to Sicily. Que sera sera | Tue Mar 20 1990 09:35 | 17 |
|
I'm a bit late with my comments due to the Bank Holiday yesterday. I
must confess I didn't see the game but certainly according to the
papers here Scotland fully deserved to win.
My guess is that England were over confident and got caught on the hop.
They were talking as if the Grand Slam was already won. Scotland were
quietly determined. England Grand Slam sweaters and ties were on sale
in Murrayfield on Saturday morning. There must have been a very big
bonfire lit in London on Sunday night :-) :-).
The BIG match of the Championship is in Dublin next Saturday as Ireland
take on Wales. :-) The battle for the Wooden Spoon has captured the
imagination of nobody. If I can stay awake during it I'll post a
report on Monday.
Gary.
|
| 6.82 | Quite... | CAM::WAY | O God of Battles | Tue Mar 20 1990 10:55 | 10 |
| 6.83 | | 41430::DKEATING | Hastings Bros. Inc. = GREAT Rugby | Tue Mar 20 1990 12:07 | 1 |
| And who on Earth could celebrate labor_day by NOT working...:-)
|
| 6.84 | Combine ours and yours...that would make a lot! | CAM::WAY | O God of Battles | Tue Mar 20 1990 12:48 | 16 |
| And who on Earth could celebrate labor_day by NOT working...:-)
^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^
(Us!)
Celebrate :== Not working.
Celebrate :== Throw some steaks on the grill, suck down some quality
ale, sit in a chair and watch the quiet evening fall over
the green pastures....
8^) 8^) 8^) 8^) 8^)
Chainsaw
PS Why were the banks closed yesterday? My calendar doesn't show your
holidays....
|
| 6.85 | Drowning the Shamrock | GALVIA::SPAIN | Cagliari Jun 11th. Play it again Ray | Thu Mar 22 1990 09:37 | 9 |
|
Saturday was St. Patricks Day so we got Monday off as a holiday
instead.
Remember St. Patrick. This is our national feast day etc when everyone
drinks green Guinness etc etc. All the Americans want to be in Ireland
for Paddy's day and all the Irish want to be in the U.S.
Gary.
|
| 6.86 | | CAM::WAY | And death shall have no dominion | Thu Mar 22 1990 10:57 | 11 |
| Gary --
Are you serious about the green Guiness?? I've seen green beer before,
but I can't imagine how you'd get the wonderful dark brown of Guiness
to turn green....
I like it when St Paddy's day falls on a Saturday. I'm not Irish, but
I'll celebrate with *anyone*....8^)
later,
'Saw
|
| 6.87 | Franks a Liverpool fan ,BTW... | 41430::DKEATING | Rome is full of fallen arches | Thu Mar 22 1990 13:12 | 8 |
| 6.88 | Bummed severely... | CAM::WAY | And death shall have no dominion | Thu Mar 22 1990 14:17 | 15 |
| I'm seriously bummed Dave.
They lost to Luton Town! Cain't believe it. I thought that Luton Town
was having trouble beating anyone at home, and they beat the Reds by
one. Bummer!
'Pool was actually sitting pretty good in the tables, with two
games in hand and down by three. Now they need a win to tie with
Aston Villa, and that will burn their game in hand....
Where's Ian Rush when ya need him????!!!!!
Oh well, nothing like making it interesting....
Chainsaw
|
| 6.89 | NO SOCCA PER FAVORE | GVA02::JONES | | Thu Mar 22 1990 14:28 | 6 |
|
I thought that this topic was supposed to be about Rugby - not Irish
hols and above all NOT ABOUT SOCCER.
Richard
|
| 6.90 | | CAM::WAY | And death shall have no dominion | Thu Mar 22 1990 14:50 | 18 |
| Ooops....
Someone suffering from "Wish I was a Moderator Complex"...
I apologize for dragging us off the subject (hey folks, listen up,
because it's rare that I do that for anything in here).
But this is SPORTS. In SPORTS all sorts of digressions happen,
and junk noting abounds. Truly junk noting is an obsessive compulsive
behavior, somewhat akin to the nasty habit I have of shooting horse
into my eyeballs....
So, Rugby, eh?
Well, hell...go Scotland!
latered,
Chainsaw
|
| 6.91 | BLAM, SOCK, POW, ZAP!!!!! | SHIRE::FINEUC1 | | Fri Mar 23 1990 05:24 | 21 |
| 'Saw,
Don't pay any attention to .89 - poor Richard is still smarting from the
previous Welsh effort. I mean, take a look at his note for cryin' out lawd:
>> <<< Note 6.89 by GVA02::JONES >>>
>> -< NO SOCCA PER FAVORE >-
The poor man's completely bafflooed: I get the <<per favore>> - he's been
going to Italy a lot lately. But the <<socca>>?? Where does he think he's
from, Brooklyn or something? It means nothing in Italian, nothing in English,
and a special local salty crepe in the Nicoise dialect.
Actually, guess we better be nice to him since (a) he's bigger than me and
sits only about ten feet away, and (b) he apparently surprised a couple of
hamburglers in a hotel in the UK a couple of weeks ago and smacked them into
the middle of next week.
rick
|
| 6.92 | pointer | ENET51::COCKBURN | SCOTLAND 13, England 7 !!! | Fri Mar 23 1990 06:09 | 6 |
| For anyone interested, there is some additional info on the match last
Saturday in the MARVIN::SCOTLAND conference, Topic 39, Replies 18 onwards.
Press <kp7> to add it to your notebook
Craig
|
| 6.93 | | ENET51::COCKBURN | SCOTLAND 13, England 7 !!! | Fri Mar 23 1990 06:12 | 4 |
| p.s. Judging from the fact that OURGNG thinks I'm on ENET51 and not MARVIN,
it's node database must be at least three months out of date!
Craig.
|
| 6.94 | There is now a rugby notes conference | STAR::YANKOWSKAS | Orioles in 1990 | Fri Mar 23 1990 10:01 | 17 |
| 6.95 | Ireland 14 Wales 8 | GALVIA::SPAIN | Cagliari Jun 11th. Play it again Ray | Mon Mar 26 1990 11:12 | 25 |
|
Ireland 14 Wales 8
Ireland deservedly beat Wales in this wooden spoon decider in what was
essentially a contest between 2 bad sides. Ireland were stronger up
front and we had the rare sight of an Irish 8 scoring a pushover try.
I'm still convinced the wind blew the scrum over the line. :-)
After a great run by Neil Francis Smith scored under the posts to give
Ireland an early lead. Kiernan duly converted what was the be the only
kick of the game. when McBride scored the pushover try in the 13th
minute I sat back waiting for the avalance. Sadly we failed to score
again until 2 minutes from time.
Trailing 10-0 at the break Wales truned around with the wind at their
backs and scored following a strike against the heads in their own
half. Ireland dominated the second half though and rarely looked like
losing but only made victory safe when Kingston touched down follwoing
a ;ineout near the Welsh line. Wales scored a consolation try right on
full time but they were already a well beaten side.
See you in the Rugby conference,
Gary.
|
| 6.96 | Alternative Address for BLKPUD::RUGBY | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Big Mac | Mon Mar 26 1990 14:23 | 3 |
| Thanks to Jeff Needle I have another address for the rugby conference.
If your homenode is like mine and has an out of date network database,
it won't recognized BLKPUD, so add entry 42329::RUGBY.
|
| 6.97 | | VAXWRK::NEEDLE | Technoweenies 'r' Us (tm) | Tue Mar 27 1990 01:30 | 0 |
| 6.98 | 1990 Eagles Schedule | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Bo don't know rugby! | Mon Apr 02 1990 13:39 | 23 |
| Here is the Eagles schedule through November, 1990. Details of
sponsorship are still being worked out for the Soviet Tour. The
Argentina and Canada matches are the final U.S. qualifiers for the
World Cup. All three nations are guaranteed spots in the 1991 World
Cup, however the matches determine their seeding and placement in the
pools.
Mar. 31 - Apr. 7 Hong Kong 7's Hong Kong
Apr. 7 Argentina Santa Barbara, CA
June 9 Canada Seattle, WA
June 19 - July 8 Australia Tour
Queensland B North Queensland
NSW County TBD
South Australia Adelaide
Australia (Test) Ballymore
Victoria Melbourne
West Australia Perth
Soviet Tour of U.S.
October 27 Test #1 Hartford, CT
November 3 Test #2 Chicago, IL
November 10 Test #3 Seattle, WA
|
| 6.99 | 1990 USARFU Schedule | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Bo don't know rugby! | Mon Apr 02 1990 13:40 | 24 |
| April 7 USA vs. Argentina Santa Barbara, CA
May 5-6 Military Club Championship Ft. Benning, GA
Collegiate Championship Pebble Beach, CA
May 12-13 Men's Club Championship Denver, CO
May 19 High School Championship San Antonio, TX
May 26-28 Women's Club Championship St.Paul, MN
All Star Championship Park City, UT
June College All Star Championship To be determined
June 9 USA vs. Canada Seattle, WA
June 9-29 Combined Services Tour Australia
June 19- US Tour of Australia
July 8
June 30 Collegiate All Americans vs.
Canada Under 21 Regina, Sas.
Aug. 11-12 Sevens Club & All Star Champ. Alexandria, VA
Soviet Tour of U.S.
Oct. 24 Combined Services Washington, D.C.
27 Test #1 Hartford, CT
30 USA - East Atlanta, GA
Nov. 3 Test #2 Chicago, IL
6 USA - Under 25 St. Louis, MO
10 Test #3 Seattle, WA
13 USA - Pacific Los Angeles, CA
|
| 6.100 | "Rugby World" coming to cable this summer | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Bo don't know rugby! | Mon Apr 02 1990 13:41 | 31 |
| A television progam on rugby has just been announced for broadcast in
the U.S. The show is called "Rugby World" and will feature coverage of
the Hong Kong Sevens as will as coaching tips, 1990 Five Nations
highlights, athlete profiles, international event round up, and 1991
World Cup updates.
The program will be made available to the regional sports networks
listed below. If you would like to see this program on regional cable
TV this summer, call the network numbers listed below, ask for
programming, and inquire if they are going to carry "Rugby World", and
in what time slots. The more calls made, the better chance we have to
see rugby on TV in the U.S.
HSE - Texas 713-661-0078
Sunshine - Florida 713-661-0078
Pacific Sports - San Francisco 713-661-0078
Madison Square Garden - NYC 212-563-8000
Midwest Sports - Minneapolis 612-330-2400
NESN - Boston 617-536-9233
PASS - Detroit 313-930-7277
Prism - Philadelphia 215-668-2210
Sports Channel - Chicago 312-524-9444
Prime Ticket - Los Angeles 213-672-8000
KBL - Pittsburgh 412-922-9610
Home Team Sports - Washington, DC 202-728-5300
Prime Sports - Seattle 713-661-0078
Prime Sports - Utah 713-661-0078
Prime Sports - Minneapolis 713-661-0078
Prime Sports - Colorado 713-661-0078
Prime Sports - Indianapolis 713-661-0078
|
| 6.101 | Rugby's Final Four | RSST6::RIGGEN | Burley from biking | Mon May 14 1990 11:19 | 4 |
| Has anyone heard about Denver hosting Rugby's version of the Final four ?
I caught a blurb on KOA that there was going to be some type of Rugby
championship in Denver sometime in May.
|
| 6.102 | | GENRAL::WADE | Go Broons! | Mon May 14 1990 12:38 | 7 |
| Jeffrey,
I believe that Air Force defeated Army in the NCAA finals
about a week or two ago. Maybe this championship is for
private-type rugby clubs like the Denver Barbarians and such.
Claybroon
|
| 6.103 | | RSST6::RIGGEN | Burley from biking | Mon May 14 1990 13:05 | 1 |
| I think your right Claybroon I remember hearing the Barbarians as a contestant
|
| 6.104 | U.S. Rugby Update | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Bo don't know rugby! | Mon May 21 1990 16:04 | 26 |
| Yes, the U.S. National Club Championship was held in Denver the weekend
of May 12. The host Denver Barbarians defeated the Dallas Harlequins
in the final by a score of 21-14.
I haven't heard the results of the National Collegiate or High School
Championships yet. I believe Air Force was in the Final Four as was
Army, therefore the earlier report is probably true. The High School
Championships were held this past weekend in San Antonio, TX.
In the Hong Kong 7s, the U.S. went 2-2 defeating Thailand and Russian
and losing to Fiji and Hong Kong. Fiji won the tournament by defeating
defending champ New Zealand. Hong Kong won the plate.
The U.S. Eagles narrowly lost to Argentina last month. The Eagles were
only down 7-6 with 5 minutes remaining and were pressuring for the
entire half when the Pumas were able to clear the ball to touch, win
the ensuing lineout and 2nd phase and then score to ice the game.
Final: Argentina 13 U.S. 6.
With 2 losses to Argentina and 1 to Canada the U.S. will be the 3rd
seed from the American Pool and will be placed in the World Cup pool
with England and defending champ New Zealand (looks like an early exit
to me). The Eagles still have a game remaining with Canada (to be
played in Seattle on June 9) and although it is meaningless for the
U.S., Canada has a chance at earning a spot in a relatively easy pool
with a win.
|
| 6.105 | National Championship Correction | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Bo don't know rugby! | Tue May 22 1990 12:38 | 8 |
| Correction on .104:
The Denver Barbarians beat the Dallas Harlequins 23-0 the last weekend
in April to reach the final four. They then defeated Old Blue 21-14 to
become the National Champions.
Maybe the Broncos could recruit a few of these guys. Afterall, they
are the one team in Denver who know how to win the whole enchilada. :^}
|
| 6.106 | rugby ignorant I am! | GENRAL::WADE | Go Broons! | Tue May 22 1990 12:53 | 8 |
| Yes, Big Mac. The Barbos have had good teams year in and year out.
How do the Barbos compare to the US National team you were reporting
on in an earlier reply? Are the Barbos a level above them or what?
How would they fare in international competition (ie world
championship if there is such a thing)?
ClayBroon
|
| 6.107 | | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Bo don't know rugby! | Tue May 22 1990 16:16 | 17 |
| The U.S. Eagles, the national team, is actually somewhat of an all star
team. It is selected from players of clubs from across the country.
The Denver Barbarians tight head prop, Fred Paoli, is an Eagle. How
would the Barbos do against the Eagles? I'm not sure, but it would
probably be akin to the Bruins playing the NHL All-Stars. The
All-Stars would have the edge in talent, while the Bruins/Barbos would
have the advantage of having played with each other much more often.
There is no world championship for clubs, only for countries (the same
as for soccer). I would say that the U.S. champ would probably be
soundly beaten by the national champ of the rugby power houses such as
Scotland, England, Ireland, Wales, France, New Zealand, and Australia.
The U.S. as a national team is competitive with teams such as Argentina
(although the Pumas are having a down year), Japan, Russia, and
Romania. Canada is making a strong move to break out of this group and
move up.
|
| 6.108 | Hong Kong 7s & 5 Nations Coverage on US TV | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Bo don't know rugby! | Wed Jun 13 1990 20:03 | 10 |
| The television schedule for a series of 8 programs featuring the Hong
Kong 7s and 5 Nations matches has been released. The progams will run
from late June to early August. The following cable networks will
carry the hour-long program: Arizona Sports Network, Home Sports
Entertainment, Madison Square Garden, Midwest Sportschannel, New
England Sports Network, Pacific Sports Network, Prime (KBL Sports
Network, Midwest, Northwest, Rocky Mountain, Upper Midwest, and Utah),
Prime Ticket, Pro Am Sports System, Sunshine, and St. Louis Telecom.
If anyone would like the exact schedule, send me mail
|
| 6.109 | Rugby Primer perhaps??? | CAM::WAY | Terminate with extreme prejudice | Thu Jun 14 1990 12:19 | 18 |
| Mac,
Perhaps it would be a Herculean task, and if so, feel free not to do it.
BUT, if it's possible, do you think you could put a sort of
Rugby Neophyte Primer in here for those of use who will probably watch
the game.
I know the object of the game is to score the equivalent of a "touchdown",
or put it throught the posts (a try?). I know you can't forward pass
and when tackled must give up the ball....
BUT, beyond that, I'm in the dark.
If you have time, and if the task isn't too big, could you give us
some things to look for, to enhance our viewing pleasure?
Thanks,
FrankWa
|
| 6.110 | | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Bo don't know rugby! | Thu Jun 14 1990 12:46 | 12 |
| Frank,
I've got a couple of good pamphlets that discuss rugby for the novice.
I'll dig them out and type in the appropriate stuff when I get a
chance.
For all of you New Englanders, NESN will carry this program on Tuesdays
at 4 pm and Fridays at 10 pm starting June 19 (Friday will be a repeat
of Tuesay's show). Each show will feature a game from the 1990 5
Nations followed by a match from the 1990 Hong Kong 7s. All of the
U.S.'s matches from Hong Kong will be shown as well as the exciting
final between Fiji and New Zealand.
|
| 6.111 | | CAM::WAY | Terminate with extreme prejudice | Thu Jun 14 1990 13:07 | 3 |
| Thanks Mac,
fw
|
| 6.112 | What is Rugby? | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Bo don't know rugby! | Thu Jun 14 1990 14:44 | 132 |
| WHAT IS RUGBY?
A. The world's largest amateur team sport.
B. A game of running, passing, kicking and tackling.
C. A cultural alternative.
D. A social and physical character builder.
E. A way of life involving international exchange and friendship.
Answer: All of the above.
HISTORY
Named after the British school where history records it originated,
amateur Rugby Union football predates and is father to the American
version of football which fills our fall and winter weekends. Derived
from a primitive form of soccer, rugby was born one glorious autumn day
when William Webb Ellis, "with a fine disregard for the rules of
football as played in his time, first took the ball in his arms and ran
with it, thus originating the distinctive feature of the rugby game."
For half a century "Rugby's Game" was widely played by varying rules
until, in 1871, the Rugby Football Union was formed in England to
codify and control the by then popular sport. In the following decade
rugby's unified code spread throughout the world, arriving in the
United States at Harvard College, where the first recorded match was
played against McGill University of Montreal in 1874.
Since that first game over one hundred years ago, rugby has enjoyed
periods of popularity here in the United States. Before the turn of
the century, in the 1920's (when the USA won the only gold medals
awarded in Olympic rugby) and 30's, and most recently since the 70's,
rugby has grown and been played by ever larger numbers of men, and now,
women. Today, the United States of America Rugby Football Union
governs approximately 50,000 amateur players on 1,000 clubs nationwide.
From that virtually impromptu match in 1874 has grown a formal network
of proponents and a system for selecting national club, collegiate, and
high school champions, as well as a national representative team, the
Eagles.
Arguably the world's most popular strictly amateur team sport, rugby is
played by millions at the club level on every continent and many
islands. Truly worldwide, international level test matches between the
globe's rugby powers often draw crowds of 50,000 and sometimes as many
as 100,000. Fully a player's game, it is also an exciting spectator
sport.
What began at school as a manly sporting challenge for the privileged
children of Britain's elite class has today become an open, egalitarian
game. In preserving its unchanging gentlemanly principles, rugby
transcends racial, economic and political differences and offers
international friendship and understanding.
PLAYING THE GAME
An ideal cross between soccer and American football, rugby is a
fast-paced, colorful and creative contact sport. Played with an
oval-shaped leather ball on a large (75 X 100 yards) field, the Object
of the Game is that, "two teams of fifteen players each, observing fair
play according to the Laws and in a sporting spirit, should by
carrying, passing and kicking the ball score as many points as
possible."
Free-flowing and played without substitutions in forty minute halves,
the game places a premium on each team's fitness and unity of purpose
while leaving ample room for individual creativity and athletic ability
to shine. Though there exist definite player positions and plays run
from the "set piece", rugby at its best is a spontaneous, open, running
game in which each player can, and is expected to run with the ball and
score.
Play stops only for rules (Laws) infractions (if the non-offending team
cannot gain an advantage from the infraction), when the ball is kicked
or thrown from the field, when a ball-carrier runs or is tackled
out-of-bounds (in touch), when there is an injury or after a score.
Play restarts with a scrummage (the familiar, and curious, human
shoving formation), a lineout (throw-in jump ball), or a kick (place,
drop, punt).
Contact, while hard, is much less dangerous than in American football
since neither blocking nor rigid protective equipment are allowed.
Dirty or dangerous play is not tolerated, and the offending player can
expect to be ordered off the field and even suspended by his club and
local rugby union. A "ruffian's game played by gentlemen", rugby
places as much importance on sportsmanship as on winning. Scoring is
similar to American football except that the rugby equivalent to a
touchdown is called a try and is valued at four points. Ironically, a
try is only awarded when the ball is actually touched down in the
opponent's goal. The conversion, worth two points, is a kick attempted
on a line perpendicular to the goal line at the point where the try was
touched down. Field goals worth three points each can be scored by
place or drop kicks. The higher scoring team wins and, along with the
single referee, is applauded off the field at game's end by their
opposition.
COMPETITION AND CAMARADERIE
Rugby's success results from its being a club participation sport which
provides a place for everyone. Large and small, fast and slow, young
and not-so-young, male and female - anyone who wishes to play can find
a position and play on a team at a level where their abilities will not
be grossly overmatched. Rugby clubs field as many teams as they have
players for and provide them with opposition of equal talent and skill.
Perhaps unique to this widely acclaimed international sport is the
conviviality and camaraderie engendered by its "third half". Unlike
other sports where competitors meet only during the game, rugby has a
long history of post-match socializing which brings together on-field
combatants and helps create mutual respect, understanding and long
friendships. Whether after a social weekend game or a pressure-filled
international test match, the "third half" humanizes rugby's
contestants by providing a friendly atmosphere for discussion, one in
which often very different people can share experiences and
philosophies and can learn from one another.
This aspect of the game is expanded when a club or team goes on tour
and is hosted by its opposition, living with friends and family.
Players from all varieties of background readily exchange gifts and
ideas, brought together by the sport of rugby football.
More than just a game, rugby is a belief to those who know and love it.
Wherever it is played, at all levels, rugby remains unsullied by
professionalism. Over 150 years old, rugby has evolved to fit modern
times without abandoning the virtues proscribed by its creators.
DECLARATION OF AMATEURISM
"The game is an amateur game. No one is allowed to seek or to receive
payment or other material reward for taking part in the Game." - Laws
of the Game of Rugby Football
Taken from "What is Rugby", a pamphlet produced by the United States
Rugby Football Foundation.
|
| 6.113 | Understanding the Game | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Bo don't know rugby! | Thu Jun 14 1990 14:49 | 59 |
| SCORING: The intention of the game is to score more points than the
opposition. Points are scored by a try (4 points) which is equivalent
to a touchdown except that the ball must be touched to the ground; a
conversion to a try 2 points) scored by kicking the ball over the
crossbar from a place perpendicular to where the try was scored; a
penalty kick over the crossbar (3 points), a dropkick at goal from the
field of play (3 points).
MODE OF PLAY: The game lasts 80 minutes with 5 minutes break at half
time. Each team is comprised of 15 players, 8 forwards and 7 backs. Up
to four substitutes are allowed for injury. Play is continuous except
when one team or other infringes any rule or when the ball goes out of
bounds. When the ball is in play, any player may kick, pass or run
with the ball provided he is on-side when he receives the ball Players
from the other team may tackle the player with the ball, but may not
block or obstruct any other player.
LINE-OUTS: If the ball or a player carrying it goes out of bounds
(known as going into touch) play begins again with a line-out. Both
sets of forwards line up side by side with a yard between players. One
player from the team who did not put the ball into touch, throws the
ball between the two teams who jump to gain possession. The ball is
then given to the backs who run and attempt to score.
SCRUMS: The scrum is used to restart the game after minor
infringements. The forwards pack down against each other. The
scrumhalf throws the ball in the center and the two teams push and
attempt to gain possession by heeling the ball back to the scrumhalf
who then passes it out to the remaining backs.
PENALTIES: Penalty kicks are awarded against a team who commits a
major infringement (e.g. being offside or indulging in dirty play).
The offending team retreats 10 meters. The awarded the penalty may
take any type of kick it chooses, including a kick at goal. For lesser
infringements a free kick can be awarded which is similar except that a
kick at goal cannot be attempted and the opposing players may rush the
kicker.
OFF-SIDE: A player is off-side if he is in front of a member of his
own team who has or who last played the ball. He is not allowed to
participate in the game until he becomes on-side again.
RUCKS AND MAULS: These are the messy piles of players that form
whenever the ball carrier is stopped. A ruck is when the ball is on
the ground, whereas a maul is when a player is carrying the ball. In
either case players attempt to gain possession by pushing their
opponents off the ball. In a ruck, however, players are not allowed to
handle the ball but must use their feet to heel it back to their
teammates, who can pick it up.
NOTE: The above rules are for 15-a-side rugby. SEVEN-A-SIDE RUGBY, as
its name suggests, is played by teams of seven men each, instead of the
normal fifteen. The effect is a much faster, more open game requiring
higher than average levels of skill, experience, speed and stamina. A
game of sevens is normally played in two seven-minute periods, with a
one minute break. The team is comprised of 3 forwards and 4 backs. It
is popular worldwide as a lighthearted way to end a season; a "sevens"
tournament brings many spectators and players together for a very
entertaining day.
|
| 6.114 | < Not the only game in town > | TRCO01::AHMED | | Thu Jun 14 1990 15:58 | 1 |
| What about Auzzie rules ????
|
| 6.115 | | CAM::WAY | Terminate with extreme prejudice | Thu Jun 14 1990 16:00 | 15 |
| Thanks Mac, that helps a lot...
Question: Is there a great deal of difference in physical makeup
between forwards and back? Are the forwards bulkier and
perhaps a little slower? Are the backs lighter and more
fleet of foot?
Are penalty kicks taken by a designated player, who might
specialize in that type of kick?
Thanks again for taking the time to put in that info. It surely
will help my understanding of the game...
FrankWa
|
| 6.116 | | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Bo don't know rugby! | Thu Jun 14 1990 16:09 | 18 |
| 6.117 | Positions | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Bo don't know rugby! | Thu Jun 14 1990 16:37 | 85 |
| Here's a description of the positions on a rugby team:
PROP: There are two of these guys. One is designated the loosehead
prop (his head is on the outside of a scrummage), the other the
tighthead prop (his head goes between the opposing prop's and hooker's
head in a scrum). Their responsibility in teh line-outs is again to
prop - i.e. hold up and protect their jumpers. These guys are
typically 5'6" to 6' and 200+lbs.
HOOKER: This guy is propped up by the two props and it is his
responsibility to hook (sweep the ball back with his foot) the ball in
a scrum. He is also normally the player to throw the ball into a
line-out. Typically he is one of the smallest players on the field.
LOCK or SECOND ROW: These two form the second row of the scrum (the
two props and hooker form the front row) and provide most of the push.
Their responsibility in the line-outs is to jump for the ball,
therefore they are usually the tallest players on the squad.
FLANKER or WING FORWARD: These two guys should be the most physically
fit players on the field. They lineup on the flank of the scrum and
with the #8 form the back row. Think of them like a monster back in a
American football defense. They are basically on a search and destroy
mission. They should be one of the first players to the ball.
#8: Many times he is built like a beefy second row as he is expected
to push in the scrums and jump in the lineouts as well as play the game
as a flanker. He is the link between the scrumhalf and the scrum and
will often initiate a play by picking the ball up from the scrum
himself and carrying it forward.
SCRUMHALF: The player who forms the link between the forwards and the
backs. The forwards responsibility is to gain possesion of the ball.
The scrumhalf will then take the ball from the forwards and pass it to
the backs whose primary responsibility is to run and score. Generally
scrumhalves are small, very quick players.
FLYHALF: This player usually orchestrates the movement of the backs.
He receives the ball from the scrumhalf. He should have good passing
and kicking skills.
CENTER: There is an inside and outside center. The inside center is
the one closest to the flyhalf. Think of these two as fullbacks in
American Football. They form the heart of the backline and are looked
upon to provide hardnosed running and tackling.
WING: These two are the speedsters on the team. They are the last
ones in the backline and are looked upon to take a pass and make a
sprint to the tryline.
FULLBACK: He is similar to a free safety in American football. He is
the last line of defense and therefore must be a sure open-field
tackler and have a strong kick. He is usually the one called upon to
field the oppenents kicks and must have the ability to hit a strong
clearing kick if neccessary. He will fill in in the backline
occasionally for offensive movements.
Below is a diagram of how the players would line up on the field in
certain situations:
SCRUM
LHP H THP
F L L F
8
SH
FH
IC
OC
W W
FB
LINEOUT:
H PLPLFF8
SH
FH
IC
OC
W W
FB
(LHP= loosehead prop, THP=tighthead prop, H=hooker, P=prop, L=lock,
F=flanker, 8=#8, SH=scrumhalf, FH=flyhalf, IC=inside center, OC=outside
center, W=wing, FB=fullback)
|
| 6.118 | | CAM::WAY | Terminate with extreme prejudice | Thu Jun 14 1990 17:35 | 18 |
| Mac,
More questions...
Probably because most people are right handed, it seems the formation
is oriented to running right. (I'm thinking of those intense runs
where the backs keep tossing the ball right and back, and the
last guy just squeezes across the tryline...)
Do they ever orient it the other way?
Can't wait to see these games, now that I have some idea of
what's going on...
What are some of the typical fouls and infractions?
'SAw
|
| 6.119 | | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Bo don't know rugby! | Thu Jun 21 1990 14:07 | 31 |
| 6.120 | | CAM::WAY | Could Mighty Mouse take Superman? | Thu Jun 21 1990 15:55 | 12 |
| 6.121 | All Black's drop captain | GIDDAY::GREAVES | | Thu Jul 12 1990 23:38 | 9 |
|
I haven't seen any new news in this note since 21-jun-1990. So here
is something that may be of interest to Rugby Union fans. N.Z. All
Black captain Wayne Shelford has been dropped from the first test
against Australia next week. Gary Whetton is the new captain and Zinzan
Brooke takes Shelford's place.
|
| 6.122 | | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Bo don't know rugby! | Fri Jul 13 1990 12:05 | 5 |
| Shelford was dropped! Wow! Any reasons given?
If anyone from down under can supply some info on the upcoming Eagles
tour of Australia, or the just passed U.S. Combined Services tour of
Australia, I would appreciate it.
|
| 6.123 | Wallaby results | GIDDAY::GREAVES | | Mon Jul 16 1990 01:19 | 23 |
|
The All Black selectors claim that Wayne Shelford is injured and not
saying so. Shelford claims he is 100%. Maybe the sacking is because the
All Blacks just managed to beat Scotland and they were expected to do
it with no problems.
The American Eagles won all their games in Australia against second
division teams. With the exception of the test match, which was to be
expected the score was rather one sided 63-9.
Australia has played two games so far on the tour of New Zealand and
have lost both games.
Waitako beat the Wallabies 21-10, and Auckland (the fourth test)
defeated Australia 16-10. One good thing to come out of the Auckland
game was that the Wallabies scored two tries to one. Grant Fox kicked 4
pen goals.
Mike
|
| 6.124 | Eagles loses to Aussies, 62-9 8^( | CAM::WAY | Heave to, and prepare to be boarded! | Tue Jul 31 1990 14:40 | 28 |
| On Sunday evening, Madison Square Garden Channel carried a telecast
(not live) of the recent Australia vs USA Eagles match.
The Eagles are our national team, and I'm sorry to say that the
Aussies kicked out butts but good, winning with the score of 62-9.
We didn't even score a try until the late stages of the game.
On of the highlights, though, for our team was an amazing tackle by
one of our players (I believe his name was Smith). At any rate,
this Australian player (perhaps a winger, because he was making
CarlLewis speed) burst throught the line, into the open field
and was headed toward yet another Australian try. Well, our guy, the
fastest on our team, ran him down from behind. What an exciting play.
Another point of interest in this game was a sort of hat trick, where
the Aussie Tighthead and Loosehead Props and their Hooker, all scored
tries. According to the announcer, this was a very unusual occurance,
and I must say the three guys looked happier than the proverbial
pigs in s___.
Finally, the thing that really blew my mind was how low the scrums get.
These people, if they'd have been any lower to the ground, would have
actually been lying down. I'd say there was *barely* room for the scrumhalf
to get the ball in there....
MSG carries rugby fairly often. Check it out!
'Saw
|
| 6.125 | All-Blacks beaten at last | GIDDAY::GREAVES | | Mon Aug 20 1990 02:53 | 22 |
|
I am about to announce a great acheivement and being an Aussie it gives
me great satisfaction 8>).
Australia 21 (T.Kerns try; M.Lynagh goal,5 pen goals)
All Blacks 9 (G.Fox 2 pen goals;field goal)
We still lost the series 2-1 but that doesn't matter to much. The All
Blacks had won 50 games without loss including 23 test matches. Maybe
the world cup won't be so one sided after all.
Any One interseted in Rugby League ?
It was a great weekend for Australia.
Australia 24 (B.McKay,A.Langer,M.McGraw,M.Hancock tries;M.Meninga 4
goals)
Kiwi's 6 (S.Patana try; M.Ridge goal)
|
| 6.126 | | CAM::WAY | And a hard rain's gonna fall... | Mon Aug 20 1990 10:27 | 8 |
| Wow, quite an accomplishment. Those Kiwis are a tough team...you don't
have to be an expert to see that...
I'm sure most of you Rugby experts know the answer, but I'll ask the
trivia question (for the non-experts only 8^)) of how the
New Zealand All-Blacks got their nickname, the All-Blacks....
'Saw
|
| 6.127 | Er... | SHIRE::TALLON | | Tue Aug 21 1990 06:26 | 7 |
| Their strip is all black!
RE: Wallabies' win. Quite an achievement, but the ABs have had it
coming to them for a while.
Peter
|
| 6.128 | | CAM::WAY | Barely 17 and we were barely dressed | Tue Aug 21 1990 12:37 | 5 |
|
> Their strip is all black!
Nope... at least that's not the answer that I heard as being right 8^)
|
| 6.129 | Pick a color, any color | COGITO::HILL | | Tue Aug 21 1990 12:53 | 5 |
| Well, I KNOW it isn't because they are all Aboriginies.... I also heard
it was because they wear all black, the same way European Fitba clubs
are always known as "The [insert colo(u)r here]s"
Tom
|
| 6.130 | | CAM::WAY | Barely 17 and we were barely dressed | Tue Aug 21 1990 13:12 | 7 |
| Well, it's actually something simpler than that. They wear all black
because they are the All Blacks.
If you want to know the answer I can put it in, otherwise I'll wait
for a few more replies.....
'Saw
|
| 6.131 | And the envelope please.... | CAM::WAY | Barely 17 and we were barely dressed | Tue Aug 21 1990 17:19 | 12 |
| Okay, I'll give you the answer....
Early on in their history, the New Zealand team was so good, so quick
and fast, that one newspaper story about them wrote that they
were so quick and fast that it was like the team was all backs.
Well, the newspaper, when it was printed, made a typographical error
and it came out "all blacks", and the name just sort of stuck....
If I can find out any more trivia like that I'll post it 8)
'Saw
|
| 6.132 | We knew that | MCIS1::DHAMEL | Is Nothing Sacred? | Tue Aug 21 1990 18:16 | 2 |
|
|
| 6.133 | Hartford Wanderers action... | CAM::WAY | Jimi and Stevie Ray, jammin' on... | Wed Aug 29 1990 18:57 | 29 |
| Well, the Hartford Wanderers played in a tournament in Monmouth, NJ
on Saturday. I, unfortunately couldn't be there to watch, due to
prior committments, so this report will be more observations from
players who were there. ('Course I ain't quite ready to play yet
either, so even if I had been there it would have been as a spectator).
There were 16 teams in the A division, and 12 in the B division.
I don't have all the scores, but basically Hartford lost in the
finals.
Neophyte that I am, I thought that sounded pretty good, but for this
team, it was.... well, I can't repeat what the guys said. Mental mistakes
were blamed for the loss (including four offsides penalties) and the
team felt that if they'd concentrated more they would have won.
The biggest achievement was against the forwards from the Potomic club.
Last year, Potomic (who supposedly have these monster forwards) pushed
Hartford all over the field. This year, Hartford pushed back and
were not dominated. According to the players, Hartford's forwards
are a little on the small side.....
It's still very early in the season....
There's a game on Saturday against White Plains, NY, in Hartford.
Hopefully I'll have a winning report to deliver!
'Saw
|
| 6.134 | Q's | JURAN::MCKAY | | Thu Aug 30 1990 21:47 | 6 |
| Frank,
Did you make the Wanderers? Also did my old roommate
Johnny D make the Team? I heard you ran into my bro' in
a Colt's Park dive after practice.
Jimbo
|
| 6.135 | | CAM::WAY | Give blood....play rugby | Fri Aug 31 1990 12:22 | 38 |
| >
> Frank,
> Did you make the Wanderers? Also did my old roommate
> Johnny D make the Team? I heard you ran into my bro' in
> a Colt's Park dive after practice.
>
> Jimbo
Jimbo, meant to send you mail. ;^)
Yeah, I've been practicing with the Wanderers and stand a fairly good
chance of being selected for some (possibly a lot) of C side games.
Have learned that this boy is gonna have to keep on running, and doing
some training in the weight room, but hey, one reason I'm out there is
to get in shape.
Johnny D is the A side hooker. Nice kid. In fact, I've never been involved
in a sport where all the people are so very friendly and supportive. Last
night, during practice, I was down on one knee sucking some serious wind
in between scrums. I was a hurting dude, but I wasn't gonna quit. One
of the guys just gave me this pat on the back as he went by...it was really
great, ya know. So I got up and scrummed some more...
I did bump into your brother after my first practice, in Fleming's Up and
Under, the bar right across from the park. Nice place. It was weird,
cause I'm saying to myself, where have I seen this guy before, and then
it dawned on me... As Mark Lufay says "Small world (but I wouldn't wanna
paint it...)".
This team places a lot of emphasis on physical conditioning. I haven't
been dieting or anything but I lost 8 pounds this week. Tough sport,
great sport, and I'd tell anyone who's interested, truly, give it
a try (no pun intended).....
FrankWa
|
| 6.136 | | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Bo don't know rugby! | Fri Aug 31 1990 13:53 | 10 |
| The Up and Under is Hartford's clubhouse. They are one of the few
lucky clubs in the U.S. to have one.
One great thing about rugby is that you don't have to "make" the team.
Most clubs have a policy that if you show up at practice they will give
you a game Saturday in accordance with your skill level.
Smart clubs emphasize fitness. If you have 15 guys who can still
hustle around the pitch at the end of the game, that will make up alot
of any difference in skill over an unfit side.
|
| 6.137 | When's the game? | DEMING::MCKAY | | Fri Aug 31 1990 14:00 | 11 |
| I agree make the team is not the term to use for rugby but in
my case I would not practice rugby if I did not play in the
game.
Frank good to see your sticking with it and to hear that johnny is
playig A side. My brother gives rave reviews of the up and under
especially after Travelers Insurance volleyball league where each
team consists of three men and three women, so the odds are even
from the start 8*)
Jimbo
|
| 6.138 | | CAM::WAY | Give blood....play rugby | Fri Aug 31 1990 15:34 | 34 |
| > Frank good to see your sticking with it and to hear that johnny is
> playig A side. My brother gives rave reviews of the up and under
> especially after Travelers Insurance volleyball league where each
> team consists of three men and three women, so the odds are even
> from the start 8*)
Jimbo,
Games on Saturday at 1pm, Colt Park.
Up and Under is a cool place. The first night I met the bartender
Paulie, and he found out my name. Ever since then he's referred to
me by name. That's something that impresses me.
As I've said, I've received nothing but encouragement from all the rest
of the guys. In most other sports, if you were over 30 and taking up
the sport for the first time, people would not (I'm thinking) be as
encouraging. The Wanderers do stress fitness, and at this point I'm
wondering how I'm going to last a full 80 minutes. Somehow, I think
I'll do it though, since our practices are pretty tough.
After practice we hit the bar, and there always seems to be 8 or 10
pitchers of ice water waiting. Then after those are gone, we might
start drinking some beers, or get more ice water, depending on how
tough the practice was.
There are on occasion some bodacious women in the bar. And conversation
usually turns from rucks and mauls to titles and acquisitions as they
move by, then back to rucks and mauls....
Next time you're down Jimbo, we have to hit the Up and Under......
'Saw
|
| 6.139 | | MCIS1::DHAMEL | Sox #21: Cy Young, MVP, WS ring | Fri Aug 31 1990 16:13 | 4 |
|
Overheard at the Up and Under: "Oohh, Chainsaw...ruck and maul
me you big sweatty monster, you!"
|
| 6.140 | Drive and slip, drive and slip... | CAM::WAY | Give blood....play rugby | Fri Aug 31 1990 16:30 | 11 |
| Only problem Dickster, is that I won't use that nickname around the
team or the bar until I've earned it on the field.... Until I saw
a few guys in half, I can't use that name. It's a little promise I made
to myself.
I sure as hell won't be using it for a while.
(And if you think ruck and maul is good, you should see
drive and slip 8^))
'Saw
|
| 6.141 | You know that guy over there.... | JURAN::MCKAY | | Fri Aug 31 1990 16:45 | 8 |
| I'll have to let that out of the bag Frank, I think My bro and
Johnny D are coming up tonight. 8*) Oh alright I'll forget to mention
it.....SAW....
I'll be down first weekend in Oct unless the Sox are at home in the
playoffs 8*)
Jimbo
|
| 6.142 | Rookie ain't da word! | CAM::WAY | Give blood....play rugby | Fri Aug 31 1990 17:13 | 17 |
| >
> I'll have to let that out of the bag Frank, I think My bro and
> Johnny D are coming up tonight. 8*) Oh alright I'll forget to mention
> it.....SAW....
Too funny Jimbo, too funny ;^)
> I'll be down first weekend in Oct unless the Sox are at home in the
> playoffs 8*)
Good. By that time I should be playing. Course, I still won't know
what I'm doing half the time, so you'll only have to look for the guy
with the puzzled look on his face, who's a half a beat behind everyone
else, and that'll be me....
Have a good weekend,
'Saw
|
| 6.143 | Good day for the Wanderers... | CAM::WAY | Ralph! Score a try! | Tue Sep 04 1990 12:43 | 33 |
| The Hartford Wanderers had a great day on Saturday! The games started
at 1pm against White Plain, NY. Fortunately, we were home in Colt Park.
The A side absolutely dominated, winning 30-0. It was 12-0 on penalty
kicks before any tries were scored. Johnny D, A side hooker scored his
first try for the club.
The B side won also, but I don't remember the score. White Plains B side
scored a try and converted it, but I'm pretty sure that's all they got.
The C side came within one point of a sweep. In fact, White Plains won
the game on an ESPN fantastic finish, kicking a penalty with next to
no time left. The C side was down 12-0 going into the second half, and
they got a try back on a phenomenal run by Randy, one of the flankers. He faked
the last guy out by faking a pass and then blew by him for four points.
No problem on the conversion. It was his first try for the club.
Then, probably the funniest thing I've ever seen in rugby happened. Hartford
had a line out really close to White Plains try zone. Now, on a line-out,
teams have a cadence they use which calls the play. Well, Ralph, the prop
who was right in front, closest to the hooker throwing in the ball, is
new, having only started playing last spring. Jack, the hooker, knew this,
and knew Ralph wouldn't necessarily know all the cadences and plays. So
he starts through the call, suddenly says "Ralph, score a try" and tosses
the ball to Ralph, who rambled over the one guy in his way, to score a try.
You never saw a bunch of fans so unsure of whether to laugh or cheer...
At any rate, Ralph's first try tied up the game and made a great story
for the party afterwards.....
Next week, in Boston... (against either Charles River or Old Gold, not sure
which....)
'Saw
|
| 6.144 | | FSHQA2::AWASKOM | | Tue Sep 04 1990 17:52 | 13 |
| 'Saw -
When you know (if you know) where and what time the games will be next
weekend, will you please post it? If I can, I'd like to come. My ex
played for Charles River (and Mystic River, you'll probably play them,
too) and the games with Hartford were some of the highlights of the
season. You've hooked up with a top-notch group. This was mega-years
ago (the kidlet was only about 3 or 4 then) but I had a good time.
Unfortunately, in the split, the team was one of the things he got to
keep :-{ . I kinda like the C side games, the teams are enough out of
it that the uninitiated watcher can figure out what's happening. :-)
A&W
|
| 6.145 | | CAM::WAY | Ralph! Score a try! | Wed Sep 05 1990 11:03 | 26 |
| A&W --
I've got the schedule in the car. I know we're in Boston the next
two weekends, but I forget if we play Charles River first, and then
Old Gold, or vice verse.
I might get a half of C side action, but I'm not sure if it will
be at prop or lock. I worked out at lock last night, didn't have
my ears taped and have some sore ears this morning.
The Wanderers are a class outfit. I've never been in workouts so
brutal in my life, but slowly I'm getting into shape. The rest
of the guys are very supportive, which helps get the movtivation going.
I mean, no one likes to look like an ass, but at least if the others
are encouraging and not laughing it helps you along.
Charles River, Beacon Hill, Mystic River...all teams we play. The
team we want the most is Providence, because Hartford finished 2nd
to them in the New England tournament last year. From what I hear
if the game had been about four minutes longer, it would have gone
the other way though...
I'll check the schedule. Games usually start at 1pm for the A side,
and C side starts rolling around 4-ish....
'Saw
|
| 6.146 | Report on International Matches | CAM::WAY | Ralph! Score a try! | Wed Sep 05 1990 11:12 | 26 |
| Just a little information about the Soviet tour.....
As some of you may know, the Soviets were scheduled to play a
tour against the US Eagles this fall, in Seattle, Chicago, and Hartford.
Due to some differences of opinion between USARFU and the clubs involved
at the three sites, the tour has been postponed until next fall. In
addition, Scotland has approached the US about playing the Eagles or
a US Representative side as a tune up for the World Cup. This would
happen in the Spring of 91, again in Seattle, Chicago and Hartford.
Obviously things have to be worked out (namely who picks up the expenses
and who gets TV rights and national sponsorship) for both of these
endeavours. However, just the thought of the Scots and Soviets coming
to play our Eagles in Hartford is exciting.
I'll keep you all informed, and if these things should get set up
and scheduled and all, I'll be happy to provide directions etc to
anyone interested in seeing this.
Rugby is an amature sport the world over, and even our Eagles are
ordinary everyday folk who go to work just like you and me every day.
To get a chance to see them go up against the Scots or Soviets is truly
something, and I'd recommend that anyone who can make it to Hartford
for the match should really try to do so.
|
| 6.147 | Go GREEN! | CAM::WAY | Goin' on Jamaican tour, mon... | Fri Sep 07 1990 11:28 | 42 |
| Okay, tomorrow is Hartford's first league match, against Charles River RFC.
If anyone is interested in attending, I'll attach directions to this
reply.
Charles River should be a good match. They've recently added about 30
players from a now defunct Air Force side. The Wanderers on the other
hand are getting psyched, getting mean, and getting ready.
Me? Well, I'll probably see some action in the second half of the
C side game. Learning a new sport takes time, effort, and patience.
I just wanna get out there, remember my role and my duties, and maybe
not screw up.
All I can say is Go Wanderers!
'Saw
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rugby Match: Hartford Wanderers RFC vs Charles River RFC
1pm, Hanscom AFB, Bedford Mass.
Directions: From I90 get onto I95 North (128North), to Rt 2A West.
Take 2A West and follow signs to Hanscom (about 1 mile).
At the entrance (guardhouse) show ID and the guard will
point you to the field.
Obviously these directions are a bit biased from the Ct end. If you know
your own way there, go for it. I don't understand the ID bit, since
I don't have any special kind of ID. I think if you told them you're
going to the Rugby match you'd be okay.
"A" Side starts at 1pm, games last approx 90 minutes, "C" side usually finishes
up around 5:45 or so.
If any of you show up, look for me. If you don't know me, just ask for
Frank (the new guy)....
Hope to see some of you!
|
| 6.148 | Hartford sweeps Charles River... | CAM::WAY | Never drew first when I drew first blood | Mon Sep 10 1990 11:12 | 44 |
| Well, all in all it was a good weekend, as the Wanderers won their
first league match.
We got to Hanscom AFB a little after noon, and the Hartford Old Boys (HOBOS)
game was already going on. The name may be Old Boys, but these guys were
playing like there was no tomorrow. Anyway, the Hobos won, 6-4, in a
very defensive, hard hitting game.
At 1pm, the Hartford A Side took on Charles River. We won. I don't know
the score, because I was videotaping and there's just too much to
concentrate on. I know we got a couple of tries and a goal or two.
River had one phenomenal winger, most likely one of the new fellows
from the disbanded Air Force team, this guy was FAST. Fortunately, the
couple of times that he broke, our fullback was able to contain him,
and he'd outrun most of his support.
Our B Side also won, but I only saw half the game because, even though
I hadn't been selected, I was getting the entire C side game at second
row.
After borrowing various uniform components (mine hasn't come in yet)
and taping up my ears, I headed off to warm up... a little nervous,
brain working overtime to assimilate all the advice my teammates were
giving.
The game started, and it was pretty much like practice: ruck or maul,
follow, support, pick up any loose balls. I was worried about the first
scrum. The only live scrumming I'd done was against our own A side,
and they'd pushed our butts all over in practice. Well, as it turned out
our forwards ate River's forwards alive all day. We won all our own
scrums, and at least half of theirs. One of our first tries came when
we had a five meter scrum in their end of the field, their put in.
We pushed them off the ball, and our scrum half scored easily.
That pretty much set the tone of the game. All told we won 40-something
to 3.
So, Hartford was happy having swept all three matches. Charles River
were very gracious hosts, providing a good drink-up at the Officer's
Club.
Next game is again in the Boston area, next Saturday, against Old Gold.
'Saw
|
| 6.149 | Didja have to shave your haid? :-) | SASE::SZABO | | Mon Sep 10 1990 12:39 | 6 |
| 'Saw, you must 'splain just how the heck you "tape up your ears". I'm
sitting here rollward trying to think just how this might be done.....
:-)
Hawk
|
| 6.150 | Check out the Aussie - New Zealand telecast! | CAM::WAY | Never drew first when I drew first blood | Mon Sep 10 1990 12:50 | 21 |
| Watch more rugby on TV, and look for the big guys who look like they're
in a war, mabye a little bloody, with what looks like a black headband.
Chances are they're second row, #8 or maybe the odd prop or hooker....
Because some positions in the scrum have their head sandwiched in between
two hips, several things (none good) can happen to your ears. One, they
can develop a cut where the lobe joins your head. Over time this cut
never heals. The other is cauliflower ears. All hurt like hell, or
so I'm told. (I know that when I'm taped, my ears don't hurt if the
hooker's hip wangs me right on the ear....)
To combat this you tape your ears. There are ear protectors you can
buy, but most of our players use black electrical tape. You tape around your
head like a headband, making sure to get the tops of your ears flat to
your head. That way, the rubbing/abrasion factor is greatly lessoned,
and scrumming is a bit more comfortable.
Just one of those tricks you learn as you get into the game....
'Saw (who can't wait for Saturday!)
|
| 6.151 | | FSHQA2::AWASKOM | | Mon Sep 10 1990 12:53 | 17 |
| 'Saw -
Sorry not to make it, but the "kidlet's" soccer game conflicted :-(.
And I'll be in Chicago next weekend (have we got any Sportsters in
Chicago?). Old Gold probably won't be as good a party as Charles River
was, if they run true to the form of many years ago.
Hawk -
I'll let 'Saw explain the ears thing, but ya dont's got ta shave your
haid, and if you're a second row you'd better damn well do it, or you
won't have ears left at the end of the second game......My ex played
tight-head prop or second-row and learned the hard way.
A&W
|
| 6.152 | Shine-haid don't play rugby.... | CAM::WAY | Never drew first when I drew first blood | Mon Sep 10 1990 12:53 | 9 |
| And speaking of shaving your head, most of the forwards on our team
have fairly short hair. In fact, Ralph is the only guy with real
long hair (Ralph reminds me of the late Ronnie Van Zant...)
I'm about due for a haircut myself, so I might as well go high around
the ears...less hair for the tape to stick too....
'Saw
|
| 6.153 | | CAM::WAY | Never drew first when I drew first blood | Mon Sep 10 1990 12:57 | 17 |
| >
> Sorry not to make it, but the "kidlet's" soccer game conflicted :-(.
> And I'll be in Chicago next weekend (have we got any Sportsters in
> Chicago?). Old Gold probably won't be as good a party as Charles River
> was, if they run true to the form of many years ago.
No sweat. And besides, the guard at the gate who was supposed to
give directions to the field had the IQ of a stalk of asparagus,
so you probably would have ended up at the gym parking lot,
waiting for some kind soul to tell you where the game was.
I'll have to compile a list of the best drinkups at the end of the
year ;^)
We'll be back in Boston two more times I think....
'Saw
|
| 6.154 | Saw with the double entendre, not me | HOTSHT::SCHNEIDER | Jail for the New Kids! | Mon Sep 10 1990 16:13 | 6 |
| >(I know that when I'm taped, my ears don't hurt if the
>hooker's hip wangs me right on the ear....)
What's going on here? I thought this was the SPORTS notes confernece?
Dan
|
| 6.155 | | CAM::WAY | Never drew first when I drew first blood | Mon Sep 10 1990 16:25 | 10 |
| Dan, look it up (as they say...).
Clearly, I was referring to the hooker, which is the position in the middle of
the front row. Not the hooker, which is positioned on the street corner ;^)
Of course if the hooker on the street corner wanted to tape me up,
that might be interesting too ;^)
As usual, 8^)'s abound,
'Saw
|
| 6.156 | This rugby stuff is just a front | HOTSHT::SCHNEIDER | Jail for the New Kids! | Mon Sep 10 1990 16:40 | 7 |
| >Clearly, I was referring to the hooker, which is the position in the middle of
>the front row. Not the hooker, which is positioned on the street corner ;^)
And I suppose the "wang on the ear" was a reference to office
equipment??? Just whom are you trying to fool here?
Dan
|
| 6.157 | | CAM::WAY | Never drew first when I drew first blood | Mon Sep 10 1990 16:56 | 14 |
| Well, wanged is an expression I use sometimes to mean hit or popped.
Like last night LT wanged Randall Cunningham. Or the Cincy guy
wanged K-K-K-Kenny in the end zone for a safety ;^)
Last week, I worked out at second row without tape. I made damn sure
when I got home that I dug out my electricians tape right away. My
left ear is still sore from where it got wanged on Johnny D's hipbone.
Fortunately, that tape really helps....
'Saw
PS Keep an eye out on NESN (who repeat everything 75 times anyway)
for the third Australia-New Zealand test match. There were some
good plays in that game....
|
| 6.158 | | DECWET::METZGER | Head Northwest young man.... | Mon Sep 10 1990 19:29 | 9 |
|
hey saw,
Why don't you guys just wear protective head gear like water polo players or
wrestlers ?
It's gotta be better than taping your ears to your haid.
metz
|
| 6.159 | I can't hear you I have fluid in my ears!! | JURAN::MCKAY | | Mon Sep 10 1990 23:46 | 6 |
| Frank,
Glad to hear you got to play and winning doesn't sip too
bad now does it. Tell Johnny D I said hi and I'll probably see
you guys in a few weeks.
Jimbo
|
| 6.160 | | FSOA::AWASKOM | | Tue Sep 11 1990 11:02 | 8 |
| I ain't Frank, but I'm gonna take a stab at .158 anyway. :-)
Some guys do wear headgear. (My ex eventually pulled out whatever it
was he used for wrestling.) Biggest problem is that the headgear
itself can sometimes slip, causing the exact damage you're trying to
avoid.
A&W
|
| 6.161 | To tape or not to tape.... | CAM::WAY | Never drew first when I drew first blood | Tue Sep 11 1990 11:35 | 39 |
| re headgear....
Well, I'm far from an expert, but A&W's answer is pretty much on the
mark. They do make ear guards and some guys wear 'em. More guys
tape. I tried on a pair of ear guards, and find tape more comfortable.
Tape is kind of "in" right now....If you watch any of the international
teams, a lot of their players use tape. Plus, on the Wanderers, it's
kind of a tradition, since our colors are green and black, and electricians
tape fits the color scheme.
The important thing, when you play second row, is that when the front
row is ready and they call for seconds, you get your head set as
quickly as possible, because they are bound and ready to touch up the
other side's front row. They don't like to wait for the second rows
to get fart around getting set. So tape helps that tremendously, in
that your ears are preset.
The other thing, is that in a scrum, you try to bind as tight as
you can. The #8's head is between my hip and the other second row, so
we try to squeeze his head tight. The props/hooker are doing the same
thing with me. In that case, tape is ideal, since there's nothing to
it, and it doesn't dig into your head like some of the ear guards I've
seen do....
And finally, tape is much cheaper ;^)
Re Jimbo:
Hey, be glad to see you. Hopefully over the next couple
of weeks I can keep getting playing time and improving my
concentration, and sacrificing my body to get to loose balls
and such.
Come to the game, and I'll buy you a free beer at the drinkup 8^)
'Saw
|
| 6.162 | Hartford Wanderers vs Old Gold | CAM::WAY | Batman plays rugby...Robin plays softball | Thu Sep 13 1990 16:51 | 12 |
| Old Gold this weekend in Boston. (Well, that's what the schedule card
says. Actual location may vary...)
Acutally, I think it's somewhere north of Boston but I won't know until
after tonight's practice. I'll post directions tomorrow for anyone
who'd like to come out and watch.
Oh yes, in between the A and B side games, I'll be giving a free
ear taping clinic, signing autographs, and taping up the kiddies ears 8^)
Hope to see some of you there....
'Saw
|
| 6.163 | | MCIS1::DHAMEL | Iraq nuked;film after Sox hilites | Thu Sep 13 1990 17:00 | 7 |
|
I won't be there, but would you mail me the "tape" of the game?
Thanks.
Dickster
|
| 6.164 | | CAM::WAY | Batman plays rugby...Robin plays softball | Thu Sep 13 1990 17:24 | 20 |
| Actually, we do tape the games.
Since yours truly is the new guy, I usually have the dubious distinction
of taping the A side game.
We usually can fit all the A side, all the B side, and half of the C
side game on a tape.
I'm getting quite good working with the cam and trying to capture all
the action. The toughest things to deal with are kicks for touch
which don't quite make it and are caught, and quick lineouts...
The tape is then view by the Captain and Vice Captain who use it
to help prepare the next week's practice (so I have to avoid taping
any bodacious beauties in the crowd).
Unfortunately, Dickster, I don't have access to the tape after I turn
in the camera, so I can't make a copy and mail it to you....
'Saw
|
| 6.165 | | MCIS1::DHAMEL | Iraq nuked;film after Sox hilites | Thu Sep 13 1990 18:07 | 12 |
|
Saw,
About the "tape", i was sorta funnin' about the taping of the
ears, and the taping of the kids' ears and all that. Sounds like
you should get ahold of Slasher by the ears and bring him along.
There could be a market for the "/Don Ear-taping Tape".
BTW, there wouldn't happen to be any of that backward-masking stuff
on those game tapes, would there? Is masking tape allowed?
Dickster
|
| 6.166 | Old Gold??/ | MCIS2::MCDONNELL | | Fri Sep 14 1990 08:38 | 3 |
| re.162 Is Old Gold the Boston College Alumni Team??
Dave
|
| 6.167 | | CAM::WAY | Batman plays rugby...Robin plays softball | Fri Sep 14 1990 10:50 | 23 |
| Dave,
I'm not sure. I just know that they are a team in the New England
Rugby league. There's 8 teams in the league:
Hartford Wanderers RFC
Boston RFC
Beacon Hill RFC
Providence RFC
New Haven RFC
Mystic River RFC
Charles River RFC
Old Gold RFC
No one has mentioned that Old Gold is affiliated with BC, and my guess
is that they would have when we were talking about it.
re Dickster:
I'll send you some tape in the mail.
'Saw
|
| 6.168 | Directions to Hartford vs Old Gold | CAM::WAY | Batman plays rugby...Robin plays softball | Fri Sep 14 1990 10:56 | 22 |
| If anyone is interested, here's some directions to the game
on Saturday.
(Surprisingly enough, I got selected this week. I'll be playing
C side second row...)
These directions are from Ct, so adjust accordingly...
Mass Pike to Boston, through 2 tolls
Take 93 South
Take 1st exit (Albany Street) and bear left
3/4 mile on right is the field.
Kickoff is 1pm....
'Saw
PS Is this actually in Boston, or one of the 'burbs? I'm not
familiar with 93 South.....
|
| 6.169 | | FSOA::JHENDRY | John Hendry, DTN 292-2170 | Fri Sep 14 1990 10:58 | 6 |
| 93 South through Boston is actually the Central Artery and then the
Southeast Expressway. From the directions you gave, it sounds like the
game is in South Boston and perhaps Columbus Park, though I'm not
totally sure.
John
|
| 6.170 | | CAM::WAY | Batman plays rugby...Robin plays softball | Fri Sep 14 1990 11:09 | 12 |
| Thanks John....
While they seem very simple in nature, I'm sure these directions are
a heckuva lot better than the ones from last week, in which the
crucial portion hung on the ability of a Roger Ramjet AFB guard with
an IQ somewhat less than that of broccoli to give decent on base directions.
Hope to see some of you there, if y'all aren't too busy on a Saturday.
'Saw
|
| 6.171 | Not a B.C. Sponsored but Graduates. | MCIS2::MCDONNELL | | Fri Sep 14 1990 12:21 | 5 |
| 'Saw, I should have B.C. Grads. Anyway, My Brothers team played
them last week, I think he is on Charles River. They beat them
pretty good in a game played at Hopkinton High School Last week.
Dave
|
| 6.172 | Perhaps it was Mystic River? | CAM::WAY | Batman plays rugby...Robin plays softball | Fri Sep 14 1990 12:41 | 18 |
| Dave, we played Charles River last weekend. We spanked them pretty
good too, handily winning the A and B games, and utterly annihilating
them on the C side, 45-3. (They got the 3 on a penalty perhaps
five minutes from full time).
Could it be Old Gold played Mystic River?
Anyway, I'm looking forward to Saturday's game. My biggest problem
at this point is jumping on line outs. I'm only 6', and most
jumpers have 2-4" on me. Considering the fact that I suffer
from WMD, I'm learning my only salvation will be perfecting my
timing with our hooker's throw...
On Monday, I'll definitely know if or what the Old Gold/BC affiliation
is....
'Saw
|
| 6.173 | | COBRA::DINSMORE | Rodney Hampton...ROY | Fri Sep 14 1990 13:01 | 6 |
| saw,
ya got a hooker on the team?
dinz
|
| 6.174 | | SASE::SZABO | | Fri Sep 14 1990 13:04 | 7 |
| dinz, 'Saw gets into it pretty kinky these days. The hooker he's got
on the team tapes his ears back before giving him mail.......
hope this helps.
hwak
|
| 6.175 | | CAM::WAY | Batman plays rugby...Robin plays softball | Fri Sep 14 1990 13:23 | 32 |
| >> hwak
That's what it sounded like when I tried to tackle our A side
prop in our ruck drill.... He was barrelling in, I was set, jaw
firmly clenched and
HWAK....
Joe must go about 270, and I'm at about 215. It sounded like HWAK
to everyone around me, it sounded like HWAK inside my head, and
it sounded like HWAK to Joe. I still don't know if I stopped him
or what.....
re hooker:
Dinz, the hooker is the guy in the middle of the front row who
hooks the ball back through the scrum with his heel. He's usually
a little smaller than the props (who are called props cause they're
responsible for "propping" the hooker). He's also responsible for
throwing in on lineouts.
There's 15 guys on a team: 2 props, a hooker, 2 second_rows, 2
flankers, a #8, a scrum half, a fly half, inside center, outside
center, two wings and a fullback....
And thank god for electrical tape, otherwise my ears would look like
I'd gone a few rounds with Tyson, who solely pummelled my ears the
entire time...
'Saw
|
| 6.176 | Inside center is my favorite position :^> | WFOVX8::MORRISON | Do U have your Florida lottery tix? | Sat Sep 15 1990 10:47 | 8 |
| >> There's 15 guys on a team: 2 props, a hooker, 2 second_rows, 2
>> flankers, a #8, a scrum half, a fly half, inside center, outside
>> center, two wings and a fullback....
Sounds like a get-together in Room 323 at Motel Hell during Giantsmania
Bull~
|
| 6.177 | Wanderers win big in Boston, 2-0 in league play... | CAM::WAY | Batman plays rugby...Robin plays softball | Mon Sep 17 1990 15:57 | 51 |
| (Ha Bull...way too funny. We just can't let Dinz pick the hooker!)
This past Saturday the Wanderers played Old Gold in Boston.
I'd never been in South Boston, and I'm not sure I wanna go there
again 8^). The pitch was the most horrendous pitch I've ever seen.
It was only about 58 yards wide (our is usually 70), a great part
of it was dirt from an extra large softball infield, and the
rest was covered with rock and broken glass, which people were
still picking up as we started the C side game.
In their defense however, Old Gold isn't really to blame, as the
Parks Dept claimed that softball season had run over because of
extra rain this summer (really?) and all the good fields were in use.
There were several bums and winos around to really liven up the
place, and give it a nice, home-spun touch.
Our A side won handily, with good solid play, excellent kicking
from Glen Judge (one of our Englishmen on the team) and hard effort.
I don't remember the score, though, because I was so busy watching
our lineouts, trying to see just exactly what I had to do when i
took the field.
Our B side won big, 56-10. The day's only "almost fight" occured in
the first half, but fortunately cooler heads prevailed.
C side also won big, something on the order or 45+ to 4, their try
coming very late in the game. Personally, I had a good game, as
my goal was mainly to try and improve my concentration and get
some good hits in. I also picked up my first penalty for handling
the ball on the ground, but afterwards the guys said it was really
a close call, so I didnt' feel too bad. Got a couple of good sticks
in, which felt really good. Considering that all of the other
sports I've played have not allowed contact on purpose, making a
good hard tackle is, for me, quite a rush.
The pitch *was* bad. I didn't feel it during the game, but afterwards,
I knew that it had been pretty rough....
All in all, I'm loving this game. Hartford is 2-0 in league play,
with Providence coming up next week at home. (Unfortunately I have
to miss next week due to being in a wedding...)
Still waiting for that first try....
'Saw
|
| 6.178 | Old Gold throws a good drinkup though.... | CAM::WAY | Lookin' for drool next week... | Mon Sep 17 1990 16:50 | 12 |
| A&W --
While I couldn't stay for the drinkup, because I had to get back to
a stag party at my house, several of my teammates who stopped in
on the way home said that the Old Gold drinkup was one of the
best they've ever been too.
By the end of the evening, all the tunes in the Jukebox had been played,
and the Hartford guys mixed really well with Old Gold....
Guess ya can never tell....
'Saw
|
| 6.179 | | FSHQA1::AWASKOM | | Mon Sep 17 1990 18:49 | 14 |
| 'Saw -
I have vivid memories of that pitch. It's the only pitch I've ever been
to where I kept a *hand* on the kidlet for the entire afternoon. Glad
to hear that their drink-ups have improved. :-)
I'm really enjoying your tales of the games, BTW. Sorry you won't be
there nexted week. 'Tis a great game, played by great guys. I'm sorry
I'm missing the games, but.....
Medway High School soccer is currently 3-0. And that's what'll be
keeping me away for a while.
A&W
|
| 6.180 | He didn't drool though, so I could have hit him harder... | CAM::WAY | Lookin' for drool next week... | Mon Sep 17 1990 19:25 | 49 |
| 6.181 | Clash of the Titans... | CAM::WAY | Lookin' for drool next week... | Fri Sep 21 1990 13:42 | 18 |
| Well, the Wanderers take on the New England Champs this weekend,
as Providence comes into Colt Park. Should be an excellent game,
which, unfortunately, I'm unavailable for. (I'm bummed, but I'm
*in* the wedding, so I couldn't ditch it).
Anyway, Hartford lost to Providence in the New England Championship
game, by 4 points. Had there been a little more time, the outcome
might have been different.
So, you can imagine the grudge match that is shaping up.....
Hartford is playing tough this season, and this should be their
first *real* test, and the first major stepping stone on their
way to becoming New England Champs.
All I can say is "Go Green!"
'Saw
|
| 6.182 | | MCIS1::DHAMEL | Paranoid? Was afraid you'd say that | Fri Sep 21 1990 13:46 | 6 |
|
If you wear your tuxedo to the match, 'Saw, you might still make the
weddin'.
Dickster
|
| 6.183 | | CAM::WAY | Lookin' for drool next week... | Fri Sep 21 1990 13:59 | 21 |
| Nope. I've tried every permutation imaginable. 8^)
I'd have to leave the reception to make the C side kickoff at
4pm, and by 4pm I'm sure I won't be in any kind of shape to
be playing rugby.
Since it's one of my best friends who's getting married, I'd never
be forgiven if I blew out of the reception early, w/o having had
*anything* to drink, to go play rugby.
Unfortunately I've got to let this one pass. However, I can probably
still make part of the drinkup afterwards at Fleming's and I'll
already be oiled enough to enjoy myself. I'll need to go to that
if for no other reason than to get the score of the match!
(And God I hope we win -- practice is hard enough when we've won,
never mind if we lose.....)
'Saw
|
| 6.184 | | CAM::WAY | Pez...Cherry flavored Pez..definitely | Mon Sep 24 1990 12:55 | 27 |
| Well, the results from this weekend are not good.
While I haven't talked to a member of the Wanderers, I did get the
next best thing. I talked with Jack's girlfriend (Jack's the regular
C side hooker), so I don't have scores, just results.
Evidently, Providence crushed Hartford's A side. The game was inevitably
played in a horrendous downpour, but I don't have any details, other
than the fact that Hartford is now 2-1 in league play.
I'm not sure about how B side did, since Jack would have been warming
up for half of that game anyway.
C side definitely held up the Wanderers honor, but unfortunately, Jack
got hurt during the game, requiring a post game trip to the ER.
Evidently, he took a pretty vicious cheap shot from a Providence player
resulting in a pretty badly cut up knee.
Since I've been with HWRFC, they haven't lost. (They did come in 2nd
in the Monmouth tournament, but that wasn't considered bad). So,
Tuesday's practice should be very interesting, if not gruesome.
I'll know more sordid details after tomorrow night's (potentially horrendous)
practice....
'Saw
|
| 6.185 | | FSHQA2::AWASKOM | | Mon Sep 24 1990 18:20 | 9 |
| 'Saw -
Thanks for the reports. Sorry to hear about your friend's knee. I
think Hartford and Providence are the only two pitches where I *don't*
know the route to the nearest hospital. Being the only non-drinker
associated with the team got me 'ambulance driver' duty more than once
:-(.
A&W
|
| 6.186 | Don't mind me, I'm ecstatic to be behind a bar again! | SASE::SZABO | | Tue Sep 25 1990 11:22 | 7 |
| A&W, sounds like you should start drinkin'. I'm sure that me and the
'Sawman and many others in here can give you some lessons. Isn't there
also a Slasher video on that very topic?
:-)
Hawk
|
| 6.187 | | CAM::WAY | Pez...Cherry flavored Pez..definitely | Tue Sep 25 1990 14:07 | 35 |
| A&W --
In Hartford, it's pretty easy, although I couldn't tell you right
this minute. We're very close to Hartford Hospital, in fact,
when Lifestar takes off, we can't hear our instructions during
practice.
I'm usually pretty sober until well after the match. I don't usually
even eat prior to my game, and a lot of the wives/girlfriends aren't
drinking, so that's cool.
AFter the game I just want water, lots and lots of water. Then,
I feel like I'm ready for a beer.
Still haven't talked to Jack to get his version of his knee. If
he's like most of the rest of the guys on the team, they'd have
to amputate the damn thing before he'd miss more than one game....
Hawk --
Drinking is easy. It's almost as simple as T's instructions for
running the Boston Marathon.
1. Grab glass.
2. Bend elbow
3. Suck out beer from glass.
4. Bend elbow
5. Rest glass on bar.
There are other more advance techniques, such as shot technique,
flaming drink techniques ( a must for people with beards) and the
all important vomiting technique, but I won't detail those here...
'Saw
|
| 6.188 | Chainsaw taught Dominique how to sweat! | SASE::SZABO | | Tue Sep 25 1990 14:15 | 10 |
| > I'm usually pretty sober until well after the match.
You mean players can drink (and get drunk) during games they're playing
in?
> I drink lots and lots of water......
No wonder you sweat like a Dominique!
Hawk
|
| 6.189 | | CAM::WAY | Happiness is a loose ruck | Tue Sep 25 1990 15:12 | 25 |
| 6.190 | | MCIS1::DHAMEL | Sox Pen: Honey I Shrunk the Lead | Tue Sep 25 1990 15:17 | 8 |
|
What's for breakfast, 'Saw? Can we expect to see your face on a
wheaties box?
And after the drink up do they have a pi$$ off?
Dickster
|
| 6.191 | | SASE::SZABO | | Tue Sep 25 1990 15:27 | 4 |
| Better to have a pi$$ off than a pi$$ on, wouldn't you say Dickster?
Hawk
|
| 6.192 | | CAM::WAY | Happiness is a loose ruck | Tue Sep 25 1990 15:36 | 41 |
| Breakfast...
Well, during the week I never eat breakfast, and on Saturday mornings
I'm always looking around for my equipment...
A typical scene at the 'Saw household is something like this:
'Saw: Dammit, where'd my jock strap go.
'Rak (resident wolf): Roof.
'Saw: Dammit, did you take my other rugby boot?
'Rak Roof Roof
'Saw: Where's my f_ckin' mouthguard..hey, stop
chewin' on my mouthguard, that thing cost $1.95!
'Rak: (mumble, mumble, chew) Roof!
'Saw: Sh*t, where's my shorts?
'Rak: Roof!
'Saw: No, not the blue ones, the BLACK ones, the BLACK ones.
'Rak: Roof, Roof!!
'Saw: Well, what are they doing there? I didn't leave them
there?
'Rak: (looking sheepish) roof...
So, after finding all my stuff, I have to eat. Usually it's bagels,
maybe two, maybe three with a glass of milk. Then I don't eat anything
until the drinkup after the game.
Sunday mornings, because I'm usually ravenously hungry, are the big
breakfast days. Bacon, eggs, toast, Ben Gay, heating pad, ice pack,
and Jack Daniels are the order of the day....
As to drink up and piss off, you'd have to ask the British contingent
in here. I'm pretty sure that drinkup is a British expression, and they'd
be able to tell you the companion terminology.
'Saw
|
| 6.193 | | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Bo don't know rugby! | Tue Sep 25 1990 16:15 | 31 |
| On the New England Teams: 'Saw has already taken on the parochial
attitude of a first division team (it could be worse - most players in
Boston don't recognize any team outside of 128). 'Saw posted the
Division I teams in New England. The Division II teams are:
Worcester, Springfield, MIT (unless they've dropped back to the college
ranks), Amoskeag (Manchester, NH area), Harvard Business School,
Seacoast (Dover, NH area), and Newport (if they are still together).
Plus there are hundreds of college teams.
I never heard of a Hanscom AFB side in the 8 years I played in New
England.
On Old Gold: According to history, the Old Gold side was started up by
a bunch of BC alumni. They weren't too many alumni on the team the
last time I played them.
On headgear: Electrical tape does seem to be the ear protection of
choice these days. I've tried most methods: scrum caps, earwigs (my
current choice), athletic tape, electrical tape, and tons of petroleum
jelly. Scrum caps (they look like sparring helmets with padding only
at the ears) provide a convenient handle for opposing players. Earwigs
tend to slide down over your eyes occasionally. Athletic tape doesn't
seem to last as long as electrical tape. I go with the earwig since I
don't play second row much any more and I hate getting that gummy
adhesive from the electrical tape out of my hair (not to mention
getting the hair out of the tape).
On drinking during/prior to a game: Unfortunately there are still a
few idiots out there who do have a few before/during a game. The only
thing they suceed in doing is giving the game a bad reputation and
risking injury to themselves, their teammates, and the opposition.
|
| 6.194 | | CAM::WAY | Happiness is a loose ruck | Tue Sep 25 1990 17:01 | 46 |
| > On the New England Teams: 'Saw has already taken on the parochial
> attitude of a first division team (it could be worse - most players in
> Boston don't recognize any team outside of 128). 'Saw posted the
> Division I teams in New England. The Division II teams are:
> Worcester, Springfield, MIT (unless they've dropped back to the college
> ranks), Amoskeag (Manchester, NH area), Harvard Business School,
> Seacoast (Dover, NH area), and Newport (if they are still together).
> Plus there are hundreds of college teams.
Sorry, Mac. I guess I do have that Division I "attitude". But the
way the Wanderers preach *team* and trying to excel, it's hard not
to. But also, in my case it's ingnorance too. I know the Division
I teams because they appear on my schedule card...
> On headgear: Electrical tape does seem to be the ear protection of
> choice these days. I've tried most methods: scrum caps, earwigs (my
> current choice), athletic tape, electrical tape, and tons of petroleum
> jelly. Scrum caps (they look like sparring helmets with padding only
> at the ears) provide a convenient handle for opposing players. Earwigs
> tend to slide down over your eyes occasionally. Athletic tape doesn't
> seem to last as long as electrical tape. I go with the earwig since I
> don't play second row much any more and I hate getting that gummy
> adhesive from the electrical tape out of my hair (not to mention
> getting the hair out of the tape).
On the recommendation of a couple of #8s I bought an earwig to wear.
I'll try it out tonight. Scrum caps look queer 8^). Tape does
have those drawbacks, but I'll still keep a roll in my kit just in
case.
> On drinking during/prior to a game: Unfortunately there are still a
> few idiots out there who do have a few before/during a game. The only
> thing they suceed in doing is giving the game a bad reputation and
> risking injury to themselves, their teammates, and the opposition.
Yeah, I've noticed ruggers have kind of a bad rap. But, I guess if
you keep on trying to play clean, hard, rugby, and don't act like too
much of an a__hole, then it might change that rep....
Glad to have you back in here, Mac!
'Saw
|
| 6.195 | | MCIS1::DHAMEL | Sox Pen: Honey I Shrunk the Lead | Tue Sep 25 1990 17:19 | 6 |
|
You mean you can train a bunch of earwigs to hold yer ears down with
them little pinchers on their tails?? Amazing...
Dickster
|
| 6.196 | | FSHQA1::AWASKOM | | Tue Sep 25 1990 17:35 | 14 |
| When I'm talking in this topic, BTW, please remember that I'm talking
'ancient history'. My experiences are at least 12 years old, and
mostly farther back than that. I sincerely hope that the alcoholic
content of the players, especially for C-side games, has declined from
when I was playing den-mother to a bunch of ruggers :-) . I'm having a
good time hauling out some of the *good* memories from what became an
intolerable marriage. I credit rugby for keeping the relationship
going for 6 to 9 months beyond the point where I was sure it would
eventually fall apart.
To Frank and Mac, thanks for the memories. I'm still hoping to get to
a game or two.
A&W
|
| 6.197 | | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Bo don't know rugby! | Tue Sep 25 1990 19:57 | 7 |
| 6.198 | | CAM::WAY | Happiness is a loose ruck | Thu Sep 27 1990 16:23 | 50 |
| re earwig:
Well, last Tuesday night was the first time since I started that
my ears haven't hurt after practice.
First scrum though, sure as s__t, that thing was down over my
eyes. Broke for the ball and had to pull it down 8^)
Cinched it real tight and the rest of the scrums went okay.
re A&W:
Glad to be of service. Personally, I really wish I'd started this
sport a dozen years ago. I love it more than anything I've done,
it's a great self-confidence builder, and it's extremely satisfying
in many ways.
I wished I'd played longer, because the guys who've played the game
a long time seem to just react "rugby". I'm still in the thinking
stage, which is very exhausting mentally as well as physically.
It will take time, but I'm willing to work hard at it.
Our next away games are 10/6 and 10/20 in the Boston area. I'll
let you know where when I find out.
re Mac:
Yank away. I feel as if I'm part of the "fraternity" now, and all
is fair game.
I didn't get a really good feel of the scope of rugby until I
got a copy of Rugby in an order from Godek's. It blows my mind
to see people in the Eagles pool from teams that we play with...
I guess rugby is the only sport where you can be so "close" to
making a national team....
Don't forget to let us know how you're season goes...
re HWRFC:
We did lose last week (A Side). It was a crushing defeat, but
it was disconcerting in that Hartford led 9-0 at the half, gave
up 11 unanswered points early in the second half, and a penalty
on the final play gave Providence the 14-9 win.
B side kicked butt and so did C side....
more later,
frank
|
| 6.199 | | CAM::WAY | Happiness is a loose ruck | Thu Sep 27 1990 16:25 | 3 |
| re the defeat:
Should have said it WASN'T a crushing defeat 8^)
|
| 6.200 | Gotta win 'em all from here on out... | CAM::WAY | Happiness is a loose ruck | Fri Sep 28 1990 12:06 | 18 |
| Okay, tomorrow HWRFC takes on New Haven, at home in Colt Park.
The weather should be nice, the pitch will be hard (they don't call
it the rock for nothing) which means easy to run on, hard to land on.
The selectors juggled the lineups a bit this week after last weeks loss.
My friend Jack (who was hurt last week) got a B side hooker selection,
and some people who usually play A side are playing B side.
I didn't get selected for C side, but I'm not really worried. The
two second rows who were selected didn't show for Thursdays practice
(which doesn't really mean anything, but is noticed), and besides,
worst case I end up filling in for New Haven. THAT would be weird,
hitting guys from Hartford.
We should win this one....
'Saw
|
| 6.201 | | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Bo don't know rugby! | Fri Sep 28 1990 14:01 | 23 |
| 6.202 | The Road to the National Championship... | CAM::WAY | Happiness is a loose ruck | Fri Sep 28 1990 14:10 | 30 |
| Thanks for the insight Mac.
I'm learning more and more how all of this takes place.
The dates that are important for us Eastern rugby clubs are
November 17 Northeast Championship
November 24 Rugby East Champsionship
Hartford's path (I think) would be to make it to the New England
Championships first. We have to finish first or second I think
to do that.
Assuming we'd knock off Providence or Boston to win the New England
Championship, we'd then make it to the Northeast Championship.
The winner there (I believe) meets the winner of the Southeast
Championship in the Rugby East Championship.
Mac, please correct this if I'm wrong.
Meantime, on a personal level, I'm busting my butt to learn this game.
Hartford, as a solid Division I club, does not spend a lot of time
teaching basics, but rather on developing their system of play, and
situational type things. But, more than anything else, I love this
game!
frank
|
| 6.203 | | CAM::WAY | Happiness is a loose ruck | Fri Sep 28 1990 14:17 | 30 |
| Had an experience last night which is, I think, unique to rugby, but
was also very inspiring.
As is our custom, after practice we headed over to Fleming's Up and Under,
to get some food, beer and ice water (not necessarily in that order).
As the crowd in the bar thinned out after a while, a former Hartford
Wanderer came in to the bar to have a few with the team. As I was
introduced to him, I realized that this individual is somewhat of
a legend on the Wanderers.
Tom Vinick, who retired last year from HWRFC, is also a former US Eagle,
who played in the World Cup in '87 against Australia and England, as
a fly-half (I believe).
Anyway, standing and talking rugby with him, and picking up secrets
and tips of what to do in certain situations was invaluable. I think
what makes this situation so unique is that I can't think of another
sport where players from a national team are so accessible. Because
the Eagles are chosen from the club sides of the nation, it's always
possible that a guy on your club who's really excellent, and who has
pounded you into the pitch during practice, could be (hopefully)
pounding the Wallabies or the All Blacks into the turf with the Eagles
in the near future.
It was quite an experience for me to talk to Tom, and at least a couple
of his tips will more than likely serve me well in the future.
frank
|
| 6.204 | Austin RFC info | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Bo don't know rugby! | Mon Oct 01 1990 14:20 | 102 |
| Well, since 'Saw asked, I'll put in something about rugby here in
Austin, TX.
I play for and am president of the Austin RFC, not to be confused with
the Austin Huns RFC. Austin is a division I club while the Huns are a
division II club. I am a tighthead prop, but have been known to step
in on occasion at loosehead prop, and have played a few seasons at 2nd
row. We have been playing matches since Labor Day weekend, despite the
Texas heat. These have been primarily touring sides and warmup matches
to get us ready for the start of the league season which begins this
weekend.
Our first match of the season was on Sept. 1 against Dromore RFC from
Ireland. We were a bit apprehensive going into the match since we would
be missing quite a few key people. Our starting #8 had gone into
semi-retirement, 2 flankers had moved, 1 flanker was doing graduate
work in some third world country, and 6 players (4 as players, 1 as
coach, and 1 as tour director) were on the Texas select side squad
which had just left for 2 weeks in England. Fortunately, the weather
was a bit on our side (as much as 100+ temperatures can be on anyone's
side). We bowed to the Irish's wishes and played only 30 minute halves
(instead of regulation 40 mins.) with frequent water breaks and liberal
substitutions. We scored early in the game and used some tenacious
defense sparked by some fantastic individual contributions to hang on
for a slim margin of victory. The game exemplified the one of the more
famous bumperstickers: "There are no winners in rugby, only
survivors". As it turns out, Austin was the only team to defeat
Dromore on their Texas tour.
The next two weeks were open dates on our schedule so I took that
opportunity to make my annual pilgrimage back to DEC. I hooked up with
my old club, Worcester RFC, and they managed to give me a couple of
games while I was there. I easily got used to the cooler temperatures,
which has hurt me a bit since I got back. As it turned out, Austin was
able to arrange a game against the University of Texas while I was
gone. They won that game handily, especially since those on the Texas
tour had rejoined the squad, but I gather there was a bit of a let down
in the second half which left a bad taste in the mouths of most of the
players.
I returned to Austin just in time to host the boys from Pembroke
College of Cambridge University. We were again missing 6 players since
the Texas select side was competing with select sides from the rest of
the Western Rugby Union (Texas, by the way, captured the Western Union
title and placed 27 of the 60 players on the Western select side roster
- one of those players was from Austin). With our regular captain
playing for Texas, I was called upon to captain the squad facing
Pembroke. The temperature was cooler than it was against Dromore
(probably about 20 deg. cooler) and we played a full match, but with
free substitution. Our coach wanted to use the game to get a look at
some of the players before we started our league season. Austin jumped
out to an early lead and was never really threatened in the first half.
With little time remaining in the half, Pembroke was awarded a scrum
around Austin's 22 meter line. Everyone on Austin seemed to be waiting
for the whistle to blow to end the half. Pembroke won the ball easily
and broke through our back line for the score. Halftime came just
after the conversion kick was attempted. This changed the complexion
of the rest of the match. I think if we had held Pembroke scoreless at
that point, it would have broke their spirit. Instead it put new life
into their squad and took some out of ours. We made our substitutions
at half time and came out flat. We strayed from our original gameplan
(part of which was due to the change in personnel) and played
uninspired rugby for the remainder of the game. The result was a 12-10
loss. Our second side was able to save a little face for the club by
defeating the first side of the Austin Huns 8-6.
We played our last pre-league match against El Paso. Despite both
teams being in Texas, the matches between Austin and El Paso are few
and far between since it is a 10-11 hour drive between the 2 cities.
El Paso actually plays their league matches against clubs from New
Mexico and is known as one of the better teams in that league. We had
pretty much our full squad back together and were looking forward to
the match as a way to impress the selectors, set the tone for the
upcoming league season, and give the coach one last chance to take a
look at some players. I personally was looking to impress the
selectors as I had gone from first side captain one week to second side
player the next. The match failed to live up to expectations as only
16 players made the trip from El Paso (there are 15 players on a rugby
team), but they were gamers and stuck to their promise of giving
everyone a game. To accommodate this, the first side match was played
with 30 minute halves, and the second side match was played with 15
minute halves. Austin won the first game in a rout 42-6. We shook off
the second half complacency that plagued us in our previous 2 matches.
I did get a chance to try to show my stuff with the first side as I
went on as an injury replacement for one of our 2nd rows with about 10
minutes left in the game. Our second side faced a rag-tag bunch made
up of players from El Paso's first side, players who hadn't been
selected for Austin's second side, and even an Austin first side
player. The game was nip and tuck throughout, with the decisive score
occurring soon after the kickoff for the second half. El Paso was able
to convert a 3 on 2 opportunity deep in Austin territory for the
go-ahead try. While setting up for the conversion kick, we suddenly
realized why they had the extra man out so easily - they had started
the half with 16 players on the field! As with most sports, if the ref
don't see it, it never happened, so the score stood. Although we
threatened many times, we couldn't punch it in. The final score stood
8-6 in favor of El Paso.
From here it's on to Houston this Saturday for our first league game.
I hope to be back on the first side. I've only been dropped once
before since coming to Austin and was told that that improved my game
immensely and was back on the first side the very next week.
|
| 6.205 | | CAM::WAY | Happiness is a loose ruck | Mon Oct 01 1990 15:51 | 95 |
| Very impressive, Mac.
For those who might not know, the quality of play demanded to maintain
an A side selection week after week is extremely high. That Mac consistently
plays first side is no little accomplishment.
Tough break against Pembroke, Mac. I know how that works first hand now,
but fortunately from the other side.
Hartford Wanderers RFC vs New Haven Old Black RFC
-------------------------------------------------
The day was a wonderful day on Saturday. The sky was clear blue with
white puffy clouds, it was a tad warm (but no where near Mac's 100+!!!!)
and it was also my birthday.
A side started off against New Haven, and in the first five minutes
dominated. But, New Haven, who have only been in Division I for a
couple of seasons, definitely had that "spoiler inspiration". For them
to knock off a squad like Hartford would be a really big feather in
their cap.
After what seemed like an eternity, Hartford scored a try on a nice
back overload, finished off by a dive at the corner cone by Tommy Faust.
The regular kicker, Glen Judge, (who'd attempt to convert the try) was
playing B side, since he'd returned from his honeymoon and hadn't made
any practices. So, Chris McGrath was kicking in his place. Chris
barely missed a tough conversion attempt, so the score was 4-0.
Late in the half, after valiantly fighting back against repeated Hartford
attacks, New Haven converted a penalty kick and the lead was cut 4-3.
Second half, Hartford came out like gang busters. They were finally
getting the overloads on their backs (mainly by running a lot of
backrow scrum plays, which tend to suck the opposing backs in to make
tackles) and getting the ball out to the wings very quickly. Don't
know the final score, but it was a lot for us to a little for them...
B side also won. I only saw the first half because I had to warm up.
At any rate, B side shut them out...
I was not selected to play C side, which was frustrating, since both
locks who were selected ahead of me didn't practice the Thursday before
the game. But, fortunately one of them didn't show, and I started
at lock.
Early on in this game I learned a lot of things about rugby. The first
thing I learned was about poor officiating. Fairly early in the
first half we were near their goal, working out of a ruck, and suddenly
there was one of our props (Lenny, with the ball), one of their defenders,
and me to the outside wide open. As Lenny is stiff arming the one
defender I'm yelling "Ball ball gimme ball", figuring that a try would
be a nice b-day present to myself when the whistle blew.
Refs says knock-on. Our coach on the sidelines went beserk, because
the ball clearly hadn't gone forward.
That did affect us a little because our play went downhill from their.
New Haven began getting the ball out on the weak side, and overpowered
our wing and fullback (the wing was playing his first game ever) and
late in the half it was New Haven up 10-0.
It was demoralizing, they were pushing us back a lot in the scrums, and
try as we might we couldn't gain ground. Late in the first half,
our flyhalf, Tom Vinick kicked a drop goal and we trailed 10-3. Vinick
btw, has retired from the Wanderers, but was filling in. What a substitute
to have, because Vinick played for the Eagles in the '87 World Cup.
It was a privilege to be on the pitch with someone of that caliber.
During halftime, our coach came out and told us to be proud, since
half of their players were A side players. He said for us to be down
only 7 points was a good accomplishment, and that if we lost by 7 we
could be proud. But he said he knew that we could suck it up and win,
and that we all had Wanderers pride and would give 110% to sweep the
day. He said it was in our hands. Deke, our captain, had the last
word just before the second half started. He said "Leave it all on
the field. Don't take anything off with you after the game and
we can win".
In the second half, we sucked it up big time, and came back to win
something like 27-10. The electricity we felt was unreal.
Personally, I did a couple good things during the game, but didn't
score. I did take one really vicious hit as I was jumping fully
extended to pull down a kickoff. After the game everyone told
me it was a great play, putting my body on the line for the team.
I guess that's what rugby is all about.
Next week, the WAR. Boston, in Boston. I've heard there's some
bad blood between Hartford and Boston, but I won't know until
Saturday....
For now, proud to be a Wanderer,
frank
|
| 6.206 | NE League Update... | CAM::WAY | Happiness is a loose ruck | Wed Oct 03 1990 12:26 | 20 |
| At practice last night, I found out the scores from the games
on Saturday....
A side: HWRFC 30 NHRFC 3
B side: HWRFC 38 NHRFC 0
C side: HWRFC 30 NHRFC 10
What was impressive about the win was that no league team has beaten
New Haven by more than 8 points all season.
In other league information, the season is shaping up and the contenders
are starting to show. Providence has lost 2, so they are potentially
out of it. Boston is undefeated, and Hartford has one loss.
That means that this Saturday's game against Boston is crucial to
each team's season....
Should be an interesting Saturday.....
frank
|
| 6.207 | | FRAGLE::WASKOM | | Thu Oct 04 1990 09:44 | 9 |
| 'Saw -
Good luck to the Wanderers.
Damn, damn, damn, damn. The kidlet has a soccer game Saturday at 3,
which makes coming impossible. And the rugby ought to be great. At
least the soccer team is still undefeated.
A&W
|
| 6.208 | | CAM::WAY | Happiness is a loose ruck | Thu Oct 04 1990 10:15 | 20 |
| Thanks A&W....
Tuesday's was an interesting practice. Just before our final fitness
workout, Kevin (our captain) said that Boston was undefeated, and that
we held the league season and NE Championship in our own hands.
He said that Boston is bigger than us, but that our technique in
the scrum downs will allow us to beat them.
Then he said that until we win on Saturday, we'd not hear him mention
Boston again, and told us to get Hartford in our minds, cause that
would win the game for us....
I'll know tonight if I'm selected.
Congrats on the undefeated soccer season, so far!
Next game in Boston is the Beacon Hill game on 10/20....
frank
|
| 6.209 | | CAM::WAY | Happiness is a loose ruck | Fri Oct 05 1990 12:14 | 21 |
| Am getting psyched for this week's game.
This one is the BIG one. If we knock off Boston, and win our last
two games, then Hartford is the NE Champs. We're the only team in
the league to totally control our own destiny.
I got selected this week, which was a surprise, since we have a lot
of players available. Guess maybe I'm improving.
I'm developing a tight-five mentality. We were told the other evening
that the five players who control the game are the tight five (two
props, the hooker, and the two locks). When you play tight five, you've
got to want to eat the other team alive. You've got to live to scrum.
You've got to take each scrum as a personal challenge.
We're playing at Franklin Park in a place called Jamaica Plain ( I guess).
First side kicks off at 1:30pm....
Can't wait....
frank
|
| 6.210 | Two league games left, Hartford looking good.... | CAM::WAY | If it's black and white, hit it! | Mon Oct 08 1990 10:33 | 74 |
| Tough, tough games this weekend.....
In the first side game, Hartford prevailed, but the game did have its
nervous moments. Hartford dominated in the first half, holding Boston
to just three points. In the second half, Boston made a game of it,
starting with a surge that seems characteristic of their play.
But, at the final whistle, a lot of bloody rugby players walked off
the pitch with Hartford winning, 19-15. Still, 4 points is not much,
and a big sigh of relief was breathed by all.
So, now both Hartford and Boston are 4-1, but Hartford would win the
tie breaker since they've won the head-to-head....
The second side had it a bit tougher. Well, a lot tougher actually.
They never really seemed to get on track, gave up a try that was converted,
and only managed a penalty kick to pull within three points, 6-3. A late
game penalty was awarded to Hartford, but the wind conditions were really
tough, and the kick missed. The game ended 6-3, Boston.
I'm not usually one to complain about officiating, but the referee outright
sucked. However, the attitude is that if the ref is bad, it's just another
condition to be overcome. Unfortunately, Hartford couldn't. The game
was also marred by fights, and at one point I thought the ref might
actually lose control. No one was ejected however...
The game hurt the B side's chance at post season play. The best B
side in NE League is chosen to represent Division I in the Division II
tournament. I think right now Boston is the frontrunner for that honor.
The third side..... Well, we were the rubber match, and that's a lot
of pressure.
We played hard, and didn't quit. The Boston forwards ate us alive in
the first three scrums. But, slowly, we adjusted, and I could feel
our pack getting that "Eight as One" mentality so crucial to good
scrums. It was getting to the point where we'd hit anything
in black and white (their colors).....
The rucks and mauls were particularly vicious, but if anything, that
served to bring us closer together. At half time, we led 8-0.
The second half, they came out like maniacs. Again, their scrum was
eating us alive. We had subbed out our #8, and the guy playing #8 was
brand new at the position. Just as a prop likes to feel the lock
tight behind him in a scrum, the locks like to feel that support from
the #8....it just wasn't there. However, after a few scrums, Randy
started to get the hang of it, and we again adjusted and at least held
our own.
I didn't handle the ball much during the day, but I did manage to pull
down one of their lineout throws, while they were deep in our end.
Teddy, the flanker who was behind me in the lineout, said to me just
before we lined up "this one's yours, Frank". Sure enough, their hooker
threw the ball down the line, and I beat out my Boston counterpart.
They scored to make it 8-4, and from that point on it was a defensive
struggle. Fortunately, they got a bit too eager, and some timely
offsides calls were helpful. (you should have heard the Hartford
15 chiming as one "Thank you, Sir" to the ref when he'd make that call).
The final whistle was the sweetest sound I'd heard in a long time.
I was tired. The scrumming was the toughest I'd done, but my fitness
is improving. Another good win, and the Third Side is undefeated in
league play, 5-1 overall, losing the one game by a single point.....
Next week, Mystic River at home.....
'Saw
|
| 6.211 | | FRAGLE::WASKOM | | Mon Oct 08 1990 11:12 | 6 |
| 'Saw -
Congrats to youse guys. Sounds like it was a great game. Enjoy Mystic
River - it's the team I felt the closest to.
A&W
|
| 6.212 | | CAM::WAY | Ruck over! Ruck over! | Mon Oct 08 1990 11:33 | 18 |
| Thanks A&W --
Mystic River is supposed to be another hard game, but the guys tell
me it'll be a little cleaner game.
All we've got to do is win our next two games....
Mac --
Derek and Doug both played on 3rd side, and played really well.
In addition, Derek played part of the 2nd side second half, as
an injury replacement....
'Saw
|
| 6.213 | World Cup... | CAM::WAY | Beaten like a redheaded stepchild... | Wed Oct 10 1990 14:50 | 25 |
| Okay, the grouping for the World Cup came out recently, and I've
noticed that Group One contains the following teams:
- New Zealand All Blacks
- England
- US Eagles
- Italy
(don't know the nicknames for Italy or England, but I do know that
England wears a 15 petal rose on a white jersey....)
Obviously the Eagles going against the All Blacks is like the Christians
going into the Lions pen on God's day off. I mean, we lost to the
Aussies 62-6, and the Aussies lose to the All-Blacks most of the time.
I don't know if we can beat England, and I know nothing about the
Italians rugby efforts....
Who's the odds on favorite to win it all? New Zealand? Fiji? England?
Do you think that Eagles can win a game?
Opinions?
frank
|
| 6.214 | More World Cup... | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Bo don't know rugby! | Wed Oct 10 1990 15:42 | 31 |
| This should be a good World Cup. Australia has shown that the All
Blacks can be beaten. England will be playing at home and should put
in a good showing based on the past couple of 5 Nations Championships
(and despite having a dismal tour of Argentina). Another home favorite
has to be Scotland who quietly won the 1990 5 Nations Championship and
had a fairly good showing on a recent tour down under. Fiji plays
exciting rugby, but their 15's is not in the same class as their 7's.
The Eagles should beat Italy, and will hopefully gain some
respectability against England and New Zealand (I wouldn't expect
anything less than a blowout, but the Eagles showed they have a lot of
heart and some bright spots in the last World Cup).
Ticket allocations for the World Cup have been made. The US has been
allocated 500 tickets for each match. Defending champ New Zealand has
been awarded 3,000 tickets (there are already 7,000 applicants for
those tickets). Ticket distribution seems to be a little more
equitable this time around, but there are still quite a few strings
attached. For anyone in the US to get tickets, they must go through
Rugby Travel, the official US travel agent. Tickets are sold in
packages of 4 games. Because they are only available through a travel
agent you must take their airfare and accomodation package (so much for
my plans of trying to work out a standby airfare and staying with
people I played rugby against in previous trips to the UK).
It's going to be a tight fit for some of the stadiums hosting the
preliminary games. New Zealand and Australia were able to provide
large stadia with seating capacity of 20-40K for all games. I hear
that one of the sites in England doesn't even have stands. This won't
be a problem for the quarterfinals and up, however, as the national
stadia of Landsdown (Ireland), Murrayfield (Scotland), Twickenham
(England), and Cardiff Arms Park (Wales) will be used.
|
| 6.215 | | CAM::WAY | Beaten like a redheaded stepchild... | Wed Oct 10 1990 16:19 | 19 |
| > The Eagles should beat Italy, and will hopefully gain some
> respectability against England and New Zealand (I wouldn't expect
> anything less than a blowout, but the Eagles showed they have a lot of
> heart and some bright spots in the last World Cup).
The last World Cup was the one that Tom Vinick of Hartford Wanderers
RFC played in. In our trophy case we have an Australian jersey that
Vinick traded his Eagles jersey for, as a momento of that World Cup.
(Rugby's a great sport because a newly like me can rub elbows with
a former World Cup competitor on the same pitch....)
I'd pick the All Blacks to win again, but that's just an educated guess.
Will there be any TV coverage????
frank
|
| 6.216 | Just a quick plug for our sponsor... | CAM::WAY | Beaten like a redheaded stepchild... | Wed Oct 10 1990 16:28 | 8 |
| For any of you beer drinkers out there, Steinlager beer is the
official sponsor of US Rugby.
If you want to support the US Eagles in their tours and efforts around
the world, drink Steinlager beer.
frank
|
| 6.217 | | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Bo don't know rugby! | Wed Oct 10 1990 16:30 | 2 |
| Frank, I haven't heard anything about TV coverage yet. ESPN carried
tape delayed replays the last time around.
|
| 6.219 | | CAM::WAY | Beaten like a redheaded stepchild... | Wed Oct 10 1990 16:33 | 15 |
| 6.220 | | SASE::SZABO | | Wed Oct 10 1990 16:38 | 7 |
| One 16 oz. bottle costs about the same as 2 rolls of black electrical
tape.
HTH.
Hawk
|
| 6.221 | Tastes Filling! Less Great! | MCIS1::DHAMEL | Partying and Octoberfestering | Wed Oct 10 1990 16:44 | 11 |
|
"Steinlager Beer, made the hard way, the old fashioned way...
....with sweat.
....and it tastes like it."
8^)
Dickster
|
| 6.222 | | CAM::WAY | Beaten like a redheaded stepchild... | Thu Oct 11 1990 10:17 | 13 |
| My dad thinks it costs $5.99 a six, here in Connecticut. He'll
double check today though.
I've never tried it, but if it helps support our rugby team, then
I'll buy it from time to time. It's from New Zealand, if anyone
is interested....
The Eagles are improving as time goes by. Last summer (july I think)
they beat Canada 14-12 in the Can-Am tournament, which is a good effort...
frank
|
| 6.223 | | CAM::WAY | Beaten like a redheaded stepchild... | Thu Oct 11 1990 10:33 | 15 |
| Oh yeah. Just FYI, but in two weeks (10-20-90) we play Beacon Hill
in Boston (where I'll let you know).
There are several Eagles who play for Beacon Hill, the one whose name
comes to mind is Kevin Swords, who plays lock. Unless the Eagles
are out on tour (which I doubt, because Lockwood of Boston played
against us last weekend) the Beacon Hill players who are Eagles
should be in the game.
If any of you want to see some good, clean, rugby, between two clubs
whose rivalry and friendship goes back a long way, Hartford vs Beacon
Hill would be it....
frank
|
| 6.224 | | CAM::WAY | Beaten like a redheaded stepchild... | Fri Oct 12 1990 11:59 | 29 |
| Tomorrow, Mystic River.
I'm starting to learn how the coaches prepare us for these big games.
Last week we were told that Boston was our season, right there. Now
this week, we find out that Mystic River is 5-0 coming in. That means
we have to knock them off to be in first place! 8^)
Actually though, we are the only ones who control our destiny. We knocked
Boston off, and we can knock off Mystic River if we concentrate, do
our jobs, and play with good technique.
Personally, I'd rather be in the Wanderers shoes than River's, because
we have everything to gain and they have everything to lose.
First side is ready, and they're looking good. In fact, they are so
into it at this point that there's a little extra competition going on
in the ranks. Every week there's an award given out called the Sledgehammer
Award. Its name totally explains why someone would win the award.
Well, for the past three weeks Danny O'Brian, Outside Center has
won it. This week, everyone on First side wants to end his streak....;^)
As for third side, I got selected, and am ready to play. Tom Vinick's
retirement seems to be a thing of the past as he was selected to
play fly half.... Should be a good game....
Big game, big weekend.....
frank
|
| 6.225 | The Mud Bowl.... | CAM::WAY | Beaten like a redheaded stepchild... | Mon Oct 15 1990 09:18 | 58 |
| Report on the Monsoon Bowl...
This past Saturday, the Mystic River-Hartford game was played in weather
that only a duck, or a rugby forward, could love. Torrential downpours,
a pitch that more closely resembled a waterslide than a pitch, and a
lot of very determined players.
In rugby, mud is considered the great equalizer. If that's the case, it
certainly was on Saturday, as the first half ended with a nil-nil score.
Early in the second half, Hartford fly-half Glenn Judge managed to
convert a penalty kick to give Hartford a slim 3-0 lead. Despite several
scrums that Mystic clearly won, Hartford was holding them off fairly
well, keeping their intensity.
However, credit should be given to Mystic River for taking it to Hartford
and keeping the play bottled up deep in Hartford territory. Finally,
a penalty was awarded to Mystic River for a Hartford player reaching
over for the ball after a ruck had formed. Personally, I didn't think
the ruck had formed, but I'll admit I had a bad angle on the play.
River converted and the score was tied 3-3. From that point on, it
stayed that way.
With the tie score, Hartford's chances at finishing first, and becoming
league champions all but evaporated. There is a slim mathematical chance
of Hartford finishing in first, but more likely, we will finish second
and obtain the wildcard slot in the Northeast tournament.....
A tie certainly is like kissing your sister, and it was a tough thing
for the B side and C side to get psyched for their games.
B side did, however, and came back and beat Mystic 15-4.
The C side game was a lot of fun. Within 30 seconds of the start, I
had mud in places I never knew existed in my body. It was useless to
try and get it out of my eyes, and there was no way to dry one's hands
to pull down a lineout ball.... But it was fun. If you missed a tackle,
you'd slide 15 feet on the pitch, kind of like a waterslide. The pitch,
normally nicknamed The Rock, was pretty soft to land on....
C side cleaned house. We won 20+ to 0. The best part was a goal line
stand any NFL team would have been proud of... We held them off, beat
them consistently in the scrums, and the forwards supported the backs
really well all day.
If C side wins one more game we're undereated in league play!
The final event before the drinkup was washing off in this huge lake
that had formed on the next field over. Imagine ten guys sitting in
6 inches of water like little kids....too funny.
Next week, Beacon Hill.....
frank
|
| 6.226 | | CAM::WAY | Beaten like a redheaded stepchild... | Wed Oct 17 1990 10:26 | 33 |
| Okay, Beacon Hill....
This game is without a doubt the biggest game of the season. In order
to get the wild card for the Northeast Championship Tournament, we
must beat Beacon Hill. It also wouldn't hurt for us to beat them
by a large margin, just in case some tie breakers come into play.
If we get the wildcard, there will be a wildcard playoff before the
Northeast, where we take on one other wildcard, to get the fourth
spot in the Northeast tournament. The four teams in the Northeast
Tourmament play on November 17th, to determine the Northeast Champ.
The winner of the Northeast, goes to the Eastern Championships, another
4 team tournament, for the ERU crown.
The ERU champ, plays in the National Final Four in the spring...
That long road starts with Beacon Hill this Saturday. Beacon Hill
and Hartford have had good relations for a long time, and the games
will be hard fought and tough, but clean.
B side is still fighting to be the best in New England, and that
slot in the Division II tourney.
C side is undefeated in league play, and would love to finish the
league season that way....
The games will be Saturday behind Bunker Hill Community College in
Charlestown. If you're in the area stop by, and look me up.
frank
|
| 6.227 | Coors and Rugby.... | CAM::WAY | Beaten like a redheaded stepchild... | Fri Oct 19 1990 15:25 | 24 |
| Well, it seems that rugby has moved up enough in stature in the US
to finally make at least a few seconds of a beer commercial.
Coors has several ads currently on TV which feature rugby. One of them
is soley rugby and the other has some scenes mixed in with other sports.
The one which is solely rugby was difficult to pick up, due to the quick
video cut technique which is used. At first I thought it was a bunch
of guys playing touch football in the rain, but what caught my eye
was the tape on the ears. Then, the second scene was of a scrum-half's
hands putting the ball into the scrum, and it became evident what the
deal was....
The only explanation I can give for this new found prominence is that
the National Club Champions of the USA are the Denver Barbarians, and
of course, Coors' home is Colorado.
(See, you Denver folks can rejoice, you do have a champeenship!)
Keep your eyes open and you'll probably see these commercials....
frank
|
| 6.228 | 1,002 uses for electrical tape...... :-) | SASE::SZABO | | Fri Oct 19 1990 15:36 | 6 |
| Nexted thing you know, we'll be seeing black electrical tape
commercials during episodes of "This Old House" featuring toothless,
drunken rugby players in striped shirts, and of course, taped
ears........... :-)
Hawk
|
| 6.229 | | CAM::WAY | Beaten like a redheaded stepchild... | Fri Oct 19 1990 16:18 | 27 |
| > commercials during episodes of "This Old House" featuring toothless,
> drunken rugby players in striped shirts, and of course, taped
Now, now, Hawk. As the famous T-shirt says "Don't Question Our
Behavior -- TRUST US"....
First off, we have to wear mouthguards. These are essential in
keeping the teeth firmly implanted in the jawbone.
Drunken rugby players are fast becoming a thing of the past.
On a humorous note, one of the stiffest fines a Wanderer can
face is for puking in a scrum ;^) Seriously, though, one of
the most unpleasant things is trying to scrum when one of the
eight has been drinking. Scrumming is, without a doubt,
a very difficult activity, both from a brute strength point of
view and from a technique point of view. Smelling liquor on
someone's breath during that effort is just plain demoralizing.
(And a large part of scrumming is that "eight as one" mentality).
Afterwards, however, we will attend the drink-up, and some of
us even make up for lost time! 8^)
have a good weekend,
all....
fw
|
| 6.230 | | 18557::WAY | Beaten like a redheaded stepchild... | Mon Oct 22 1990 11:05 | 68 |
| Well, this past Saturday some very intense rugby was played behind
Bunker Hill Community College....
Hartford, needing a win to have a shot at the wildcard slot for the
Northeast Tournament, (and needing Mystic River to beat Boston to
get it outright) started out sluggishly, and by half time were down
14-7. There is nothing more demoralizing while watching from the
sidelines to see your opponents get the overload in the backs,
and see them down the sideline, 2 on 1 against your weak side
wing.
At half time, we were a little bummed, hoping that a season's work
wasn't going down the drain. Beacon wanted us bad, because they'd
already lost to Mystic and Boston, the other two powerhouses in the
league, so to knock off Hartford would be a feather in their caps.
In the second half, Hartford rallied with a penalty kick followed
by a converted try to go up 16-14. The troops were breathing a little
easier but there was a lot of time left, and Beacon wasn't going down
without a fight. Hartford scored again and converted and made it
20-14. One slight mistake, and an excellent conversion kick allowed
Beacon to tie it up, 20-20. With little time remaining, however,
Glenn Judge, Hartford's excellent fly-half, made a really pretty
drop goal to give the Wanderers a 23-20 lead, which they held until
the end.
B side also won, 16-4.
C side put their undefeated league record on the line at approx 4pm.
It didn't look good, as several of the C side players who'd been selected
didn't show up and we had to borrow from Beacon. Our tight five was
decimated, as both our hooker and the other lock came from Beacon Hill.
It promised to be a very long afternoon as Beacon took the opening kickoff,
and rucked and mauled their way to a try. The flanker who scored it
was huge, and I know personally I missed two tackles on him as they
moved the length of the field. The first half was dismal, with
Hartford managing its only 4 points on a nice overload on their weak
side wing....
At half time, we sucked it up and went back for more, but as the afternoon
wore on it became very evident we weren't going to win. Rugby is
a funny sport -- when you're winning it's easy, but when you're losing
it's harder and harder. But, we played with pride and dignity, never
stopped hitting, and the 28-4 final doesn't show the heart we played
with.
After the game, we found out that a lot of the Beacon C side was A side
players, and that in one instance one was a former Eagle. We were
most definitely overmatched, and I guess we can take pride in the
fact that we didn't quit. (If we'd had another 35 minutes we could
have won, perhaps, because they only outscored us 4-0 in the second half)...
Our spirit wasn't broken, because as we headed off the field, we could
be heard saying "We had them where we wanted them, but just couldn't
put them away" 8^)
On a personal note, it was a very good game for me, as some of the
fundamentals and things you should do are starting to become reflex.
Hartford ended their league season with a combined three side
record of 17-3-1, which is not a bad season overall, and is one of the
best overall records in New England, if not *the* best...
Next week, a non-league game as we take on OMEX at home in Hartford....
frank
|
| 6.231 | | 15558::SZABO | | Mon Oct 22 1990 11:37 | 4 |
| Congrats, C-side 'Saw! Sorry to hear your season end in a loss,
however. Are you (C-side) in any sort of playoff?
Hawk
|
| 6.232 | | 8750::JOHNSTON | LegitimateSportingPurpose?E.S.A.D.! | Mon Oct 22 1990 11:48 | 13 |
| Yo! Your `Sawness!
Did you say you didn't have enough players and you BORROWED some from
the OPPOSITON!?!?!
I realize Rugby is a strange game (often resulting in acute rugbitis
[an irresistable urge to chew the carpet] AND sticky ears), but using
the enemy to fill roster positions sounds passing strange.
PS In spite of your Excellent Loss, it still had to be nice to wake up
in the AM and see GoWhAlE in first place, hey?!??
Mike JN
|
| 6.233 | | 18557::WAY | Beaten like a redheaded stepchild... | Mon Oct 22 1990 12:01 | 39 |
| re the last two:
C side doesn't have a playoff. It's usually beginners and older guys.
Our main goal in life is to make B-side. My game has markedly improved
and with a sh*tload of training in the off-season, hopefully I can
keep improving this spring, potentially making the conversion from
second row to prop, although the Wanderers have a lot of depth
at prop.
I'm one of about 18 guys going to the Bahamas in March, which means
I'll be playing with some intense competition, and that should raise
my level even more....
Borrowing from the opposition is not unusual in a C-side game. This
is the first time this season that we've had to do that. Normally,
our extra guys are filling out the other side's slots.
The thing with rugby is that you want a game. You don't really care
who you play with you just want to play.
And, as I said, the important thing for us on Saturday was that we
did not quit. You never learn anything about yourself when you
win, but when you lose you find out what you are truly made of.
Overmatched by a team who'd played together (and not like us with
ringers) we still kept fighting, and we could laugh about it
afterwards.
Overall, C side is 6-2, because the first game (non-league against
White Plains) was a 19-18 loss. Two games upcoming against Metro
opponents, OMEX and Albany, and then a trip to DC....
Nice to see the Whalers in first. It's been a while.....
fw
|
| 6.234 | | 24976::WASKOM | | Mon Oct 22 1990 15:51 | 16 |
| 'Saw -
Congrats to the Wanderers. Sounds like it was a series of great games.
Medway soccer played to a 1-1 tie Saturday afternoon, which is where I
was. (Kidlet is now starting D, due to illness of the previous
starter, and playing the whole game. This for a guy who was playing JV
as a junior last year in order to get in playing time. Like a rugger,
he'd rather play - regardless of which side he's on or who it's against
- than not.) Anyway, Medway soccer is now 11-1-1, and looking forward
to the state tournament.
I expect to hear a *full* trip report following your excursion to the
Bahamas, BTW. Sounds like it should be a great time.
A&W
|
| 6.235 | | 18557::WAY | Beaten like a redheaded stepchild... | Mon Oct 22 1990 16:00 | 31 |
| Thanks A&W....
The neat part about this league season was that Hartford got the
wildcard spot. I'm not 100% sure, but I can't see Boston beating
Mystic. If Boston did beat Mystic, we'd play Mystic in a one game
playoff, since our head-to-head was a tie.
Anyway, the last two years Hartford has been in a three way tie
for first, but ended up third each year due to the tiebreakers.
As it stands now, we've got the wildcard for the Northeast Tournament.
That means we play the other wildcard team (from Metro I think) and
the winner of that is in the final four of the tournament.
Needless to say we're all very excited.
The Bahamas tour is March 14-18, with two games scheduled. The
rest of the time I'll be found on the beach, trying to get
a head start on the summer tan. And then there's the one minor
little problem of the "rookie rite of passage", but I'll take
that as it comes...
I will file a full report.....
Congrats on the soccer. That's one impressive record. Tell the
kid to take up rugby in college. It's a move he'll never regret! 8^)
frank
|
| 6.236 | | 24976::WASKOM | | Mon Oct 22 1990 16:04 | 7 |
| 'Saw -
Since he's takin' a year out between now and college (ain't even
looking right now), he may end up on a pitch before you know it. He'd
make a great half-back :-).
A&W
|
| 6.237 | | 18557::WAY | Beaten like a redheaded stepchild... | Mon Oct 22 1990 16:22 | 12 |
| > make a great half-back :-).
Oh, one of those pretty-boy-don't-wanna-mess-my-hair backs, eh?
Stand around combing his locks while the forwards do all the work, eh?
[many 8^)]
Well, if he does, let me know, because we'll probably cross paths
somewhere along the line....
fw
|
| 6.238 | Better wait till you get back to your hotel room to shower...... | 15558::SZABO | | Mon Oct 22 1990 16:47 | 8 |
| "Rookie rite of passage"? Oooooooooo boy! I ain't gonna write what
I'm thinkin', but it sure hurts just thinkin' about it! And, seeing
how big one of them there rugby balls are, I sure hope it ain't
included in the "passage" part...... :-)
I'd bring lots of tape.
Hawk
|
| 6.239 | | 18557::WAY | Beaten like a redheaded stepchild... | Tue Oct 23 1990 10:02 | 21 |
| > "Rookie rite of passage"? Oooooooooo boy! I ain't gonna write what
Don't mean to disappoint anyone, but it's usually in the form of
a skit. Each rookie prepares something to do (i.e. I might do
impressions) and performs for the veterans. If the veterans don't
like it, then they make you do something really stupid. (One guy
had to go into a closet and tell three jokes)....
Kind of like the old truth or consequences TV show....
It's more in fun than a real hazing type of thing, complete with lots
of beer (and because they know I have an affinity for Jack Daniels
I'm sure that will figure in there too....)
What it does is bring you together more as a team, and I don't know
of any sport where teamwork is more crucial than in rugby.....
Should be a GREAT tour!
fw
|
| 6.240 | | 8750::JOHNSTON | LegitimateSportingPurpose?E.S.A.D.! | Tue Oct 23 1990 11:34 | 10 |
| 6.241 | Rollward note, as usual, Mike JN! :-) | 15558::SZABO | | Tue Oct 23 1990 11:46 | 1 |
|
|
| 6.242 | We snagged a Wildcard slot! | CAM::WAY | Beaten like a redheaded stepchild... | Thu Oct 25 1990 09:28 | 36 |
| Well, it's Official!
Hartford Wanderers RFC snatched up second place in the New England League
with a 5-1-1 record. Mystic River beat Boston 13-7 on Saturday, and
they are in first place at 6-0-1.
It seemed that rainy weather did in the Wanderers this season, as
their one loss 14-9 to New Haven came in a downpour on Sept 22. That
game was unfortunate because Hartford led 9-0 at the half. The Mystic
game was played in horrendously wet weather, and the 3-3 tie resulted.
So, what's next?
Well, on November 3, Hartford travels to Buffalo for the Wildcard game.
If (or should I say *when*) Hartford beats Buffalo, they will possess
the 4th spot in the four team Northeast Tournament, to be held November 17.
How does that affect us not on the A side?
Well, the remaining games scheduled are still on. We have OMEX this
Saturday and Albany on the day of the wildcard game. Both teams
are bringing only two sides, which means that for OMEX the first game
will be mixed A and B, and the second will be mixed B and C. The
B and C side will have to step their level of play up a bit to deal
with this.
The Albany game will be even tougher, as the A side and the best B
players (for subs) will be in Buffalo, so the remaining B and C players
will have to hold off Albany, in Hartford.
The season finale is a weekend trip to Washington DC on November 10.
More as the fall season winds down.....
fw
|
| 6.243 | | CAM::WAY | Beaten like a redheaded stepchild... | Mon Oct 29 1990 10:36 | 35 |
| Well, another weekend of rugby passed....
There was a lot going on this weekend.
First, next Saturday, the Hartford A side, plus 4 alternates will
travel to Buffalo. They'll fly up on Saturday morning, and return
on Sunday evening. Buffalo was the wildcard team from the Upstate
New York League. If anyone is interested, the champs of that
league are Syracuse, who unseated the perennial champs Albany.
Should Hartford win (a-hem, WHEN Hartford wins) they will be in the
Northeast Tournament against Syracuse, Mystic River, and White Plains.
Buffalo has the reputation for playing lousy on the road, well at
home, so we're going into their backyard, looking for a win.
Meantime, Hartford has a fixture commitment this weekend against
two sides from Albany. That means that our B side will play their
A side, and our C side will play their Bs. Gonna be a tough day
of rugby, but one that will surely build character and improve one's
rugby skills.
This past Saturday, Hartford beat OMEX 21-11. OMEX was the team
that beat the Wanderers for the championship of the Monmouth
Tournament back in August, but 10 of their players have left, so
Hartford was able to win. Well, we didn't use all of our A side
players either, as some of them were resting some nagging injuries.
Our "B" side lost to their second side, 12-7.
I didn't get into the game, but that was okay by me. Gives me
a week to rest up for next weekend's Albany game....
|
| 6.244 | Glad to see you're still havin' fun | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Bo don't know rugby! | Mon Oct 29 1990 13:31 | 17 |
| 6.245 | Wow, my first tour! | CAM::WAY | Beaten like a redheaded stepchild... | Mon Oct 29 1990 13:46 | 33 |
| > I have friends that toured with Hartford before, and I understand they
> took their rugby very seriously while in the UK, but I have a hard time
> believing the intensity will be that high while on a weekend trip to
> the Carribean ;^). You'll have to fill us in on that trip, Saw. I've
> been to the Caymans twice for rugby and had a blast. The Caymanians
> tell us they are the best place to travel to for rugby in the
> Carribean. You'll have to tell me if that is true.
One of our players spent some time down there on vacation, and worked
out with one of the clubs we'll be playing. He said they're very
serious, and we should get a good game....
My level will have to improve, because with 18 guys, I have a feeling
we'll be fielding a modified A-B side, and I'm just a C side player.
Gonna have to do a lot of running and lifting in the off-season
to get a leg up on that tour.....
> Small nit, Albany is in the Upstate New York Union, not the Metro New
> York Union.
Yeah, I realize that now. (Dumb, dumb, dumb)
Metro is mostly NY city area and Jersey.
One of our players who's new to us this year comes from the Albany
Knickerbockers and hopefully he can give us some insight into their
game.
I hear we might be playing Worcester this spring. If so, I'll buy
ya a free beer at the drinkup afterwards 8^)
fw
|
| 6.246 | Congrats and good luck to the Wanderers | AUSTIN::MACNEAL | Bo don't know rugby! | Mon Oct 29 1990 13:46 | 25 |
| Boston lost, eh? I guess that means I'll be facing quite a few of
their first side players when I play for Worcester this coming
Saturday. Boston scheduled Worcester with the understanding that if
Boston made the Northeast playoffs, the B and C sides would travel to
Worcester. With no playoff, any of their A side players who want to
make the trip can. At least this year they spelled it out beforehand.
I set up a match betweent the two clubs a couple of years ago and was
promised that we would only see the B & C sides. After being
eliminated from the NE playoffs, almost the entire first side showed up
and shellaced us.
'Saw, becareful of that Bahama sun. There is not much worse than going
into a scrum with a sunburn.
If Hartford plays the way they are capable of, they shouldn't have too
much trouble with Buffalo. Upstate New York Union has perennially been
the weakest union in the North East. That is a surprise that Albany
isn't in the playoffs.
I think Springfield won the Division II crown for New England. I don't
particularly care for that rule that the best B side in Division I gets
into the the Div. II playoffs. Doesn't seem right to me. Here in
Texas, the B sides have their own league championship. It doesn't go
anywhere from there though. In fact, I think USA Rugby East is the
only territory to have a Division II championship.
|
| 6.247 | | CAM::WAY | Beaten like a redheaded stepchild... | Mon Oct 29 1990 13:59 | 69 |
| > Boston lost, eh? I guess that means I'll be facing quite a few of
> their first side players when I play for Worcester this coming
> Saturday. Boston scheduled Worcester with the understanding that if
> Boston made the Northeast playoffs, the B and C sides would travel to
> Worcester. With no playoff, any of their A side players who want to
> make the trip can. At least this year they spelled it out beforehand.
> I set up a match betweent the two clubs a couple of years ago and was
> promised that we would only see the B & C sides. After being
> eliminated from the NE playoffs, almost the entire first side showed up
> and shellaced us.
The Boston game (which we split 2-1) was a tough game. Our C's pretty
much handled theirs. Our B side lost 6-3, and our A side won 19-15.
It's not nice to say, but they don't play the cleanest game. As hard
fought and as important as the Beacon Hill game was for it, it was
by far and away a much cleaner game. Boston just seems to always get
in that extra kick or gouge, and there seems to be more fights...
I wouldn't be surprised either if you see a lot of A side players
packed in. Just listen for the Irish accents and you'll know, since
almost all of their A side have green cards 8^)
(I also think they've got an Eagle back on their A side, since one of our
forwards got dusted by him in the open field!)
> 'Saw, becareful of that Bahama sun. There is not much worse than going
> into a scrum with a sunburn.
For sure. I'll make sure I bring plenty of sun block and might even
pay for some tanning sessions before I go.... Actually, I'm more
worried about the Rookie Rite of Passage!
> If Hartford plays the way they are capable of, they shouldn't have too
> much trouble with Buffalo. Upstate New York Union has perennially been
> the weakest union in the North East. That is a surprise that Albany
> isn't in the playoffs.
I hope so. Syracuse won the Upstate New York crown. Evidently, from what
I heard, the Syracuse Chargers and the Syracuse Harlequins merged.
Albany was the champ for something like that last ten years, according
to what I heard.
Hartford is *very* excited to make the playoffs. While Syracuse is an
unknown, we've beaten White Plains rather handily, and on a dry pitch
we're probably 10 points better than Mystic River (according to our
coach) so once past Buffalo, the Northeast should be a good tourmament.
BTW, that tournament is in Boston, so any interested spectators, feel
free to come watch.
> I think Springfield won the Division II crown for New England. I don't
> particularly care for that rule that the best B side in Division I gets
> into the the Div. II playoffs. Doesn't seem right to me. Here in
> Texas, the B sides have their own league championship. It doesn't go
> anywhere from there though. In fact, I think USA Rugby East is the
> only territory to have a Division II championship.
I always thought that was strange. I think the Division I team came
from Boston. I think their victory over us 6-3 game them that playoff
slot, but I'm not positive.....
Maybe I'll see you at the Northeasts...
fw
|
| 6.248 | Jes' tryin' to hep! | SASE::SZABO | | Mon Oct 29 1990 14:13 | 7 |
| 'Saw, another thing to put on your packing list for the Bahamamamas is
some QT tanning lotion for the racing stripes the tape'll leave on your
ears......
HTH. :-)
Hawk
|
| 6.249 | Bottom feeder on the Great Babe Food Chain.... | CAM::WAY | Beaten like a redheaded stepchild... | Mon Oct 29 1990 14:16 | 13 |
| No, no, Hawk....you *want* those racing stripes.
See, as the famous T-shirt says "Chicks dig us cause we play RUGBY".
And one of the ways that chicks can tell is the racing stripes
that the locks and the 8man get on their ears during the sunny
part of the season.
In fact, I'll be if you ask Mac, he'll tell you that a prop will
do the same thing even though he doesn't have to, just so chicks
will notice....
HTH,
'Saw
|
| 6.250 | Ain't no flies on the 'Sawman! | SASE::SZABO | | Mon Oct 29 1990 14:30 | 7 |
| I see, 'Saw! :-) Sort of like when you go to the supermarket on a
sunday afternoon and see all these baggers with Mohawks, and flat tops
and racing stripes in their hair. You know darn well that they must be
on the local high school football team. And, they're probably all the
star quarterback too! :-)
Hawk
|
| 6.251 | Rugby a practice for soccer? | FRAGLE::WASKOM | | Mon Oct 29 1990 15:11 | 26 |
| 'Saw -
Please, please post the whereabouts and times for the tournament. If I
possibly can, I'll be there. (I know, I know, promises, promises.)
Medway soccer tied up 1st place in the Tri-Valley League Saturday by
beating Holliston. They now stand something like 13-1-1, with only one
game left. Then comes the tournament - which is what occasioned my
original entry into this file as an active participant a year ago.
Saturday's game got *very ugly*, with extremely poor officiating.
Prior to the game Holliston was, ummmmm, 'chippy' to say the least.
Early on in the season the coach decided they weren't being physical
enough, and had the team running rugby scrimmages to toughen them up
instead of soccer practice. The end result was soccer players coming
in at our goalie cleats-up, a ruck forming over our goalie on a
direct-kick save (and our player got yellow carded for pushing away the
player that was kicking at our goalie's head) and similar loveliness.
We won anyway.
Apparently the Glob is planning a feature article on Medway soccer.
They had reporters at the game. If anyone sees it (I don't get the
paper), could they please let me know when it is so I can get a copy?
Many thanks.
A&W
|
| 6.252 | | CAM::WAY | Beaten like a redheaded stepchild... | Mon Oct 29 1990 16:16 | 31 |
| As soon as I know where the tournament will be, I'll let you all
know. Of course, should the world start revolving backwards and
Hartford not defeat Buffalo, then I may not get that information.
As to the soccer coach using rugby practice to toughen the team,
I'm kind of speechless.
There's no doubt that rugby gives your confidence a boost, and that
more than any other sport I think that rugby develops a high
degree of teamwork, but to then allow the kids to use those
techniques in a game is poor coaching.
Rugby is an extremely physical game. While things rarely get out
of hand, events in the game can quickly snowball. For example,
the Hartford 8man in Saturday's game bumped an OMEX back just
after he kicked the ball. The ref was looking right at it
and did not call late hit (you can't clock the kicker after
he's drop kicked the ball). However, OMEX took it to heart that
it was a late hit, and our 8man was a marked man for the rest
of the game. He handled himself well, and avoided most
of the cheap shots thrown his way.....
The same type of stuff is prohibited in soccer because of the rules.
It's up to the referee to enforce the rules......
Hope the soccer team does well in their tournament!
fw
|
| 6.253 | Chainsaw f***s up, film @ 11 | CAM::WAY | Beaten like a redheaded stepchild... | Mon Oct 29 1990 16:26 | 15 |
| Game Report Errata:
I reported that in our 23-20 win over Beacon Hill RFC,
that our fly-half Glenn Judge kicked the winning drop
goal. That was wrong.
Our fullback, Chris McGrath, a darned good kicker in his
own right, was the one who booted the drop goal to win
it for us.
(That's the last time I lunch on SPORTshrooms and Haffenreffer before
a game!)
fw
|
| 6.254 | | CAM::WAY | Beaten like a redheaded stepchild... | Wed Oct 31 1990 14:20 | 36 |
| More errata:
Well, as is sometimes the case in situations where news is
passed along by phone call and word of mouth all over the
Northeast, the Wanderers (and I in turn) were misinformed
about the winners of the other leagues.
It turns out that Albany was yet again the Upstate New York
champ, with Buffalo finishing second, and Syracuse finishing
third. Thus, the entrant in the Northeast Tournament from
Upstate New York is Albany.
It also turns out that Old Blue beat out White Plains in the
Metro league, so they are the entrant in the Northeast from
Metro.
At this point, the following shapes up:
Northeast Tournament
--------------------
Mystic River (NE)
Albany (Upstate)
Old Blue (Metro)
winner Hartford v Buffalo (Wildcard)
It also makes our game with Albany this weekend a lot more interesting,
as our B side will be playing their A side, who's looking for a tune
up game for Nov 17.....
Our C side will be playing their Bs.....
Pretty intense competition,
fw
|
| 6.255 | | MCIS1::DHAMEL | Lights are on, but nobody's home | Fri Nov 02 1990 17:48 | 21 |
|
Dedicated to the rugby team, "The Wanderers", this is Dion and the
Chainsaws:
"Oh, we're the type of team that likes to scrum around.
We're never in first place, we play from town to town.
We play hard, and we drink hard, 'cuz to us it's all the same.
We tape our ears, and kick some rears, sometimes we win the game.
We're the Wanderers..Yeaaaaahhhh, the Wanderers,
We'll buy a round, a round, a round, a round, a round....
"Well there's a hooker on my left, and a flanker on my right;
I'd like this game a whole lot more if I could scratch and bite.
And when I find myself a-fallin' for a ruck,
I get up offa that butt o'mine, and holler out 'Oh darn'
Cuz we're the Wanderers...yeaaah, the Wanderers,
Let's drink a round, a round, a round, a round...."
Dickster Hamlisch Mancini
|
| 6.256 | | QUASER::JOHNSTON | LegitimateSportingPurpose?E.S.A.D.! | Fri Nov 02 1990 18:40 | 5 |
| Incredibobble stuff Dickster!
Ahs trooly impressed~
Mike JN
|
| 6.257 | | CAM::WAY | Hartford 31 Buffalo 10 | Mon Nov 05 1990 09:47 | 6 |
| Dickster....sheer poetry man, sheer poetry!
I was rolling. I'm gonna change one word ("never" to "always") and
show it to the guys. 8^)
fw
|
| 6.258 | Hartford 31 Buffalo 10 | CAM::WAY | Hartford 31 Buffalo 10 | Mon Nov 05 1990 10:05 | 84 |
| Okay, and now for the weekend rugby report.
The most important game for the Wanderers was played in Buffalo
this past weekend. Hartford took 19 guys (a full team, plus the
4 allowed alternates) and went to do battle on Buffalo's home pitch.
The game started at 2pm, and the rest of us were done playing our games
and in Flemings when the call came at 4:30pm.....the hush in the bar
was almost dramatic, but the news was good.
Hartford had won the wildcard game 31-10, playing a good solid Wanderers
type game against Buffalo. The win did have its price however, as
Danny O'Brien went out with a separated shoulder, and Al Pollack went
out spitting up blood.
Danny usually plays inside or outside center, and Al is a flanker.
While these are two of our toughest and best players, we do have depth
enough to cover.
Meanwhile, back in Hartford, Upstate New York champs Albany came down
expecting to roll over our B side with their A side. It didn't happen.
I was actually dressed as a sub for this game, which quite frankly
scared the shit outta me, since I was trying to get psyched to play
up a level in my own game, never mind two levels up without a warmup
or anything.... But, things went okay and I wasn't pressed into
action.
Our B side played them very, very tough. It was tied nil-nil at the
half, and early in the second half, Barney Kelly, the Hartford 8man,
was pursuing deep in Albany territory went an errant pass took a
Hartford bounce right into his arms. Barney was off to the races,
into goal, and downed the ball centered between the goal posts. An
easy conversion put Hartford up 6-0.
Albany later tied it, and went ahead with a late try, and beat our
B's 10-6. I missed their two scores because we were warming up
for our game....
My game was interesting, as we had a lot of the Hartford Old Boys
filling in for us. Most of us hadn't really met each other,
and our entire front row for example, shook hands 15 minutes before the match,
meeting for the first time.
The lack of playing time together was noticeable, but not totally
detrimental. We did suffer a bit in the lineouts however. The
first two Albany jumpers were monsters, easily 6'4" tall. Considering
Pete (the other lock) and I are only 6', were giving away 4", we could
only play to spoil. I was doing fairly well until the ref warned
me for barging. After that, knowing he was keeping an eye on me,
I got eaten alive.....
At half time, however, we had held them to a 12-12 tie. Unfortunately,
in the second half, they game out like Nazi stormtroopers and
spanked us good, winning 40-12.
The heat was a factor, after having practiced in cool weather all week.
The ref was a factor, clearly missing some calls, but honestly,
we didn't play well at the start of the second half, and dug ourselves
a hole we couldn't climb out of...
It was a fun afternoon however. Finally, after the whole season,
rucking and mauling are becoming second nature. Things like knowing
when to rip on offside opponent out of a ruck or maul are things
I'm beginning to feel instead of think about. I'm starting to
carry the ball a little more, and the tunnel vision that accompanies
that is going away.
The team plays the last regularly schedule game on Saturday, against
Danbury. The following week, Hartford plays in the Northeast Tournament,
their first draw is Old Blue. Two more wins, and Hartford is the
Northeast Champion......
More as it happens,
frank
PS For Dickster, and anyone who's wondering, the Wanderers got their
name from the Dublin Wanderers of Ireland, one of Ireland's best
club sides (or so I've been told)......
|
| 6.259 | | FRAGLE::WASKOM | | Mon Nov 05 1990 11:11 | 11 |
| 'Saw -
Sorry to hear about the injuries to your A-side guys. I'll send good
thoughts their way. (Spitting up blood doesn't sound at all good.)
Glad you didn't have to play the first game, and to hear that you're
getting the feel of your position.
Best of luck the rest of the way.
A&W
|
| 6.260 | | CAM::WAY | Hartford 31 Buffalo 10 | Mon Nov 05 1990 11:35 | 27 |
| >
> Sorry to hear about the injuries to your A-side guys. I'll send good
> thoughts their way. (Spitting up blood doesn't sound at all good.)
Yeah, Al's injury definitely sounds lung related. Not good.
Danny is the hardest hitter on the team. In fact, he's the only
rugby player I've ever heard who hits so hard that the cracks coming
from the opponent's body sound like football pads coming together....
> Glad you didn't have to play the first game, and to hear that you're
> getting the feel of your position.
I'm kind of glad too. But I had decided that if called upon, I'd play
conservatively -- scrum well, support as well as possible, and just
try and keep up....
> Best of luck the rest of the way.
Thanks. There's 45 or so very excited guys in the Hartford area right
now. We feel very strongly that the Northeast Championship is within
our grasp.
To be a member of one of the 16 best teams in the Eastern Rugby Union
is a thrill. If we attain the Northeast title, we're one of the 4
best in the East....
fw
|
| 6.261 | | MCIS1::DHAMEL | Lights are on, but nobody's home | Mon Nov 05 1990 13:30 | 13 |
|
> I'm gonna change one word ("never" to "always") and
What??? You dare change another man's work???? I suppose you'd change
the first four notes of Bethoven's (pronounced BEETH-oven) 5th
Symphony, too!!!!11111BLAM.
Aw, heck. Go ahead. I didn't get Dion's permission to screw around
with his work, either.
Dickster
|
| 6.262 | | 18557::WAY | I ain't got time to bleed | Wed Nov 07 1990 12:14 | 19 |
| On the injury front....
Al Pollack is okay. I didn't get the whole story, but his injury
was not as serious as first thought, and I guess he was just
banged up a little. He was at practice last night, but didn't
do any contact work.
Danny O'Brien evidently is out for the season. He's got about
12 weeks before spring workouts start, so hopefully the team's
hardest hitter will be all healed up and back in the spring.
All the alternates got a chance to play last Saturday.
Danbury is bringing two sides this week, and then, the following
week it's the Northeast Tournament.....
fw
|
| 6.263 | | 24976::WASKOM | | Wed Nov 07 1990 13:05 | 29 |
| For some reason, known only to the gods of junk-noting, I'm doing
high-school soccer results here, instead of in high school sports.
Yesterday afternoon Medway won 3-2 over Fairhaven to go to the district
finals. I took time off from work, so did every other parent of senior
kids on the team. They don't have enthusiastic supporters or anything
:-). Very tough, well played game. My gratitude to both Fairhaven and
the refs for a clean game. College coaches from Bryant, UNH (I think),
UConn, and Harvard were there scouting. The team includes 1 young man
who has been invited to the national select team tryouts twice, and 3
others who play on the state select team. There's some good reasons
why I brag on this particular group of kids.
Bad news, our sweeper knocked heads with an opposing forward in the
last minute of play. He suffered a broken nose, and the other kids
tooth took a gouge out of the skin. It isn't clear whether he'll be
able to play the next game. (The broken nose isn't the problem, it's
the gouge which they weren't able to get the skin back close enough to
put in stitches.)
Friday's district final will mark the occasion of my first entry in
Sprots. This is the game that Medway won in triple over-time last
year, only to have the MIAA decide there had been a time-keeping error
and force a 20 minute mini-game, which we lost. We won't be playing
the same team, which is probably fortunate, but there's a lot of
emotion tied up in this one. Your good wishes, thoughts, whatever good
vibes you can bring to bear, will be gratefully accepted.
A&W
|
| 6.264 | | 18557::WAY | I ain't got time to bleed | Wed Nov 07 1990 13:47 | 24 |
| > Bad news, our sweeper knocked heads with an opposing forward in the
> last minute of play. He suffered a broken nose, and the other kids
> tooth took a gouge out of the skin. It isn't clear whether he'll be
> able to play the next game. (The broken nose isn't the problem, it's
> the gouge which they weren't able to get the skin back close enough to
> put in stitches.)
Simple.
Get some vaseline. Rub enough in there to get it slick. Get a small
piece of gauze and put it over the cut. Take some white athletic
tape and tape the whole thing down.
If it should bleed through during the game, repeat the procedure.
The whole thing's gonna hurt like hell anyway, but what's the difference.
Let 'im play.
If he plays, then give him the Wanderers phone number for when he
leaves high school 8^)
fw
|
| 6.265 | Mom's nervous......... | 24976::WASKOM | | Fri Nov 09 1990 10:53 | 8 |
| Bad news - the sweeper won't be playing. He has to have surgery on the
fracture, which is vertical through the bridge. Worse news - my son is
taking his place.
I think I want this game to be *over*.
A&W
|
| 6.266 | | 18557::WAY | I ain't got time to bleed | Fri Nov 09 1990 11:35 | 13 |
| 6.267 | | 15558::SZABO | The Beer Hunter | Fri Nov 09 1990 13:57 | 11 |
| Good luck to your son and his team, A&W!
Now for a little parental bragging of my own..... :-) Last week, my
daughter's team went into their last soccer game of the season tied for
1st place. Her team won, as did the other 1st place team, and both
were named co-champs! What makes this special for my daughter is that
her team a year ago lost every single game and scored only 1 goal the
entire season! This year's turn-around was an incredible thrill for
her as well as for me!
Hawk
|
| 6.268 | WE WON, WE WON, WE WON.... | 24976::WASKOM | | Sat Nov 10 1990 17:07 | 31 |
| WE WON.....
Bet you can't tell that I'm excited. Final score was 3-0.
It was a beautifully played game by both sides. Fan support for Medway
was outstanding. Consider that it was a Friday afternoon, and we must
have had in excess of 500 people in the stands rooting for us. There
were about 10 Medway supporters for each Sacred Heart supporter. You
could see the Sacred Heart kids at the start of the game kind of
shaking their heads and wondering what had hit them when we started
screaming as our kids were introduced. The noise level stayed high
throughout the game. (Don't ask me to talk today, please.)
The kid with the broken nose *did* play, after all. A couple of the
mid-fielders played a little more defensively than usual to protect him
some.
After last year's fiasco, this year feels wonderful. The refs were the
best I have seen all season. They called the advantage properly,
called the little stuff early so that it didn't get chippy,
time-keeping wasn't a problem. (Last year Medway won this game in
triple overtime, on a shot in the last two seconds of the overtime.
After the trophy had been awarded, the opposing coach protested the
winning goal on a time-keeping error. The MIAA upheld the protest, the
teams had to come back and play a 40 minute mini-game, which Medway then
lost.) Had *anything* gone wrong, I think there might have been a
riot.
Wednesday we play in the state semi-final.
A&W
|
| 6.269 | | 15558::SZABO | The Beer Hunter | Mon Nov 12 1990 11:39 | 6 |
| CONGRAT'S Alison! I hope Medway keeps rolling!
Good thing the game was played on Friday, not Saturday! The rain was
brutal! Some high school football games got cancelled in my area......
Hawk
|
| 6.270 | | 18557::WAY | I ain't got time to bleed | Mon Nov 12 1990 11:40 | 42 |
| Congrats A&W....
The Gods must be smiling down.
On Saturday, amidst a cold, windy downpour only the British could
love, Danbury came to Colt Park to take on the Wanderers. Danbury,
a Division II team, had a lot of guts to come up and take on our
team.
They were supposed to bring two full sides, and showed up with
16 guys. The first game, against a mixture of our 1st and 2nd
sides, was a rout. The final score was 35-0, and had the game
been played on a dry pitch, I'm sure we would have broken 50....
The referee was horrendous, but Hartford overcame that.
Halfway through the second half, when it became apparent that the
2nd game would consist of 14 of their first side players playing
again, the Hartford 2nd side (I was selected!) voted against
playing a second game. As soon as that happened, each of us
started passing around a bottle of brandy one stalwart had
brought on the odd chance we wouldn't play...
Then, we retired early to the bar.
Needless to say there were a lot of cold, wet rugby players in
the bar.....
On the bright side, I talked with Danny O'Brien. While his shoulder
is sore, repeated x-rays have showed no separation. He's taking
it day-by-day... Could play this weekend possibly.
This Saturday, in Boston, Hartford takes on Old Blue in the Northeast
Tournament. Mystic River will be playing Albany. The winners will
meet for the championship on Sunday.....
more later,
frank
|
| 6.271 | | FRAGLE::WASKOM | | Mon Nov 12 1990 19:06 | 9 |
| re .267
Hey Hawk -
Congrats to your daughter and her team. Seeing that much improvement
in such a short period of time must be very gratifying. Hope that the
girls can continue to improve in the future.
A&W
|
| 6.272 | Hit next unseen to avoid bragging. :-) | SASE::SZABO | The Beer Hunter | Tue Nov 13 1990 11:07 | 19 |
| > Hope that the girls can continue to improve in the future.
A&W, I'm not sure if you know that my daughter's team was co-ed.
Actually, it was mostly boys. My daughter was 1 of only 2 girls vs. 16
boys on the team! That's pretty much the same ratio for the other
teams in this particular league. What this shows me is just how much
she loves sports. If there wasn't an all-girl softball league (which
is a great league!) in our town, she'd play Little League no question!
She just loves to play!
BTW, she's into hoops now, yup, a co-ed team which I just happen to
coach. She'd also be swimming though the winter like last year, but
she just had tubes put in her ears due to constant infections. Also,
she'll be attending the 6 week after school ski program starting in
January.........
And, btw, she'd a straight A student!
Hawk
|
| 6.273 | | CAM::WAY | Rucking Fool | Tue Nov 13 1990 11:11 | 9 |
| Hawk --
Bring the kids to the rugby game on Saturday. That way, we can
start our recruiting early. I mean, if they get interested now,
in another 20 years.....;^) ;^) ;^)
I'll bring my hip flask and you and I can practice "Flask Handling"....
fw
|
| 6.274 | I'll make sure the kids bring their flasks too! | SASE::SZABO | The Beer Hunter | Tue Nov 13 1990 11:17 | 5 |
| 'Saw, are you playing in the Boston area? Let us know when and where
cause I could make this one. Wifey wants me and the kids out for the
day so she can spic 'n span the place for the holiday........
Hawk
|
| 6.275 | | CAM::WAY | Rucking Fool | Tue Nov 13 1990 13:11 | 26 |
| Hawk (and anyone else interested):
Yes, the Northeast Tournament is in the Boston area. When I
asked the players if the Tournament was at one of the fields
we've already played at this season they said no. They said
they've played there before, but not this season.
I'm kind of thinking it's probably Mystic River's home field,
since they are the NE League Champs....
I'll definitely know tomorrow WHERE it is, and by Friday I should
have directions.
Personally, I won't be playing. There'll probably be a 22-25 man
panel for this game (15 will be selected to play, the others are
alternates for this game and the second should we win the first).
The second game would be played on Sunday, and I won't be there
for that....
I'm going purely for the reason of supporting the Wanderers, which
is why I can bring my flask....8^)
Hope to see some of you there....
fw
|
| 6.276 | | CAM::WAY | Born to prop | Wed Nov 14 1990 11:22 | 39 |
| Okay rugby fans, this is it:
On Saturday, the Northeast USA Rugby Championship starts. The
first game is at 12 noon, Mystic River RFC vs Albany Knickerbockers RFC.
At 1:45pm, Old Blue RFC vs Hartford Wanderers RFC
The game will be played at Roosevelt Field, Maldon.
The only directions I have are from Hartford, so you might have to
modify them....
I-93N from Boston, Exit at Rt60. Follow RT60 east approx 3 miles.
Turn left onto Main St (Malden Center). Bear right at the
intersection onto Salem St. Field is approx 1 mile on right.
There will be food and beverages available at the field during game
time, and there will be a reception at the East Side Athletic Assoc
(100 yards from field) after each days matches.
Any and all of you are welcome to show up. I will be there for the
Hartford match most definitely, and probably a little earlier to see
who wins the Mystic match. I'll have my camera and my flask. Unless
the day is really nice, I'll have a brown leather jacket on...
Hope to see you there...
frank
PS On the bottom of the sheet we were faxed with the directions,
it says
Why pay $20 to watch the Patriots? Come watch rugby for free!
Female reporters allowed in the locker room!
|
| 6.277 | | FRAGLE::WASKOM | | Wed Nov 14 1990 11:34 | 12 |
| This evening will tell the tale of whether I make it to the rugby game.
Medway plays Winthrop in the Division 3 state semi-final. I've got all
my ski clothes ready in an attempt to ward off frost-bite in the
stands. Yelling and screaming and jumping up and down will also help.
:-) If the boys win, the state championship is on Saturday.
For those of you down on the South Shore, the Brockton paper, probably
Sunday's edition (though I won't promise) has a great color picture of
my kid going for the ball against Sacred Heart. They spelled the name
wrong in the caption, but it's a good action photo.
A?&W
|
| 6.278 | In the Sweet Sixteen in the East.... | CAM::WAY | Born to prop | Wed Nov 14 1990 11:36 | 43 |
| Practiced last night for the championship tournament.
It was damn cold out there, and windy. Even with heavy sweats on
over the rugby stuff it was still damn cold. By the time we were
halfway through practice my hands were more like frozen claws than
anything resembling hands.
There were only two regular C side players there last night. Since
our season was over, the only real reason we had to show up was
commitment to the team. There's really not an icicle's chance in
hell of me playing in the tournament, BUT the team still needs to
practice and that means bodies are needed for practices. And, it
does give me a chance to improve my skills by playing against the
A side.
Last night was neat however, because some people weren't there and
I finally got a chance to play prop. After a few scrummages I
realized that prop is the position this boy was meant to play.
First, I love having actual contact with the opponent. When you
play 2nd row, you can look across at them, but at prop, you're close
to the guy, you look into his eyes and stare him down, and when the
two teams go into the scrum, you're actually gonna be pushing against
an opponent. It just gets me more psyched, I guess.
Anyway, practice finally ended, and a lot of cold but dedicated
rugby players huddled up around the coach. Some of the things
we were told: We've never beaten Old Blue, but there is a first
time for everything. Fifteen guys playing solid ball possession
rugby can beat any team, even if the other team has four or five
Eagles playing for them. Wanderers have pride and can win.
As we were walking back to our vehicles to head to the bar for some
food and to get warm, one wiseass (no, it wasn't me) pipes up
"Sure beats running 440s in August!"
It's been a long season, and it seems that it's all come down to this
one game Saturday. The opportunity is ours, and for the Wanderers to
be the Northeast Champs would certainly be sweet.
I'm not even playing, but this game is weighing heavy on my mind....
fw
|
| 6.279 | | SASE::SZABO | The Beer Hunter | Wed Nov 14 1990 11:54 | 7 |
| Good luck, A&W, and remember to bring your flask! :-)
'Saw, I got the ok, I mean, I told my wife that me and the kids are
going to watch some rugby on Saturday. What's even better is that
Malden is half the distance to my home (from Boston)!
Hawk
|
| 6.280 | | CAM::WAY | Born to prop | Wed Nov 14 1990 11:56 | 18 |
| >
> 'Saw, I got the ok, I mean, I told my wife that me and the kids are
> going to watch some rugby on Saturday. What's even better is that
> Malden is half the distance to my home (from Boston)!
>
> Hawk
Great Hawkster. If Mac shows, and A&W, we could have the makings of a bonafide
SPORTS Noters Get Together!
(btw, it is 93 NORTH from Boston, right?)
Anyway, look for me dude. I'll be roaming the sidelines, which is the
way I watch rugby
later,
fw
|
| 6.281 | | SASE::SZABO | The Beer Hunter | Wed Nov 14 1990 12:28 | 7 |
| 'Sawman, yes, it is 93N from Boston, but I'm not so sure you'd want to
go all the way into Boston. I'll check the Rand-McNally in our library
here and let you know if the way I'm thinking is shorter/easier. I'm
thinking rt. 95N (also known as 128N) from the Mass Pike to 93S
(toward Boston) to the rt. 60 exit. I'll get back......
Hawk
|
| 6.282 | Go into Boston! | SASE::SZABO | The Beer Hunter | Wed Nov 14 1990 12:49 | 15 |
| 6.283 | Tickets: good bar, esp. for yuppie-baiting | JUPITR::PARTEE | Charlie -- Lemieux est le mieux | Wed Nov 14 1990 13:15 | 11 |
| 6.284 | | CAM::WAY | Born to prop | Wed Nov 14 1990 13:53 | 22 |
| Well, I'll listen to the Hawkstah...
And gee, I wouldn't want to run into those kids from Mefaa. They
were pretty scary 8^)
I might even try to be up there for the noontime game. We played
Mystic on a wet pitch, and pushed them around for 60 minutes.
We also had more penalty opportunities, but the wet pitch basically
made Glen's foot hydroplane just before hitting the ball. So,
bottom line, we scored on one, they scored on one, thus the tie
which prevented us from claiming the Championship of the NE league.
I'd like to see how they play in dry conditions. I'm assuming
Saturday will be a good day.....
Again, if anyone is free on Saturday, by all means, come on
to the game....
fw
|
| 6.285 | in this corner, one excited Mom | FRAGLE::WASKOM | | Thu Nov 15 1990 13:11 | 26 |
| Well, it's good news, and maybe not so good news...
We beat Woburn 3 - 1. Our sweeper had surgery on his nose yesterday
(broken two games ago), so Dan (my kid) started as sweeper. Mom was a
nervous wreck up in the stands. He played the best game of his life.
Woburn was big, and fast, and *very* physical. The refs weren't as
good as the ones last Friday, and there was a *lot* of pushing and
tripping, much of it really blatant. Woburn was also quite fast. Our
kids seemed to be better at the ball handling skills and their
positional play, which is what won it for us. (Also, our goalie was
better than theirs. I personally think he should have gotten MVP for
the game, although an argument can be made for our star midfielder.)
The other really good thing our boys did was not get upset at the
blatantly illegal moves on the field. They just did a "grow up and
play the game" kind of look at the offending players, and then went
on with their game. Absolutely refused to be intimidated by the body
blocks and taunting, which showed a lot of character.
We aren't sure yet when the finals will be played. It will be on
Saturday, at Worcester Poly. There is a possibility that it will be
played at 9:00 am (yuch). The other slot is sometime in the afternoon.
If it's at 9:00, I'll try to make it to the rugby.
A&W
|
| 6.286 | Congrats Mom (and son)!) | MAXWEL::MACNEAL | Mac's Back in Mass. | Thu Nov 15 1990 13:14 | 4 |
| Just a suggestion:
Perhaps it would be better to move the soccer updates to either the
soccer or high school sports notes?
|
| 6.287 | Musings before girding for battle... | CAM::WAY | Born to prop | Thu Nov 15 1990 17:30 | 46 |
| Well, tonight is our final practice before Saturday.
I've never been concentrating on a game so much before in my life.
And I won't even be playing. Perhaps it's because rugby is such
a team sport, or perhaps it's because of the bonds that have
formed between me and the team this first season, I don't know.
I mean, there's a part of me that really wants to be out there
on the pitch on Saturday, or at least dressed as a sub. That would
be great, because then I'd have the opportunity to do something
proactive to help the team.
On the other hand, I have my role to play, and that role is going
out tonight, and providing the best opposition that I can against
our selected players, and going Saturday trying to get them psyched
by my support from the sidelines.
There's an electricity that's starting to flow through the Wanderers.
The last two years they've been out of the playoffs on heartbreaking
tiebreaker rules. This year they are back in and are getting
psyched.
Tuesday night, Count gave us a new kickoff play. Basically it does
not mass the forwards on one side of the field. (Consider the Vols
onside kick against ND. In rugby, usually you mass your forwards
on one end like that.) Instead, the forwards are spread around
the kicker in the middle, and this should disorient the other team.
As Count was showing the players their spots, several of them broke
out into the All Blacks war chant... It was an eerie moment....
Tonight, after practice, there will be a get together at Fleming's,
as kind of a capper for the regular season just past. There will be
some awards given out (for what I don't know, but I'm brand new so
from now on after tonight, I should know....) and a few beers hoisted.
Tonight is the night for beer, tomorrow night is the night to
concentrate on Saturday's game....
The Wanderers are 4 games from the national final four. Of course,
that's four *wins* against tougher and tougher teams, but it's neat
to be so close....
More after Saturday,
frank
|
| 6.288 | E=mc2 | SASE::SZABO | The Beer Hunter | Thu Nov 15 1990 17:43 | 9 |
| > There's an electricity that's starting to flow through the Wanderers.
Sure sign of a short there, FrankSaw. A few more layers of electrical
tape would provide the proper insulation and stop the electron flow
before anyone gets hurt.
HTH.
Hawk Einstein.
|
| 6.289 | | SUPVAX::KERMIT | halp, i'f falin an aye kant geddup | Thu Nov 15 1990 22:49 | 9 |
| ) < Note 6.285 by FRAGLE::WASKOM >
-< in this corner, one excited Mom >-
) We beat Woburn 3 - 1. Our sweeper had surgery on his nose yesterday
(broken two games ago), so Dan (my kid) started as sweeper. Mom was a
Ya, butt hoo playd washer ant drier, ore four thad mater watt abot
tha cid hoo playes laun moer, ore tellavishon???????
|
| 6.290 | | SASE::SZABO | The Beer Hunter | Fri Nov 16 1990 11:34 | 4 |
| Pleez downt start with thiss shit uhgen cuz it stahps beeeing funy aftr
the furst tahm around..........
Hawk
|
| 6.291 | | CAM::WAY | HWRFC Clydesdale | Fri Nov 16 1990 11:57 | 48 |
| Yeah. I agree. RCASO is gone, and while he gave us a lot of enjoyment,
frustration, sheer chuckalicious laughs, and utter confusion while he
was here, he's not here, and cheap imitiations are just that.....
On a rugby note:
If Saturday's game is anything like last night's practice,
the Wanderers may just be laying a whole lotta hurtin' on
Old Blue. (And then Albany or Mystic River)
I don't think I've been this beat up from a game this season,
let alone a practice.... We must have scrummed fifty to sixty
times last night, and the lineout work was a bear too. A lot
of intentional barging was going on to simulate game conditions,
and elbows and fists were flying.
We ran semi-opposed for almost 45 minutes, working a lot on
game situations. For the most part, we who are not on the
24 man panel for the game, were pretty much bodies to practice
against. In a way it was kind of fun.
And for whatever reason a lot of the things that don't happen
in practice, happened last night. Guys who were "fringing"
on rucks and mauls got ripped away, or outright smashed.
If you went down on the wrong side of the ball after tackling
the ball carrier, you inevitably got booted. I got spiked twice
last night and that's unusual for a game, never mind a practice.
After practice, Count gave a little speech, and then asked
Joe Muesci, "What are you gonna do after you win the Northeast
Championship?" Joe piped up "I'm gonna go to Disneyworld"
(The Eastern Rugby Union championships are in Orlando)
The guys are loose. In reference to the sometimes long speeches
after practice before big games, when Kevin asked if anyone
had anything else to say, Chris McGrath said "Yeah, I've got
the last chapter of Moby Dick here, and I'd like to read it"
The overtones of confidence really seeped through however, when
as we were just breaking up, someone said "What time's practice
on Tuesday?".....
Saturday looms closer.
fw
|
| 6.292 | | DECXPS::TIMMONS | I'm a Pepere! | Fri Nov 16 1990 13:55 | 12 |
| A&W, congrats! It sure is a great feeling when your kid plays on a
team that gets to the finals.
Like I told my daughter before the Final, "Remember the moment, you may
never get this chance again." That was the 1st of 3 trips, which sure
surprised me!
Anyway, best of luck to Dan and his teammates. May they play as best
they can, and be proud of their efforts, regardless of the final score.
(Still hoping that they win, tho )
Lee
|
| 6.293 | | CAM::WAY | LanceRentzel,JoePepitone,JamesWorthy | Fri Nov 16 1990 15:43 | 14 |
| 6.294 | Mac - the digression'll be over soon | FRAGLE::WASKOM | | Fri Nov 16 1990 17:48 | 16 |
| Sorry I'm so late getting in, but....work called :-(
They are playing at 9:00 am tomorrow. With any luck, I'll be at the
rugby game. Dan will be close to dead - last night and tonight he's in
the school play.
This is clearly a "never get this chance again" game. 14 of the boys,
including Dan, are seniors. I'm taking my kleenex, 'cause win, lose or
draw, this will be his last game with this team - after 12 years of
playing together. They won't be playing indoors or spring this
year....
For all who play tomorrow - may you play well and be proud of your
effort, regardless of the outcome of the game.
A&W
|
| 6.295 | | CAM::WAY | HWRFC Clydesdale | Mon Nov 19 1990 10:10 | 45 |
| Saturday dawned cloudy and warm, with a little wind...perfect rugby
weather.
After watching Mystic River RFC make mincemeat of Albany, 15 men wearing
green took the field, against 15 men wearing black. Hartford versus
Old Blue.
Eighty five minutes later it was over. Old Blue had put 21 points on the
board, Hartford, only 17.
Rugby is a simple game, a game of ball possession. The team that
maximizes ball possession is the team that usually wins. On Saturday
Old Blue maximized ball possession.
It was disheartening to watch Hartford possess the ball into a ruck,
and then see the ball emerge on Old Blue's side. It was disheartening
to see everything that had been worked for, sweat for, and yes, in
rugby, bled for, go away with so much finality.
There were bright spots. Our "2-up" lineout, a trick lineout put into
our repertoire about 6 weeks ago, FINALLY yielded up the try that it
was designed to get. A play where timing and accuracy are of the utmost
importance, it finally worked to perfection. And, late in the game,
Hartford was threatening in the Old Blue end. But, that long whistle
from the ref signalling full time stopped the contest.
Hartford never quit, never gave up, and walked from the field with pride.
Thanks to A&W and Hawk who came to cheer for Hartford. (Hawk, you're
kids are great!)
Due to the nature of the rugby season here in the East, our season in
terms of New England league and further playoff competition is over.
In the spring we play teams out of our league in the surrounding area.
It will be interesting to see how Count gets us motivated for these
games.
Personally, I have a lot of motivation, in that I want to make the switch
to prop this spring, and get good enough to get some B side selections
by next fall....
A long season over.....
|
| 6.296 | And now, for something completely different! | SASE::SZABO | The Beer Hunter | Mon Nov 19 1990 14:10 | 18 |
| Thanks, 'Saw. We had a great time!
This was my first ever rugby match, and I must say that this is clearly
a manly sport. I saw some unbelievable bone-crunching hits, you know,
the kind that make you, the spectator, say "ouch!" And all these guys
wear are t-shirts and shorts- no padding.......
Little do I understand of this game, however, I did feel that air of
comeback excitement late in the game, when the Wanderers' game finally
seemed to click, and gave Old Blue their money's worth. Another 10
minutes would've provided a different outcome, I'm sure.
And, good thing my kids were there, cause the "drink-up" afterwards was
really neat. I could've stayed all night!
Good luck nexted season, Chainsaw!
Hawk
|
| 6.297 | | CAM::WAY | HWRFC Clydesdale | Mon Nov 19 1990 15:19 | 31 |
| 6.298 | Who is the North East Champ? | MAXWEL::MACNEAL | Mac's Back in Mass. | Mon Nov 19 1990 15:24 | 1 |
| 'Saw, any word on who won it all?
|
| 6.299 | | CAM::WAY | HWRFC Clydesdale | Mon Nov 19 1990 15:36 | 12 |
| 6.300 | Medway's the champs | FRAGLE::WASKOM | | Mon Nov 19 1990 16:03 | 34 |
| Wellll, out of 4 games that I watched Saturday, the Wanderers were the
only loss. Sorry I couldn't bring you good luck, 'Saw. It was kinda
fun running into some old acquaintainces from Mystic River, too.
Medway is now the Division III Mass State soccer champs. It took *5*
overtimes to do it, but we finally won. We were trailing 2-1 for most
of the game. At about 10 minutes left, Gateway (our opposition) came
in with a great shot, which our goalie stopped. Took our goalie
completely out of the net, Gateway got the rebound, and our defense
saved the 2nd shot. That was the turning point. With less than two
minutes to go, we got a corner kick. Our forward got it high in the
middle. Stu McRory (remember the name - odds are he'll be playing pro
in another 4 years) jumped above everybody and headed it into the goal,
just under the crossbar, to tie it up. Through out the overtimes, our
conditioning took over, and we just got stronger and stronger. The
final goal had a forward come down, pull the goalie out of the net, and
he passed it off to one of our mid-fielders, who was looking at a
*totally* empty net. Took him a couple of heart-stopping seconds to
set up his shot, but he hit it perfectly for the win.
To the kids -- thank you for a long run of truly outstanding soccer.
Saturday was the first time we've come back from being behind in the
last two years. This one made up for all the times we've been in a
tournament, only to lose in the final or the semis. It made all the
taxi service, all the afternoons on the sidelines in the wind and the
cold and the rain, all the waiting at the hospital, worth while.
They've grown up to be a wonderful group of young men, and I am
fantastically proud of all of them.
Then, Saturday night, the Medway girls won the state volleyball
championship. I don't think anyone in town went to bed much before 2
am.
A&W
|
| 6.301 | | CAM::WAY | HWRFC Clydesdale | Tue Nov 20 1990 10:45 | 30 |
| A&W --
Thanks for coming to the game, and the drinkup.
Even though my level of play is not up to what was on the pitch,
I wished I'd been out there. Standing there, simply watching
is harder than being on the field.....
I'm dealing with this whole thing a little bit better today.
I remember the NY Giants in 1985, losing to the Bears in the playoffs,
but coming back the next year to win it all.
The Wanderers have a tough squad, and we have a lot of depth. Count,
our coach, turned the club around, because this past spring, they
were very disorganized and had a hard time winning. Count (his
real name is Bob Merola and he used to be Hartford's A side 8man)
brought a sense of organization to the team, and direction.
We will be back next fall, and with a lucky break here or there (like
a dry pitch at the right time) we will be New England champs. And
one of these years we will knock off Old Blue.
(Course, maybe if they tested some of those Old Blue forwards for
juice abuse....(hehehehehehehe) 8^) )
And A&W, tell your son one word: Rugby!
'Saw
|
| 6.302 | It was almost you in the paper.... | COGITO::HILL | | Tue Nov 20 1990 16:09 | 18 |
| Saw,
I happened to be in New Hamster this morning, and on the front page of
the Sports section of that bunny-hugging liberal commie lefist rag, the
Manchester Union-Leader was a rugby picture. The caption identified one
of the players as "Frank Way- (next line) land" for a second there I
thought..... Nah, it couldn't be. Anyway, I wouldn't recognize you
if I saw you, although I think this guy had most of his teef...
BTW, the team that won it was the New York Irish club, who beat A-----
(some long indian sounding name).
Do "Old Blue" really wear black? I always thought Old Blue should be a
bloodhound, layin 'round the porch on a hot summer day.
Congrats on a fine season
Tom
|
| 6.303 | Div. II winner | MAXWEL::MACNEAL | Mac's Back in Mass. | Tue Nov 20 1990 16:53 | 6 |
| 6.304 | That's the one! | COGITO::HILL | | Tue Nov 20 1990 17:02 | 5 |
| Yup, that was it. I thought it was strange that the U-L gave that much
emphasis to rugger. Funny thing was they didn't say the team was from
the area.
Tom
|
| 6.305 | | CAM::WAY | HWRFC Clydesdale | Tue Nov 20 1990 17:56 | 9 |
| Yep. Division II battle was who Mac said and New York Irish...
Division I was between Old Blue and Mystic River.
I was suprised when Old Blue was wearing black, but no one could
give me a satisifactory answer why....
'Saw
|
| 6.306 | & I adore ruggers! | FRAGLE::WASKOM | | Tue Nov 20 1990 18:26 | 16 |
| 'Saw -
You should have learned by now.......
Attempting to apply logic to rugby is an exercise in futility :-)
The game is a great excuse to beat on folks and then "kiss and make
up". Male bonding at its most pure.
And we all know there's absolutely *nothing* logical about male bonding
rituals, right????
:-) :-) :-)
A&W
|
| 6.307 | | CAM::WAY | HWRFC Clydesdale | Wed Nov 21 1990 09:59 | 23 |
| A&W --
Hahahahahahahaha..... too funny.
It's the world's biggest game of keep away combined with that
game we played as kids 'kill the guy with the ball'....
It's definitely steeped in tradition. On the Wanderers, when
you score your first try, you have to drink a "wart". I won't
tell you what a wart consists of because it's never the same
twice. Use your imagination... Sometimes the guys will gather
round the guy who's supposed to drink and say "Wart, wart, wart",
other times they sing this song "Why are you waiting"...
The traditions are as important as the game, I think, because the
traditions perpetuate the game...
And yeah, there is no logic as to why a supposedly sane and rational
person would go out there on the field with 29 other people, no pads,
and try to cream the other guys. But there is a reason: It's damn fun.
'Saw
|
| 6.308 | Ain't no ruggers on me! | SASE::SZABO | The Beer Hunter | Wed Nov 21 1990 11:12 | 7 |
| > It's damn fun.
It's damn freakin' crazy!
Thanks, but I'll be a side-liner, watchin' and a drinkin'!
Hawk
|
| 6.309 | | CAM::WAY | We all float down here | Wed Nov 21 1990 12:50 | 13 |
| 6.310 | | FRAGLE::WASKOM | | Wed Nov 21 1990 13:02 | 5 |
| Come spring, and there's no soccer.......
I'll be there as often as my hormones can stand it.
A&W
|
| 6.311 | | SASE::SZABO | The Beer Hunter | Wed Nov 21 1990 13:30 | 3 |
| A&W, sounds like your hormones can use a workout now! :-)
Hawk
|
| 6.312 | Got a bad rugby jones | CAM::WAY | Wiggle it, just a little bit | Mon Nov 26 1990 10:03 | 17 |
| I feel like a junkie who needs a fix. I've got the jones bad....
Saturday's feel really empty, and Tuesday and Thursday nights I
don't know what to do with myself....
A&W, over the weekend I caught the exciting finale of the Medway
game on NESN. Quite exciting!
This week, all of the actual WORK starts for rugby. Hitting the pavement
at least 5 days a week, I hope to be up around 5 miles a day when
the spring season starts. In addition, as long as the snow stays away,
I'll probably be at the track one night a week, working on some windsprints.
Finally, I've got to hit the weights also....
Guess it's true what they tell ya: You wanna play, you gotta pay...
'Saw
|
| 6.313 | | FRAGLE::WASKOM | | Mon Nov 26 1990 10:48 | 20 |
| 'Saw -
Glad you caught the game.
I got NESN on my box. Got a brandy-new tape. Carefully programmed the
VCR to record the game, since I was away for the weekend.
Got home. Rewound tape. Played tape. Why am I getting U of Mich
highlights here? No soccer game - the VCR had recorded 24 hours later
than I wanted it too.
Can you say BU*()*#$ ! A&W can. Loudly and often.
Anyone out there who can dupe a tape for me?
I think I'll take up running. Or maybe *I'll* play rugby.
Grrrrr.
A&W
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| 6.314 | :-) | SASE::SZABO | The Beer Hunter | Mon Nov 26 1990 11:45 | 5 |
| > I'll probably be at the track one night a week......
Say hi to the Slasher for me, willya 'Saw?
Hawk
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| 6.315 | | CAM::WAY | As DEC goes, so go the turkeys... | Wed Nov 28 1990 14:02 | 30 |
| The 1991 Five Nations Tournament starts in January, on the 19th,
I believe.
The Five Nations is the tournament that really got me interested in
rugby, while I was in France. This year, the Scots are favored to
win, and repeat as champs. The French are rebuilding...
The Five Nations in the tournament are Scotland, England, Ireland,
Wales, and France. Being of Scottish descent, I'm really pulling
for Scotland!
In related news, on a personal front, while I know that we're not
supposed to give endorsements and advertise in notes, I would like
to pass on a story of some excellent treatment that I recently received.
I had ordered some things from Matt Godek's Rugby and Soccer Supply.
One item, a jersey, had been backordered for some time. When I called
them, the informed me it was still backordered, and gave me a timeframe
(mid January) when I could expect the order to be filled.
Well, the day before Thanksgiving, they called and left a message on
my answering machine that the order was filled and shipped. When
I received it the day after Thanksgiving, I found a nice note inside
thanking me for my patience, and (the best part) a free rugby t-shirt,
with "RUGBY - A Way Of Life" on it.
I thought that was good business. Too bad more places aren't like that.
'Saw
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| 6.316 | | SASE::SZABO | The Beer Hunter | Wed Nov 28 1990 14:17 | 5 |
| What? No complimentary electrical tape? I'd blow my nose in their
general direction, if I were you! :-)
Hawk
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| 6.317 | | CAM::WAY | As DEC goes, so go the turkeys... | Wed Nov 28 1990 15:59 | 30 |
| 6.318 | | MCIS1::DHAMEL | The Recognizable Obscenity | Wed Nov 28 1990 16:08 | 11 |
|
> RUGBY - a Way of life
Gee...so nice of them to personalize it with yer name, too.
(but look again. it might say "Buggery - the life of Way"
Sorry, man, some days I just can't help it. 8^)
Dickster
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| 6.319 | Went into Hebron Electrical Supply, and a Rugby match broke out! | SASE::SZABO | The Beer Hunter | Wed Nov 28 1990 16:11 | 5 |
| Now I understand, Sawman! But, don't expect a free Rugby shirt
everytime you go into an electrical supply for some tape.....
Hawk
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| 6.320 | | QUASER::JOHNSTON | LegitimateSportingPurpose?E.S.A.D.! | Wed Nov 28 1990 17:02 | 6 |
| 6.321 | | CNTROL::MACNEAL | Life's too short to drink cheap beer | Fri Nov 30 1990 12:34 | 2 |
| The rugby supply houses are usually pretty good. Most of them are run
by rugby players and they haven't forgotten their roots.
|
| 6.322 | | CAM::WAY | Your house'll smell like Hurl Whiff | Mon Dec 03 1990 10:04 | 17 |
| 6.323 | | CAM::WAY | Keep on ruckin' | Mon Dec 17 1990 10:33 | 17 |
| Over the weekend had a chance to view the videotaped highlights
of the 1987 World Cup, which took place in New Zealand and
Australia.
From the war chant that the All-Blacks perform before their games,
to the excellent hit US Eagle Tom Vinnick layed on the English back
catching a kick, it was a great tape.
The USA went out early (as is to be expected), winning one game
over Japan, but losing to the Aussies and the English.
The upcoming World Cup (starting in October 1991) will be just
as much of a challenge, as the USA is seeded in the group
with New Zealand, England and Italy....
'Saw
|