CLUB INFORMATION
2007-2008 Preseason Match Reports
2007 Huntington Beach Unicorns 15s Tournament - 11/17/07
2007-2008 Regular Season Match Reports
PRFC at Riverside - 1/12/08
PRFC vs. OMBAC II - 1/19/08
PRFC vs. Kern - 2/2/08
2007 Huntington Beach Unicorns 15s Tournament - 11/17/07
From the Coaches Corner: Summary of the Huntington Beach Unicorns 15s Tournament
Good afternoon gentlemen. I hope that everyone is enjoying their Sunday afternoon. I want to tell you how proud I was of the performance of the entire team yesterday. Let me begin with our Warlords. When we completed practice on Thursday evening I told everyone that I wanted them to attend the tournament in Huntington Beach because even though we were only going to enter one team, it would be a great learning opportunity for all players. I discovered late on Friday evening from our President, Matt Hettermann, that the Red Rhinos had pulled out of the tournament and Huntington Beach extended an invitation for us to enter a second team, free of charge. I jumped at the opportunity and all of you rallied. We had 39 players show up, ready to play!
After correcting our hosts that Pasadena does not have a "B" side, but that our second team's name is the "Warlords," the Warlords took the field shortly after 8am to face the Orange County Gators, who finished second to Pasadena RFC in Division III last season. While there were some experienced players on the Warlords, many players were new to the game of rugby and it was the first time they faced an opponent (notwithstanding our own internal scrimmages). Nevertheless, given the play they had exhibited on Thursday night against our starting side, I was convinced they were ready for the challenge, and indeed they were. They battled with the Gators playing excellent defense and the score at the end of the first half was 8 - 0 (the Gators scored on a penalty kick and then scored a try which I thought they converted but apparently the referee disagreed). The Warlords came charging back in the second half and scored relatively quickly on a team try that culminated in Casey Stoneberger putting it over. The conversion was unsuccessful and the score was 8 - 5. The score remained unchanged thereafter with each team threatening but neither able to capitalize. Final score was 8 - 5 in favor of the Gators.
Next the Pasadena side took the field against the Orange County Bucks. Our forwards dominated, our backs communicated and forwards and backs alike supported one another in open field play. Three trys were scored in the first half and included ones by Matt Hettermann, Jesse Ying and Justin Rosien, respectively, with Scott Chambers converting on all three. Half time score was 21 - 0. The second half saw the backs get into the scoring with trys made by Scott Chambers and Suan Tan and then capped off by an unrelenting run by Keegan Hornbeck. Scott converted on all three of those trys as well and the final score was 41 - 0, in favor of Pasadena.
Next the Warlords took the field once again. This time against a vastly improved Rebellion side. Play went back and forth between the teams with neither able to finish offensively. The defense was noteworthy as both the Warlords and the Rebellion refused to allow each other to score. The game ended in a 0 - 0 tie.
After the Griffin trials the Pasadena side took the pitch against the North County Ghurkas who had placed second in the Southern region of Division II last year and had beaten Eagle Rock earlier that morning. They were a tough squad. Nevertheless, Pasadena played disciplined rugby and when an errant kick occurred James McIntosh (aka "Hollywood") was there to take the ball as it bounced and sprinted (accelerating into another gear entirely) to score the try between the uprights. Scott Chambers converted and the score was 7 - 0 in the first half. The rest of the half saw good play on both sides of the ball, but while North County got a bit "chirpy" Pasadena kept their composure. The second half saw two major threats by the Ghurkas and exceptional defensive stands by Pasadena to keep them out of the try zone. Offensively Pasadena was able to move the ball down field but could not finish inside of the 22. The final score ended 7 - 0 in favor of Pasadena.
The final game of the day for the Warlords was against a probationary Division III side known as the Inland Empire. I don't think I have ever seen a backline where the average weight exceeded 275 pounds, but I am pretty sure that that was the case for this squad. They had beaten both the Rebellion and the Gators and were keen to finish the day undefeated. Our Warlords suffered some injuries (more later) and we ended up playing several players out of position. Tim Cutress took over the coaching reigns for this match as I was sidelined with an injured player. I did however get to see glimpses of this match and I have never seen such incredible hits. Our players were clearly much smaller, but their heart was HUGE!!!! They played mostly defense during this game and you could hear their hits echo around the field. They were not intimidated by the large islander players, nor were they willing to concede anything! They played inspired rugby and as our Backs' coach Tim Cutress put it, they put on a "tackling clinic" for all to behold. They lost the game and I don't know the exact score, but respect for them was pervasive for their display of rugby talent and heart demonstrated on the field.
The final game was Pasadena against Eagle Rock (yes, the sixth game of the day for Pasadena RFC). Needless to say, it did not take any coercion to get the players excited for this match! They smelled blood and were anxious to play. The first try was scored by John Maust who simply barreled down the field carrying Eagle Rock players on his various appendages. It was an amazing effort. The next try saw Matt Hettermann, who had a tremendous day of rugby, put it over for the score. The final try of the first half came with James McIntosh weaving in and out, slicing through the defense to score. Scott Chambers converted on two of the three trys and the score was 19 - 0 at the half. The second half saw more Pasadena domination, and it was no better exhibited than when Eagle Rock got a penalty 10 meters from the try line, and opted to kick for points. James McIntosh (aka "Hollywood") completed his third try for the day in the second half of that game. The conversion was unsuccessful and the final score was 24 - 3 in favor of Pasadena.
It was a great day for the club and I was very pleased with the performance of both teams. That said, the day also demonstrated weaknesses which we will have to address, and we will do so in the coming weeks.
Michael Bryant, Head Coach
Pasadena RFC
PRFC vs. Riverside - 1/12/08
Saturday January 12th, 2008 officially saw Pasadena RFC re-enter the ranks of DII with the first game of the season facing perennial powerhouse Riverside Rugby. Two full squads, John Maust's Arroyo Pacific High School Team and multiple supporters made the trek to the 909. As always, the supporters were awesome and we look forward to many more people on the sidelines with the games to come.
The game started with the New Kids on the Block kicking to the home team. Initial play, mostly between the 22's, was hard fought, but tentative on both sides. Riverside looked to use their backs with flat passing and slicing runs. Their 6, 8, 9, 10 and 13 were formidable runners that looked to exploit gaps. Riverside preferred to use their backs to gain advantage. Conversely, Pasadena looked to use forward play to set the tone for the day and began with several nice drives. Ball retention was good early with nice support by all 15 PRFC players.
Pasadena had the first chance to see points on the board with excellent play in the forwards, only to see it stolen by Riverside with sloppy ball retention. I had sloppy ball retention once...turned out to be a hernia. Riverside regained control of their play and advanced their team to within our 22. Defense by James, Suan and Sloan was incredible. The three smallest guys on the team stopped Riverside's much larger runners cold. Side note: Has anybody else noticed that Riverside is not near a river? Harkens to the days when the Finlanders were still a team and called themselves Vikings. (Or was it Pirates?) Everybody knows the Fin's weren't Vikings, right Wally.
Anyway, Riverside certainly looked like they would put the first points on the board when they exploited an over lap on the right wing with Riverside's winger looking to be able to walk into the try zone for an easy score. However, a Tenacious Pasadena defense stymied the wingers plans when a bevy of defenders swarmed him. Leaving him no option but to dive at the corner, his foot was judged to have gone into touch (incidentally, then his body hit the flag) then he grounded the ball. The ref held his ground and Pasadena would walk away from that confrontation using tenacity and some luck as a 16th defender.
Not but a few minutes later did Riverside put together another strong drive to the opposite corner of the field. After several rucks by their forwards, an alert Riversider...Riverlander...Riverish...player leaped ala Cirque De Soleil over a mound of players to score. The conversion was good giving Riverside a 7-0 lead.
With play restarting, Pasadena upped their intensity with a punishing defensive stand that saw the home team kick possession away leaving us with excellent field position. However, that advantage was quickly squandered when we seemed to think that passing the ball backwards (while a rule) is ok if the player is not moving forward. So, after 4 passes and a loss of 15 yards, Pasadena found themselves in crappy field position. The spacing from our 9 to 10 was off and a kick from Zaza was easily blocked, again placing Pasadena under tremendous pressure. Fortunately the home team knocked the ball on and a scrum was awarded. Unfortunately, this scrum was devastating to our "now gelling" pack. We lost our starting prop, Seamus, with a muscle strain to the back. I have suffered many a back injury on the field of play. Nothing is worse than desperately trying to convince your body to stand up and walk off the field. Your entire back is screaming at your body (by way of synaptic firings lighting the pain receptors in your brain to persuade your body to stay still.) His very uncomfortable walk, while amusing to some who have never injured their back...was agonizing to those of us that heave been in his shoes. Anyway, Jim stepped in at prop. Get well Seamus.
Lets not dwell on injuries... ok maybe we should. Somewhere in this game, and I cannot say when or where as I pretty much just make these things up, our OC Transplant flyhalf, Zaza took a blow to his face (remember fellas, it is just an expressions, you don't actually blow.) Luckily, as I wrote this today, he is still as pretty as ever (he wasn't that pretty to begin with, but backs are so sensitive). Anyway, Zaza needed to leave the game to get his bleeding under control. I think his exact words were, "I don't care what you do, just get me back on the field."
Having two doctors on the sideline is really an amazing thing. In the middle of plays, we have guys running down the sideline asking coach, "does this mole need to be looked at? Does this look contagious?" Very odd. Anyway, Zaza comes off the field and needs to be stitched up. Coach immediately goes into tornado mode. I can only assume his mind does something like this:
"I need to coach and do stitches, I need my kit, gloves, sutures! I need a nurse." "Do my shorts look OK?" "Look where we are at...oh crap I ended that with "at" and Aaron is gonna yell at me, look where we are" "I want this ball." "You know what to do" "Who needs stitches, I can't do this right now, I have to coach, but I have to stitch him up, I always stitch the guys up, darn...I am conflicted" "Wait...we have another doctor on the side line, oh...oh...he can do it."
So Doc yells to Barry, "take care of this, I need to coach." Patton, I mean coach, starts yelling again, "Greg, I want you to play scrum, Scott move to flay half (there is a good chance he called it a different position, but I assume Scott knew what he was talking about cause he went to flyhalf), Sloan, No not you Sloan, Joe, play fullback. Everyone else stay where you are!" I can only assume that Barry took a breath and seriously considered suturing Coaches mouth shut. Alas, he completed the task and after the stitches were in and the bleeding stopped Zaza re-entered the game.
Meanwhile, back to the game... Pasadena regroups nicely, even with new players playing out of position and begins to put together a formidable drive in to Riverside's half. Here, Pasadena begins to play with purpose. Rucks are clean and passes crisp. A "hands in" penalty allows quick ball. Wolf to get clean ball and thunders his way to the try line and scores our first try (unconverted). Did it happen just like that? Probably not. Did it happen in this particular order? Nope, that I am sure of. Truth be told, you are lucky I remember any of this.
Also, sometime before half, Riverside scored a second converted try! But, they are not my team, so I chose not to recognize their accomplishments and just magically say: The halftime score was 14-5
The second half saw much of the same action. Pasadena would threaten, but ultimately lose possession. Riverside, tired, but still playing in control began to weaken their grip on Pasadena. Multiple penalties set them back and a rejuvenated forward pack began to put pressure on the home team. A thundering tackle by Wolf brought the crowed back into the game as well. As quickly as our momentum lifted, an injury to John-John brought a lull to the crowd and team. Andrew Gray subbed in a lock and did a very nice job. His play has been steadily improving as a leader on the Warlords and he proved what coach has been saying all along, "any player may need to step up and can be called upon at any minute. Be ready!" John-John eventually returned once his "bleeding" was under control.
Riverside eventually scored again (this time after several penalties) bringing the score to 21-5. The one thing to take away from the Riverside team is that they never wavered in how they would play their game. Their forwards did what they needed to do and their backs exploited what we gave them. When we did dictate what WE wanted to do, we became more of a threat and eventually scored. Sound defensive pressure lead to a frenzied and poorly placed counter attack by Riverside. With ball in hand, Pasadena moved effectively toward midfield. Strong forward runs by... the forwards... led to space and gaps within the defenders. A deft kick out to the sideline was played well by James "Hollywood" McIntosh. James scooped up and evaded the initial defender. Hollywood put it into high gear and barely had enough gas to chug into the try zone where he touches the ball down for 5 more points. The conversion was missed to give us a final score of 26-10.
How the hell did the score go from 21-5 to 26-10... well, there was a Riverside score that I forgot. I am not going back to add it. I am late getting this out and I haven't even started the OMBAC write up. So, go cry a river.
Man of the Match
Backs: In what is tradition for Pasadena Rugby, we gave MOTM to Brian Wolf. Wait a minute...we didn't play the Bucks. How in the hell did this guy get a MOTM award from us? Oh, right...he plays for us now. Brain was a beast on both sides of the ball and kept the defenders honest. I am sure it wasn't his best game that we will see him play with a black rose on his chest... but today he was pretty damn good. Got some stitches too.
Forwards: He played last season in the forwards, but made a decision to give the backs a try this year. Just before the season starts, the coaching staff asks him to again join the forwards...he does and played a great first game. Joaquin was all over the field, making open field tackles, running in support and advising the team on all the second place votes Argentina players got for player of the Year in the World Cup. Well done sir!
Robe of Shame: In a shameful shame of shaminess. The Shame award given to Judd for his role in a little "hey, stop being so mean kinda shoving match where he ended up on his ass."
Warlords vs. Riverside II
For many players, this would be there first Rugby Game. Initial concerns by some players were quickly put to rest as the Warlords came out firing. The initial play for both sides was excellent. Good ball retention and support play by the Warlords led to several drives that did not lead to scores, but certainly showed the coaches what the boys are capable of.
Riverside, playing with many of the same players from their A side, opened the scoring with a long, multi phase play that saw many players touching the ball. They were big strong players that deliberately kept the ball close to the forwards, only spinning wide when they could exploit an overlap left by the backs getting sucked into the maul vortex. Riverside misses the conversion to lead 5-0.
Pasadena quickly storms back down the field with the ensuing restart and places the home team under pressure. Even when Riverside did touch the ball, the defensive pressure forced them to kick to touch. One thing that Warlords have improved upon tremendously has been their lineouts. Today was proof of the hard work. The Warlords kept the ball in hand and used forward drives and excellent support to see the first points on the board. Greg slots the penalty to put the Warlords down 2 points 5 to 3.
Pasadena increased their intensity with the ensuing restart and kept the pressure on the home team. However, all the hard work did not lead to points. The Warlords played excellent rugby in between the 22's. Defense was sound and offensive was aggressive. However, once inside the red zone, we fell back into our old habits of being anxious, trying to do too much on our own and not trusting each other and just play organized rugby the way we practice. Just before half, the visitors saw the lead grow to 12 to 3 when a long run by Riverside was easily converted.
While there were many subs at half time, the new players did decrease the intensity. The Pasadena Warlords, led by stellar play from Mike, Greg, Jeff, Edward, Mat Lucas and Encinas as well as the ever popular and apparently the "New Jeff Evans" our very own Judd Rice made Riverside work for every point. Unfortunately, Riverside did just that. Earn points. One play, I feel, epitomized our play as an entire team more than any other.
With Pasadena still very much in the hunt, Riverside looked to put another easy try on the board after a long run by a young Riverside player. After eluding several tacklers, this runner looked to have an easy "walk in" try. Dave Pett chased him down and knocked the ball out of his hands just as he was grounding the ball. The ref awarded the try. The merit of the try can be debated. I am sure the Riverside player would 100% believe he scored while we believe equally that he did not.
The try WAS awarded so Riverside II is up 19 to 3. Riverside played hard fought, but sloppy rugby. Thus, there was not much fluidity allowed to develop. There were a lot of scrums and lineouts. Pasadena continued to improve in the lineouts and Riverside excelled in the scrums. Riverside's lack of discipline saw one more penalty awarded, but this time we were in kicking range. Greg once again slotted the penalty and the game ended with Riverside II beating the Warlords 19 to 6.
Wally summed it up best at the end of the game. He was happy that we played better and encouraged to see the Warlords improving, but he wanted a W's attached to the end of a game. Outstanding play for the Backs went to Greg Smith who put in two complete games and continues to improve at scrum half every time he plays. Again, Mike Kelly, Gil, Travis and Jeff all had standout games. Dave Pett showed what rugby is all about; maybe he will be my valentine?
PRFC vs. OMBAC II - 1/19/08
Pasadena played its first home game of the 2008 campaign Saturday against OMBAC's DII side. Many players that were around 3 and 4 years ago recall a vastly different OMBAC side that was in the III division.
Pasadena kicks off to OBMAC. The kick is plenty shallow but too wide, going just out of bounds and the Scrum is awarded at midfield to OMBAC. Defensive pressure was too much for the visitors and they kick for touch to our sideline. Pasadena lineout.
Starting with the very first lineout, Pasadena's forwards start to put their stamp of "pissed offedness" on the game. Lineouts, scrums, and loose play are dominated by the forwards. John Maust has some great runs, using nimble feet that you wouldn't expect him to have, that contain just the right combination of smash and dash. Watching from the sidelines, I comment that it looked like John-John wanted to get the back of the match award. The funny thing is, Alan thought Frazier said it. That is how funny I am. I make other people think other people are funny. You can't coach that.
The first score, by Casey was a foreshadowing of many tries that were to come. The ball was steadily advanced by our forwards with excellent ball retention and support. The rucks were thundering and made quick ball possible. Greg playing scrum half fed the forwards, especially Casey... who was possessed. His last game against OMBAC did not turn out so well and he had a point to prove. He mad his point very quickly when he bulldozed his way to a score in the corner. The conversion was missed and we lead very early 5-0.
Just as the initial play within their 22 earned us points, so did our next two trips into the red zone. First, and impressive drive from a line out where Greg masterfully directed the forwards and backs into possession allowing Hettermann to score. Now, this is funny. His wife starts screaming in excitement, right when Scott is trying to kick the conversion. She was so excited to see him score. I asked, "he has scored before, why so excited about this one." She comments, "Matt is upset that whenever I am here he never scores." So that curse has been broken. Does anyone else have these conversations? Anyway, another trip into the rezone sees Angelica drive his way over the line to add 5 more points. Within minutes, Pasadena is up 17-0.
If you recall, last weeks write up included a blurb about my man crush on Dave Pett. Yes, I have applied the cream and the burning has gone away. But here I go again. After Dave's stellar play against Riverside, injuries to key players and Dave's complete and utter commitment to playing the best rugby he can...anywhere on the pitch, people were asking why he wasn't a hooker. After all, he is short, stocky, and weird. So, lets review. He is first put in as a lock during our preseason tournament 2 years ago. He is then moved to inside center where he stays most of last year. He starts the year at inside center, but has some time at wing, flanker and outside center. When an injured front row player goes down, he is then inserted as a prop. Then, in one week, he is asked to learn to play hooker and start the next game. Nine times out or 10, if you do this to a 2nd year player, they end up in a sanitarium. It is almost cruel to have a player try and play such vastly different positions. Anyway, it puts him where he belongs: on the field. Nice job, Landfill.
The last scoring in the first half would again come from solid support play, but this time from the backs. From day one till this point, the backs have continued to make the most gains. We had lost most of our starting backs from last year. Our 9 (and team MVP) retired, 10 (moved away), 12 (is a forward) and 15 (injured ACL). To top it off, our 11 is now our 9 or 15 and our 14 is now our 13. Confusing, I know.. The only disappointments early came in the form of slow ball to the wing. James Mackintosh received the ball a few times, but was unable to turn the corner. Anyway, the backs found their stride and confidence and played a more aggressive ball game on offense and defense. With the ball spun wide, our centers and wings converged in support, allowing Wolf to take the ball off the back of a ruck and slot our next try that was also converted to go up 24-0.
The first opportunity for OMBAC to score some points came later in the first half after a series of penalties by PRFC. At one point, OMBAC received 3 penalties in a row, which put them within striking distance. However, it was the 4th penalty that allowed the visitors to take a quick tap and their heads up play allowed them to get their first 5 points on the board. Pasadena takes a 24-5 halftime lead.
Halftime talk centered on remaining positive and an interesting entomology lesson from Keegan. It should also be noted that the second game would be the much-anticipated Pasadena Old Boys vs. the Warlords. So not much was remembered about the second half as everyone and their mothers was in complete and utter awe of the old boys.
Early into the play Brian Wolf had an incredible crash run resulting in a try. I am really getting used to writing about Wolf doing this type of thing FOR us rather than TO us. Anthony came in for Sloan and had some good runs and tackles. Suan Tan had an exciting run where he eluded at least 5 tackles before going to ground in his now patented "suddenly duck and swerve and then lay on the ground squeezing the ball between my legs" move. James was getting better ball on the wing, resulting in decent gains down the sideline, eventually resulting in a try where Hollywood screamed down the sideline, cutting back into the filed and eluded several woulod be tacklers Like he avoided bouncers in South Carolina!. Score for Pasadena 29-10. At this time, Jesse Ying came in for Keegan Hornbeck, and Matt Lucas came in for Casey.
I would be remiss if I did not mention the heinous crime committed by Scott Chambers. First, I think we are all becoming accustomed to his cussing and almost meth head trucker like spewing of hatred, mostly at the ref's (Hey Noah, that one is for you!) Anyway, just as time is winding down, Scott is at a breakdown and gets called for killing the ball. I have to admit that I didn't see what happened. I was TOLD, that Joaquin had committed a few similar penalties. The team was warned, "next player laying on the ball gets a rest." Well, looked like Scott was in the wrong place at the wrong time. OMBAC slots the penalty and increase their total to 13...with Pasadena leading 29-13.
OMBAC eventually was able to put together a nice rugby movement, which got them close to the goal line. A defensive stand by Pasadena, which seemed to last about 5 minutes, ensued. The stand included some great tackles, but also some penalties against Pasadena. Eventually, their prop was able to dive over for a try to bring the score to 29-18.
A good team must counter a score with one of their own. A wise man once said to me, "in order to win, you have to score more points." Pasadena tried to do just that...score more points. However, a try by Pasadena was disallowed because there were shenanigans called leading up to it. However, Wolf was able to score his 2nd try from the ensuing scrum and subsequent phases. Pasadena up 36-17.
Oh and ho hum, Brian Wolf scored another try. What a ball hog...sheesh. The whistle blows, and Pasadena wins 43-17
Man of The Match:
Forwards: Truth be told, there were several candidates that could have easily been given this honor. I thought John-John played one of they best games we have ever seen a second row play. Dave played hooker for the first time and was a beast as usual. However, the nod went to Casey Stoneberger. The Stoneman was a ferocious runner, setting the pace early against his former club.
Backs: In a rare feat that I cannot ever remember happening, this weeks MOTM is a repeat of last week. Brian Wolf. Again, truth be told, I felt that Brian played much better this game than last. His crash runs and tackling are, what can only be described as...painful!
The Shame Award went to the Wild Infringer of the Pampas, Joaquin Neira. Apparently, he was has become accustomed to offsides and flopping on the ball. I bet had he ballooned up to 280, he could get away with it, but I am sure the ref felt that this fine physical specimen of a man should be able to do better.
Well, that is the way I remember it...
Oops,
Tanner
Warlords vs. Alumni
As each former player arrived at the field, the roar of the crowed would become more and more deafening with anticipation. The thought of seeing these glorious players again take the field must have been what it was like to see the beetles, or the Wiggles before the Yellow once got Lyme disease. It was almost unfair to make the Warlords play these nearly God like figures as I am sure they had trouble even looking at the Alumni square in the eyes (I was told one Warlord player's head exploded when he gazed at an Old Boy for too long.)
The Alumni:
1. Mike Aston, 2. Tyler Shriek/Jeff Thiel, 3. Allan "Wally" Johnson, 4. Aaron Tanner, 5. Harry Kaminski, 6. Jake Pike 7. Terry Mclean 8. Tulele 9. Billy Love 10. Christian Harris 11; Joe Wilson 12. Chip Kelly 13. Jim Ciampa 14. Martin Jimenez 15 Chris Stellern
The game started with some dazzling displays of rugby by the alumni. If one didn't know better, you would have assumed we had just returned from the World Cup with at least a 3rd or 4th place finish. The day started with the Hallowed #2 Jersey being presented to Allen Rooney to be worn during the match. It was knitted with the hair of Iraqi children and golden fleeced lamb pubes. Upon being presented the gift, Allen dropped it and let the Old Boys know that if he had wanted to play rugby that day, it would be for the "A" side. He then went and sat in his HUBRIS chair and mocked dwarf.
Billy Love started the game off with a now patented kick that would have gone farther, but seeing how his body was encased in bubble wrap, it softened the blow. People might be confused as to why he wears the wrap. It is not to protect him. It is to protect the other team. He does not have skin, bones, ligaments, etc. He is put together with razorblades, chains and TNT. One false move and Alhambra would have looked like a moon crater.
Jim Ciampa had a beautiful up and under, that had it not been for a sprinkler hole at the 22 causing him to momentarily stumble, he would have had an easy try. The ensuing scrum saw the powerful Old Boy pack nearly have a walk over try, but we were so powerful, we needed up in the library parking lot before our 8-man could slow enough to ground the ball. Another try was nearly scored by Harry Kaminski, but he became so enraged that his boots didn't fit properly, that just before hitting the try line, he sprinted to the nearest Foot Locker to get refit.
Chip Kelly had a remarkable game. He single handily defended a rolling maul by pointing his goatee at it. He was so deadly to the warlords backline, on offense and defense, a Vietnamese refugee sniped him in the leg from the school bell tower, ending his day just as he was about to score after a 142 yard run, up hill. He then Jumped into Teecee's helicopter and returned to the Big Island as Higgins was looking for the keys to the Ferrari. I do feel bad that Tulele ate several of the Warlords and we are taking a collection up for the families.
Martin Jimenez would have scored the first try of the game, but he suddenly left the field to go and "redecorate" Angelica's house. It's a long and awesome story that can only be told if Angelica is not around. Someday I'll post it on my blog.
I would be remiss to not point out that Terry McLean played for the first time since he and Ellis Webb punked those commie soccer players that were making too much noise in front of his dorm. Anyway, he magically changed shape mid run into a Pegasus and was flying into the try zone when he was suddenly distracted by a sugar cube being held by one of his kids. He swooped down, snatching the cube from his kid's hand and dropped the ball in the process. His kid could be heard muttering, "son of a bitch" As the scrum restarted play.
Lastly, every penny of our insurance policy will be put to the test after our front row of Wally, Aston and Thiel performed a ball of thunder maneuver that nearly caused Armageddon.
OK, truth be told, the Warlords killed us. They had better possession/retention and when they were in the red zone, they scored. They were better tackler and were fitter. They just out hustled us old guys and it was fun to watch them play. Munsell had several incredible runs that were well supported. Anthony is playing like a man who doesn't have to go to med school next year. Lastly, it was awesome to see Brendan score his first try of the season and even better to watch him and Munsell drink out of my boot.
Scoring summary is below.
1st Half (Warlords):
Anthony Walls: try (5), Conversion successful (2) (Anthony Walls)
Jim Munsell: try (5), Conversion unsuccessful (Anthony Walls)
1st Half (Alumni):
Tulele: try (5), Conversion unsuccessful
Half Score: 12 - 5
2nd Half (Warlords):
Brendan Konrath: try (5), Conversion unsuccessful
2nd Half (Alumni):
Martin Jimenez: try (5), Conversion unsuccessful
Final Score: 17 - 10 (Warlords win)
Oops,
Tanner
PRFC vs. Kern - 2/2/08
Pasadena RFC faced long time rival Kern County on Saturday, February 2. These two clubs have a history of hard fought matches. Most veteran players on the team can only remember Kern being a hard-hitting team that we had played years ago. We have lost some close matches, and a few with a little more distance on the number line. Once (when we were winning) with only a few minutes to go, Kern put all their backs in the lineout, won the lineout, and drove a maul 10 meters for the winning score while we were going "What Am That?" There is even some flair on the Pasadena Robe of Shame dedicated to a lopsided (71-0) loss against Kern. However, if the best remembered memories are the ones most recent, in the last meeting between the teams in 05, we were able to break their string of victories that stretched back the previous two years.
Pasadena kicks off to Kern, the ball is caught, the catcher is walloped, and we go to war. The first few minutes of the game saw a little back and forth play midfield, most of it dictated by Pasadena, but none of it really getting anywhere.
Despite these hard hits we laid out, it only led to Kern scoring first. A missed tackle off a nicely executed switch play allowed their center to score. A heads up play in the backs (sorry, missed who it was) didn't allow him to center the ball and the conversion was missed. Ensuing possessions by Kern were marked by fast but not quite crisp back line moves as their veteran fly half tried to orchestrate a few more trips to the try zone, as well as some runs by their prop, who has the lowest center of the largest gravity in the history of mankind. Although both tactics looked like they could result in points, the defense of Pasadena remained true. Hard hitting runs by the forwards and crisp passes in the back led the PRFC to retain much of the possession. This pattern of play led to Pasadena's first try.
Zaza takes the ball cleanly in the middle of the field but closer to Kern's 22. However, we did not kick away possession, as a James played the move perfectly and pounced on the ball after Kern let it bounce once. The high bounce was all he needed as he jetted in for the score. The conversion was difficult form the corner and missed leaving the score tied 5-5.
The next try came after a series of crash balls, lineouts, and penalties that found Pasadena in scoring position again. About 2 meters from the try line, Kern's prop was found to be hindering constructive play. He was yellow carded, and sent to the sin bin. The ensuing play saw big rucks, with flanker and statesman Joaquin Neira able to go over for the try. The remainder of the half passed somewhat uneventfully, and we finished up 10-5 in favor of Pasadena.
2nd Half: Halftime discussion focused on the fact that we were playing pretty well, that we needed to support Wolf, and that we needed to keep our foot on the gas. Seamus was subbed in for Brian, who was recovering from the flu, and Scott Chambers in for Joe Schramm. Also, Dave goes off, and our own Allen Rooney goes in at hooker.
The half starts off with John-John taking the kick off and running it into contact for a big hit. Pasadena continues to move the ball down field. With maybe 30 seconds on the field, Allen Rooney takes a crash ball. He is moving at the speed of light. Kern's unlucky defender gets a forearm as Rooney takes the ball into contact nicely. Play goes in this manner, with Pasadena more or less controlling things, until we get a phase about 30 meters out.
A Pasadena lineout around their 22 gets the ball to Casey and takes it up field. Kern's big # 4 stuffs him at the end of the run and his is pretty happy. Casey did the most important thing in rugby: kept the ball for some other dopey guy to try to do something with. A couple of phases later, there is a ruck, a giant, smashing ruck, and at the end of it, Casey has the ball. He barrels through a defender, then through to space, and puts one down in easy conversion range. Then he unveiled his "Roar of the Viking," which looked like the Death Star exploding...I am talking about the digitally re-mastered one with all the cool special effects and the ring that went around it and stuff. Conversion by Scott was good and Pasadena is up 17 to 5.
We continued to execute fairly well, with continued focus on maintaining possession and supporting our backs. Wolf was being supported better, and we were able to put together some nice phases of rugby. However, penalties continue to haunt us. Kern rebounded with a new sense of energy. Once they get past the half way mark, their pack seems to come alive. Pasadena commits several penalties in a row and Kern's pack essentially worked as a unit to secure a nicely and much needed (for them) try. Pasadena is still up 17-10.
As I have said before, a good team answers a try with a try. Well not only did we score a try, but it was probably one of the most well worked trys I have seen in a long time. Pasadena takes one of its lineouts and spins the ball quickly and effectively to the far side of the field. The backs did a nice job of supporting Suan and James this time and ball was spun back the other way. On this go round, the back line was filthy with forwards. Greg spun the ball to Zaza. Zaza passes to John-John, who passed to Rooney, who passed to Keegan, who scored a try in the corner. After the game, Zaza said that was his favorite play of the game because it was so unselfish, and thinking about it later, he was right. If Zaza works some magic, Zaza might have been able to score the try in broken play, John-John probably would have been able to score it, but not definitely. Rooney was almost guaranteed to score, and Keegan was in the best position of all. So there you have it, some real team rugby. Pasadena is now up 24-10.
Well, don't forget that Kern isn't about to let us win, and give them cold pizza, Kern puts together several phases of good offense and then aided by a penalty, their fly half puts it in for 5 points, conversion no good, Score is now 24 - 15. Kern Continues to pound our defense with their forwards. There were several exhilarating defensive stops, usually led by Casey, Wolf or any other player for that matter, but none was more impressive than late in the 2nd half where Joaquin found himself in the right spot at the right time. A Kern back attempted an ill-advised drop kick (hell, even their own website called it "the crappiest drop goal attempt in DII history.") Anyway, the ball just kinda hangs there...hovering...nowhere near the goal post, but near enough to be dangerous. Joaquin catches the ball runs into the try zone (oh no!!!), turns and kicks a beauty of a clearing kick. Completely relieving pressure and elevating our spirits.
Somewhere in here, Wolf was injured (I know...I'll keep a little digital recorder in my pocket so I can remember this stuff. I do remember running by the Kern player and seeing blood gush from his face and then Wolf looks up with blood rushing from his forehead...again! I looked at the ref and said, "you might want to check that out over there.") Matt Encinas replaced Wolf, who continued without missing a beat, both offensively and defensively.
Despite our ability to play our best rugby in the middle of the field and Kern's obvious hunger to play a higher-level rugby, but mostly when they were near the goal line, our only mission was to keep the play in their territory. So what did we do? We kick and let their 8-man slice through or defense like butter. Once the Kern pack sensed forward momentum, they put it into overdrive. Casey laid out some huge hits during these stands, dumping one massive Kern forward after another. Pasadena commits several more penalties yielding precious ground allowing Kern's 8 man puts it in for 5 points, Conversion good and Score 24 -22. 3 minutes left in the game.
How the hell did this happen? Normal culprits in this situation are loss of focus, and fitness. There may have been some of that, but the credit goes to Kern. They were able to execute better than we were during that little stanza. They kept possession and ran great lines at pace. However, Pasadena continued to hit hard during this time, led by our flankers and 8-man.
Pasadena regroups and charges down the field aided by multiple phase ball in the backs, Aaron Tanner puts it over for the final try, conversion no good and Pasadena wins at the final whistle. Final Score 29 -22.
Man of the Match:
Forwards: For his relentless pursuit on Saturday and his Jedi like ability to singularly focus 40 players on the task at hand for 2 weeks, the MOTM went to Keegan "I will eat your soul for a try" Hornbeck.
Backs: For his orchestration of the backs all day and his ability to snot the defenders at will, Brandon "Zaza" Martinez hoisted the MOTM pint.
That is how I remember it...
Oops, Tanner
Warlords vs. The Inland Empire RFC: (Doc is officially apologizing if anything is incorrect as he was sewing up Brian Wolf's forehead.) Please note that Kern did not have enough for a second side and asked the probationary team from the Inland Empire to play the second game.
Warlords easily outweighed 2 - 3 times per position, but ready for the challenge kick to the very large Inland Empire RFC. They use their immense size to begin the scoring early and the 6 foot 10 flay half with a size 22 boot converts. Score 7 - 0 in favor of the visitors. The remainder of the half sees the Warlords fight back, thwarting efforts by the large Islanders to score, and threatening to do so several times but unable to put that last phase together. Several 5 phase plays were accomplished against the bigger, but out of shape IERFC players, only to lose possession.
Joe is playing a blinder of a game, kicking to space and relieving the back line of punishing hits. However, once these big boys get moving, they prove to be somewhat difficult to bring down. The visitor scores once again just prior to the end of the first half and the half time score is 12 - 0 in favor of the visitor. Jesse, Sam and Mike were all stellar in the forwards. Wally, Jim, Mike and Erik never back down from their much larger counterparts. As usual, James played with abandon. At one point, he tackled a player and as the ball was off loaded, he grabbed at the second player (never giving up) and grabbed that player's shorts ripping them clean off his body. Childish to laugh? Sure, but I laugh like that.
The second half and the Warlords come out with a little trickery. Masterminded by our own field genius, Allen Rooney, Joe turns to kick a grubber to the short side of the field. With only a stunned islander between Travis, Matt and Joe and the try line...Travis gets to the ball and...and...and...knocks it on. Damn. You get but one chance a season for something like that to work. Travis learned a valuable lesson that we should all head (again, if you put boots on, I am talking to you...yes even you.) PICK UP THE BALL THE CORRECT WAY. We practice this almost every practice. Step over the ball. Pick it up. Lesson learned. Travis played a great game otherwise. He sticks those 300 ponders like they are a chain link fences just waiting to be scaled...what?
Anyway, the second half has more hard hitting on both sides. The Warlords play a more dynamic rugby with phase after phase. The Islanders play a more smash style with passes that are not as accurate as we have seen in the past. This is both maddening to defend and tiring. IE sores two quick tries, most off of minor miscommunication and lapses in fundamental rugby (arm tackles, not meeting them, etc) The boys get right back into sync and again with extraordinary tackling and displays of courage, skill and heart, they take everything that can right at the big islanders.
Matt Encinas continued playing like he had in the first side, with punishing runs and very nice tackles to stop the runners cold. PRFC's biggest difficulty was maintaining possession after several plays, and that will come with practice. Travis continues to improve and doesn't appear to have "back down" in his vocabulary. He is like a pit bull out there.
James had the best scoring opportunity later in the 2nd half when he was able to get a ball out wide. However, he was judged to have stepped out of bounds. The Islanders continue to use their size to their advantage and are able to put up 2 tries and one conversion. Final Score of the game is 34 - 0 in favor of the visitor.
Though the score appeared one-sided, those privy to the play of the Warlords were once again amazed by the improvement in every aspect of the game. Their heart, courage and soul that the team displayed has not been matched by any team, including the A side.
They played 80 minutes of rugby against a side that outweighed them and certainly used that to their advantage. Nevertheless, at no point, did the Warlords retreat, back down or concede. They were an absolute inspiration. Disappointment at the loss was obvious but pride among those on the sidelines was extraordinary. Several players (James McIntosh, Anthony Walls, and Joe Schramm (to name a few)) played both games, to provide some experience at key positions. That said, Pasadena had about 40 players there and everyone got a chance to play some rugby! Thanks also go to our fans, alumni, spouse/significant others, families and friends for their tremendous support. We have an amazing club!
Man of the Match:
Forward: Jesse Ying played possessed. He was at every breakdown and did an excellent job at the back of the scrum. He dug out ball after ball allowing Andrew the opportunity to get the backs running. Nice work.
Back: Joe Schramm did an excellent job with his tactical kicking and his defense was much improved. He was out most of the week sick, played a half with the A side and then a whole B side game. Awesome. (Honorable Mention: Travis Watkins and Erik Escobedo)