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Hornets vs. Principia Thunder Chickens
Hornets-20, Principia-12
05/08 at 01:00 PM
Man of the Match
Bryan “FL St.” Carey
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Here is a ton of rugby action to keep you occupied at work (Jimmy), and get the rest of us motivated to finish the season strong. Cheers!
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04/10 at 08:00 AM
Opponent
2010 Gateway RuggerfestHome/Away
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Score
Hornets take 2nd place!Recap
Hornets Heart Present All Weekend as They Take Second at Ruggerfest 2010
First thing first, Three Cheers for Jim Crouch and the Amazing Ruggerfest he put together once again! Also, thank you to all of the volunteers who helped line fields, put of posts and do all the little things that make this tournament the best in the country.
The Hornets opened a sunny Saturday with a solid victory over the Minneapolis Mayhem, winning 53-0. A few missing starters from the Hornet backfield was no matter, as the Hornets were able to move the ball up and down the pitch all afternoon.
The day began when Jeremy “Flowbee” Vanacek (6), just minutes into the game, stole the ball and rumbled down the field for a 30 meter try. Later Caleb Tufts (7) scored on a 20 meter run breaking multiple tackles. The Hornets were off and running.
The Hornets had luck on their side as well as Jim Crouch (1) tripped over himself, lost his balance and somehow missed a defender and was able to clumsily stumble into the try zone. Crouch scored his second try of the game off a feed from Flowbee
The very talented Dr. Mike Fitzgerald (14) scored off a 30 meter run breaking 2 tackles. Followed by veteran Nigel Goodall (8) scoring off 5 meter run.
The forwards were clearly dominating the day and had their way with the Mayhem defenders.
Finally, toward the end of the half, the back line began to get in the act with the final 3 trys of the game, 2 by rookie sensation Sam Faszholz (14) and one by superstar scrumhalf Aaron “PT” Lamper (9).
Brandon “Juice” Voges (15) was able to convert on 4 extra points and the Hornets won 53-0. A lot of respect goes out to the Mayhem who battled all game and never put their heads down.
Final Score 53 - 0
Trys
Caleb Tufts 1
Jim Crouch 2
Nigel Goodall 1
Flowbee 1
PT 1
Sam Faszholz 2
Dr. Mike Fitz 1
Juice 4 conversions
The Hornets anticipated a greater challenge for the second match of the day facing the University of Missouri Tigers club. However, what many onlookers deemed as the best played game of the year by the Hornets, the Hornets played selfless ball all day with hard hits, great passing and support across the pitch.
The Hornets opened up the scoring with another try by revitalized forward Caleb Tufts (7), who continues to impress everyone on the field, by running through multiple would-be tacklers and diving in for a score. Tufts once again proved he has a few more years of rugby in him.
Later in the half, Pat Dalton (10) was able to skip a pass by Kevin Saak (12) into the hands of Nick Kalist (13) running at pace. Kalist was able to slip by the Tigers backline and race to the try line for the second score of the game.
Opening the Second Half, Mikey Fitgerald (6) made a run just inside the Tigers half, dumping the ball off the Kevin Saak, who quickly tipped the ball onto Kalist. Kalist then found a supporting Sam Faszholz (11) who sprinted to the corner of the field. As he was met by multiple defenders, Faszholz found a supporting Aaron “PT” Lamper (9) who handed off to Bret Martinson (7) for the score.
The Hornets closed the door with a final try when Mikey Fitz once again burst through the Mizzou defenders and found a supporting Kalist to cruise into the try zone.
Final Score 24 - 0
Trys
Caleb Tufts 1
Nick Kalist 2
Bret Martinson 1
Conversions
Juice 2
The Hornets celebrated late into the night on Saturday but were well aware of the daunting task that faced them Sunday morning – The Ramblers. Led by star stand-off, Justin Vogt, the Hornets knew their hands would be full facing a strong pack and skilled, quick backline. However, the Hornets played with a big heart and refused to break against the Ramblers.
The foot was on early for both full back Brandon “Juice” Voges (15) and Patty Dalton (10) as the Hornets maintained great field position by using the kick wisely. Ten minutes into the half, Juice took the ball in open play and put a perfect touch on a pop kick down the left sideline. The Hornet backline chased but rookie Sam Faszholz (11) once again showed why he will be an impact player for years as he flew by the Hornets and Ramblers and fearlessly attacked the ball in the air, landing in the try zone for a score. Clearly this one felt better than most, as Faszholz has found a home with the Hornets!
Later in the half, Pat Dalton attacked the other sideline looking for touch, when Brad Kasper (14) came out of nowhere to grab the ball on the bounce and race down the sideline for a second score. The half ended with the Hornets leading 12 – 0.
But the Ramblers would not quit and quickly got on the scoreboard in the second half, when their outside center broke numerous tackles and scored. The remainder of the game was a battle, mainly inside the Hornets 22, but their defensive line remained strong and consistently denied the Ramblers. Finally, time expired with the Hornets collecting a 12 -10 victory.
Trys
Sam Faszholz 1
Brad Kasper 1
Conversion Kicks
Brandon Voges 1
With a battered and exhausted starting 15, the Hornets quickly turned around to face the mighty, returning champions, Metropolis. A top team in the country, Metropolis proved too much for the Hornets, despite a hard fought effort by many of the Hornets, led by Jeremy “Flowbee” Vanacek (6), Aaron “PT” Lamper (9) and Nigel Goodall (8).
The Hornets were able to walk off the pitch on Sunday with their heads held high as they placed 2nd at Ruggerfest and played hard the whole way through. Hopefully, this momentum will continue through the remainder of the season and into summer training. It is clear that the Hornets have plenty of talent to compete at any level. The only question is whether they will continue to commit at practice and in fitness – because these are the keys to future success.
As always, a special thanks to all the Old Boys, wives, girlfriends and kids for coming out and supporting us all weekend. Without you guys……..we wouldn’t have anyone to drive us home from the bar and complain to about our knees and backs ad shoulders and…..
Man of the Match
Man of the Tournament - Nigel Goodall
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