February 23rd, 2008

High Country RFC:  6
Huntsville Rugby Club:  6

High Country stood tall against a formidable opponent who rarely, if ever, loses at its own pitch.  Unfortunately, with a late shot at goal, High Country could not convert the penalty and ended up in a 6-6 tie.

Much better effort turned in at all positions.  The game was a pleasure to watch and surely a war to play in.  Our fringe defense held up to the anticipated strong running from the Huntsville lose forwards.    Matt Hernandez converted a long penalty and a rather long drop goal to score for HC. 

Several phased movements put High Country down inside the opponent’s 5 meter line, but silly infractions got the best of us.  Backs need lots of work on their positioning and taking the ball with pace. 

Hats off to the pack for stealing the tie on the road.  Again, the team did not revel in any kind of victory.

After the  match:

Benji wandered the earth.  Dee is banned from working with children and church groups.  Jon Fine brained a South African with a deer antler.  Cheese and Jon Fine ordered 48 Krystal burgers on the way home from the bar.  Harley partied with Billy from Huntsville who he traded punches with at the pitch.  It only took 7 hours to get home on Sunday and my head still hurts.  Ron Lenoire from Huntville was an extremely gracious host.  We owe him big.

Mitch