High Country RFC at Athens RFC - September 19, 2009

On Saturday September 19th, 2009 High Country RFC traveled to Athens, Georgia to play the newly formed Athens Men’s RFC. As coach talked about during the pregame preparations, the lead up to the game was full of distractions and adversity that had to be dealt with. First, the team was without five starters and countless key substitutes that had played important minutes throughout the young season. Second, the weather was rainy causing field delays and messy conditions. Two hours before the mach was to start, word was received that the pitch was changed due to water damage, causing numerous players to be late for warm-ups and general confusion before kick-off. Nevertheless, the players who did make it rallied and played a hard fought game to earn the victory 16-8. As an institution of High Country RFC, there was no let down at any position, even with new players making starts and substitutions. Countless players stepped up their games and took on new responsibilities to insure the victory.

In terms of specific game play, the beginning of the game was brutal for High Country as they quickly fell behind 8-0. The first try was scored within 5 minutes as Athens RFC kept kicking the ball inside the High Country 22-meter line. Eventually, the wet ball bounced crazily into the try zone for an easy touchdown by an Athen’s player. Working against the referee all day, High Country was called for a bunch of ticky-tac and phantom penalties that led to an Athen’s penalty conversions. Looking at an 8-0 deficit, the High Country players recovered and started to play the High Country style of ball control and sustained phase play. Scrum-half Benji Duffton did a terrific job of not letting the team panic by really slowing down the ball at the rucks, thus allowing the High Country forwards to take over the game and control the possessions.

The story of the game became penalties and knock-ons as High Country was continually sent back 10 meters or forced to defend scrum downs (nearing 50 for the 60 minute game). Nevertheless, good rucking by the forwards and backs on line breaks proved to be the difference, especially in the second half. The level of fitness and commitment to the rucks took another step forward from the previous week. Not only did High Country lose minimal ball at the ruck, they actually were able to poach a handful of balls from the opposition. Fullback Matt Hernandez, who completed 3 of 4 penalty kicks and all of his points after, produced most of the scoring. The lone High Country try was scored by Benji, but was a definite team effort. After a few forward crashes off the ruck advanced the ball into Athen’s territory, winger Stephon Olivier broke gain line for run to the Athen’s 5-meter line. Showing unselfishness, High Country Forwards Andres, John Fine and Kevin followed and protected the ball, allowing Benji to pick the ball up and score the easy try.

The highlight of the game, however, was the try-line defense showed by High Country with about 15 minutes left in the match. Trailing by only 5 points, Athens RFC was able to get the ball to the 5-meter line. At this point, the game was on the line and it seemed the referee wanted to see how close it could get as High Country was penalized no less than 6 times giving Athens so many free runs at the try zone it looked like a practice drill. Although tempers were high and frustration at the calls palpable, the team stood strong and repelled each of the runs with strong tackling and resolve. This sequence of the game was literally 10 minutes of Athen’s continuously running at the High Country defense lined up on their own try line. Specifically, new lock T.J made a bunch of try saving tackles. Finally, the team poached a ball that was not penalized and Benji booted the ball out of bounds.

The rest of the game was generally uneventful as the teams traded field position without really threatening to score. There was a great play by Troy Albright as he intercepted an Athen’s pass one-handed on an overload late in the game, saving the try and possibly the game. Matt Hernandez scored another penalty kick to put the game away.

The drink-up took place at a good Irish Pub in downtown Athen’s owned and operated by Athen’s RFC main man Dustin Karr. It featured cheap drinks and the best Rugby trophy case this historian has ever seen. Here is the link and all supporters of rugby should pay a visit when in Athen’s: http://www.lansdowneroadpub.com/. People got drunk and had merriment. One person was convinced to try the parking meter leap and failed to fully clear the top. Trevor met people who sung songs he had never heard. Many High Country players stayed the night and when asked what happened simply replied “We accomplished what we set out to do,” and that my friends was to set the town on fire. The team is playing really well and look forward to the playoff rematch with Pensacola RFC.

By: Kevin Paavola