|
|
Jersey Cup Winners
2002, 2004, 2005 & 2006
Monmouth Old Boys
Tournament Champions 2006
Morris Rugby Masters Fall 2006
Schedule
Previous Seasons:
Spring
2006 | Fall
2005 | Spring
2005 | Fall
2004 | Spring
2004 | Fall
2003 | Spring
2003 | Fall
2002 | Spring
2002
MASTERS, WHERE ARE YOU? WE NEED YOUR NEW ADDRESS
INFORMATION.
PLEASE FILL OUT THE FORM BELOW AND SEND IT:
The Morris Masters ended the fall season with a 32 to 20 victory over
the Village Lions at Randall's Island this past Saturday.
Despite the weather and forecasts of doom, the Masters showed up 14
strong and reveled in the ensuing mud fest. Andy played an inspired
game - after getting conked on the head in a safety tackle with Tom -
earning himself man of the match. The unfortunate Lion who was caught
in their sandwich was unable to continue the match. We wish him the
best.
There is some debate that a minor concussion, if it
produces such spectacular results, might be administered to Andrew
prior to every game. There was no shortage of volunteers.
Continuing
in the vein of individual glory... Andrew was responsible for two
smash-mouth penalty trys at the 5 meter line. Both Pup and Uncle Tom
were also able to penetrate the Lion's zone. Two of the tries were
converted. The balance of points was made up in penalty kicks. A
certain fly half had criticism regarding Pup's try, calling it garbage.
In the young dog's defense - besides tackling like madman - what else
are wings supposed to do?
Mitch and Doc both had tries that
were called back - we're not sure why? I speculate that it had
something to do with municipal health codes - as further inflation of
their egos might cause something to burst... injuring nearby spectators.
The
Master's pack was able to dominate the Lions in the majority of loose
and scrum play, frequently wheeling the scrum to take the advantage of
the Lion's ball. Given the weather conditions mauls and rucks were the
rule of the day. Despite strong loose play by the opposition, Morris
was able to retrieve ball in most confrontations. Still, the Lion's
running attack was fierce, and they kept the lead for at least 30 of
the 60 minutes of play. It is thought by the top sporting minds that
superior 'conditioning' (sic) was what enabled Morris to eventually
turn the corner and come out on top.
Of note, Uncle Tom was
volunteered to captain for Chapman, as Craig had emergencies at home.
This assignment was based mostly on Tom's unsolicited bus rant in
Argentina just prior to our first game. Unbelievably, Tom actually
outdid Craig in his performance this Saturday and it should be an
interesting spring as we watch these two drive each other to new
heights of inspirational hyperbole.
Rain kept most (all) of the
ladies away, but a small cadre of Masters went on to Lucky Jack's to
party with the Young 'Uns in the aftergame. I would like to tell you
more about it... but then we would have to kill you.
The Fall Season 2006
The
Masters' fifteens season was successfully concluded with at total of 7
games, 3 in Argentina and 4 in country. Jack, Pinky, Tom and Newguy
were lucky enough to participate in all of them.
It
was like entering a time-warp to 1989. Morris and Union fought
themselves to a bloody, standstill 17 All finish last Saturday at
Mennen. The Mud Turtles showed up 13 strong for the 1130 kickoff, but
Morris, with a few extra bodies, was able to loan Omar and Bobby to
their rivals and battle at full strength. It should be noted that Omar,
playing for Union, was so disoriented he lost all perception of
on-sides and was frequently found meandering through the Morris
minions. Normally, according to man law, if an opposing player
is guilty of such an infraction, its perfectly alright to punch them in
the head and then yell obstruction. But it was Omar and we let it
slide. Omar being Omar, he still insists he was right.
Morris
scored 3 tries (Pinky, Neil D. and Pup) but was only able to convert
one kick with the tying try coming late in the second half.
Both the pack and back-field seemed evenly matched, with the
characteristic rucking, mauling and tackling we've come to expect
between these rivals. It was good to see the regular members mixed in
with some folks we haven't seen in a while... including the infamous
"He Who Can Not Be Named".
Family
and friends were in abundance to celebrate with the vintage beers
provided by the leadership. We were also treated to an excellent game
by the Young 'uns - won in the last few seconds with a penalty
kick from about 40 meters.
Last
minute emergencies and cancellations left Morris short a referee
and only 13 strong this Saturday against a 19 man (and
somewhat younger Old Japan). Negotiations broke down after asking for
the vintage "no kicking past the 22" rule and we resorted to regular
rugby. Conway's old room mate stood in to referee (might have been good
that Alex couldn't make it).
Despite
an advantage in speed, Morris was able to get on the scoreboard with
several third and four phase tries, including what may be a Zulu (at
least for the Masters side) try for Ki. Of special note was Bobby
Hughes, in his fresh from Argentina debut - who showed us some pretty
good stuff out there on the wing.
Still,
Japan's kicking and breakaways did the Masters in, as (to quote
Martin), "straight line speed I could match 'em, it was only when the
b-tards cut at speed that I was disadvantaged". Toe was gracious enough
to send us young Kevin in the second half, who we promptly stuck at
fullback to plug up some holes. The game ended at 1300 with a final
score of of about 38/22 Japan. (MyMy had it at about 50, but I could
only account for 6 tries, four conversions for Japan). History is made
by those who write it.
On
the up side the Morris Women won the division playoff game. Kudos to
the Gals... and good luck in the nationals!
Morris
Masters @ World Vintage Rugby Carnival - Buenos
Aires
09/16/06 - 09/24/06
The Masters returned to the states last week from the 2006 World
Vintage Rugby Carnival in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
2006 World Vintage Rugby Carnival
September 17-23, 2006
The
Carnival hosted 45 teams from 14 countries at the Belgrano Athletic
Club about 45 minutes from downtown Buenos Aires. Matches were
scheduled for Monday, Wednesday and Friday between all the teams at
different levels of competition. Morris was entered in the over 35,
Social division.
Monday
Masters vs. the Harlequin Gentlemen (Eng)
The
Master's first match was on a small field, uncontested scrum, no kicks
beyond the 22. The Gentlemen came out playing old school, loose
forward, smash-mouth rugby - and Morris had to scramble to adapt to
this sort of play. Held scoreless at the end of the first half, the
diabolical Harlequins moved onto a rolling maul strategy that Morris
had difficulty overcoming. Having limited possession in the second
half, there was little offensive opportunity and the game ended with
Morris unable to put the ball down in the opposing end.
Which
is not to say the game wasn't competitive or fun. Andrew was able to
annoy the English to no end with his loose play and if not for a small
knock a meter or so from the try line, Chappy might have been doing his
Zulu for the enjoyment of the lovely senoritas.
The Harlequins
are one of the oldest rugby clubs around, having over 140 years of
history. They are truly gentlemen and a lot of fun both on and off the
field.
Wednesday
Masters vs. the Bustard Eagles Inner Circle (Aus)
The
Bustards hail from Brisbane and are another great club both on and off
the field. We played on a larger field this time, however, which was to
our advantage. Morris was able to score (go Andy) early and we held the
lead going into the second half. Then, things changed. Realizing that
losing (although, technically no-one was keeping score) to an American
team might cause problems at home, the Bustards adapted a rolling maul
style the was successful in keeping Morris away from the ball.
Eventually this lead to an unanswered try or two.
It was then
that the Masters pulled out their secret weapons: Cheryl and Velma were
put in the scrum. They played their hearts out, eventually winning the
coveted 'Man of the Match' award for their efforts. Hats off to the
ladies!
Friday
Masters vs. the Union Bulldogs (SA)
Attrition had worn the Masters down to the last 17 men. By the end of
the game two more would fall.
The
Masters started off strong and were able to hold their lead. The
Bulldogs developed a second half strategy to continually crash the
middle and weak side, but Morris (with the coaching of Dedo Grande) was
able to soon plug those holes and keep their edge. Of special note was
Sgt. 'Tom' York mauling the 75 year old man - and then getting him red
carded and thrown off the field. A flanker with a lot of hostility.
Cheryl,
Velma played their usual best - although Cheryl did have a mis-step or
two on a kick off. You need to tape those laces girl!
The Dogs
were a competitive and fun match. Incidentally, the all had 33 on their
Jersey's in honor of the Irish Pilot announcing their altitude as
Tirty-Tree Tousand feet over the Ocean. You'll probably see a Bulldog
Jersey or two as this was the last game and nobody wanted to wash the
retro-stipped Masters jerseys before going home.
Trivia
Because
of the Toe's detailed planning around the equinox, the tour left in
Summer, landed in Winter, left in Spring, Landed in Autumn. We did all
four seasons in a week!
Miscellaneous
Wine
tasting, time warps to 1930's Tango bistros - a soccer match with
cannons and riot gear. Gauchos and golf - who was that unnamed
celebrity? Follow me to the hard rock! Love in the cemetery? 100 pesos
and I'm yours all day. Do you do laundry? Somebody get Sandra down from
the stage. Mary Anne's trading again. The Temple and Texas. Shadow
boxing at the strip club. Safety Bob can't get in his room. Gorgon
can't play rugby 'cause he's cleaning off his sheets. Sergeant York and
the taxi cab. Power shopping. La Obelisca and the drumstick trees. Just
one, big dysfunctional family. What goes on tour stays on tour.
See you at World Cup 2007.
2nd
Annual Ruckin' Regatta in 'Support of Our Troops' hosted by
Neil Hogan
- Sat Sept 9th 2006
Pocono
Road field, Denville at
10am-1pm - Morris, Gents of NY, CT Greys & Union. Round robin
tourney - 20 minute halves. Picnic to
follow at
Neil Hogan's residence. All family's
welcome. Bring
a pre-paid calling card for the Troops.
|
|
