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Jersey Cup Winners
2002, 2004, 2005, 2006 & 2007
Monmouth Old Boys
Tournament Champions 2006
Morris Rugby Masters Fall 2008
Schedule
Previous Seasons:
Spring
2008 | Fall
2007 | Spring
2007 | Fall
2006 | 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:
Morris Masters
@ Bayonne Sat Oct 25th 2008
The Morris Master's finished their Fall season strong, with over 22
players showing up in Bayonne last Saturday.
Setting a new record for attendance, the Master's actually ran out of
game jerseys during their meet with the Bombers in the end-of-season
finale. Craig Chapman stepped up to take most of the credit for the
record turnout, saying that his clever manipulation of latent,
homosexual urges amongst the cadre was the responsible factor for the
high level of participation.
"It occurred to me, based on the reaction to my 'Its not gay if you
don't wake up' quote on the last world cup tour, that this was a
powerful means of motivating the team to step up and participate" said
Chapman. When pressed further, he admitted that it was during the long,
hot, communal showers in Wales that things really crystallized for him.
With such numbers, the legs stayed fresh for both 30 minute halves.
Bayonne hung tough however, and despite the fact that Morris
overwhelmed them on free substitutions, managed to keep the score
respectable.
Simon's son (affectionately named "Simon" by the team to avoid
confusion) scored off a pass from his father, early in the first half.
We wonder if the elder Simon has been able to wipe the grin off his
face yet?
Alex, was also able to pick off a pass and run from mid-field for the
second try. Nobody bothered to support him too closely, as he wasn't
going to pass it anyway. In all fairness it was a classic Ciraffo move
(yes he was on-side), and he did have to sprint his heart out to avoid
a breakdown.
Bayonne was able to score on an overload late in the second, and it is
to their credit that they prevented the shutout.
Of special note, was Gamer's high, long, backwards kick - reminiscent
of his epic boot work way back in the day.
All in all, it was an excellent rugby day and a very good finish to a
fun season. We look forward to wrapping it up with a close of season
fandango. It has been suggested that an Erte theme might be
appropriate...
Morris Masters
@ Village Lions Sat Sept 27th 2008
The Masters showed up at Randall's this Saturday, 15 strong (counting
Blaise Fuery) and with some help from the Montclair old guard were able
to tie their opponents during the Lion's Friends and Family day
celebration.
Three twenty minute halves were required in order to accommodate all of
the Lions alumni who showed up to play. Free substitutions were
allowed, which did Morris very little good, considering its reluctance
to travel heavy. Fortunately young, 16 year old, Blaise was available.
Along with his father Tom, they formed the impenetrable "Wall Of Fuery"
in the backfield. Also Ralphie Van, and some of the other Montclair old
boys, were nice enough to volunteer when needed. This resulted in us
actually having 1 extra man to touch judge - or fill in - as required.
The new field was incredible, considering what playing Randall's used
to mean. The artificial turf was a pleasure to scrum on, and Morris was
honored to play the first game, ever, on the virgin pitch. Molded
cleats were required, and, as luck would have it, there were enough
extra to go around to those few who didn't "get the memo" on the
equipment restrictions.
The first half was a scoreless, ruck-fest. Although the rain held off
(resulting in awesome, cool, rugby weather) the ball proved difficult
to hold onto, and the resulting mid-field, melees were of the classic,
ol' boy, slug-fest type. We were evenly matched for the line outs as
well, and it was rarely a clean ball for either side. Needless to say,
Jon Epstein, at scrummie, was certainly kept busy all day. He had
played in Aspen the week before (with his old, Chicago team) and was
certainly up for the challenge this week. Hopefully the two weeks off
until the next game will be enough time for the bruising to heal.
The Lion's managed to penetrate Morris, late in the second half, with a
break out from Martin's favorite Frenchman, Terri. Morris quickly
recovered and roared right back, although time ran out before they
could answer with a try of their own.
The third half seemed like scrum practice, with at least a dozen being
called. Ted Hynes, at hooker, led his pack admirably - evenly playing
the larger Lion's first eight. Jim Leslie, was moved at loose, for the
fast break out and the second row (Andy and CryMe) compensated for mass
with a superior platform and push. Eventually, the Morris' teamwork,
resulted in an answering try by Doc Blaise in the corner. I didn't know
he could stretch that far, but a great second effort resulted in him
breaking the plane and downing the ball just over the line.
Both sides played fiercely in the remaining minutes, with Morris
eventually getting advantage and going for points with a long, sideways
penalty, that was just wide. The missed kick, seemed to bring the
intensity up a notch in the final minutes, with both sides pounding
each other to a standstill, until time was finally called.
Hats off to all of Morris for giving such a full game against three,
basically fresh sides in each half. Gamer, Jack, Mitch, Jon, Doc
Blaise, Young Blaise, and Tom more then held their own in the backfield
while Toma, Ted, Jim, Andy, Mike, Chappy, Woody and Gamer played hard
against the opposing pack. Playing together, they did Morris proud
against the Lion's fresher legs and size. Rather then "Kissing your
Sister", I would have to say that tying the Lions, under these
conditions, was more like "frenching your second cousin" (no pun
intended, Terri).
The afterwards, the Friends and Family party was a blast. The Lions, as
always, are great hosts and special thanks to Andy Gonzalez and the
rest of the team for being so gracious. Also, who would of thought that
Montclair's president for life, Ralph, would step up to play. It was
great to share a pitch with him - and the other Montclair legends.
Looking forward to the next one in two weeks.
Morris
Masters
@ Ruckin' Regatta Sat Sept 13th 2008
Another
successful regatta was completed this Saturday with over $1200 raised
for phone calls from out overseas troops.
The Gents, Greys, Lions and Morris battled it out against each other in
the humidity and heat that has made New Jersey corn (and tomatoes)
famous throughout the world. Its sure to be a bumper crop this year...
In the spirit of Ol' Boys rugby, no tourney champion was awarded, but
we all kept track of the status in our heads. If you didn't come to
play, you'll never know the results.
Morris did well, with almost as many players as Connecticut showing up.
We had twenty eight, they had thirty. God bless them, they travel well.
Morris pulled the Gents for the first game, both teams fighting
fiercely and ending in a scoreless tie. Oh come on - admit it - kissing
your sister ain't bad at your age.
As tourney hosts, we were obligated to charge back into the second
game, after a few minutes downtime. The Lions were more then ready to
meet us, and they played hard with some intense rucking, mauling and
forward play. Eventually, Morris made a mistake resulting in an
overload and an unanswered try by Andy Garcia. Unable to break their
back line (which was actually comprised of real backs) free, Morris
ended the game 0-7 against the Village Lions.
We play them away in two weeks - so the time for revenge is nigh.
Morris was finally able to score, in their third game against the
Greys. Revenge was tasty as we were able to score 3 unanswered against
the Grey. After last weeks loss... well at least we could
hold our heads up.
The first try was by Chappie (which had to be sweet, considering last
weeks "assist") on an overload under the posts, early in the first
half. Craig learned his lesson, did not pass, and was able to punch it
in from the break down.
The second try was all forwards at the ready line. Cal set the maul,
which was driven over the line and Morris emerged from the resulting
gang war with the ball down and several bloody hands upon it.
Officially it might have gone to either Jeff or Alex (Lil wasn't sure
when we spoke and didn't have her pad), but it really belonged to all
of the pack. It was fierce and fun and Connecticut is just as
experienced and evil as Morris when it comes to forward play. TOO BAD
ANDY WAS AT A WEDDING!!! <hehe - evil laugh>.
The final try was a long break away sprint, with Alex having the
honors. Hats off to the entire backline though, for excellent passing,
cutting and sprinting from inside our 22 all the way down to the bad
guys corner. The assist go to all of you.
And so ended a great Rugby Day. Vintage beer was enjoyed by all, and
then we went to Hoovers... Which for nostalgic purposes seemed fitting.
Hard to believe cornfield practices and the resulting Hoover drinkups
were 20 years ago. The place really hasn't changed - but you sure have.
Thanks to Lil And MyMy for their excellent refereeing. We did play the
new rules. We are old and hate change, so of course we hate the new
rules... Except being able to break the ball carrier down in a maul. We
always did that anyway, but now you don't have to be sneaky about it.
The Lions are in two weeks. We owe them a big loss. They are at their
new pitch. Bring your "molded" spikes, or buy a pair of soccer cleats.
I'll send out the muster later.
Morris Masters
@ CT Greys Sat Sept
6th 2008
A valiant effort by a weakened Morris side, held the Greys scoreless
for the first two of four 20 minute quarters. Unfortunately, weariness
took its toll and the Greys broke through with three successive trys in
the third, of which Morris could only answer with two of its own once
they recovered their breath.
The eighty minutes of rugby was required as Connecticut had a 40 strong
showing for its opener. Morris was only able to take the field with 12
of its own, thanks mostly to Cal's son and
protégé, Cal - the younger.
Somehow we were able to convince the Greys that the boy, although only
17 or there abouts, was a very mature 17 and therefore qualified to
satisfy the 35 and older rule...
Needless to say the youth did his father proud, and was recognized
afterwards by Connecticut for his style of play and good sportsmanship.
His father, being a good Irishman and parent, accepted the his son's
shot in good faith.
In all honesty, we have rarely seen Cal so excited as when his boy got
a brilliant breakaway early in the game. "RUN BOY RUN!!!" was heard
several counties over. The next time you see Cal, be sure to shout the
same to him in greeting. We have found that using a Forest Gump type
southern accent pleases the old man best.
It was hot and muggy and reminiscent of New Orleans. Those of you who
stayed home are jerks. We hate you.
There were numerous other plays and highpoints, that I will not tell
you about, because you are unworthy. If you want to know more, I guess
your best bet would be to ask Chappie about his assist. Andy says its
the third time he's seen Craig pass in 13 years...
The van ride was interesting, especially the drive home (which is when
the downpour really started). I'm not going to tell you about
that either, except to say Craig was very unhappy that he bought me a
Redbull and Krispy Kream doughnut to keep me "focused" during the drive
back.
If the regatta is hot and muggy - all of you that didn't make the CT
run - get to play during the hottest part of the day (with no water).
Looking forward to abusing you
Go to
http://www.morrisrugby.org for the main Morris Rugby site
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