Match Report

Ramblers Primus vs. Springfield Celts
October 17th, 2009

Ramblers vs. Celtics (Springfield, MO)

Primus blank feisty Celts with 11 Tries, Secundus narrow loss to disciplined Marauders

The Rambler’s Primus team faced off against the newly reformed DIII Springfield Celts this weekend.  With perfect weather conditions, put a sloppy Forest park, the Ramblers were still able to freely move the ball around and saw a mix of forwards and backs crossing the white line a total of eleven times.   With the forwards feeling rather left out in the backs tryfest the previous weekend, second row Chris Wiggins fought off the urge to pass the ball to the backs 10 meters out and ambled over for the first converted try off the day after 8 minutes. Four minutes later strong forwards play allowed the backs quick hands for center Adam Schmitt to set up wing Tommy Flynn for his first try of the day (Unconverted, 12-0). Chris Wiggins was back in the action seven minutes later (not that it took him that long to recover from his try), and off loaded from the tackle to charging/trundling prop “Milky” Iffrig.  Or as he describes it “Wiggins got caught up in a tackle about 10 meters out and managed a well timed off load to me.  I aimed my body at the smallest guy on the field and tripped over him for an easy try left of the sticks. Conversion missed (17-0).
Front row cohort Doug Reckamp (Hooker) scored the forwards third try of the half with some customary support play and poaching. Half time score 22-0.

Although the Ramblers appeared to be scoring freely during the first half, there was an issue with indiscipline, with players forgoing our customary game plan for simple chances to run at the Celts.  Unfortunately the Celts continued to tackle hard and disrupted some of our undercomitted rucks. 
The second half began with several changes allowing some rookies the chance to shine. Flanker Pat “Nasty” Conaty opened the scoring after one minute, about a minute after complaining he hadn’t scored this season, with an inspired 15 meter run from a ruck. (29-0). With the Rambler’s showing more discipline at the break down, the backs were getting more clean, fast ball to work with, and although some chances went begging, wing Alex Vogt and center Brian McDowell ran in tries on the 44th and 47th minutes. (41-0). Strong support play from hooker Doug Reckamp saw him get his second of the day, to which he commented “Just overpowering my opponents with great running and attacking mentality.  Coach Eduardo removed me from match before notching hat trick.” Good running and distribution from center Adam Schmitt and second row Colin Heath saw a penalty awarded 5 meters out that Colin Heath quick tapped and charged over. (51-0).  In the final 15 minutes of the game Ben McDowell scored his second of the day and sent Tommy Flynn over for his second try. Final score 65-0.

A good game of rugby with Springfield showing a lot of heart and some big hits, the Ramblers were just too well drilled and disciplined. Strong running and support was the key of the day, with Chris Hrdina awarded Man of the Match for being inspirational in this area.
Primus:
Hrdina, Reckamp, Iffrig, Wiggins, Keeven, Conaty, Haley, Heath (c), Ruggeri, J. Vogt, Flynn, Schmitt, McDowell, A. Vogt, Ahmad. Subs: Livingston for Wiggins, O'Donnell for Reckamp, Kilmartin for Conaty, Gnade for Ruggeri, McAllister for A. Vogt