Ramblers Suffer Tough Loss to Unbeaten Tulsa

A 27 – 12 loss to a beatable Tulsa Rugby Club leaves the Ramblers at 1 – 2 in league play.  The Ramblers came out strong in the first half, dominating possession and territory for the 1st 20 minutes.  They were 1st on the board after good ball movement and a nifty pass by Pat “Nasty” Conaty put wing, Tommy Flynn, in for an unconverted try.  Unfortunately,  poor set pieces by the forwards allowed Tulsa to get the Ramblers on the back foot and they were able to answer back with two tries of their own before half time, bringing the score at the break to 12 – 5 Tulsa.

The Ramblers looked ready to attack in the 2nd half and the forwards stepped up to a big Tulsa pack to improve in the scrum.  From a more stable platform the Ramblers backs were able to punch in a try from Chad McDermott.  However, with the wind to their back, Tulsa looked to the boot and kept pinning the Ramblers deep in their own half.  The Ramblers’ deep three did their best to counter but with too much pressure and not enough support Tulsa came away with another try and two penalties to round out the scoring.

Man of the Match, Justin Vogt, led the Ramblers around the pitch, doing everything in his power to keep the Ramblers in the game.  Solid performances were put in by scrumhalf, Joe Rothermich, who repeatedly put his body on the line to protect the ball and center, Nick Moyneur, who broke the gain line every time the ball found its way into his hands. 

A special thanks to the commitment of Adam Schmitt and newcomers Jerin Van Wyk and Alex Vogt for making the trip.  Their example needs to be followed by the rest of the squad if the Ramblers are to even up their league record against the KU Jayhawks at Creve Couer Park next weekend.

Tries: Tommy Flynn (1), Chad 'Mac' McDermott (1)

Conversions: Justin Vogt (1)