Queen City vs Red Rocks Scrimmage - Match Report

Queen City vs Red Rocks Scrimmage 2/14/15 – Match Report

It was a gorgeous Valentine Day. The sun was shining and the temperature was just right for a game of rugby. The boys were ready to go after spending the last few months in the gym. Many thanks to Coach Andy for putting the winter program together and congratulations on the birth of his baby. The field was a bit small; but, was firm and ready for a running game of footie. A small practice was held prior to playing in an attempt to get the boys ready to play after a long break. The question on the day would be; would City be able to knock off the winter rust and cobwebs to play good rugby after not having a practice since last fall.

The decision was to play four twenty minute quarters as both sides had plenty of people to play. City received the kick-off and much to the coaches chagrin just like last year saw the boys in Orange and Black (playing in their White kit) mishandled the kick and turned the ball over. Stiff defense thwarted the attempts by Red Rocks at our line. Red Rocks were willing and able as they came out firing. Red Rocks was a much improved side from the last time we played. A miscue by the men in Red gave City the opportunity to probe into Red Rocks territory. Once again a turnover gave the ball back to Red Rocks who placed a clearing kick up; but, did not find touch. Winger Ryan Clemons fielded the kick and worked his magic as he threaded his way to pay dirt to dot down for a five pointer. Flyhalf Scott Trench made the conversion to give City a 7-0 lead. A much better job of securing possession on the pursuing kick-off as the men in White went back on the attack. Once again Winger Ryan Clemons found space on the outside to go over for another 5-pointer and Flyhalf Trench converted as the quarter whistle sounded for a 14-0 lead after twenty minutes. The second stanza again saw City go on the attack. Good possession and recycling of the ball saw Captain Dan Herr from a weak side pod breaking a couple of tackles to barrel over for a try. Flyhalf Trench once again converted the tough angle for another two points and a Queen City 21-0 lead. However, the next several minutes saw City making some fundamental mistakes and giving opportunities to the men in Red. Two consecutive penalties saw Red Rocks convert into points to cut the City lead to 21-6. Some hard running by the backs and good recycle ball by the forwards brought the men in White back deep into Red Rocks territory. No. 8 Loren Baker (welcome back Loren) broke through Red Rocks defense to dot down under the post for the fourth try on the day. Flyhalf Trench converted to extend the City lead to 28-6. The men in Orange and Black once again using hard probing runs by the backs saw Flyhalf Trench finally break free to go over for the fifth try of the half for which he converted as Referee Erik Geib blew for halftime. Half time score stood at 35-6 to Queen City.

The second half started as the young Red Rocks players were forced into errors by City’s pressure. The boys in White kept up the pressure, running hard in the forwards for which Hooker Cody Roberts powered his way over to open the second half scoring. Scrumhalf Charlie Keener missed on the conversion kick to place the score at 40-6 just minutes into the second half. Some nifty running by the backs saw a looping Flyhalf Alex Knorr break free to dot down under the post. Scrumhalf Charlie Keener split the uprights to extend the City lead to 47-6. Some over jealous play by City gave Red Rocks the opportunity to put more points on the board for which they did as they converted the penalty kick to cut into the City lead 47-9. Some more hard running by the City backs saw Inside Center Scott Dishner power through the line to dot down under the post for which Scrumhalf Keener converted to extend the City lead to 54-9. The pursuing kick-off was one of the few genuine mistakes made by the men in Orange and Black on the day. An errant pass instead of consolidating after receiving the kick gave Red Rocks a 5m scrum. The Red Rocks forwards heeled the ball and the Red Rocks flyhalf powered his way over for the try. Red Rocks made the conversion to make the score 54-16. Shortly after Referee Geib blew the end of the third stanza. The fourth period immediately saw City go on the attack; however, the set pieces were not going well for the men in White in this period. Good defense and opportunistic open play were the order for the fourth quarter. Taking advantage of mistakes by the young Red Rocks players saw tries being scored by Flyhalf Ryan Clemons (moving in from wing), Prop Matt Williams (powering his way over on a penalty play), and Gabe Buzinski playing Outside Center after moving from Flanker. Flyhalf Clemons converted on two of the tries to make the final score 73-16.

Three cheers to a much improved and young Red Rocks side as they never gave up and playing hard to the end. Overall, not a bad effort by Queen City on the day considering that we have not had any practices. Balance scoring (6 tries by the backs and 5 tries by the forwards) by the side was encouraging. There periods of very good play and there were certain areas that need work. Timing and continuity will come from practices and playing together.

Training starts in earnest on Tuesday 2/17/15 as we get ready to play our league season.