Game Reports

October 31, 2004 - Inter-squad Game - Yellows 20 v Blues 19
     After two days of rugby practice, the first inter-squad game was a spectacle.
With a final score line of 20-19, it was a joy to see a competitive contest and
witness players pick up the game so easily after only a few practices. The
Blues could have won the game in the 79th minute if the penalty attempt had
been successful. There was a huge amount of positives to take from the
game. For half the players it was their first ever game of rugby. Many of the
players learned many of the laws, the tackling was courageous, there were
good tries scored and there were no serious injuries.
*MVP’s – Adrian Kearns and Joe Fulford.

The Referee Report (www.pelicanrefs.com)
Keelhaulers Scrimmage: Blue and Gold 20 – Blue 19
Referee: Joe Leisek
     Walking to the Cal Maritime rugby pitch on a mild, clear day was a great feeling.
Seeing the tall posts, green grass, and players doing drills in blue and blue-
and-gold jerseys was a welcome sight. The rugby season approaches!
     The scrimmage concluded a two day camp, which included an introduction to
rugby, presentations, videos, drills, fitness testing, and the first inter-squad
game of the season. According to coach Edward Roberts, about half the squad
had never played rugby before.
     Edward had organized the scrimmage in three parts: a first half with lots of
coaching and explanation of calls by the referee (with Edward on the field), a 20-
minute period of a little less coaching, and a final 20-minute period of "game-
on." The lads responded well. The biggest challenge early on was scrums, but
as the half wore on they caught on well. Ball retention was also an issue early
in the half, but things tightened up in that department as well.
     Ultimately, the squads put on an entertaining match, with the Blues scoring first
and taking a lead into the half. However, the Golds came back and eventually
won by one point on a penalty kick with about four minutes remaining. The
Blues missed a final penalty kick attempt to fall just short.
     A wonderful day on a fantastic pitch. I enjoyed working with the players and
answering their questions.