Lion Kings – Sept. 13, 2008 : Rucking Regatta Tourney – NJ

The Lion Kings traveled down to Denville, home to the annual Ruckin’ Regatta tourney for area Old Boy teams, hosted by the Morris Masters. It was the Kings first game of the Fall season, and a good day for rugby with blue skies and a nice soft grass pitch, and of course… the highest posts in North America.

The Kings were happy to welcome back a couple of old timers… Vinnie “2 Boots” Sama and Tim “Spartacus” Travaglini, who journeyed from PA to make the game. Despite his new GPS, Tim still managed to get lost, bringing the current score to… Denville Pitch 2, Spartacus 0. Also back was Pat “New Dad” O’Keefe who generously came down for the game even with a new born in the house!

Captained by Thierry “Just Let Me Put This Cigarette Out” Langlais, the Kings opened up the tourney against the Ct. Grays. We looked strong early, on with the pack dominating up front and the backs stringing together some nice penetrating runs. The Lions new look backline worked well, with Ken “We Don’t need No Stinkin’ Labrum” Murphy starting at scrumhalf, and Mike “Spare Rib” Berger filling in at inside. With 10 minute halves there was not much time to make an impact, and the Lions kept the pressure on. Five minutes in, the strong rucking and mauling from the pack and some nice pick and gos from the forwards set the platform for the backs from within the Grey’s 22. The ball moved down the line ending up in the hands of Eric “Crimefighter” Anahory who dotted it down as usual, in the corner. Goose’s conversion fell just short and we started up again.

The second half saw the much of the rust expected from the first game of the season, with dropped balls and errant passes from both sides. The Lions however, failed to capitalize on a number of scoring opportunities in this half, and after some “eyebrow raising” calls from the ref, a lucky bounce from a Lions kick ended up in the Grey’s hands and they touched down for the equalizer at the 10th minute. Unfortunately they were able to convert their try right before the final whistle, leaving the Lions with a unlucky loss and a sour taste. Andy “Cover the Children’s Ears” Gonzalez had some strong graphic suggestions comments for the ref, post match, and was dissuaded from offering said comments directly to her.
Lion Kings 5, Ct. Grays 7

The second game saw the Kings matched against the hosts, Morris Masters. A slightly different line up saw the addition of new recruit “Boston” Ed McCarthy, who helped out at lock (welcome Ed!), and saw the debut of Billy “Whole Foods Sells Beer Now” McGoldrick at center. Billy’s hard core tackling and ranging about the pitch prompted one female sideline spectator to comment that “…that guy in the ponytail seems quite fit”. (We’re still debating whether this reflects well on Billy, or poorly on the rest of us!)

The Lions forwards dominated the play, and the team spent most of the time in the Morris half of the field. Sloppy ball handling continued to make an appearance, less so than in the first game as the Lions worked the kinks out. There were a few close calls with the Lions knocking on the door, but eventually the pressure prevailed… within their 22, Langlais cut inside and dished off to Gonzalez who broke a couple of tackles and powered through to put it down. Goose easily slotted the conversion and the Lions went up by 7 to 0. We looked likely to score again at the last minute when a nice series of pop passes from the forwards saw Paulie “I’m Through!” Marotta burst through the line, draw the last man in, and pass off to McGoldrick storming up in support. Unfortunately the pass dropped short and the final whistle blew before the Kings could restart the attack.
Lion Kings 7, Morris Masters 0

The Lion Kings ended the day by partaking of Billy’s Whole Foods beer and passing wisecracks constructive criticism from the sidelines at the remaining game between the Gents of NY and the Grays.

All in all a good start for the season for the Kings, and no injuries, (exceptin’ of course the Lion on Lion injuries!)

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