Sept 12-13: Pumpkinfest
Posted on Sunday September 20th, 2009 @ 08:05:36 am

Lions go Undefeated at Pumpkinfest

Despite the odd pool-seeding-advancement scenario implemented by the host club the Lady Lions did not let it damper their spirits, traveling to the Pumpkinfest Tournament in Philadelphia and posting a perfect 3 – 0 record. Although the team did not “officially” place in the top four they certainly showed that they could hold their own with any of the teams.

Game 1: Lions v. Brandywine (12-3)
Saturday’s weather led to a bit of a “slogfest” in the opening game againest Brandywine. The mud slowed everyone down and resulted in a more even playing level with the less fleet-footed opposition. The Lions soon adjusted and kept to the game play by winning quality ball for the back line and punching up to gain the hard yards.

The sloppy conditions made for slippery fields and the backs found difficulty keeping their footing in the tackle; resulting in an unusually high number of turnovers. On these occasions the forwards stepped up to the task at hand and stuffed the opposition’s attempts to attack around the breakdown.

Noted on-field captain Becca Asser, “[there was] a solid performance by the forwards on Saturday, with notable absences, the team stepped into new positions and didn’t miss a beat. It was clear that our hard work all week paid off with some much improved post defense and mauling.”

This solid forward’s performance eventually paid dividends for the backs, resulting in two well-earned tries and the win.

Scorers: Rough T, D’Acres T, Warren C

Game 2: Lions v. Philly II (37-7)
The fields had dried out somewhat by the afternoon, and the Lions backs used the slightly-improved conditions to run in several tries on a dedicated but somewhat sluggish Philly B-side. By this point the early morning jitters had passed, and the team was firing on all cylinders. As pack-leader Kim Salem noted, “our scrums felt great and we dominated most of them, with a number of great steals by Mere. Rucking and mauling improved over the course of the weekend, and when we focused on communication and keeping possession, we were unstoppable.”

Even though the field was somewhat reminiscent of the La Brea tarpits, Silent Force for the weekend, Rosie Rough, managed to pick a line through the defense and run in 3 tries. She was her usual dominant force and dotted down the majority of tries scored on the weekend.

WOW (woman of the weekend) was new edition to the Lions Tricia Stanley. This break-out at breakaway was all over the field making tackle after tackle, throwing her body into breakdowns, and sliding through tackles to pass the gain line time and again.

The Lions commitment to ball possession, solid scrummaging and cool-headed play allowed them to dominate a much larger side and come away with 2 wins for Saturday.

Scorers: Rough 3T, Colemen T, Landry T, Goodman T

At this point the advancement-out-of-pool play standards for Pumpkinfest were painstakingly deciphered, and it was discovered that since the Lions had a slightly less favorable points differential than Raleigh, they would not be advancing to the semi-finals, but would receive a consolation match on Sunday.

The Lions retired to Ros “the #1 hostess’s” house for showers and and evening of quality time and playing with Evan’s toys. Shopping and cooking were a team effort, but special thanks to Ros (again) for her hospitality, and to Becca Asser, for organizing delicious dinner for 15-20 hungry ladies.

The slumber party turned out to be great preparation for Sunday’s game, a consolation game (seeded based on Saturday’s performance) against Buffalo.

Game 3: Lions v. Buffalo (12-0)
The Lions had a very congenial, cohesive consolation match against Buffalo on Sunday morning. As Becca remarked, “the backs triumphed with some great runs through some soggy conditions, hitting the line at pace (through the mud) and putting a scare into an experienced Buffalo side.”

Some lady Lions, disappointed with the lack of hardware after a great overall performance, took it upon themselves to take one of the pumpkins decorating the grounds and make a trophy of their own. (Pictured below, along with some of the team after lunch at Ros’ Sunday afternoon.)

Coach Mary’s commentary on the weekend, “I am happy to see the girls gel on the field without several key veterans. Sari and Kim played especially well and Kim handled the task of forward captain with poise and determination. I think I was more upset than anyone with the way the seeding turned out. I would have liked the opportunity to play Raleigh (and avenge a three year old loss) in order to advance to the semifinals. The girls on the other hand took the situation in stride and concentrated on what they had to do on the field. The end result speaks for itself.”

Scorers: Ryan T, Houser T, Warren C