Cold Weather Doesn't Slow Down Camelback
The wind was blowing hard and some of the more effeminate players were wearing panty hose at kickoff this past Saturday. The team didn't even want to warm up due to the cold weather in Flagstaff, AZ. However, despite their reluctance to warm up, Camelback definitely came to play rugby! Jumping to an early lead Camelback never looked back.
Several knock-ons due to the cold weather had several fans worried, but the team was not to be denied today. Steven Garcia coolly distributed the ball to the hard charging runners and to the dynamic backline throughout the game, playing one of his better games to date. Having runners like Sean Johnson, Will Swartz and Laddy attacking the gain line with ferocity opened up room for the back . In fact, speaking of Will Swartz, I have never seen a man wearing panty hose run over opposing defenders with such intensity. Axle and Jason Hutzler played the first half running all over the place and rucking with authority, to be replaced at half by Will and Zack, adding at least 300 pounds to the scrum...not exactly what the Landsharks were hoping for.
In the backline, Zachary Tait surprised everyone by finishing his second game in a row unscathed. Playing against his alma mater team sure fired up this former Landshark as he scored what was probably the longest try of the game. The back three, consisting of Matt Hegstrom, Dusty Brockett, and Brett Aka, played solid as well, coming up with several crucial tackles and big runs. The final score on the day was 41-3.
The second XV's match seemed almost like a continuation of the first. Big Dave Perez came barrelling through the gain line several times. New player, Jesse, was all over the field like a bad rash, constantly making tackles and running through defenders. Lucas and Jason were definite speed threats on the wing, but true raw speed was demonstrated by the bolt of lightning playing fullback in the second half. So awesome was his speed, that Buku, the first XV fullback was seen wandering the streets of Flagstaff later that night looking like a lost puppy muttering to himself "I'll never be that fast...what am I going to do!" When the dust finally settled at the end of the match, Camelback took the victory with a score of 28-7...way to go Camelback!!!
Coach Sione came into the game late in the second half wearing street clothes. Spectators assumed that when you reached a certain age and experience level uniforms were optional. However...given the choice between wearing 501's or panty hose, this reporter would have dressed like the coach.
This weekend coming up, Camelback will get another crack at the Gilbert Warriors. The team really needs your support and we look forward to seeing you at the pitch. Afterwards, we'll be knocking back the Steinlagers with you at our second home, the 16th Street Sports Bar, and hopefully slapping each other on the back talking about the big win...see you at the pitch!!!
Match report by Tony Schollaert
Camelback is always looking for aspiring match report writers. Email here if interested.
Remember to
Support Camelback
Sponsors!!!
For Transportation
Arrangements Contact
Doug @ Highland Transportation