September 6, 2003
The match on Saturday, September 6th featured the Pigs facing the Fairbault Boksprings on their home soil for the first league match of the season. The first 20 minutes remained scoreless as both teams struggled to capitalize on numerous opportunities to score. Faced with an opportunity to draw first blood, Fairbo missed a centered penalty kick from the 22m. line. The scoring drought was broken when Matt Sonnek punched in for the try off a penalty play that was set up by an Earnest Wayde breakaway from midfield. Billy Bridgeman began his nearly flawless kicking performance with the conversion. The Pigs’ second try of the half came from Ike Muringai after close support of some magnificent work by the backline. Again, Bridgeman converted. The first half ended with a 14-0 advantage to the Pigs.
The second half proved to be more of the same as St Paul finally found their groove and began to systematically break holes in Bokspring defense. An early penalty kick by Billy Bridgeman added 3 more to the tally, while tries by Earnest Wayde (2 trys), Getiria Onsongo, and Grant Deitrich made for a very convincing victory and a great start to the season. Though plagued by injuries, the Pigs managed to capitalize on team play, fitness, ball handling, superiority in the lineouts, and Bill Bridgeman’s Golden Foot to come out with a win.
Lineup:
1.Chris Griffith (Troy Midboe) 2.Matt Sonnek 3.Luke Utting 4.Mark Lynch 5.Ike Muringai 6.Mike Lundberg 7.Jay Sandeen (Jeff Zweber) 8.Mike Hankee (captain) 9.Jason Rombalski 10.Bill Bridgeman 11.Earnest Wayde (David Johnson) 12.Getiria Onsongo 13.Scott Colby 14.Steve King 15.Grant Deitrich
Scoring:
Tries: Sonic, Muringai, Wayde (2), Onsongo, Deitrich
Conversions: Bridgeman (5/6)
Penalties: Bridgeman (1/1)