April 29, 2006
First Half
The Pigs traveled to Iowa to take on Des Moines Saturday on a soaked pitch, a notable wind, and steady drizzle. Kicking off into the wind, St. Paul is able to earn a early possession after a Des Moines turnover. With strong pack play and use of the centers, the Pigs are able to drive and phase deep into their opponent’s territory. Unfortunately the drive is stopped inside the 22. Despite several changes of possession, the pigs hold the side from Iowa’s capital city to their own half of the field for much of the opening minutes. With the wind at its back, Des Moines uses a kicking game to gradually gain ground. The Pigs hold tight but Des Moines is able to expose a gap in the defense to score and take a 7-0 lead after the kick. St. Paul continues to drive and phase, but Des Moines takes advantage of the wind to gain ground by kicking. Des Moines adds two more tries to lead 19-0 at the break.
Second Half
After an early Des Moines try, the Pigs finally take advantage of the wind and advance by kicking penalties for touch. Hard play by all results with the Pigs winning a scrum eight meters out. Buttons picks the ball out of the scrum to dash in for St. Paul’s first try of the match. Continuous improvements throughout the game gives life to the team. Zac is able to break though late for a second Pigs’ try. The entire St. Paul side played tough match with heart and determination the whole 80 minutes despite traveling with only 16.
Lineup:
1. Ike Muringai, 2. Danny Kieffer, 3. Troy Midboe, 4. Ryan Backman, 5. Nathan Riedel, 6. Zac Bauer, 7. Tommy Jokinen, 8. Brian Buxton, 9. Ryan Driessen, 10. Jason Rombalski, 11. Billy Bridgeman, 12. Nate Wagner, 13. Andy Sandberg (Jeff Zweber), 14. Eric Anderson, 15. Dennis Edwards
Scoring:
Tries: Buxton, Bauer
Conversions: Bridgeman (1/2)