Saturday, November 5th the Pigs entered the playoffs for the 7th consecutive year, the longest streak amongst all Minnesota Men’s Clubs. To open the playoffs they would be taking on the Green Bay Celtics for the 4th time over the past six seasons. The Celtics have had the Pigs number in beating them on the previous three meetings, however this year the Pigs felt their hard work throughout the Summer and Fall would push them ahead.
The game time temperature was an unseasonably 56 degrees, with a very strong wind heading from goal post to goal post. This wind would be an obvious factor in the game. The fans were out in droves to see this powerhouse matchup. Green Bay won the toss the elected to take the wind in the second half with the Pigs taking the kickoff in the first half.
The Pigs opened with a magnificant kickoff from Padre that Pigs jumped up and took away from Green Bay at the start. This help dictate the begining of the match. At the 15th minute, the ball found Rubber’s hands, taking a hit he off loaded to Goose, who in turn found Zeth storming down the sideline and into the try zone for the first score. The wind making kicking difficult, didn’t allow Padre to make the conversion. Score 5-0.
At the 18th minute, the Pigs had a penalty at the 35 meter line. With the strong wind Padre felt as though this was a kick he could make, however the ball sailed slightly to the left post. Score remained 5-0. At the 25th minute of play, the Celtics found the corner of the try zone, missing the conversion brough the score to 5-5.
The Pigs continued to push against the Green Bay defense. The had pushed Green Bay deep into their own end. Green Bay was awarded a 5 meter scrum, not much of an award when you have Bauer breathing down your neck. Bauer burst through the scrum and stole the ball scoring under the posts, with the conversion we came to half time with a 12-5 Pigs lead.
The wind would become a huge issue in the second half. It was blowing at a steady 20 mph, which would push the Celtics deep into the Pigs end to start the second half. Solid defense keep the Celtics out of the try zone and a misake by Green Bay gave the Pigs the ball back. Little by little the Pigs would slowly begin pushing the ball out of their end. After driving 60 meters, Green Bay would utilize the wind and boom the ball back deep inside the Pigs 22. Some nifty runs by the Pigs back line continued to relieve the pressure, however the wind allowed Green Bay to push the ball again back inside the Pigs 22.
The Pigs dominated the second half of play both offensively and defensively, but the score remained the same at the final whistle, 12-5.
A great team win for the Pigs… and some needed rest for a team until playoffs resume in April
Scoring:
Tries: Seth Spreadbury, Zac Bauer
Conversions: Padre (1 for 2)
Penalties: Padre (1 for 3)
Big Hitter: Aaron Johnson
Man of the Match: Dietrich Peterson