Sunny and 70, you couldn’t ask for a much nicer day for rugby.
Right as the clock struck 11:00, the whistle sounded, the ball dropped, and the game was on. The first half was very evenly matched. Tit for tat, try for try, kick for kick. Points for one side were quickly answered by equal points for the other.
Occasionally the second half starts off with one side or the other coming out more refreshed and more focused, seizing on opportunity to capitalize right from the kick off. That did not happen on this day. Both sides remained grid locked, mirroring any change on the scoreboard. As the clock ticked into the 70th minute, the Pigs had the upper hand. Ahead by a try, victory was near. Although as fate would have it, right as the clock rolled into the 80th minute, and staying true to the theme of this match, Palmer responded to the Pigs previous try to tie the game; sealing the win with a conversion kick.
The whistle blew for the final time: Jazz Pigs 36 – 38 Palmer Rugby
Keeping their heads high, the day was not over! Shortly thereafter the St Paul Bombers would take the field. Sharing the sour taste of their brothers recent defeat, the bombers came out hot and never took their foot off the pedal. With a 22 – 0 lead at half time, the Bombers carried this ferocity all to way to the end.
The final score: St Paul 46 – 7 River City
Thanks again to Palmer, River City, and all of the fans that made today a successful rugby day!
Next weekend the Bombers enjoy a bye week while the Jazz Pigs will be headed down to Des Monies, Iowa.
Stay tuned!