The St. Paul Jazz Pigs took to the field for the first match of the 2013 Division 2 Fall Season against their crosstown rivals, the Eastside Banshees. Looking to get a big win to start the season, the Pigs played with a level on intensity and cool-headedness that clearly caught their opponents off guard. Heading in to the second half the Pigs were leading 21-19 after a brilliant interception and score by Grant “Bean-Dip” Bassamore. However, the Banshees quickly struck back with two quick trys putting them up 29-21. The Pigs gathered themselves to mount another successful scoring drive to come within one point. For the remainder of the nail-biting match the Pigs flirted with victory; striking deep into Banshee territory, but losing the ball to turnovers and penalties. In the end, the Banshees remained on top with a final score of 29-28.

Man of the match: Stephan “Animal” GrandPre
Big Hitter: Travis “Douche” Spencer

The St. Paul Bombers (D4 side) also took to the field for a couple games in the annual Jesse James Tournament. A good blend of young raw talent and seasoned old boys combined for some exciting rugby. While the Bombers did not win either match, it was still encouraging to see the enthusiasm with which the participants played, and it definitely showed the beginnings of what could be a very promising season.

Man of the matches: Grant “HGSM” Dietrich
Big Hitter: Darryl Sanders

Pigs came out victorious in both games, Saturday 5/11. Match Report

It was a blustery Saturday as the Pigs took the field against the Sioux Falls Crow, looking to score a victory after losing in Sioux Falls approximately one year ago. The harsh gusts played havoc with the kicking game and long passes for both sides, but if there is one area this Pigs team is improving in (however slowly) it is the ability to react, adapt, and overcome. The Pigs grabbed a lead in the first half, and despite a bit of back of forth scoring continued to maintain that lead into the second half where they really let loose and effectively demoralized the opposition. The big boys in the pack were merciless as they continued to pound hard in the scrums and rucks. The back line, lead by none other than the former Sioux Falls player Grant “Bean Dip” Bassamore, capitalized on the opportunities created by their stalwart teammates to move the ball deep into the opponent’s territory to set up more scoring drives. There was great rugby displayed by all the Pigs on the field that truly exhibited the ability to maintain an emotional calm while playing a high level of aggressive rugby. Final score: 33-17, Pigs.
Man of the Match: Grant Bassamore
Big Hitter: Andy Valek

Shortly after the first game, the Pigs took the field again with only a few substitutions against the young North Metro Wolves. This young team proved to have a bit of fire in them, as they came out with hard hits and aggressive running. However, the Pigs pulled themselves together and beat them at their own game while maintaining discipline across the field. Final score: 24-5, Pigs.

The Pigs played 2 matches against Metropolis at Columbia Park, with the D2 side kicking off at noon and D3 immediately following. The Pigs were hungry for a win against their cross-town rivals, but a few early errors proved to be their undoing. Metropolis gained an early lead in the first half, and from there it was all the Pigs could do to catch up. Things turned around in the second half though, as the Pigs refused to lay down. They were merciless in their offensive attacks, but despite their stalwart defense Metropolis still managed to maintain a lead throughout the match. The Pigs’ surge was just too little too late, and time expired with them still trailing. However, there was still another game to be played and the Pigs took the momentum they had been building from the first match and rolled it right on into the next. The second match was just as hard-fought as the first, with great rugby played by all from newcomers to old boys, and ended in a tie. All in all it was another great day of rugby.

It was a beautiful day for rugby when your Saint Paul Pigs traveled down to Cedar Rapids, Iowa to take on the Headhunters in a relegation match to determine who would stay in Division II. Both teams played with an intensity that clearly showed just how much was on the line. By the end of the match, it was obvious that both clubs deserved to stay in DII, however, there could be only one victor.

The Pigs got off to a good start when Scott Colby made a little scamper down the sideline, evading several defenders, to set up a try for Jesse “Vick” Engen. Joe “Rubber” Lang converted to put the Pigs up 7-0. Unfortunately, that was the only time the Pigs would see the try-zone, however, they were buoyed by the always excellent kicking of Zach “Padre” Boardman who managed to drill in two phenomenal penalty kicks. It was a real nail-biter though, as the Headhunters scored their second try with 5 minutes left in the match, putting them within 1 point. However, they failed to convert, and the Pigs put on a last surge of intense rugby to hold on to the lead until time expired. Final score, 13-12.

Man of the Match – Bryan “Buttons” Buxton
Big Hitter – Jesse “Vick” Engen

The Pigs won a very hard fought game 13-12 over the Cedar Rapids Headhunters to remain in Division II. Match report