April 16, 2005

The first game of the Midwest DIII playoffs saw Saint Paul RFC take on Cedar Rapids (Iowa) in a steady rain. The adverse conditions didn’t seem to affect the Pigs, however, as we immediately moved into the Cedar Rapids end off of the opening kickoff. After some continued possession, Jake Hodgson was able to score from a couple meters out, and it was 5-0 to the Pigs just 5 minutes into the match. The pressure continued, and after several Cedar Rapids penalties, one was conceded in a kickable position, which Jason Naber converted to up the lead to 8-0. A few minutes later, following a great interception and run by Ryan Backman, and a series of great rucks by our forward pack, the ball went out to the backs to outside center Jamarr Johnson, who took it in to score under the posts. Naber’s conversion was good, it was 15-0 Pigs less than 20 minutes into the match, and it looked like we were on our way to a runaway victory. The Cedar Rapids defense stiffened significantly though, and despite a tremendous possession advantage throught the rest of the first half, we were unable to put up any more points, and the halftime score stood 15-0.

The second half saw Cedar Rapids take over much more of the possession and push into our half of the field quite a bit. The Pigs defense held strong for a long period inside our own 22, but finally conceded a try in the 60th minute. The conversion was good, and at 15-7 it looked like Cedar Rapids was poised to make a run. Some substitutions and fresh legs helped, though, as we seemed to tire less than they did, and kept better ball for the last 20 minutes to hang on for the victory.

Lineup:
1. Luke Utting (Matt Sonnek) 2. Danny Kieffer 3. Troy Midboe (Rich Cerasini) 4. Jason Naber 5. Ryan Backman 6. Zac Bauer 7. Jake Hodgson (Mike Peloquin) 8. Mike Hankee (Captain) 9. Jason Rombalski 10. Mark Erickson 11. Jason Benson 12. Jesse Struve 13. Jamarr Johnson 14. Gitch Onsongo (Brett Carter) 15. Jeff Zweber

Scoring:
Tries: Hodgson, Johnson
Conversions: Naber (1/2)
Penalties: Naber (1/1)

April 9, 2005

It was a beautiful day for rugby as the Pigs took the field against our old rival, the East Side Banshees. Due to a number of unfortunate injuries, a mixed lineup started this match, our last chance at preparations before next week’s playoff matches. The changes were highlighted by the recall from retirement of Mark “Repo” Erickson, who came on to play fly half during this match.

Having a strong wind behind us in the first half, the Pigs took advantage to place some kicks deep in the Banshee end and pile on the pressure. This led to an early try as Grizzly Malchow burst through after a line out from five meters and touched down a loose ball for the score. Bill Bridgeman’s conversion was good for a 7-0 lead. Keeping up the pressure, we continued to play almost exclusively in the Banshee half, and soon scored a second try off a five meter scrum. The ball came out on the Banshee side, but their players were slow to react and flanker Mike Peloquin dove on the ball for the score. Bridgeman’s kick was again good, 14-0 to the Pigs. This was soon followed by a Bridgeman penalty for a 17-0 lead, and it looked like the Pigs might run away with the match.

The Banshees kept battling, however, and aided by a series of Pigs penalties and some poor tackling, were able to pull back a converted try of their own and cut the lead to 17-7. Shortly before halftime, though, Jake Hodgson picked up a loose ball and rumbled through the Bansheee defense to score from 35 yards out and restore the lead to a 17 point margin – 24-7 at the half.

The second half saw a strong Banshee rally, as they used the wind advantage to take over possession and chip away at the Pigs’ lead. A converted try soon after the half cut the lead to 24-14. The miscues continued to pile up for the Pigs, as dropped balls, missed tackles, and still more unneccesary penalties hurt us and helped the Banshees hold the ball and eventually go on to score two tries (one converted) and take a 26-24 lead with around 10 minutes remaining. In a fine show of resolve, however, the Pigs kept fighting and finally broke through when after a long series of possession just meters from the Banshee line, a quick tap penalty was handed off to late sub Matt Sonnek who used his fresh legs to power through a number of would be tacklers and touch down for the try. After Bridgeman’s conversion, his 5th successful kick in 5 attempts on the day, the Pigs were able to run out the clock and hold on for a hard fought victory.

Lineup:
1. Troy Midboe 2. Danny Kieffer 3. Rich Cerasini 4. Grizzly Malchow 5. Ryan Backman 6. Mike Peloquin 7. Zac Bauer 8. Jake Hodgson 9. Jason Rombalski (Captain) 10. Mark Erickson 11. Jason Benson 12. Jesse Struve 13. Jamarr Johnson 14. Jeff Zweber 15. Bill Bridgeman
(Didn’t catch all the subs. Sorry.)

Scoring:
Tries: Malchow, Peloquin, Hodgson, Sonnek
Conversions: Bridgeman (4/4)
Penalties: Bridgeman (1/1)

October 16, 2004

It was a cold and windy Saturday in Duluth as the Pigs took on Twin Ports. The cold was not that bad, but the wind would in fact play a significant role in this match. Going against the wind in the first half, the Pigs found ourselves back on our heels to start the match, as Twin Ports used an effective kicking game early on to pin us in our own end. Their pressure continued, and when Grant Dietrich was called for holding on to the ball after making a try saving tackle, the TP scrum half was able to take a quick restart and touch it down for the game’s first points. The conversion was missed, 5-0 to Twin Ports. The pressure continued, and 10 minutes later a TP penalty increased the lead to 8-0. At this point, the Pigs began to solidfy the defense, and started making more frequent forays into enemy territory. This possession was capped off by a series of nice driving mauls involving our entire forward pack, the last of which pushed all the way into the try zone, where Mike “Buca” Lundberg touched it down. Jason Naber’s conversion was good, and the score stood 8-7, and soon after the half ended.

The second half was a different story. Having weathered the storm and the TP pressure, the Pigs began to attack straight from the second half kickoff. Using the now much friendlier wind to our advantage, a kick to the corner led to a lineout inside the 22, solidly pulled down by Ryan “Hightower” Backman, the ball was then passed out to Jake Hodgson who crashed around the end of the line and broke through the first line of defense before passing off to Luke Utting, who broke the last tackle and touched down for the try. Naber’s conversion was again good, and it was 14-8 in favor of the Pigs. After taking the lead, we continued to hold solid possession, and 10 minutes or so later, found ourselves with another lineout just outside the 22. Another clean win, and another driving maul, which TP finally stopped after it had gone 15 meters forward – a little over 5 meters from goal. Ponch took the ball from the back of the maul, passed out to Leprechaun, who switched to Buca crashing back inside. Buca was not to be denied, and broke through 3 defenders to cross the line and touch it down for the try. Another Naber conversion, and it was 21-8 for the Pigs.

At this point Twin Ports showed some life and advanced deep into the Pigs’ end on a couple of occassions. Our defense held firm, however, and a single penalty was all they could score, making it 21-11. Finally, on what turned out to be the last play of the game, our pack stole a TP lineout inside their 22, and when a Twin Ports player knocked the ball back into his own goal in an attempt to stop our attack, Grizzly Malchow was the first one there and fell on the ball for the final try and the bonus point victory. The conversion was no good, but it didn’t matter, as the match ended with a 26-11 Pigs victory, and the season ended with a 6-0 record (5-0 in league play), and another league championship for the Pigs.

Lineup:
1. Luke Utting 2. Danny Kieffer 3. Troy Midboe 4. Grizzly Malchow 5. Jason Naber 6. Zac Bauer 7. Ryan Backman 8. Jake Hodgson 9. Jason Rombalski 10. Steve King 11. Brett Carter 12. Mike Lundberg 13. Mike Hankee (Captain) 14. Jeff Zweber 15. Grant Dietrich

Scoring:
Tries: Lundberg (2), Utting, Malchow
Conversions: Naber (3/4)

B-Side
Having travelled up to Duluth with 20-some players, we again played a shortened B-Side match – thanks to all the new guys who came out, and also to those who played a full 80 in the first game and then played in the B-Side game as well to make sure everyone got to play.

October 9, 2004

It was another beautiful fall Saturday for rugby as the Pigs trekked down to Rochester for this match. Things started well, with some early Pigs pressure, although the final pass seemed lacking, and the first 20 minutes or so of the game was scoreless, despite an advantage in possession. The breakthrough finally came as a well won ball was spun wide out to Psycho and then Grant, then after a tackle quickly rucked and passed back inside to Leprechaun, who passed off to Hightower, who ran it in to score under the posts. Naber made the conversion for the 7-0 Pigs’ lead. More possession and solid forward play followed, and we again found ourselves deep in the Rochester end. A series of penalties against Rochester got us all the way to the 5 meter line, where Luke took a quick tap and stumbled over the line for the second score. Naber’s conversion was again good, 14-0 Pigs. Towards the end of the half Rochester managed a try of their own to cut the deficit to 14-7 at half time.

The second half saw more of the same, as the Pigs held most of the possession. A try for Zac off a nice lineout run by Jake (again converted by Naber) increased the lead. Rochester fought back however, with a long breakaway try to cut the lead to 9 at 21 – 12. Our possession advantage held, however, and Naber kicked 3 of 4 second half penalties to keep the game out of reach of the Rogues. They did manage a final try on another breakaway that Grant was able to chase down, but neither the referee or either touch judge was fast enough to make it downfield in time to see the obvious forward nature of the final pass that allowed for the score. Final score: 30 – 19.

Special accolades and thanks go to Roger, who came out of retirement to play scrum half for us in this match.

Lineup:
1. Ben Hanson 2. Luke Utting (Alan Martin) 3. Troy Midboe 4. Ryan Backman 5. Jason Naber 6. Zac Bauer 7. Mike Hankee (Captain) 8. Jake Hodgson 9. Roger Bruggemeyer 10. Steve King 11. Brett Carter 12. Mike Lundberg 13. Philip Wagner 14. Bill Bridgeman 15. Grant Dietrich

Scoring:
Tries: Backman, Utting, Bauer
Conversions: Naber (3/3)
Penalties: Naber (3/4)

B-Side
Having travelled down with 20-some players, we again played a shortened B-Side match to ensure everyone who came down got a run in. Several new Pigs saw their first (or nearly their first) action, including John, John, Jesse, Jason, etc. Lots of good potential on display, and hopefully they will all stick around for a long time to come.

October 2, 2004

The St. Paul RFC made the long trek up to Thunder Bay to take on Lakehead in another league match, and returned home with another victory. The game started well, as some good possession by our forwards was followed by strong running from our centers. The pressure continued, and we were finally able to break through a tough tackling Lakehead defense with a try from Psycho for the game’s first points. Naber’s conversion was good, and it was 7-0 for the Pigs. We then maintained possession and threatened to score again, before a single defensive lapse came back to bite us, as the Lakehead winger got a ball from a broken play and sprinted 50 meters to score. The conversion was good, score tied at 7. After this score, the Pigs pack took over and began to dominate. A number of rolling mauls off of lineouts on the right side of the field brought us all the way down to the Lakehead end. Trying to hold on, they touched the ball down in their try zone for a 5 meter scrum to us. Off this scrum, Naber took the 8 man pick, then passed to Ponch, who passed it out to Billy on the wing, who darted in for the score. Conversion no good, 12-7 Pigs.

That score stayed until half time, and into the second half. After some initial Pigs pressure, a series of penalties against us pinned us deep in the Lakehead half of the field. Stout defending kept them out for a while, but after a long spell of continued pressure inside our 22, they finally were able to break through for a tieing try. The conversion was missed, and the score stood at 12 all. Following this, the Pigs seemed to wake back up and throw the pressure back at Lakehead. Several penalties brought us into their half, then a series of tough runs and good support brought us inside thier 22. Having committed nearly all their players to stop our centers and forwards crashing on the left side, the ball was spun quickly from a ruck by Ponch out to Steve, then Billy, then wide to Grant who eluded the last defender to touch down for the try in the corner. Naber made a tough kick from the sideline against the wind, for the 19-12 lead. Following this, we had several opportunities to punch in another try and earn a bonus point, but all were thwarted short of the line. We were able to maintain possession, however, and when Lakehead was called for one last penalty, Naber kicked the ball to touch, the whistle sounded, and the victory was ours.

Lineup:
1. Ben Hanson 2. Luke Utting (Alan Martin) 3. Troy Midboe 4. Ryan Backman 5. Grizzly Malchow 6. Zac Bauer 7. Mike Hankee (Captain) 8. Jason Naber 9. Jason Rombalski 10. Steve King 11. Brett Carter 12. Mike Lundberg 13. Philip Wagner 14. Bill Bridgeman 15. Grant Dietrich

Scoring:
Tries: Wagner, Bridgeman, Dietrich
Conversions: Naber (2/3)

B-Side
With both sides having extra players who wanted a game, a shortened B-Side match was arranged. Grant Dietrich scored the lone try for the Pigs in a 5-5 tie that saw some good work from a mix of old and new players.

Lineup:
1. Ben Hanson 2. Luke Utting 3. Troy Midboe 4. Ryan Backman 5. John Nelson 6. Philip Wagner 7. Alan Martin 8. Zac Bauer 9. Mike Hankee 10. Bill Bridgeman 11. Eric Anderson 12. Mike Lundberg 13. Kris McCoy 14. Jason ?? 15. Grant Dietrich

Scoring:
Tries: Dietrich

September 25, 2004

It was a beautiful day for rugby with only one problem – no opponent. Faribault failed to show for this scheduled league match, so we won by forfeit. We ran around and practiced a bit, and then took on Macalester in what was supposed to be a second side/old boys game. We won, they (hopefully) learned a lot, and a good time was had by all.

September 18, 2004

The Pigs took on the Feeders in the first league match of the Fall 2004 season as part of the All Minnesota tournament at the NSC in Blaine. Unlike many of our games the last couple seasons, we came out ready to go and took control right from the opening kickoff. Pressure on St. Cloud led them to lose the ball, and then commit a quick penalty. The decision was made to go for posts, and Jason Naber’s kick from 40 meters was good, giving the Pigs the early 3-0 lead. We kept up the pressure from the ensuing kickoff, and pushed the ball deep into the St. Cloud end of the field. A tough run by Mike “Buca” Lundberg took the ball to within site of the try line, and following some fine rucking by our forwards, Zac “Skillet” Bauer crashed through the defense for the first try of the match. Naber’s conversion was good, and it was 10-0 in favor of the Pigs. After this score, some costly penalties and defensive lapses set in, as the Feeders moved down the field, and eventually pushed in for a try of their own. The conversion was no good, and the score stood 10-5.

The rest of the first half would belong to the Pigs. Solid all around play, quick ball movements, and good supporting runs helped us open up a bigger lead. Next on the score sheet was Brett “Pebbles” Carter who scored an unconverted try to make it 15-5. Not long after, Philip “Psycho” Wagner broke several tackle attempts on a tough run up the middle and picked up the third try of the match. Naber’s conversion was good – 22-5 for the Pigs. The final try of the half came off another run by Buca that was quickly recycled through the hands out wide to Grant “HGSM” Dietrich who centered the try allowing for the easy conversion and a 29-5 half time lead.

The second half of the match was a different story. St. Cloud started to shore up their defence as well as setting up some good offensive moves, and soon began a fierce come back. 2 quick scores were somewhat offset, however, by Pebbles’s second try of the day, off a quick tap from a penalty and great supporting play by a number of Pigs players. At this point it looked like we had calmed things down and gotten our heads back in the game. Once again, though, penalties and a lack of discipline cost us. Buca was sin-binned for 10 minutes for a couple of allegedly high tackles, leaving us a man down. This was followed by a stretch of poor tackling, more penalties, other miscues, and still more penalties, all of which St. Cloud wisely took full advantage of. Their furious comeback continued with 2 late converted tries that put the score at 34 – 32 with just a few minutes left.

At this point, we finally showed a bit of resolve and managed to hang on to the ball for a while. Finally, after winning a number of tough rucks to maintain possession, St. Cloud conceded a penalty which we were able to kick out of bounds to end the game. All in all, it was a great match and a hard fought effort by both teams, and for the Pigs, a good way to start off the league campaign with a victory.

Lineup:
1. Ben Hanson 2. Luke Utting (Alan Martin) 3. Troy Midboe 4. Ryan Backman 5. Jason Naber 6. Zac Bauer 7. Mike Hankee (Captain) 8. Jake Hodgson (Joe Huberty) 9. Jason Rombalski 10. Steve King 11. Brett Carter 12. Mike Lundberg 13. Philip Wagner 14. Bill Bridgeman 15. Grant Dietrich

Scoring:
Tries: Bauer, Carter (2), Wagner, Dietrich
Conversions: Naber (3/5)
Penalties: Naber (1/2)

May 15, 2004

The Pigs travelled down to Northfield to play a match against Twin Ports in conjunction with Carleton’s alumni matches. We got off to a quick start and built up a large halftime lead. Despite some lack of concentration that allowed a bit of a Twin Ports come back late in the first and early in the second half, we regained our composure and held on for a solid victory. Special thanks to Phil and Seth from Carleton who ably manned the fullback and wing spots, as well as the two Carleton alumni (whose names escape me at the moment) who played in the front row for us.

Scoring:
Tries: Jake (2), Luke, Phil from Carleton, Jamarr, Steve, Drummond, Danny
Conversions: Naber (6/8)

May 8, 2004

It was a beautiful day for rugby, but unfortuantely not such a great result for the Pigs on this day. Some early pressure was wasted with some handling errors, followed by defensive lapses that allowed Metro to score. 3 first half tries and a penalty left the score at 24-0 at the break. The second half saw the Pigs shore up our defense and keep Metro off the board until giving up a converted try in the closing minutes of the match. We were unfortunately still unable to capitalize on any offensive opportunities, and the game finished with a 31-0 loss.

April 18, 2004

In our Sunday match against the Cleveland Rovers Saint Paul came out strong after a tough Saturday match. 5 minutes into the first half a Bill Bridgeman kick was chased down and the Rovers wing tackled into touch inside the 22. Off the ensuing lineout the Pigs pack set up a driving maul that rolled all the way into the try zone where Matt Sonnek touched down for the game’s first points and a 5-0 Pigs lead. The pressure continued, and minutes later after a series of 5 or 6 phases near the try line Mike “Muddy” Hankee took the ball off the back of the ruck, went weak, and broke a tackle to touch down for the try. Naber’s conversion was good this time, and it was a 12-0 lead to the Pigs. A defensive lapse on a wide ball then hurt us, as the Rovers swung the ball out to their wing who ran in a long try to cut the lead to 12-7. Saint Paul came right back, however, as Naber touched down and then converted his own try for a 19-7 advantage. Finally, just minutes before half time Brett Carter scored, and we went in to the break with a 24-7 lead.

The second half, unfortunately, was a different story. The Rovers made some changes in their back line and started getting a lot more good runs and scored a quick try to cut the lead to 10. A penalty soon followed, and then another converted try, and the score was tied. At this point the long travel as well as the second game in two days began to show as we tired and began missing tackles and showing a lot of defensive lapses. This eventually allowed Cleveland to run in three more tries and come out on top.

Nevertheless, it was a good weekend for the Pigs, and a step in the right direction.

Man of the Match: Ike Muringai

Lineup:
1. Troy Midboe 2. Matt Sonnek 3. Luke Utting (Chris Griffith) 4. Ike Muringai (Ben Hanson) 5. Grizzly Malchow (Mike Soucheray) 6. Zac Bauer 7. Mike Hankee (Captain) 8. Jason Naber 9. Jason Rombalski 10. Bill Bridgeman 11. JR Burgess 12. Kris McCoy (Danny Kieffer) 13. Jamarr Johnson (Jaffrey Blanks – Blood Sub) 14. Brett Carter 15. Ernest Wayde (Steve King)

Scoring:
Tries: Sonnek, Hankee, Naber, Carter
Conversions: Naber (2/4)