Pigs vs. U of MN

Saturday, May 14th the Pigs took of the University of Minnesota.  It was a rather chilly 45 degrees at game time with a slight rain coming down.  Not ideal conditions, especially for this time of year.  The Pigs this Spring have come close in a number of matches, this match was one they were ready to win and felt the needed to win. 

The team dominated play from the start.  The Pigs defense had finally come together and they continually pushed the young U of MN squad back.  The U had a few very nice plays, but for the most part the Pigs were able to shut them down.  At the whistle the final score was St. Paul 30, U of MN 19.  Great work to everyone who played in the match and special thanks to our fans and the Bombers who weren’t able to get in this match.

Scoring:  Valek, Peterson, Bauer, Grand Pre

Conversions:  Michno:  2 for 4

Penalty Kicks:  Michno:  2 for 2

Big Hitter:  Zac Bayer

Man of the Match:  Stephan Grand Pre

2011 Pig Roast May 14th!!!

On May 14th come watch some Pigs rugby, following the match come celebrate the Pig’s Spring season at our annual Pig Roast.  The Pigs Old Boys will host the event in honor of Saulala Mafi at the Old Folks Home.  The pig roast will begin at 4pm and continue until you’re full.  To view the full invitation, click here.

Pigs vs. Winona

The Pigs traveled to Winona over the weekend for a match versus the college side.  The team traveled a little lighter than they would have liked, but were ready for a good match.

The Winona team was a strong club and matched up with the Pigs quite well across the board.  The Pigs opened slow and put a strong push on at the end of the match, but came up on the losing side with a score of 22-32.  The Bombers followed the Pigs with a nice win from the young fellas.

Pigs Big Hitter – Zac Bauer

Pigs Man of the Match – Grant Dietrich

Bombers Best Forward – Dan

Bombers Best Back – JJ

Next Game at Winona

The Pigs next match will versus Winona State at Winona.  Game time is at 2:30pm.  There will be a Bombers match to follow.  We have hotels booked for those who plan on staying overnight.  Click here for directions to the pitch.

Pigs vs. Sioux Falls

It was the first game of the Spring.  There were a few snow patches still cluttered on the field, but for the most part, the grass was ready for some ball.  The Pigs took the field for the first time under new Head Coach Pietila.  Excitement grew as they drew one of their largest draw of fans in quite some time.

The game was back to back through the first half.  The Sioux Falls team having won their first birth in the West Championships was showing they belonged at a higher level of competition.  The Pigs battled back throughout the day.  Sioux Falls found the tri zone first with a push from their pack over the middle.  They took a second score to go into the half with a 12-0 lead.

The Pigs were confident in their skills with their off season work showing in their level of fitness.  The controlled the second half.  The mud slowed play considerably not allowing the Pigs backs to show some of their speed.  Thus the pack had to carry a heavier load.  The Pigs first score came from a break through by Ben Mattox.  He gave an off load to Ben Hanson, who then passed it over to new Pig Greg Parsons.

The Pigs needed a few more minutes to continue their push, but time expired as they were ready to take the lead.  Final score 12-7.

Thanks to Macalaster Rugby for bringing a team out to play the Bombers.  The muddy conditions keep this score low, but it was a great learning experience for the younger Pigs.

Tries:  Greg Parsons (1)

Conversions:  Paul Staats (1-1)

Penalties:  Paul Staats (0-1)

Pigs Man of the Match:  Ben Mattox

Pigs Big Hitter:  Erik Gustaf

Bombers Best Back:   Zac Chamberlin

Bombers Best Pack:  Tyler Moe-Slepica

Pigs vs. Sioux Falls

Thanks to everyone who came out for the match on Saturday.  It was a great day, with a great social to follow.  Although the Pigs did not come out victorious, we started bonding as a team, and fully expect to be the team to beat the rest of the Spring season.  Click here for the full match report.