October 8, 2005

On this Saturday the Pigs faced a strong St. Cloud Bottom Feeders side and came home defeated – our first league defeat in 2 years. The Feeders drew first blood with a quick penalty and a 3-0 lead, but it was the Pigs who would score the first try. A ball was played out to Ryan Driessen on the wing, and when his kick was dropped by the St. Cloud winger, Ryan Backman was able to win the footrace to the ball in the try zone and touch it down for the score. A period of St. Cloud pressure followed, but the Pigs defense held firm, wining a couple of 5 meter scrums before finally coming out with the ball. It was then quickly moved out to Jason Benson who broke to midfield before being tackled. The support was excellent, and after some quick rucking the ball went out to Steve Pinto who was able to outrun the Feeder defense and make it in for the try and a 10-3 Pigs lead. Unfortunately, it was all downhill from there. Some poor tackling and dropped balls gave St. Cloud good offensive opportunities, and they took full advantage to score 2 converted tries before half to make it 17-10.

As the second half began, it soon became apparent that it would be more of the same. The Feeders went on to score four more tries and a penalty, with only one penalty managed in response for the Pigs, making the final score a 42-13 defeat.

Lineup:
1. Lauri Kahonen (Ben Hanson) 2. Luke Utting (Danny Kieffer) 3. Troy Midboe 4. Mark Fredrickson (Tommy Galante) 5. Jason Naber 6. Josh Van Gelder (Captain) 7. Zac Bauer 8. Ryan Backman 9. Jason Rombalski 10. Steve Pinto 11. Jason Benson 12. Jesse Struve 13. Jamarr Johnson 14. Ryan Driessen 15. Bill Bridgeman

Scoring:
Tries: Backman, Pinto
Conversions: Naber (0/2)
Penalties: Naber (1/1)

October 1, 2005

The Pigs came out looking strong for the second league match of the season vs. the Rochester Rogues. Attacking from the start, St. Paul held possession for a long period before finally breaking through for the first try of the match. The ball was held in the pack and driven forward, before eventually Luke Utting was able to break through for the try. Jason Naber’s kick was good for the 7-0 lead. Soon the lead would double, with more possession inside the Rochester 22, followed by quick ball out to the backs where Steve Pinto ran a switch with center Jesse Struve who powered in for the score. Naber’s kick was again good for a 14-0 lead. The final Pigs try of the half came after several penalties against Rochester that were taken quickly, rucked over, and passed to onrushing forwards, with Utting eventually getting the final pass for his second try and a 19-0 lead. Not long before the half, a ball was spun wide and dropped, which the Rogues were able to pounce on to set up a counter that went the length of the field for a try, and a halt time score of 19-7.

The second half mirrored the first, with a quick Pigs try off a counter attack from a Rochester kick. Fullback Bill Bridgeman fielded the kick and passed out to Struve, who then hit Brian VanOosbree who broke a couple tackles and got in for the try. That was followed by a try off a stolen scrum feed, with Pinto keeping the ball and squeezing through the Rochester defense to score. Naber’s kick was again good for a 33-7 lead. Rochester then fought back with a long solo run from their outside center for a converted try that cut the lead to 33-14. The Pigs weren’t done, though, and a series of runs with good support from the whole team eventually led to Naber touching down for a try to bring his point total on the day to 13, and a final score of 38-14 for the Pigs.

Lineup:
1. Lauri Kahonen (Ben Hanson) 2. Luke Utting (Jeff Gunness) 3. Troy Midboe (Alan Martin) 4. Craig Alberg 5. Jason Naber (Mark Fredrickson) 6. Josh Van Gelder 7. Zac Bauer (Mike Hankee) 8. Ryan Backman 9. Jason Rombalski (Captain) (Ryan Driessen) 10. Steve Pinto 11. Jason Benson 12. Jesse Struve 13. Brian VanOosbree 14. Jamarr Johnson 15. Bill Bridgeman

Scoring:
Tries: Utting (2), Struve, VanOosbree, Pinto, Naber
Conversions: Naber (4/6)

B-Side
With strong numbers throghout the fall, we set up an abbreviated 11 a-side B-Side match so that everyone could get some playing time in. Thanks to the guys from Bethel as well as the Old Boys who helped fill out the sides. Team Red defeated Team White 33-19.

September 10, 2005

On a hot, windy Saturday, the Pigs opened the Fall 2005 league season with a convincing road victory over Faribault. A mixed lineup of Pigs veterans interspersed with a number of new players took the field and got off to a quick start, as Mike Peloquin touched down for a try within the first 10 minutes. Jason Naber made the conversion and it was 7-0. Danny Kieffer got on the board next, stealing a lose ball from the back of a ruck and darting in for the try, and Naber’s conversion was again good. A series of mistakes, dropped balls and poor tackling set in, however, and Faribault got a try of their own to cut the score to 14-7. The lead was soon restored to 14, however, as a quick move saw the ball move through the hands of the backline to Brett Carter on the wing who scored the try. Shortly before halftime, a nice move down the left wing by Jesse Struve and Jamarr Johnson was stopped short of the line, but Ryan Backman came in support and took a pass for an easy score. Naber again converted, and the score stood 28-7 at half.

The second half would prove more of the same, as Faribault tired and the Pigs were able to score 6 tries, all successfully converted by Naber. Try scorers were (I think): Bill Bridgeman (2), Naber, Brian VanOosbree, Jamarr Johnson and Grant Dietrich (in a triumphant return from injury). And well done to Naber on an outstanding 10 for 10 kicking day, despite the windy conditions.

Lineup:
1. Troy Midboe (Jeff Gunness) 2. Danny Kieffer 3. Luke Utting 4. Mark Fredrickson (Zac Bauer) 5. Ryan Backman 6. Josh Van Gelder 7. Mike Peloquin (Mike Soucheray) 8. Jason Naber (Rich Cerasani) 9. Jason Rombalski (Captain) 10. Ben Papier-Meister (Grant Dietrich) 11. Brett Carter (Steve Pinto) 12. Brian VanOosbree 13. Jamarr Johnson 14. Jesse Struve (Jason Benson) 15. Bill Bridgeman

Scoring:
Tries: Peloquin, Kieffer, Carter, Backman, Brigeman(2), Naber, Dietrich, VanOosbree, Johnson
Conversions: Naber (10/10)

April 30, 2005

This match saw the Pigs take on a tough, experienced and fast Pearl City (Iowa) team in the semifinals of the Midwest playoffs in Lemont, Illinois. Things started badly for St. Paul, as just three minutes into the match a lost ball and a couple of missed tackles led to a quick Pearl City score and a 5-0 deficit. We fought back quickly however, and off the ensuing kickoff earned a penalty which Jason Naber converted to cut the lead to 5-3. Unfortunately, the same scenario repeated itself a few minutes later, with another Pearl City try (this one converted to make it 12-3), followed shortly afterwards by a Naber penalty kick and a 12-6 score. Following this, we finally solidifed our defense and despite seeing little of the ball, we managed to frustrate the Pearl City attack for quite a while. This included a spell of about 10 minutes of Pearl City possession inside our 22 where our defense held strong and kept them out. The pressure finally proved too much, however, and shortly before half they brok through for a try in the corner, and a halftime score of 17-6.

The second half saw more of the same, as they continued to attack, and we began to tire. Injuries to a number of players limited our substitution options, and Pearl City began to put together more moves utilizing their outside speed, and eventually pulled away. Four tries for them had made the score 45-6 when we finally broke through for a try of our own. A penalty at midfield was kicked to touch 10 meters out by Naber, and a rolling maul off the ensuing lineout allowed Luke Utting to crash over for the try to make it 45-11 as Naber’s kick was no good. Unfortunately that was the end of the scoring for the Pigs on the day, and 3 more Pearl City tries followed to leave the final score at 66-11.

All in all, it was a still a decent showing (against the eventual Midwest Champions), and a step in the right direction as we continue to build and improve the club.

Lineup:
1. Luke Utting (Captain) (Ben Hanson) 2. Danny Kieffer (Rich Cerasini) 3.Troy Midboe (Matt Sonnek) 4. Jason Naber 5. Grizzly Malchow 6. Zac Bauer 7. Joe Huberty 8. Jake Hodgson 9. Jason Rombalski 10. Mark Erickson 11. Brett Carter 12. Jesse Struve (Kris McCoy) 13. Jamarr Johnson 14. Jason Benson (Ernest Wayde)15. Jeff Zweber

Scoring:
Tries: Utting
Conversions: Naber (0/1)
Penalties: Naber (2/2)

April 17, 2005

Sunday saw the Pigs take on the Fox Cities (Wisconsin) Gargoyles, who had defeated Lake County (Illinois) in Saturday’s other match. We had the wind in the first half, and fly half Mark “Repo” Erickson managed to place some nice kicks to put the Fox Cities defence on their heals. While we dominated possession early and had the ball inside the Fox Cities 22 for long stretches, the Gargoyles tackling was good, and they held us scoreless for the first 20 minutes. The deadlock was finally broken when after a Fox Cities penalty for diving over a ruck, Ponch took a quick tap and was hit by a player who hadn’t retreated the 10 meters. With the extra 10 meters, Naber was able to successfully convert the attempt at goal for a 3-0 lead. The rest of the half was more of the same, as we had the ball in the Gargoyle end, but couldn’t quite break through to score. That trend finally ended in first half injury time when Ponch took another quick tap on a penalty 5 meters out and passed off to Sonnek who eluded a couple defenders for the score. Naber’s kick was again good, and it was 10-0 at the half.

The second half saw Fox Cities come out rejuvenated, and after a bad giveaway and several missed tackles, they were able to break through for a try just 3 minutes in to the second half. Just when it looked like they might use their momentum and take the lead, we drove back down to their 10 meter line, and off a well consolidated ruck Ponch passed out to Repo who hit a drop goal that wavered but went over to up the lead to 13-7. Fox Cities continued to pressure and use the wind, and had several opportunities to score, but our defense held firm, highlighted by a held ball in the try zone in the 60th minute that gave us a five meter scrum and a chance to alleviate the pressure. This eventually led to a penalty which Naber kicked deep into touch, and off the ensuing a lineout a beautiful rolling maul by our forwards ended with Luke Utting getting in for the try. The conversion was again good, 20-7. Fox Cities refused to quit, however, and continued to put on the pressure. With around 10 minutes remaining, their fullback broke through the line and looked like he had the angle to score, only for Gitch to come flying in from his wing spot to make the try saving tackle. A few more tackles and some well place defensive kicks, and the Pigs were able to run out the clock and earn the victory.

All in all, it was a great weekend, and everyone on the team played well. Despite a few injured players (both before and during this weekend), the whole club pulled together and earned a trip to Chicago for the Midwest finals in two weeks.

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

Scoring:
Tries: Sonnek, Utting
Conversions: Naber (2/2)
Penalties: Naber (1/1)
Drop Goal: Erickson (1/1)

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