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Arvada Tigers fall to Colorado Springs Rugby

Contributed by: Paul O'Brian on 4/13/2008

Tigers Rugby finished "Hell Week" fatigued but relatively healthy, with a 1-3 record against the top 4 teams in the state. On Saturday, April 12, the top-rated HS Boys Rugby team in Colorado got more than they wanted from Tigers Rugby (of Arvada). Tigers RFC earned some self-respect, despite a 27-0 loss to Colorado Springs Rugby Football Club. Last season, Colorado Springs hung59 points on the Tigers, en route to a fourth-place finish. Tigers Rugby, which finished last season at No. 10,is loaded with matches against all of the top 12-rated teams this season.

3-2 in league play and 11-10-2 overall so far this season, the Tigers will have played well over 30 matches in 11 weeks by the end of the State Championship tournament. With hopes for a better finish than their best ever in 2007 (North Division Champions) the Tigers, led by Markus Harvey (Holy Family) as captain, attacked well early and held their own in defense, but a late first-half penalty goal by Colorado Springs (1-3 on the day) gave the home team a slight lead. As the half approached, Colorado Springs made the Tigers pay dearly for a weak side lapse of concentration. Patrick O'Connor (Holy Family HS) and Ryan Torrez (Pomona HS) came off the bench to offer a spark, and Travis McKee's speed and muscle helped string out the play to help the back line get into position. Tim Sullivan (HF) made his first start at the Tigers' coveted varsity flanker position, and moved inside to play hooker late in the game.

The game turned a bit "chippy" with tongues wagging in mutual disrespect. While winning a few private scrimmages, Tigers RFC bent too much and dropped a few golden opportunities inside the 22-meter line. Adding to the distracting volley of kicks and penalties, the Colorado Springs scrum half put the match relatively out of reach with a second blindside take to an open left side. Tigers won a debate with the referee about rucking techniques, but not until after a penalty try was charged to the Tigers for their behavior. In as much as the Tigers made mistakes, they have defended their goal well in the past 8 days, holding up the runner in goal to force scrums three times today, and 7 times this season. For noticeable improvement and excellent coverage of his own kicks (tackling some of the biggest in the league), full back Justin Thunnel of Ralston Valley HS was awarded the honor of Tigers Rugby's Man of the Match.

Tigers RFC plays in Fort Collins on Wednesday, April 16. Tigers will play 10 more regular-season games (including 2 more league matches) before the State Championship Tournament begins on May 3 at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.

The remaining regular season schedule for the Tigers is as follows:
April 16 - (Wed) - Fort Collins vs. Tigers in Fort Collins A & B< map>
April 19 - (Sat) Chaparral A & B @ Broomfield Commons Park < map>
April 21 - (Mon) U-16 (Freshmen & Sophomore) Festival - (2 Matches in Boulder) < map>
April 26 (Sat) - 2nd annual Broomfield Rugby Festival (2 matches) @ Broomfield Commons Park < map>
April 28 (Mon) - @ SWARM A&B < map> ( Make up Match)
>


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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Paul O'Brian

Arvada , CO

Paul O'Brian has posted 47 stories and 1 comment since joining on 11/19/2006. Paul O'Brian 's average story rating is 5.
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