Thursday 02 July 2009

 Been a very busy week in the US of A these last two weeks, mens and womens tournaments, two new english boys, lack of players (recruitment drive) and jenny the jeep!!!! 

Last weekend was the Home tournament for NOVA Rugby, played on the battlefield grounds which somewhat looked a little gloomy due to the cloudy grey skies up above. First game up was Washington with many boys playing from Hyde Rugby (Affiliates of UR7's) they started off with an understanding that they were going to take the game to us, they came out hard and played well first half with NOVA just in front 2-1, i came on second half still holding onto a touch and go knee injury, we came out fighting this half with plenty of enthusiasm and eye catching rugby, eventually fitness paid off as we ran in 4 unanswered tries to win the game 38-5. Next game up was Schukil River a very solid team who we knew were going to be a little more challenging. With captain Scottie Fraser leading the way NOVA were off to a great start and went into the half 10-0 up. second half was a hard fought contest with blows being traded and rugby from both teams not being played at its potential. final score NOVA 20 Schukil River 5. Final game of the group stages was Maryland Exiles who had somewhat promised a top squad featuring past kenyan IRB players and future talent, it proved wrong as NOVA showed them how it was done and even though Maryland were trying everything to disrupt patterns of play maturity and patience came through and NOVA topped the group.

Semi finals saw NOVA play against a tough Wilmington side sporting jerseys that resembled what we call back in england "you've been tangoed" they came out fighting but it was one of those days for us where the bounce of the ball was massively in our favour, one try inparticular where scottie fraser kicked off and on the charge prop Freddie (wolverine) caught in on the full to score straight under the sticks. After a bit of Handbags from wilmington who were getting frustrated at eachother so turned to swinging cheeky ones, the ref blew his whistle and the boys where heading into the final, where they would meet Schukil river again.

The Final was a different story many people would have bet their mortgages on NOVA triumphing as Schukil had to play extra time ini their semi and only had a 10 minute break till the final (whereas NOVA had 45 mins and won their semi easily) but that was not to be. game kicked off and schukil were still playing as if it was sudden death giving it everything they got! and it showed with and early try. NOVA responded well and came back with a try of our own, then it all went pete tong from there, a SHOCKING missed obstruction from the referee let Schukill in for the score as all the NOVA boys had stopped due to belief that the penalty would be called i suppose the saying play to the whistle is apparent there! and from there NOVA turned off, with their mindsets still in fury about that horrid decision they were reacting to how Schukil were playing instead of acting and playing their own game and eventually Schukil ran out winners and the delight on their faces was met with NOVA faces showing disbelief, frustration and a sorrow for what was a 'could of been' day of 7s.

The girls on the other hand had more success with NOVA 1 running out winners again and beating everyone in thier path (Keystone sorry you werent there aka jen and i hear your not going to national shame that would of been fun to beat i mean so you lot there) NOVA 2 put in a solid performance in the group stages but fell to old foes Maryland Exiles who we seem to play at least 2-3 times every tournament! So overall a good day for NOVA with both top teams making the finals.

That Night to everyone met at the NOVA rugby house aka 'the hospital' aka my house. where we shared some laughs and rockband then headed into DC to the Black Rooster where i was on the Lemonade (being 20 does have its disadvantages) and everyone relaxed from that days hard work...

That week things slowed down a little with the Mens team not having a Qualifier at the weeknd so focused work on their grey side going down to PAC 7s at the weekend to play but as the week progressed players became unavailable and the decision was made to call off any mens teams from NOVA playing that weekend to rest for the Big Cape Fear tourno that is happening this weekend. The Ladies went up to PAC with me being Head coach for all teams along with Beth as Scottie was away apparently working in North Dakota ( but all i seem to hear is him going to the gym and doing shuttles) The ladies came away with yet another unbeaten run and strongly proved their readiness ahead of this weekend. The Second Side Had somewhat a depleted squad and came out 4th losing to both maryland and washington furies even though both games were easily win-able.

After that weekend of beautiful weather and rubber crumb pitches i was welcomed by a fellow englishman Hamish smales who playes from Launceston RFC and the Marauders. Then the day after was met by another english package to 'the hospital' nova rugby home young lad called David Smith who played in Wellington IRB 2007 and also plays for young england and Elite Id. With both the boys here we went and collected our beauty jenny the jeep and for a mini adventure turned a 20 minute ride home into a 50 minute tour of the local interstates and highways!!!!

So Ahead to Cape Fear where Marchwood Dolphins (british army and isoa damu damu), Omback RFC, Old Blue and many other top teams await, NOVA will be staying at BG's House Just out side Wilmington and spending July the 4th (independance day for those of you who don't know, its a pretty big thing over here) at the house where will be sharing a house with Al Caravelli the current USA National 7s Coach...