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USARFU needs new strategic plan 

The need to devise a new strategic plan was one of the topics of discussion at the USA Rugby Annual General Meeting held in San Diego this past weekend (11/08-11/10). 

The board of directors was told that rugby in the United States had a larger member base than those of rival sports such as ice hockey and lacrosse, and that one of the tasks at hand for Doug Arnot, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, would be to revamp USA Rugby’s strategic plan to try to take advantage of that fact. 

Another topic broached during the AGM was USARFU’s premium gift giving programs. The board was told that there were five levels at which donations could be made:

$10,000

$5,000

$2,500

$1,000

$500

As to whether those amounts would be set in stone was deferred to a later date. 

The meeting was told that USA Rugby had decided to allow Utah-based company, YGS, to develop a marketing plan for the governing body. YGS will take over merchandising of USA Eagles promotional gear. The board heard from Tom Wertz (Midwest) that it had also been proposed to change the official USARFU logo, but that no firm decision had been made on the issue. 

There was plenty of discussion on a change to the official title by which the Union’s highest ranking official should go by. In the end, a motion was passed changing the title of president to chair, and consequently vice presidents to vice chairs. 

The rationale for the change was that it would bring the Union in step with the protocol that is recognized globally in corporate boardrooms. 

The AGM also heard a report from the military outlining the proposed future involvement of the Armed Forces Sports Council. AFSC spokesperson Larry Grant it would be in American rugby’s best interests if the Sports Council was to assume the lead in terms of setting out programs for the development of rugby within the military. 

Grant also said that since 2000, seven former Air Force football starters had made the switch to rugby. He added that it was envisaged that the US military would compete against other international military rugby teams at the 2004 CISM (Council of International Sports Military) tournament. 

USA Rugby names new CEO 

Sports executive Doug Arnot has been named USA Rugby’s new Chief Executive Officer. Arnot’s appointment was ratified by the board of directors at the governing body’s Annual General Meeting in San Diego (11/09/02). 

“This is a remarkable privilege,” Arnot told the AGM. “I’ll bring energy, enthusiasm and professional management. I’ll also bring respect for the game.” 

Originally from Boston, Arnot has been a sports administrator for more than 20 years. His past experience includes directing operations at this year’s Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, managing venues and operations at the 1996 Atlanta games, as well as consulting with the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games Organizing Committee. 

Prior to that, he was on the management team for the 1994 Soccer World Cup in the USA. That followed a stint as executive director of the Massachusetts Amateur Sports Federation. Before moving into the world of sports, Arnot was an Assistant District Attorney in Suffolk County, Massachusetts. 

Among his goals as USA Rugby’s first ever CEO, Arnot aims to raise the profile of the game; streamline effective membership services and solidify commitment to USA Rugby’s partners. 

“What attracted me to USA Rugby was, quite frankly, the nature of the game, the potential that I see at this particular point in time for the game and having an opportunity to be directly involved in taking something from what is a good level, to what I think can be a level of excellence. 

“I think the timing for me personally and the timing for the sport are two things that came together with a little bit of synchronicity,” said Arnot. “The attraction to me really is that this is an organization which now appears to me to be ready to commit itself to excellence on and off the field. 

“That on the field excellence is something that I think a lot of people in the game in this country have been looking forward to for a long time and I think the organization is now ready to make some decisions that will see that come to fruition. I hope to be one of the leaders to take it there.” 

As for taking American rugby to the next level, the new CEO said realistically it won’t happen overnight. “We need to focus on actions and plans that are going to attract the high performance athlete to the game of rugby and motivate them to stay involved in rugby. 

“There are certain groups within the game that need more support at this point. I think we have to commit ourselves to professionalism before we commit ourselves to a professional game. I think we need to build a good, credible product and then present the professional game when it’s time.” 

Arnot is due to start his new job on December 1^st in Colorado Springs.

US Eagles name selection advisors 

USA head coach Tom Billups has named a seven-man Selection Advisory panel to assist him at the All-Star Championships next month.

The panel features former internationals Robbie Lumkong, Chris O'Brien, George Sucher and Mark Williams, as well as former national team coach George Betzler, along with national team staffers and former Eagles, Andre Blom and Rich Schurfeld.

"These are men with experience in modern international rugby and its requirements," said Billups. "Their assessments of the athletes at the All-Star tournament will be informed, impartial and carefully considered when we name our player pool for 2003."

Each of the Selection Advisors is assigned one or two positions to assess during the All-Star Championship and the panel watches every match over the two-day event. The Advisors also meet with the territorial coaches during the course of the weekend. The National Team has followed the same protocol every year since the territorial tournament was revived in 1997, but Billups has made a special announcement of the Advisory Panel this year, to further publicize the team's selection process.

"It is a simple, merit-based system. I am looking for any athletes who can play at the international level and I have gathered a credentialed panel to help with that search," Billups said. "Their experience and decades of dedication to the Eagles program are above reproach, and their opinions are much valued."

Indeed, the Advisors boast a total of 118 international appearances between them led by Mark Williams who made 36 appearances for the USA from 1987 to 1999. The flyhalf played in both the '91 and '99 Rugby World Cups, and also coached the National 7s Team at the 1997 RWC 7s. Blom, Lumkong, Schurfeld and Sucher were also part of the USA's World Cup squad in '99, while O'Brien scored 146 points as an Eagle flyhalf and center in the late '80s and early '90s.

While the national team player pool also draws on other sources, the All-Star Championship is a vital selection vehicle for the Eagles, as the competition showcases the best players from each of the country's 7 territories and the Combined Services in matches that are generally more fast-paced and physical than club encounters.

Typically, each All-Star tournament promotes a dozen or more athletes into the Eagles player pool for the first time, and catapults at least one into immediate contention for playing time. Examples from recent years include center Philip Eloff (ASCs '99) and utility back Link Wilfley (ASCs '00). Last year, tournament MVP Doug Rowe earned himself a place in the Eagles first assembly of 2003 where he went head-to-head with incumbent scrumhalves, Kevin Dalzell and Kimball Kjar. Rowe earned a start for the USA 'A' side that played Scotland in June.

This year's All-Star Championship returns to Tampa, Florida, on December 6-8.

Army and Navy to battle on the rugby pitch

The suburban Philadelphia town of Conshohocken will be the site of fierce hand-to-hand combat when West Point cadets and the Naval Academy midshipmen lock horns in a battle where speed, strength and determination are their only weapons.

Army vs. Navy: The Rugby Match on Saturday, November 23^rd.

It promises to become every bit the anticipated rivalry as its American Football cousin. While the academies’ football teams are rarely in the hunt for a national title, both rugby squads are perennial contenders.

In 2001, Navy finished third in the nation for First-Division college teams and Army fourth. Over the past four years, Army has made the Final Four each year, while Navy has made it four of the last six years.

The contest, hosted by the Philadelphia-Whitemarsh Rugby Football Club, will be held at A.A. Garthwaite Stadium - home of the USA Rugby National 7s Championships the past 8 years.  Detachments of uniformed cadets and midshipmen already have their marching orders to the 5,000-seat facility, where the battle of the cheering sections could rival the on-field competition.

Pacific wins All Star 7s championships  

Pacific has won the USA Rugby National All Star Sevens championships with a 38-21 victory over Mid-Atlantic in the Cup Final. 

Played under sunny skies at the weekend in Long Beach, California, Pacific Coast made it a clean sweep with the women’s team beating the National U-23 side 10-5 in their final. 

In the Plate Final, South beat West 38-0 and it was an all-southern California affair in the Bowl Final with Southern Cal #1 triumphing 12-0 over Southern Cal #2. Riaan van Zyl (Pacific) was named MVP of the tournament, while Ashley English (Pacific) was the MVP of the women’s tournament. 

Earlier in the men’s semi-finals, Pacific scored a 26-12 win against West, while Mid-Atlantic topped South 12-7. 

Pool round robin: Saturday, August 24
West Men 10 vs South Men 15
Northeast Men 28 vs Southern Cal #2 Men 12 (Northeast forfeits on eligibility)
Pacific Women 44 vs Southern Cal Women 0
Mid-Atlantic Women 12 vs U23 Women 17
Mid-Atlantic Men 14 vs Pacific Men 19
Southern Cal #1 Men 27 vs Midwest Men 10
Northeast Women 7 vs Midwest Women 17
West Women 10 vs South Women 21
West Men 22 vs Southern Cal #2 Men 5
Northeast Men 5 vs South Men 12 (Northeast forfeits on eligibility)
Pacific Women 17 vs U23 Women 0
Mid-Atlantic Women 27 vs Southern Cal Women 0
Mid-Atlantic Men 24 vs Midwest Men 19
Southern Cal #1 Men 10 vs Pacific Men 19
Northeast Women 17 vs South Women 19
West Women 0 vs Midwest Women 7
South Men 25 vs Southern Cal #2 Men 14
West Men 12 vs Northeast Men 35 (Northeast forfeits on eligibility)
Southern Cal Women 0 vs U23 Women 12
Pacific Women 29 vs Mid-Atlantic Women 5
Pacific Men 22 vs Midwest Men 12
Mid-Atlantic Men 14 vs Southern Cal #1 Men 10
Midwest Women 10 vs South Women 0
Northeast Women 12 vs West Women 15

Billups issues All-Star challenge 

USA coach Tom Billups has issued a challenge to the country's best rugby players. The Eagles head coach confirmed December's All-Star Championships as a vital selection vehicle for the National Team and issued an ultimatum to America's would-be internationals. 

"I'm hiring, but if you don't compete, don't complain," Billups said. His comments came as the national team readies for Rugby World Cup qualification matches in the early Spring. The first-year coach said he wants to increase competition for places on the 2003 squad, but could only judge the athletes who participated in USA Rugby's annual representative tournament. 

"I'm tired of hearing that players are overlooked for national team consideration when they don't represent their territory in Tampa," the former Eagles captain said. "Every year we watch the All-Star tournament closely. If you play, you are guaranteed an assessment. I think for some players it is easier to make excuses than to prove themselves on the field." 

The Eagle coach added that the challenge extended to current national team players as well. "There are no free passes," he said. "Our current players know that they need to defend their place on the team at the All-Stars and in their club play. If they don't participate in the All-Star Championship, they are hoping that no other athlete comes along and takes their place. That's a big gamble in a World Cup year." 

The coach will have a Selection Advisory Panel with him in Tampa nominating the best players of the tournament for the Eagles player pool. He is expected to name his panel later in the month. Billups himself earned Eagles selection based on All-Star performance and remains loyal to the system: "I started out as an unknown player from a small Mid-West town and earned an Eagles jersey through the Inter-Territorial Tournament. I want to find the next National Team players in the same way." 

While the national team player pool also draws on other sources, the All-Star Championship remains the Eagles' preferred selection vehicle, as the competition showcases the best players from each of the country's 7 territories and the Combined Services in matches that are generally more fast-paced and physical than club encounters. 

Typically, each All-Star tournament promotes a dozen or more athletes into the Eagles player pool for the first time, and catapults at least one into immediate contention for playing time. Examples from recent years include center Philip Eloff (ASCs '99) and utility back Link Wilfley (ASCs '00). Last year, tournament MVP Doug Rowe earned himself a place in the Eagles first assembly of 2003 where he went head-to-head with incumbent scrumhalves, Kevin Dalzell and Kimball Kjar. Rowe earned a start for the USA 'A' side that played Scotland in June. 

Things a little clearer for USA 

Now that the final qualifying rounds have been completed for next year’s Rugby World Cup, things are a little clearer for the USA Eagles, at least in terms of who they’ll face in their last bite of the cherry. 

Georgia secured its first ever appearance at a World Cup with a 17-13 victory over Russia, while Namibia also qualified despite a 24-17 loss to Tunisia. The Namibians go through on a superior try differential (4-3) in their drawn series. 

That leaves just two places to be filled to round out the final twenty countries that’ll strut their stuff at the big kahuna in Australia. 

The last two spots will be determined via a repechage series involving the United States, Tonga, Russia or Spain, Tunisia and Korea. Russia is due to tackle Spain next to see who moves on to face Tunisia. The triumphant team from that series of matches will then play the United States. 

The winner will go Down Under, while the loser will be left to contemplate what might have been. 

For the Eagles to seal a repechage spot they’ll need to step it up. The whole reason they’re in this predicament is because they didn’t take care of business in the Americas zone qualifiers last summer. The US dropped its last two games against Chile and Uruguay on the South American leg of the home-and-away series. 

The USA has until next spring to figure out who should be in the Eagles squad and devise a game plan that will get them on a plane to Australia in twelve months’ time. 

In the meantime, head coach Tom Billups and the selectors will be keeping tabs on the Americans playing professionally in the UK, as well as casting an eye over the domestic fall and winter competitions to ensure that they choose the best possible side to represent this country.

Uruguay victory helps USA

by Brian Lowe 

The United States will live to fight another day courtesy of a Uruguayan victory over Chile in the final game of the Americas zone World Cup qualifying series. Uruguay downed Chile 34-23 in Montevideo. 

The result means that Uruguay secures the Americas zone #2 spot for next year’s RWC in Australia and will slot into Pool C alongside heavyweights England and South Africa. Manu Samoa is also in that group. The USA’s hopes of qualifying now rest on a repechage series against an opponent yet to be determined. 

Los Teros skipped out to a commanding 28-6 halftime lead, but Los Condores gave their South American rivals a real run for their money in the second period by storming back to outscore Uruguay 17-6 and just fall short of completing what would have been a remarkable story. 

The hero for Uruguay was their fullback Juan Menchaca who booted no less than four drop goals, three penalty goals and a conversion for a personal tally of 23 points, and that was only in the first half. Uruguayan right winger Alfonso Cardoso scored the only try of the first stanza, while Chilean flyhalf Cristian Gonzalez slotted two penalties. 

Menchaca added two more penalties in the second half to complete Uruguay’s scoring and lift his total for the game to 29 points. However, Chile turned up the heat in the second forty minutes to run in three tries, one of which was converted, forcing Uruguay to defend for dear life. 

The Montevideo result means that Canada (5-1) finished on top of the Americas zone with 16 points, ahead of Uruguay (3-3) on 12 points. The USA (2-4) and Chile (2-4) finished third and fourth respectively, both on 10 points, but the Eagles advance based on a superior points aggregate against Chile. 

The United States will be involved in their home-and-away repechage series in the Spring of 2003 and will be up against a team from either Europe or Africa. Countries still in the hunt include Russia and Georgia, Namibia and Zimbabwe. 

Uruguay: Juan Menchaca, Alfonso Cardoso, Diego Aguirre (Capt), Martín Mendaro, Pablo Costábile, Sebastián Aguirre, Emiliano Caffera, Marcelo Gutiérrez, Nicolás Grillé, Nicolás Brignoni, Rodrigo Capó, Juan Carlos Bado, Pablo Lemoine, Diego Lamelas, Rodrigo Sánchez
Reserves: Guillermo Storace, Juan Andrés Pérez, Eduardo Berruti, Juan Alzueta, Hernán Ponte, Joaquín de Freitas, Emiliano Ibarra

Chile: Bernardo García, Sebastián Pizarro, Cristián Onetto, Sebastián Pinto, Rodrigo Coda, Cristian González Nicolás Arancibia, Cristián Manzur, Sebastián García, Sergio Valdés, Alfonso Escobar (Capt), Sebastián Gajardo, Jorge Pollak, Rodrigo Lacassie
Reserves: Juan Ignacio Fuentes, Luis Pavez, Nicolás Contreras, Diego Durruty, Jorge Pizarro, Cristián Sahid, Cristóbal Berti

Uruguay nips USA in close one 

Uruguay downed the United States 10-9 Saturday in Montevideo, a narrow result that preserves both
teams' Rugby World Cup hopes.

In a windswept match which saw the two forward packs battle to a standstill, Uruguay prevailed over Dave Hodges' XV by a converted penalty try and a penalty goal to three penalty goals. Some 3,000 fans watched the River Plate Stadium contest.

Coupled with Canada's 29-11 victory over Chile in Santiago, Los Teros’ victory means the winner of next week's Uruguay-Chile match in Montevideo will claim second place in the Americas qualifying pool and a trip to the 2003 World Cup in Australia. Barring a draw, the United States will finish third based on a tiebreak formula and go into a special 'repechage' playoff series.

"The scoreline reflects how difficult it was for both teams to play rugby," USA coach Tom Billups said after the match. "But I really want to hand it to our forwards. We were dramatically better [than the Chile match], and went toe to toe with Uruguay on their home ground," Billups said.

Uruguay scored first, benefiting from an officious penalty try called by referee Peter Marshall. Nineteen minutes into the game, at scrummage some eight meters away from the tryline, two set pieces collapsed. When the third scrum went down, the Australian ref promptly awarded Uruguay five points, an unusual decision so far out.

The USA struck back with penalty goals from Mike Hercus, at 24 minutes and in first-half injury time. But the Eagle flyhalf also missed three-point opportunities at 6 and 39 minutes. On the first occasion the ball hit the upright and rebounded within reach of pursuing Philippe Farner, who had a clear run to the line, before bouncing crazily away.

The two sides traded penalty goals in the second half, one by Diego Aguirre at 67 minutes and one by Hercus at 70 minutes. Again the Eagles narrowly missed a try, when halfback Kevin Dalzell went over the line but couldn't ground the ball. Following America's five-meter scrum, Uruguay jumped offside, giving Hercus his chance.

"We held Uruguay to ten points, including a dubious penalty try, a week after Canada shipped 25 in losing here. They got nothing out of their rolling maul, and we leave South America with our honor intact," Billups said. "I told the boys that we were going to find a way to Australia, and it looks like we're going to get our chance."

The Santiago result means Canada clinches first place in the Americas hemisphere. The USA is likely to finish third because in splitting home-and-away matches with the two South American sides, the Eagles logged superior head-to-head points differentials.

Repechage matches would take place in the spring of 2003, in a home-and-away format against an opponent to be determined.

Final: Uruguay 10 United States 9 (halftime Uruguay 7-6)

Uruguay: Tries: penalty try
Conversions: Menchaca
Penalty goals: Aguirre

USA: Penalty goals: Hercus (3)

Referee: Peter Marshall (Australia)
Crowd: 3,000

United States: Link Wilfley; David Fee, Jason Keyter, Juan Grobler, Al Lakomskis; Mike Hercus, Kevin Dalzell; Mike MacDonald, Kirk Khasigian, Dan Dorsey, Alec Parker, Philippe Farner (Shaun Paga), Kort Schubert, Dave Hodges (Capt), Dan Lyle.

Uruguay: Juan Menchaca (Emiliano Ibarra); Alfonso Cardozo, Diego Aguirre (captain), Martin Mendaro, Pablo Costábile; Sebastian Aguirre, Emiliano Caffera (Joaquin de Freitas); Rodrigo Sanchez (Eduardo Berruti), Deigo Lamelas (Juan Andrés Pérez), Pablo Lemoine, Juan Carlos Bado, Rodrio Capo, Nicolas Brignioni, Nicolás Grillé, Marcelo Gutierrez

Forward performance crucial for USA  

The USA's 10-week summer campaign to qualify for the 2003 World Cup turns on Saturday’s crucial Test against Uruguay in Montevideo and the starting lineup will be a fairly seasoned group, especially up front.

Ball retention and defending Uruguay's powerful forwards are key to victory for Dave Hodges' XV, which includes 1999 World Cup teammates Dan Lyle and Alec Parker. A US win could clinch a trip to Australia in 2003, provided Canada also downs Chile, but Uruguay are coming off a big victory over the Maple Leafs and are very much in the hunt for qualification.

There's one change from last weekend's starting group, as Kevin Dalzell replaces Kimball Kjar at scrumhalf. The two have traded the number 9 jersey this summer, with Kjar getting the nod in the last three outings. Kjar missed several practices this week, however, recovering from a Chilean injury, which helped tip the decision in Dalzell's favor.

"We're happy with the progress made in training this week and the tactical adjustments we've put in," USA coach Tom Billups said in announcing the team. "That said, the Uruguayans are coming off an historic victory over Canada and will have a very vocal crowd behind them on Saturday. They are big and strong in the forwards and we are prepared for an immense physical contest.”

Saturday's match recalls the 1998 Americas qualifying tournament, when the USA downed Uruguay 21-16 to earn a World Cup berth. Hodges, Dalzell, and center Juan Grobler were all on the field for that match in hostile Buenos Aires, Argentina.

For Hodges and Dalzell, history extends further as each man made his international debut against Uruguay in September 1996. Lyle, who's been with the Eagles since 1994, ironically has never played the Teros due to untimely injuries. 

"Uruguay made us work hard for victory in San Francisco and we expect an even tougher contest on Saturday," Hodges said. "Los Teros have developed a style of rugby that they execute well. We will need to play our best to win."

On Saturday, Mike Hercus joins Dalzell to form the backline's halfback combination. Grobler and Chilean try-scorer Jason Keyter are in the centers, with Al Lakomskis and David Fee at wing and Link Wilfley at fullback. The front row comprises Mike MacDonald, Kirk Khasigian and Dan Dorsey. Parker and Philippe Farner are the second-row pairing and Kort Schubert, Hodges and Lyle are the backrow.

The bench consists of forwards Chris Miller, John Tarpoff, Conrad Hodgson and Shaun Paga. Kjar is the scrumhalf, with Mose Timoteo and Jone Naqica the backline reserves. Should Dalzell and Kjar both leave the game, Timoteo is the 7s Eagles scrumhalf and has played there three times for the test XV, most recently against Uruguay in May 2001.

United States: Link Wilfley, David Fee, Jason Keyter, Juan Grobler, Al Lakomskis, Mike Hercus, Kevin Dalzell, Mike MacDonald, Kirk Khasigian, Dan Dorsey, Alec Parker, Philippe Farner, Kort Schubert, Dave Hodges (Capt), Dan Lyle
Reserves: Chris Miller, John Tarpoff, Conrad Hodgson, Shaun Paga, Kimball Kjar, Mose Timoteo, Jone Naqica 

Off the field, USA team director Scott Compton declined to join Canada in criticizing Montevideo, save for echoing concerns with the size of River Plate Stadium's playing ground. 

"Last week, the Canadian team protested very publicly about many aspects of the match venue, but the USA is only concerned about the size of the field at River Plate Stadium. It is very short and very narrow. The field currently measures 90m in length and 62m in width, which is 20% smaller than a full international field.  

“The small pitch favors a team that emphasizes a power game and plays a tight, forward-oriented style of rugby. There is room at River Plate Stadium to set up a field that is much closer to full international dimensions.”

RWCQ deja vu for USA

by Brian Lowe 

It’s a case of déjŕ vu for the USA Eagles as they prepare for a crucial World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay Saturday in Montevideo. 

The Eagles are currently in second place in the Americas Zone, but both Chile and Uruguay have the hammer down and are breathing down their neck, so a win is imperative for the US. 

The Americans found themselves in a similar situation four years ago when they were striving to qualify for the 1999 RWC in the UK and France. In August ’98, the Eagles faced off against Los Teros, again in South America, and again it was a ‘must win’ game to ensure themselves a RWC berth. On that occasion the USA managed to prevail 21-16, although the Uruguayans gave them a heck of a scare. 

Three players from that Eagle team are still in the squad as the USA tries to repeat history. Current skipper Dave Hodges, scrumhalf Kevin Dalzell and center Juan Grobler will remember how close they came to being relegated to ‘also-ran’ status last time ‘round and undoubtedly will be going through a gamut of emotions in the build-up to this Test. 

The hooker from that same 98/99 side, Tom Billups, is now the Eagles head coach and he’ll also be drawing on his experience and memories to marshal his troops for one final effort. 

The congested Americas Zone points table as it stands has Canada (4-1) 13pts, ahead of the USA (2-3) 9pts, Chile (2-2) 8pts and Uruguay (1-3) 6pts, so a loss for the United States combined with a win by Chile over Canada would see the Eagles drop to third place in the standings. That would mean their fate would then hinge on the following week’s clash between Uruguay and Chile. 

A Chilean victory would force the USA into a repechage, but a Uruguayan ‘W’ would spell the end altogether for the United States. 

Mind you, all of this last minute anxiety and uncertainty could have been avoided had the Eagles not stumbled along the way during the summer. Certainly the Canadians had the better of them in their home-and-away series, but even so, if it hadn’t been for ball handling errors and a string of make-able missed shots at goal, the Americans might’ve finished 1-1 with Canada. 

The US began to assert itself in its two home matches against Chile and Uruguay, but the wheels fell off in Santiago last weekend when the Eagles found themselves playing catch-up football and wound up losing to Los Condores of Chile. 

Now the Eagles must take control of their own destiny, they need to win and win well on Saturday to ensure everything they’ve been working for doesn’t go down the gurgler.

USA in nail biter over Uruguay

by Brian Lowe

The USA Eagles have improved their RWCQ record to 2-2 with a nailbiting 28-24 win over Uruguay in San Francisco. 

Los Teros from Uruguay put up a sterling performance and almost pulled off an upset victory at Balboa Stadium. The South Americans led 21-13 at the break, but the home side kicked things up a notch in the second period to take the lead and then hold on to it in the dying stages of the game. 

The Uruguayans crossed for two tries in the first forty minutes against one by Eagle hooker Kirk Khasigian. Los Teros also tallied three penalty goals to fullback Menchaca to extend their lead, but flyhalf Mike Hercus booted two penalties of his own to keep the USA in touch at halftime. 

Uruguay had the wind and a glut of possession in the first stanza and clearly dominated the game. The USA looked good when they had the ball, but handling errors let them down. 

In the second half two tries by US scrumhalf Kimball Kjar and Hercus pushed the Eagles in front and they were never headed, although Uruguay added another penalty and then drove to within a meter of the USA tryline as time wound down. American skipper Dave Hodges was yellow carded in the dying minutes, giving Uruguay a man advantage for the closing stages, but they couldn’t convert that advantage to points. 

Lock Alec Parker was one of the standouts for the Eagles, along with Kjar and Hercus. 

It was a marked improvement for Uruguay following their heavy loss to Canada five days earlier, but the result dropped Los Teros to 0-3 in Americas zone qualifying. On the other hand, the victory lifted the Eagles into clear second place on the points table and gave the US a big leg up in the race for the number two seeding. 

It also extended the Americans’ lead over Uruguay to 5-0 all-time in head-to-head contests.

USA in comfortable win over Chile
Posted August 8, 2002 

Two first-half tries from David Fee propelled the United States to a 35-22 win over Chile in a Rugby World Cup qualifying match in Salt Lake City.

In a hard-hitting contest, the USA jumped to a 25-3 halftime lead and were never in danger of losing the first-ever rugby international between the American hemisphere countries, played before 2,075 fans on a 75-degree summer afternoon.

Local star Kimball Kjar and Philip Eloff added tries for the USA, while flyhalf Mike Hercus added 15 points goalkicking. Nicolas Damm, Bernardo Garcia and captain Alfonso Escobar scored the visitors' tries, the latter two in the game's dying stages.

With the win, the USA improved its World Cup qualifying tournament record to 1-2 while Chile fell to 1-1. In other World Cup qualifying action Saturday, Canada downed Uruguay 51-16 in Edmonton to move its record to 3-0. Uruguay dropped to 0-2.

Fee, in just his third match for the USA, opened the scoring at 15 minutes. Hard running by forwards Dan Dorsey and Phillippe Farner set up the winger's first international try. Hercus converted to give the hosts a 7-0 lead.

Following two penalty goals by Hercus and one from Chilean flyhalf Cristian Gonzalez, Fee's second try broke the match open at 36 minutes. Mose Timoteo's strong counterattack run opened up the Chilean defense for Fee to scamper 40 yards down the right sideline.

One minute before halftime, Utah native Kjar darted from the base on a ruck to run 40 yards untouched. Hercus' conversion made the count 25-3. Chile's Damm scored a converted try 7 minutes after halftime to bring the visitors to within 15 points, but Hercus' third penalty goal and Eloff's converted try at 59 minutes put the game out of reach at 35-10.

With several American starters on the bench resting for Thursday's match with Uruguay in San Francisco, Chile's forward power came to fore in tries by Garcia and Escobar.

"Today was a good victory. It's great to see young guys like Kimball [Kjar] and David Fee taking their chances and scoring tries. But now we have to immediately focus on Uruguay," USA captain Dave Hodges said after the match.

USA: Tries: Fee (2), Kjar, Eloff
Conversions: Hercus (3)
Penalty goals: Hercus (3)

Chile: Tries: Damm, Garcia, Escobar
Conversions: Gonzalez, Berti
Penalty goals: Gonzalez

Referee: Andrew Cole (Australia)
Crowd: 2,075

United States: Mose Timoteo; David Fee, Jason Keyter (Link Wilfley), Philip Eloff, Jone Naqica; Mike Hercus, Kimball Kjar; Mike MacDonald (Andy McGarry), Kirk Khasigian, Dan Dorsey (John Tarpoff), Alec Parker, Philippe Farner, Conrad Hodgson (Chris Miller), Kort Schubert, Dave Hodges (captain) (Shaun Paga)

Chile: Bernardo Garcia; Sebastian Pizarro, Nicolas Damm, Sebastian Pinto, Rodrigo Coda; Cristian Gonzalez (Cristobal Berti), Nicolas Arancibia; Rodrigo Lacassie, Jorge Pollack, Sebastian Gajardo, Sergio Valdes, Alfonso Escobar (captain), Sebastian Garcia, Edmundo Olfos, Cristian Manzur

USA squad for Chile and Uruguay
posted August 6, 2002 

Thirty-three players have been named to the USA training squad for the Eagles' upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Uruguay.

The larger-than-normal assembly will enable opposed training practices, intended to reduce the test XV's error rate. The immediate goal is to improve decision making under pressure. "This team is on an improving path since the start of the season, but we're looking for much more precision and better execution," USA head coach Tom Billups said in announcing the squad.

"More bodies will toughen up practices. It'll be controlled, but we need to fire some live bullets in practices if we're to cut down our error rate," added Billups.

Facing two physical matches in six days, against Chile on August 10 and Uruguay on August 15, the USA would climb right back into the hunt for RWC qualification with wins in Salt Lake City and San Francisco. The team's six-game qualification series concludes with a visit to South America later this month.

The extended squad also serves the USA's longer-term development goals. The 11-day camp is 2002's last opportunity for players pushing to become Eagle regulars. Five players will be attending their first national team camp, while seven players are members of the 2002 All-American squad, set to tour South Africa in September.

Selections for the summer's third assembly reflect form in recent test matches and USA Rugby's national championships. Injuries also play their inevitable role.

In the forwards, props Dan Dorsey, Mike MacDonald, Andy McGarry, and John Tarpoff are joined by 2002 All-American Jacob Waasdorp. Kirk Khasigian, All-American Chris Miller, and converted backrower Aaron Satchwell will be competing for the hooking berth.

Phillippe Farner, Christian Long, Alec Parker, Eric Reed and Brian Surgener are the locks. Parker, one of Aspen's standouts in the 2002 Super League final, rejoins the team for the first time since the 1999 World Cup. Midwest Thunderbird standout Long had been invited to attend June's Scotland camp, but declined for professional reasons. Meanwhile, 49-test veteran Luke Gross remains sidelined with a broken foot.

The backrow group includes Todd Clever, Dave Hodges, Conrad Hodgson, Scott Lawrence, Shaun Paga and Kort Schubert. While captain Hodges, Schubert and Hodgson have been test regulars this summer, Lawrence appeared for USA 'A' against Scotland and 2002 All-American Clever joins the team for the first time. Paga, sidelined by injury during the club season, also returns to the squad for the first time since 1999. Dan Lyle remains out of action.

In the backs, veterans Kevin Dalzell and Kimball Kjar are the scrumhalves, with Mike Hercus and Link Wilfley the flyhalf candidates. For Kjar, the Chile match will be something of a homecoming for the 2002 Brigham Young University All-American. The centers include Philip Eloff, Paul Emerick, Jason Keyter and Isaac Mbereko. 2002 All-American Emerick was part of this summer's initial Scotland assembly, while Aspen's Mbereko is another Super League standout.

The deep three group comprises John Buchholz, David Fee, Alex Hammill, Al Lakomskis, Jone Naqica and Mose Timoteo. All but Hamill and Lakomskis have seen playing time this season, with Fee, Naqica and Timoteo also being regulars for the USA in this year's World Sevens Series.

United States: Forwards: Todd Clever, Dan Dorsey, Philippe Farner, Dave Hodges, Conrad Hodgson, Scott Lawrence, Christian Long, Kirk Khasigian, Mike MacDonald, Andy McGarry, Chris Miller, Shaun Paga, Alec Parker, Eric Reed, Kort Schubert, Brian Surgener, John Tarpoff, Aaron Satchwell, Jacob Waasdorp

Backs: John Buchholz, Kevin Dalzell, Philip Eloff, Paul Emerick, David Fee, Alex Hammill, Mike Hercus, Al Lakomskis, Jason Keyter, Kimball Kjar, Isaac Mbereko, Jone Naqica, Mose Timoteo, Link Wilfley

USA ready for Chile

by Brian Lowe 

Already down 0-2 in this summer’s Rugby World Cup qualifying series, the USA Eagles are ready to resume the battle against South American rivals Chile and Uruguay. 

The US hosts Chile in Salt Lake City, Utah on August 10, followed by Uruguay five days later in San Francisco. The Eagles desperately need to win to get back on track for Australia in 2003. They’ve had a disappointing summer going 0-3 in their first three outings. First, Scotland hammered them and then they were taken down twice by arch rivals Canada in their home and away series, so the Eagles are chomping at the bit to get into the winners’ circle.  

To be fair, the Americans have been without one of their most inspirational leaders in second rower Dan Lyle who has been sidelined with injury, plus they’re missing big lock Luke Gross who broke a bone in his foot against Canada. It’s hoped that both will be back for the Chile Test.  

The Eagles have been struggling in two key areas; the go forward and their midfield defense, things that head coach Tom Billups is well aware of. “We’re continuing to layer in our approach. It’s just a pity that the first time the guys are able to try out our game plans is in a Test. We’re continuing to improve as a team, we’ve just got to make better decisions after creating better penetration.”  

Eagle selectors have been doing the back line shuffle in the hope of finding the best combination, but have yet to settle on a permanent lineup. Link Wilfley and newcomer Mike Hercus have each started at flyhalf, the latter making a better fist of it than his more seasoned teammate. Both, on their day, are excellent goal kickers, although Wilfley has had a horrible summer to date.  

Wilfley, who plays for English club Rotherham, has missed more kicks than he has landed. On the other hand, Hercus has been on target with about 90 per cent of his shots at goal and has chimed in with a try, so if form is any guide, Hercus should get the nod.  

Wilfley’s Rotherham teammate Jason Keyter, along with Mose Timoteo, Philip Eloff and John Buccholz have all been used in various positions in the backs, while Denver Barbarians speedster Jone Koroi-Naqica and veteran Juan Grobler have warmed the bench. Timoteo in particular is an interesting selection because he’s a scrumhalf for his Super League club San Francisco Golden Gate, but Billups thinks he’s better suited to the Eagles at wing or fullback.  

“He’s our Austin Healy. It’s all about his athleticism and his skills. I think we’ve got the best guys available on the field, so we need to coach the heck out of them.”  

With an eye on next year’s World Cup, the US is focused on winning their next four qualifying matches against Chile and Uruguay. If they do, they’ll finish with a 4-2 record and will be the Americas Zone #2 seed. Chile is largely an unknown quantity, but Billups is under no illusions about the importance of America getting a W.  

“We have video on Chile, so we won’t be going in blind by any means. As Americans, we put plenty of planning into our approach, whether it’s football, baseball or rugby. From a confidence standpoint, we haven’t got the results we wanted, but World Cup qualification or not, we want to win the game. We’re working hard on getting things right and we’re training our tails off.”  

Most of the Eagles’ UK-based professionals have returned to Britain for mandatory pre-season training, but all are expected back in time for the team’s next assembly in Salt Lake City.

Canada sweeps USA in RWC qualifiers

 Canada made it two from two against the USA Eagles in the Rugby World Cup qualifying series
with a 36-13 win over the United States Saturday in Chicago.

Two first-half tries by center Marco Di Girolamo led the Maple Leafs to victory. Di Girolamo, drafted
into the starting lineup after John Cannon withdrew because of a pre-game injury, twice capitalized
on balls fumbled by the US backline to score breakaway tries in the 27th and 32d minutes.

Poor ball handling hurt the Americans throughout the contest, watched by 2,500 on a 75-degree
summer day in the windy city. "We took advantage of [US] mishaps, and it comes from pressure
defense," Canadian captain Al Charron said after the match. "Our execution today was a lot more crisp."

With the win, Canada advances to 2-0 and is highly likely to win one of the American hemisphere’s
two berths at the 2003 World Cup in Australia. Both Canada and the USA will meet fellow
contenders Chile and Uruguay when the qualifying series continues in August.

Letter-perfect goalkicking also helped the Maple Leafs. Flyhalf Jared Barker and his replacement Bob Ross
combined to go 8 for 8, logging 21 points. Barker, who converted both of Di Girolamo’s tries and hit
four penalty goals, has not missed a goal kick in 12 chances over two World Cup qualifying matches this season.

By contrast, American flyhalf Link Wilfley missed two penalty goal attempts, as well a drop kick in the
opening 10 minutes when the USA had seized the initiative. "You can’t expect to win test match football
if you don’t convert pressure into points," USA coach Tom Billups said. "We didn’t do that today."

Three consecutive Barker penalty goals gave Canada a 9-0 lead after 22 minutes, before Di Girolamo
broke the contest open, scoring once under the posts and once in the left corner. Canada took a 23-0 lead to halftime.

Taking over goalkicking duties, USA replacement Mike Hercus opened the second-half scoring
with a short-range three pointer, before Barker and Ross each hit penalty goals. Hercus’ second
penalty goal, at 62 minutes, brought the count to 29-6.

Wing Fred Asselin scored a fourth-quarter try for the visitors, and Hercus counted with a converted
try at 77 minutes, closing out the scoring.

Final: Canada 36 United States 13 (halftime Canada 23-0)

United States: Tries: Hercus
Conversions Hercus
Penalty goals: Hercus (2)

Canada: Tries: Di Girolamo (2), Fauth
Conversions: Barker (2), Ross
Penalty goals: Barker (4), Ross


United States:
Mose Timoteo (Mike Hercus); David Fee, Jason Keyter, Philip Eloff
(Juan Grobler), Jone Naqica; Link Wilfley, Kevin Dalzell (Kimball Kjar);
Mike MacDonald, Kirk Khasigian, Dan Dorsey (John Tarpoff), Eric Reed (Brian Surgener),
Philippe Farner, Olo Fifita, Kort Schubert, Dave Hodges (captain).

Canada:
Winston Stanley; Fred Asselin (Matt King), Nik Witkowski, Marco Di Girolamo,
Sean Fauth; Jared Barker (Bob Ross), Morgan Williams; Rod Snow, Pat Dunkley,
Jon Thiel, Al Charron (captain) (Colin Yukes), Mike James, Ryan Banks,
Adam van Staveren, Philip Murphy (Jamie Cudmore).

Referee: Nigel Whitehouse (Wales)

Attendance: 2,500

Scotland too good for USA

 A typically foggy and mild day in San Francisco for the one-off Test between the USA and Scotland on Saturday and the conditions suited the visitors better as they ran out convincing winners 65-23. 

The USA Eagles scored first within the opening few minutes when debutant flyhalf Mike Hercus swooped on a loose ball at the breakdown outside the American 22m. He fed winger Jason Keyter who linked with prop Kirk Khasigian who found Hercus backing up and the pivot lofted a 20m pass across the field to winger Mose Timoteo who raced in for the opening try of the game. Inside center Link Wilfley converted and it was 7-0 to the home team.  

The lead was short-lived though as Scotland hit back in the 12^th minute when Brendan Laney dotted down under the posts after some good lead up work by his scrumhalf Mike Blair. Laney converted his own try to level the scores at 7-7.  

Scotland went further ahead just minutes later when Laney slotted a penalty goal, 10-7 Scotland. The tourists were back on the scoreboard in the 21^st minute when winger Rory Kerr finished off a passing movement that started outside the Eagles’ 22m to make it 15-7.  

Wilfley got the US back to 15-10 with a penalty goal, but then the floodgates started to open and Scotland scored two more tries to Nathan Hines and Duncan Hodge to edge further in front 29-10.  

Wilfley booted another penalty goal in injury time to make the halftime score 29-13. His last kick the result of a punching incident that saw Scottish lock Nathan Hines sent off for felling American replacement Dan Anderson who’d only been on the field for a couple of minutes.  

However, the disadvantage didn’t seem to bother the Scots who went in for their fifth try in the 4^th minute of the second half when Chris Paterson was on the end of some enterprising backline play. That made it 34-13 to the Scots.  

Poor tackling by the Americans and unrelenting attack by Scotland resulted in the visitors notching another five tries in the half. They were scored by Andrew Henderson, Hodge, Andrew Craig, Paterson and Jason White. Some were opportunistic scores, while others came from Scottish aggression and their will to put their hosts away.  

With around seven minutes remaining, the USA finally got one back when wing Jason Keyter cracked the defense for a touchdown to the left of the posts. It followed sustained American pressure on the Scot’s goal line. Wilfley added the extras to close out the scoring at 65-23.  

“We were bettered today by a proud outfit and tactically out coached by a class individual,” said Eagles head coach Tom Billups.

Women's World Cup Diary - 1

Forty-degree temperatures accompanied by a cold wet drizzle, made the
USA Rugby Women's National Team's first full day in Spain seem more
like a memory from its tour of Wales last November.  Yet, despite the
gray skies and constant rain, one could almost taste the intensity
that filled the air.  There was no mistaking, only two days remained
until the Eagles first match of the 2002 Women's World Cup. 

Still, the majority of the morning was spent relaxing and recovering
from the previous day's extensive travels. The team departed on May 9,
from Atlanta and had connecting flights in Washington, D.C., and
Frankfurt before finally arriving in Barcelona.  Once in Barcelona,
the Eagles had a 55 km drive to the old, quaint town of Calella,
Spain.  

After filling out numerous forms and papers last night, official team
business did not begin until noon today.  Therefore some of the
players had the opportunity to wander through the narrow streets of
Calella in search of "alter eagle" gifts.  

Upon gathering in Atlanta, each team member and staff was assigned an
"alter eagle."  Similar to a secret Santa, each player's "eagle"
leaves fun and supportive gifts for her player throughout the Cup.  

After scouring the streets of Calella for eagle gifts, Team Captain
Nancy Fitz held a players only team meeting at noon.  Shortly
thereafter the Eagles gathered and headed to the practice pitch.  

Riding for nearly 30 minutes from Calella to the pitch provided Mother
Nature the opportunity to turn the pesky drizzle of morning into a
cold afternoon downpour.  The first practice was officially a mud
bath.  However, with only two days until the first match against
Holland, the Eagles maximized every minute of the practice, an hour
and a half in length.  

Even with poor weather conditions, the Eagles drew a crowd. Umbrellas
in hand, many local rugby players lined the hill overlooking the field
where the Eagles warmed up and ran drills.  

Throughout the practice the team looked strong and appeared in high
spirits. If it weren't for the player's soaked kits and mud stained
faces, one would have never known the conditions were so foul.  As
Head Coach Martin Gallagher closed the session, the team headed to the
locker room in search of warmth and dry clothes.

The evening was spent much as the morning, relaxing and resting. 
There was some fanfare though, as the USA Eagles all hummed the
graduation march while presenting Libby Caplan with a sombrero cap,
gown made from a plastic poncho and an honorary diploma in the fine
arts of World Cup rugby studies.  Caplan was to have participated in
her college graduation ceremony today at the University of Northern
Iowa, however opted to make the trip to Spain instead.

After the mock graduation, the players disseminated, went to their
rooms and began preparations for tomorrow's practice and the Opening
Ceremonies of the Women's World Cup.  

USA Rugby 2002 Women's World Cup Team Announced

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - April 21, 2002 - USA Rugby Women's National
Team (WNT) Head Coach Martin Gallagher today announced the players who
will represent the U.S. at the upcoming iRB 2002 Women's World Cup.   

Led by Captain Nancy Fitz, the team is comprised of seasoned players
such as, Liz Kirk and Alex Williams.  As well, Patty Jervey will make
her fourth World Cup appearance.  

However, the team also has several newcomers who will travel to
Barcelona, Spain.  Libby Caplan, Ellie Karvoski and iRB Women's Player
of the Year nominee, Cynthia Gehrke will make their first World Cup
appearance.  

Potential World Cup team members attended the final selection camp
this past weekend in Blaine, Minn.  In total 30 players vied for 26
traveling spots to Spain.  In the end, Gallagher expressed it was very
difficult to narrow the field.

"The coaching staff didn't want to leave anyone out.  Each player
truly applied themselves and gave it their all," Gallagher said.  "All
of the women worked hard.  There is a lot of integrity and compassion
in this USA Rugby Women's National Team program." 

The women Eagles have competed in the finals of all three World Cup
matches to date, most recently playing New Zealand in '98.  However,
this year is expected to be the most competitive Cup yet, as the Black
Ferns have 15 returning World Cup players.  As well, both England and
France are expected to have powerful squads.

"Since the 1998 Women's World Cup, many nations women's rugby
programs have become significantly stronger," USA Rugby President Neal
Brendel observed. "Thus, the women who make up this squad realize the
bar has been raised for all competitors.  Each of these players is
prepared to raise her standard to a personal and team high to ensure
the Eagles' continue to be a leading rugby force."

The 2002 national team players representing the U.S. come from all
regions of the nation. They range in age from 23 - 44, and are not
only world-class athletes, but also students, attorneys, construction
workers and engineers.

To be named to the 2002 World Cup Team, each player attended several
WNT "elite camps," where they underwent rigorous fitness testing,
participated in small-sided games and worked closely with WNT staff on
individual skills and rugby classroom sessions.  

"The selection process for this team has been in progress for the past
14 months," Gallagher explained.  "In addition to the camps, we have
watched players at various tournaments and observed them while on
tour."

The WNT will now assemble in Atlanta, Ga., on May 6, for three days of
training before departing for Spain on May 9. The Eagles will then
play its first match against Holland on May 13. 

The 2002 USA Rugby Women's National World Cup Team is as follows:
Hedwig Aerts (New York Rugby Football Club, Inc.)
Kristin Baja (Washington Furies Rugby Football Club)
Libby Caplan (University of Northern Iowa)
Jen Crouse (Beantown Women's Rugby Football Club)
Kim Cyganik (Maryland Stingers Women's Rugby Football Club)
Stacey Davis (East Bay Bulldogs Women's Rugby Club)
Shari Dahlberg (Wisconsin Women's Rugby Football Club)
Jill Fenske (Univ. California - Los Angeles Women's Rugby)
Nancy Fitz (Washington Women's Rugby Football Club) Captain
Stacey Foley (Keystone Rugby Club)
Cynthia Gehrke (Wisconsin Women's Rugby Football Club)
Heather Hale (Washington Women's Rugby Football Club) Vice Captain
Patty Jervey (Atlanta Harlequins Women's Rugby Club)
Ellie Karvoski (New York Rugby Football Club, Inc.)
Liz Kirk (Seattle Rugby Football Club- Women)
Phaidra Knight (Wisconsin Women's Rugby Football Club)
Elizabeth Lake (Minnesota Valkyries Rugby Football Club)
Kerry McCabe (Beantown Women's Rugby Football Club)
Becky Metzger (Maryland Stingers Women's Rugby Football Club)
Meredith Ottens (Minnesota Valkyries Rugby Football Club)
Ines Rodriguez (Keystone Rugby Club)
Myra Sandquist-Reuter (Twin Cities Amazons)
Jen Sikora (Keystone Rugby Club)
Katie Stewart (New York Rugby Football Club, Inc.)
Bex Wallison (New York Rugby Football Club, Inc.)
Alex Williams (Berkeley Women's All Blues Rugby Club)

WNT Staff
Head Coach, Martin Gallagher; Forwards Coach, Tam Breckenridge; Backs
Coach, George Metuarau; Strength & Conditioning Coach, James J.
Sullivan, Ph.D.; Team Physi, Katie Wilson; Team Manager, Jane Tierney

All-Americans win big in Cape Town

The All-American collegiate side wrapped up its three match tour of South Africa with a strong 45-17 victory over the University of Western Cape in Cape Town. 

A powerful opening quarter saw the USA Universities team run in three tries and open up a double-digit lead that was never relinquished. The All-American team, which is sponsored by Barbarian Rugby Wear, went on to score a total of 7 tries to Western Cape's three.

"We put in our best performance of the tour," said head coach Larry Naifeh. "We controlled the game even though it was difficult to do so at times. Western Cape play an exciting style of rugby, but we stayed focused and on-task."

The All-Americans got a fast start, scoring in the first minute of the match. From the kick off, Western Cape lost the ball in the tackle and Air Force flanker John Eccles quickly took it forward. It went wide in the next phase for fullback Paul Emerick to cross the tryline untouched by any defenders.

Northern Iowa's Emerick was instrumental in the All-Americans next try which came soon after. He fielded a UWC clearing kick near halfway and set up a US counter-attack. Again, Eccles featured in the movement with a strong run to the goal-line and lock Ryan Connell crashed over from the next phase. Cayo Nicolau converted for a 12-0 lead at 4 minutes.

Nicolau, a product of Middle Tennessee State, was next to score when the visitors drove a 5m lineout to the goal-line and flyhalf Matt Sherman found the hard-charging outside center on a well-chosen running line. Nicolau went under the posts and converted his own try for a 19-0 lead after 15 minutes.

It was a combination of good running lines from Nicolau and his partner in the centers, Wes Hanson Smith, plus the counter-attack keyed by Emerick and wing Eric Andersen, as well as a strong mauling game from the forwards that created the early pressure.

The Western Cape team, meanwhile, showed that it liked to move the ball wide as often as possible -- a style of running rugby that seems characteristic of the Cape Town collegiate sides. UWC created several threatening movements that stretched the US team's defense. Together with warm weather and a fast track, the pace of the match began to tell on the visitors as the half wore on and Western Cape saw more possession and territory as a result. They eventually reaped a try from a quick-tap penalty that fullback Elroy Roberts touched down in the corner at 27 minutes. The two sides went into half-time at 19-5.

In a repeat of the first spell's fast start, a flurry of scoring opened the second period. All-American wing Eric Andersen fielded the kick-off and set a ruck at the US 22m line. In the next phase, Sherman showed the ball, delayed his pass and slipped through the defense, making 20m before linking up with flanker Matt Huckaby who surged another 30m. Huckaby fed Cal's Kort Schubert on the UWC 22m line. The No. 8 turned the last defender inside out and crossed the line before the half was a minute old.

Western Cape answered in turn. The All-Americans were penalized at their own 30m line when they attempted to maul the restart downfield. UWC quick-tapped, moved the ball quickly to the opposite sideline and center David Johnson had the speed to take the corner, making it 26-10.

Now it was UWC's turn for a mistake on the ensuing restart. A fumbled ball inside their 22m meant a quick turnover. All-American flyhalf Matt Sherman again found Nicolau who used his size to shrug off one tackle and his fend to beat a second. Again, the center converted his own try.

The home team kept in touch by charging down a clearing kick and sending center Franklin October over for their third try at 10 minutes. With the conversion it was 33-17. The All-Americans were quick to return the favor, with a charge down of their own that Emerick powered over the line for his second try of the day, taking the score to 38-17 -- and making for 31 points in the space of 15 minutes.

Despite the three try margin with 20 minutes to play, the All-Americans remained respectful of the UWC side's explosive potential -- it is the same style that Stellenbosch hurt the All-Americans with just days earlier. The visitors stayed at work and although the furious pace sapped some of the precision from their effort, the team engineered another try to ice the game after 70 minutes. The Americans drove in a 5m lineout that lock Todd Clever dotted down and Nicolau converted.

Sunday's victory took the All-Americans tour record to 2-1, as the side showed steady improvement through its three matches. Against Western Cape the team found the offensive pattern that eluded it in the tour-opening win over Peninsula Technikon, while the defense that was found wanting against Stellenbosch's fast-break style on Wednesday, was organized and aggressive in the tour finale.

Air Force flanker Josh Dean was the recipient of the inaugural 'Doug Edwards Best Tourist' Award. The award has been established to acknowledge the player who shows outstanding ability on the pitch and character off the field during the course of the annual All-American tour.

The honor is named in memory of long-serving Midwest rugby man Doug Edwards who was an integral part of the All-Americans management team during the late 1980s when the program was re-launched. "I think Doug would have a lot of respect for Josh," noted All-American manager Jack Clark. "Josh is the type of athlete that Doug liked to recruit to the game, as well as a fine young man.”

Final: All-Americans 45 University of Western Cape 17 (half-time: All-Americans 19-5)

All-Americans: Tries: Emerick (2), Nicolau (2), Clever, Connell, Schubert
Conv: Nicolau (5)

Western Cape: Tries: Johnson, October, Roberts
Conv: Roberts

Referee: Thomas Norton

All-American Team: Paul Emerick (Corey Allenbach @ 69); Mike Sahag (Ned Stearns @ 40), Cayo Nicolau, Wes Hanson Smith (Mark Verlatti @ 69), Eric Andersen; Matt Sherman, Jonathan Gray; Chris Miller, Marty Snider (Greg Smith @ 61), Jacob Waasdorp (Andy Klutman @ 73), Todd Clever, Ryan Connnell (Matt Lathrop @ 69), Johnathan Eccles (Josh Dean @ 60), Matt Huckaby, Kort Schubert (Capt)

Stellenbosch hammers All-Americans

Powered by a three-try purple patch, the University of Stellenbosch


outpaced USA Rugby's All-Americans 45-21 in the second match of the


collegiate squad’s South African tour.



Showing a lethal flair for the counter-attack, the home side broke open


the game by scoring three times in the space of five minutes late in


the first half. It was to be the decisive period of play, as the teams


each scored two tries in the second spell of the match played at Craven


Stadium.



"We proved we could play with the best when we stuck to our plan,"


noted All-American head coach Larry Naifeh. "Unfortunately, we got away


from our game on a few occasions and paid full price for it."

The USA Universities team started well and spent the first 10 minutes


of the match on the front foot. Fullback Dave Guest opened the scoring


with a 20m penalty from in front of the posts after No. 8 Kort Schubert


had fielded a Maties clearing kick near halfway and combined with


scrumhalf Kimball Kjar to put wing Eric Andersen into space down the


sideline. Stellenbosch were judged offside in the following phases,


setting up Guest's goal at 2 minutes.



Schubert was also instrumental in the Americans' next successful foray.

His run from the base of an attacking scrum drew a 'hands-in' penalty


about 30m from the host's line, and Guest's kick was good at 8 minutes.

Shortly after, the All-Americans spilled the ball while trying to go


wide in attack and were swiftly punished. A raking kick downfield –


with all of the Americans still committed to the attack – set up a


Stellenbosch lineout just 5m from the visitors' line which their pack


drove over after 12 minutes.

Going back to work, the All-Americans drew another hands-in-the-ruck


penalty 25m out and Guest slotted his third goal at 18 minutes, making


it 9-5.



Stellenbosch responded with its second try, again thanks to a fluid


counter-attack. An errant, long-range drop-goal attempt saw the Maties


answer with a multi-phase movement that took them nearly 80m for a try


finished by fullback Theuns Stofberg for a 21-9 lead after 21 minutes.



Wisely sticking to what worked well, Stellenbosch pushed home their


fast-break advantage. From set-piece and structured phase play, the


American defense had been well-organized and hard to break. But in


moments when the game was free-form, Stellenbosch ran rampant and they


worked to create those chances.



A free-kick near halfway saw them away for a quick-strike try at 29


minutes, finished by flanker Vlok Hanekom.  Just two minutes later the


scene repeated; a quick-tap penalty at halfway ended in Stofberg's


second try. To add to the All-American's woes, the Stellenbosch backs


were able to go wide from the ensuing restart. The offensive thrust


drew a penalty near the USA team's 22m line. The Maties kicked to


touch, shaped to drive the line-out and popped a clever ball on the


short side to their charging hooker Conrad Burke.

The home team were suddenly well in control of the game with a 33-9


lead after 33 minutes. The All-Americans learned their lesson after the


five minutes of mayhem that cost them 21 points. In the second spell,


the USA collegiate side patiently stuck to a controlled and structured


pattern of play, which minimized their hosts favored fast-break


opportunities. The young Americans were next to score with a try to


captain Kimball Kjar at 60 minutes, converted by center Cayo Nicolau.

Kjar snaffled a loose ball from a Stellenbosch scrum just 5m from the


home team's goal line. While the moment was somewhat opportunistic, the


7 points were just reward for a sustained period of pressure deep in


Stellenbosch territory.



The explosive Stellenbosch side countered almost immediately –


predictably with another quick strike -- exploiting a backs-on-forwards


match up on the short side of a ruck for a long-range try at 62


minutes.



In contrast, the US side worked steadily within their pattern to again


set up camp inside Stellenbosch territory for a lengthy spell, before


Wes Hanson Smith crashed over at 73 minutes. The replacement center had


only just taken the field when he latched on to a Schubert pass for the


try.



The home team had the final word, however, again taking advantage of


turnover ball to put No. 8 Francois Van Schalkwyk into the corner in


the last minute of the match.



Despite the final margin, it was an encouraging match for the touring


US team. The All-Americans held their own in most facets of play


against arguably the world's most powerful collegiate rugby program.

The Stellenbosch side's rugby savvy and skill was sufficient to


maximize damage from any American vulnerabilities, but the tourists can


be optimistic about a strong performance in their final match against
 

the University of Western Cape on Sunday.

Final:        Stellenbosch 45 All-Americans 21  (halftime Stellenbosch 33-9)



Stellenbosch:    Tries:        Hanekom (2), Stofberg (2), Burke, van Schalkwyk,


                             Wells



                Conv:        Stofberg(5)



All-Americans:  Tries:        Kjar, Hanson Smith

                Conv:        Nicolau



                Pens:        Guest (3)



Referee: Piet Koen



All-American Team: David Guest (Paul Emerick @ 56); Ned Stearns, Alex



Houser (Wes Hanson Smith @ 72), Cayo Nicolau, Eric Andersen; Matt



Sherman, Kimball Kjar (captain); Jon Vitale (Jacob Waasdorp @ 72),



Marty Snider (Greg Smith @ 52), Chris Miller, Andrew Armstrong (Ryan



Connnell @ 62), Marc Tausend (Johnathan Eccles @ 40), Josh Dean, Matt



Huckaby, Kort Schubert.

All-Americans earn comfortable win against Technikon

The All-Americans muscled their way to a solid 44-13 tour-opening victory over Peninsula Technikon in South Africa.

Keyed by a size advantage in the forwards, the American University side scored seven tries to Technikon's two. The win was comfortable, but head coach Larry Naifeh described the quality of the All-American performance as average.

"We are of course grateful for the victory, but we have a lot of work to do. The competition will get tougher from here," he noted at full-time. “We were able to recover from many of our mistakes, against the other teams we play on tour that won't be possible."

The All-Americans jumped out to a quick lead with wing Michael Sahag crossing in the corner after just three minutes. The Navy man slipped one tackle and fended off another defender to cap a multi-phase attack.

The Americans’ scrum had asserted itself to claim the early possession and provided the platform for the team's second try soon after. From the set-piece at Technikon's 40m line, scrumhalf Kimball Kjar went to the short side and fed fullback Dave Guest who made ground inside the 22m before linking with No. 8 Kort Schubert. Arizona flanker Thomas Dolan was on scene to carry the ball the final 5 meters. Guest added the conversion and the All-Americans were up 12-0 after just 5 minutes of play.

A miscue from the All-American deep three gave the home team the next attacking possession. The US collegiate side were subsequently penalized at their 5m line for hands in the ruck, and Technikon's chip shot made it 12-3 after 12 minutes.

No. 8 Schubert of Cal crossed next, finishing another multi-phase attack by the visitors. A free kick 40m out saw incisive running from center Mark Verlatti as well as a pick-and-go by hooker Greg Smith that put the All-Americans on Technikon's goal-line. Schubert was on hand to slip through a stretched defense.

Dolan claimed his second after 26 minutes. Captain Kimball Kjar quick tapped a penalty at the Technikon 5m line, lock Matt Lathrop carried to the 1m and Dolan dotted down. Wing Michael Sahag also scored his second try just moments later. Again, a Kjar quick-tap started the move. The captain's skip pass put Sahag into space down the sidelines and the wing outpaced the defense to go 60 meters.

Technikon closed out the first-half scoring with a try to their hooker Quintin Hartzenberg. The All-Americans had been mauling to good effect for most of the half, but were penalized for running into their own player when a maul fragmented. A Technikon line-out deep in the American's half resulted and the possession earned the home team a series of 5m penalties before their #2 drove in from short range.

To open the second spell, All-American fullback Dave Guest slotted a 35m penalty, while flyhalf Corey Allenbach had the next try, going under the posts to finish another fluid period of American attack. The US team drove a line-out and a well-judged running line from center Alex Hauser saw him break the defense and feed Dolan who carried to the line. Ohio State's Allenbach finished and Guest converted, taking the score to 39-8.

In the final quarter, numerous knock-ons from both sides conspired with an equal number of technical set-piece infringements to stymie the flow and tempo of the match. With ten minutes to play, however, Technikon earned its second try. The All-Americans had weathered a sustained period of attack from their hosts, and were set to clear their lines only to have the kick charged down and Technikon flanker Gerald Jonkers grab the loose ball to score.

But the last word belonged to the All-Americans. Replacement No. 8 Matt Huckaby made 20m from the base of a scrum and the ball went wide through the backs for substitute scrumhalf Jonathan Gray to finish in the corner from the next phase of play.

The All-Americans will look to knock the remaining rust off their game in the next two days. The priority will be more precision in both attack and defense to match the team's effort level.

Final: All-Americans 44 Peninsula Technikon 13 (halftime All-Americans 29-8)

All-Americans: Tries: Dolan (2), Sahag (2), Allenbach, Grey, Schubert

Conv: Guest (3) Pens: Guest

Peninsula Technikon: Tries: Hartzenberg, Jonkers

Pens: Hon

Referee: Jeremy Stuurman

All-American Team: David Guest; Mike Sahag, Alex Houser (Wes Hanson Smith @ 54), Mark Verlatti, Ned Stearns; Corey Allenbach, Kimball Kjar (Capt)(Jonathan Gray @ 65); Andrew Klutman, Greg Smith (Marty Snider @ 75), Chris Miller (Jacob Waasdorp @ 54), Matt Lathrop, Andrew Armstrong (Ryan Connell @ 68), Josh Dean, Tom Dolan, Kort Schubert (Matt Huckaby @ 40)

The All-Americans, who are sponsored by Barbarian Rugby Wear, assembled in Atlanta, GA., Sunday. Under the tutelage of head coach Larry Naifeh and assistant Ray Lehner, the squad trained at Life College on Monday and Tuesday in preparation for Sunday's first tour match against Peninsula Technikon.

Youth rugby on the rise

by Brian Lowe 

Youth rugby is seemingly on the rise in the United States and judging by the men’s national team’s current form, a potentially healthy crop of young players for the future is just what the doctor ordered. 

USA Rugby has deployed a team of Youth Development Officers (YDO) across the length and breadth of the 48 contiguous states in an effort to draw more youngsters to the game they play in heaven. The likes of Dave Hodges, Dan Lyle and Luke Gross may not be household names yet in this nation of 270 million, but to the growing legion of young rugby players at least they can see that there is something to aim at. 

Being a YDO has to be one of the hardest jobs in America, but even so, it has its rewards according to California YDO Tony Spinella, “It’s tough and it’s fun. Our job is to try to sell the program to administrators and people who don’t know anything about rugby. 

“What’s fun about it is watching young children develop from ‘what’s a rugby ball’ to playing some real good rugby.” 

Spinella says the goal for 2002 was to get 12 thousand registered players and to date there are 11 thousand, the goal for 2003 is 20 thousand registered players. The plan is to reverse the pyramid so that youth rugby drives everything else in America. 

To that end, USA Rugby’s Manager of Youth and Player Development Scott Novack is tasked with reaching out to high schools and setting up clinics around the country for people who know little about the game, but who are looking for some kind of activity for their kids. 

“My vision is that on a Saturday you start with the Under 6s learning touch rugby,” adds Spinella. “Then you go on to Under 10s, Under 12s and Under 15s where you start going on to contact. Then you start playing the adult games and by the end of the day the Firsts are playing in front of two or three thousand people. 

“It’s the unknown factor. All they see is (American) football without pads, so we have to educate the parents. We have to train our coaches to be not only coaches, but disciples of the game. Once people realize that we’re there to try to help them learn the game we love, they start to understand more and more. 

“That’s why we do non-contact first, so that we can teach their children how to play the game.” 

One of the more successful clinics in recent times was conducted in Chula Vista, near San Diego, when 600 girls turned out for an all-sports day and rugby was one of the sports. And in the words of Spinella, they ‘ate it up’.

USA U19s: 48 Players Attend U-19 Boys' National Team Training Camp 

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - July 23, 2002 - USA Rugby today announced 48
players are attending the U-19 Boys' National Team Training Camp this
week in Winona, Minn. The camp began Sunday, July 21, and will end
July 28. Those attending represent 17 states and the United Kingdom.
As well, Mike Petri, Andrew Locke and Justin Neville, 2002 U-19 Boys'
National Team members, will be participating

U-19 National Team staff members, Scott Novack, Mike Tolkin, Don
Ferrell and Salty Thompson and Ron Laszewski selected 90 boys from a
pool of 113 identified to attend the camp. The selection team began
identifying players in January 2002 through a national recruiting and
search effort. 

The U-19 staff accepted nominations from coaches from across the
nation and also attended LAU U-19 matches and tournaments.
Furthermore, players were identified at the national championships and
USA Rugby Player Development Camps.

Throughout the first three days of the camp players have undergone
fitness and rugby skills testing. They will next go through a
systematic skills evaluation and begin preparing for Thursday's first
intra-squad scrimmage. Afterwards, the players will participate in
more scrimmages, as well as take part in video analysis from various
international matches with the coaching staff. The camp will conclude
with a scrimmage against the Manitoba U-21 team on Sunday, July 28. 

The goals of the camp are to create the core of the 2002/2003 USA U-19
National Team and build upon the success of the team's 4th place
finish at the 2002 IRB FIRA/AER World Jr. Championships in Venice,
Italy. As well the camp is the first step in preparing for the Canada
Camp with the Canadian U-19 National Team in December and begin
preparations for the 2003 IRB FIRA/AER World Jr. Championships April
9-19, 2003, in Paris.

The full list of players attending the camp is as follows:

Biberdorf, Josh Desmet
Bonek, Ryan Penn HS
Brosnahan, Jon Xavier H.S.
Brossart, Matthew N Suburban RFC
Castles, Patrick Piedmont H S
Cole, Ryan Penn HS
Crockett, Matt St Edward Eagles HS
Curt, Steve NOVA
Dombrowski, George Summit Boys Youth RC
Fitzgerald, Ryan Wisconsin U-19
Fortin, Aaron Weatherford HS
Gatewood, Travis Norman Colts HS RFC
Giubardo, Tony Desmet
Gouws, Adriaan E Metro High
Hertel, Patrick Burnsville HS RC
Howard, Logan LA Cougars U19
Hundley, Justin Tri-Village RFU
Jackson, Julian Old Whites RC
Johnson, Phil Wisconsin U-19 Select
Keady, James College Pk Ramblers
Kearey, Ryan Thomas More College
Kolberg, Kelly Dallas RFC
Krempasky, Richard NOVA
Kwedar, Greg Weatherford HS
Leahy, Mark Oregon Youth Rugby
Lennon, Andy Moseley Rugby Academy
Lewis, Randy Chaparral
Locke, Andrew St. Thomas HS
Lynn-Miller, Ace Eastside Militia HS
Maher, Tom Brother Rice RFC
Moore, Michael St. Thomas
Murray, Conor Henderson RFC
Neville, Justin Piedmont HS
Orscheln, Dustin Kansas City Jr. Blues
Pacious, Chris Maryland Exiles
Petri, Michael Xavier HS
Rafferty, Shawn Xavier H.S.
Rittenberg, Garrett Harvey School RFC
Rogers, Taylor Akron HS
Smith, Andy Muskego RC/Wisconsin U-19 Select
Szwed, Brian Lockport HS
Watson, Chris Weatherford HS
Welch, Joseph Jesuit
Zukowski, Max Wisconsin U-19
Kerwin, Andrew Boston College Prep
Lichtfuss, Kevin Virginia Tech RFC
Collins, Owen Boston College Prep
Mitchum, Noah Maryland Exiles

BERKELEY, Calif. - July 16, 2002 - The Collegiate All-American team
has confirmed it will tour South Africa in September.

The two-week tour features a match against the famed Stellenbosch
University, plus fixtures against the University of Western Cape and
Peninsula Technikon, USA Rugby announced today.

"The playing standards of South African rugby will make it a
challenging tour for head coach Larry Naifeh and our team," noted
Jack Clark who leads the All-American program. "But this is the
perfect country in which to pursue high-performance rugby and a
meaningful cultural experience."

The All-Americans, who are sponsored by Barbarian Rugby Wear, will be
the first US national representative team to visit South Africa in 20
years. And the tour will also be significant for South African rugby,
where universities such as Western Cape are leading the
transformation of the game in the post-apartheid era.

The collegiate All-Americans toured Ireland last year and played two
matches, against Trinity and University College Dublin. This year,
the program adds a third match in order to increase the tour's
development value.

The All-American's visit has the full sanction of the South African
Rugby Union which, in addition to arranging the tour fixtures, has
agreed to assist with the collegiate team's in-country costs.

The campaign will start with a short assembly camp in the Atlanta
area before the All-American squad departs for Cape Town.

It was also announced today that former All-American (1985) and US
National Team manager Michael de Jong has been appointed the
All-American tour manager for 2002.

The All-American program's history stretches back to the very
beginnings of US rugby. The American Universities side toured New
Zealand in 1910, and the All-American team contributed the bulk of
players to the gold medal-winning 1920 and 1924 Olympic sides.

In the modern era, the program was reconstituted in 1980, shortly
after USA Rugby's formation. And under Clark's direction, the
All-Americans next played an outside opponent in 1987, defeating
Dutch Students. The All-American team has long been a precursor to
international honors, somewhat like a U-23 or U-21 national side in
traditional rugby nations.


All-American Tour to South Africa, 2002

Peninsula Technikon September 22

Stellenbosch University September 26

University of Western Cape September 29

CANADA DEFEATS USA 44-6

USA U-19s Suffer First Loss At World Jr. Championships

MONTEREALE, Italy - March 26, 2002 - The Canadians served the USA U-19
National Team its first loss, 44-6, at the World Jr. Championships
today.

Although the Canadians controlled the second half, the U.S. was only
behind seven points at the end of the first 30 minutes.  

"We executed some strong plays and played well defensively during the
first half," USA Head Coach Rick Humm said.  "Richard White and Todd
Clever again played well. Chris Shelley had some key tackles and
Jonathan Meldrum had great throws in the line-out, which provided us
excellent field position."

Two minutes into the match, the Canadian National Team got on the
board with a penalty kick.  However, four minutes later, USA Captain
Dominic Mara answered with a penalty kick, bringing the score to 3-3.

Just as quickly, the Canadians won the ball from a line-out, and
worked the ball down field.  From five-meters, Canada scored the first
try of the match.  The Canadian conversion was missed, 8-3.

The USA and Canadians then fought hard, working the ball around the
field.  At the 32nd minute, the Canadians swung the ball out wide to
score a try in the corner, increasing the lead to 13-3.

In injury time, Mara again slotted another penalty kick, which would
be the last points of the day for the Eagles. 

The fast, physical Canadian team exploded on the pitch for the second
half. From the start, until about the 10-minute mark, the Canadians
were completely dominant, scoring a try and two converted tries, 32-0.
 

The first try came from a 50-meter run.  Canada moved the ball swiftly
among its backs and had solid support, stretching the ball downfield. 
The second Canadian try, at the eight-minute mark, came after the
Canadians capitalized on strong ball handling.  Then at 10 minutes,
Canada's backs again worked the ball 50-meters for another try.

Humm then made several substitutions, which provided all team members
the opportunity to play.  David Soles, Brian Riviera and Inaki Basauri
therefore played their first International points.  The Eagles held
the Canadians until the final minutes of the match when the team
crashed through U.S. defense for both a try and converted try.    

The U.S. will now prepare to play Spain on Friday at 2 p.m., for pool
B third place bragging rights. However, the team will first enjoy a
day off, traveling to Aviano Air Force Base, and then on to watch the
New Zealand and South African teams battle in the pool A semi-final
match tomorrow.

Team USA
1. Braden Despain 2.Jonathan Meldrum 3.Mike Maday 4.Tyler Mintz 5.
Inaki Basauri 6.Frank Sharpe 7.Richard White (Vice Captain) 8.Todd
Clever 9.Mike Petri 10.Brendan Lunny 11.Andrew Locke 12.Tom Burns
13.Christopher Shelley 14.Jeff Macke 15.Dominic Mara (Captain)

Substitutions
16.Will Brazier 17. William Looker 18. Peder Lueben 19.David Soles
20.Pieter Colson 21.Barry Oberholzer 22.Brian Riveria

USA U-19's Beat Ukraine

FONTANAFREDDA, Italy - March 23 - 2002 - The USA U-19 Team played
another close match today, pulling out a 27-23 victory against the
Ukraine National Team at the World Jr. Championships.

"We took advantage on the outside, and our backs were very successful
today.  Richard White was again outstanding, making trouble for the
Ukrainians.  As well, Mike Petri had timely kicks and his leadership
on the field was superb," Head Coach Rick Humm said.  "Although we
did have some difficulty harnessing their talented forwards, the boys
played well and stuck to the game plan."

The U.S. came out strong and scored the first try just 30 seconds into
the match.  The Eagles got the ball out wide, and exploited the
Ukrainians.  Passing the ball to Captain Dominic Mara, he then made a
beautiful run from about 40-meters out. With Mara's successful
conversion, the team was ahead 7-0. 

Throughout the next few minutes, the Ukrainian Team was able to move
the ball into the Eagles end of the field.  However, after a deep
kick, the USA fielded the ball well.  A scrum then ensued and the
Ukrainians mishandled the ball, and Eagle Mike Petri landed on the
ball in the try zone to score. Mara again made a successful
conversion, bringing the score to 14-0.

At the 26th minute, Mara slotted a penalty kick from 35-meters out,
making it 17-0.  Just two minutes later, the Ukrainians finally got on
the board with a try, 17-5.  Ten minutes later the Ukraine Team added
three with a penalty kick, 17-8.

Early in the second half the U.S. was penalized, and the Ukrainian's
materialized 17-11.  However, the U.S. answered at the eight-minute
mark, as Mara kicked another penalty kick to make it 20-11.

Two minutes later, the Ukraine Team's strong forwards mounted great
momentum and moved the ball quickly to score a try, 20 -16.

As the Ukrainian Team was beginning to make its was back into the
match, the Eagles had a strong ruck and Mike Petri recycled the ball
out wide to Jeff Macke.  Macke outran the Ukrainian defense to score
his first try of the tournament.  With the good conversion, the score
was now 27-16.

Capitalizing off  a U.S. mistake, the Ukrainians then made a converted
try to bring the score to 27-23. The U.S. defense held strong though,
and with Tom Burns timely kicks to clear the ball out of the Eagles
end of the field, the U.S. hung on for the 27 - 23 victory.  

The U.S. will now play Canada on Tuesday, March 26, at 3 p.m.

"We are here to do well in the tournament and become better rugby
players," Humm said. "The next step will be Canada and it will be a
hard test."

Prior to Tuesday's match, the Eagles will attend the South Africa/
England match tomoorw and attend a family reception tomorrow evening.

U-19s HANG ON TO WIN FIRST MATCH
AT JR. WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

CORDENNONS, Italy - March 20, 2002 - The USA U-19 National Team held
on for an 18-17 victory against Holland during the team's first match
at the Jr. World Championships today.

After being ahead 15-7 at the half, the Dutch made a strong comeback
and took advantage of the Eagles' field position during the second
half.  The win came down to a missed conversion during the final
seconds of the match.

"The Dutch were a very physical side and proved challenging in the
scrum.  They also had very gifted runners which helped them during the
second half," U-19 Head Coach Rick Humm said. "However, we are happy
to have our first match result in a win." 

Although the second half belonged primarily to Holland, the USA
controlled the first 30 minutes.  Todd Clever scored the first try
from a Dutch turnover during the 15th minute.  The Eagles worked the
ball to the five-meter mark where a scum ensued.  Brendan Lunny passed
the ball to Clever and he broke through for the try.  

Although the Dutch scrumhalf made a few breaks down field, the U.S.
continued to occupy Holland's 22.  The USA continually pushed back the
Dutch, always challenging the team's defense.  

Five minutes after Clever's first try, he again materialized.  This
time, Team Captain Dominic Mara made a clean conversion to put the
Eagles ahead 12-0.

Minutes before the half time whistle blew; Holland was penalized for
hands in the ruck. The U.S. therefore heightened its lead to 15-0 with
Tom Burns successful penalty kick.

However, Holland won the ball off the following kick.  The Dutch
handled the ball well and made quick passes.  The team then found a
large U.S. gap and scored a converted try.  

During the first minutes of the second half, the U.S. missed a penalty
kick; from there Holland controlled the match.  At the seven-minute
mark, the Dutch scored a try, tightening the gap to 15-12.  

Although the Eagles scored off a Dutch penalty, Holland continued to
apply heavy pressure.  Throughout the remainder of the half two U.S.
players were sin binned: Todd Clever for stamping and Jonathan Meldrum
for a high tackle.  Clever re-entered as Meldrum was binned, and the
USA played the final minutes with only 14 players.

The USA held strong though, as Holland spent the final six minutes of
the match in the Eagles 22.  The Dutch finally pushed through the left
side for a try during the 35th minute, in injury time.  As the whistle
blew, Holland failed to convert, giving the U.S. the 18-17 victory.

"We had some good breakaway's today and took advantage of
opportunities well," Humm explained.  "We will take today's lessons
into our upcoming matches."

The Eagles will now face either the Ukraine or Taipei on Saturday,
March 23 at 8 p.m. 

USA Scores
Tries: Clever (2)
Conversions: Mara (2)
Penalty Kicks: Burns (1)
Mara (1)

USA Team
1. Braden Despain 2.Jonathan Meldrum 3.Mike Maday 4.Tyler Mintz
5.William Looker 6.Frank Sharpe 7.Richard White (Vice Captain)8.Todd
Clever 9.Mike Petri 10.Brendan Lunny 11.Andrew Locke 12.Tom Burns
13.Christopher Shelly 14.Jeff Macke 15.Dominic Mara (Captain)

Substitutions
16.Will Brazier 17.Justin Neville 18.Inaki Basauri 19.Peder Lueben
20.Pieter Colson 21.Harry Oberholzer 22.Brian Riveria 

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Exiles surprise PAC 

The Maryland Exiles surprised the Potomac Athletic Club by engineering a 22-12 victory over the Super League club in the final preliminary round of the Mid-Atlantic (MARFU) Championship division competition. 

PAC outscored the Exiles two tries to one, but it was the boot of Maryland center Pete Gibson that was the difference. Gibson slotted five penalty goals and a conversion to give his team the advantage. 

The result means that both clubs finished equal first with identical records of 5-2, although PAC ends the fall season on top of the ladder with a superior points differential. The Potomac AC also registered a staggering 32 tries from their seven games, as opposed to Maryland’s 23. 

In other games, Philadelphia-Whitemarsh beat Schuylkill River 20-12, Baltimore-Chesapeake edged past the Pittsburgh Harlequins 25-20 and NOVA narrowly upended Washington 18-13. 

After eight weeks of competition, the final standings in the Championship Division see PAC (5-2) and Maryland Exiles (5-2) ahead of Philadelphia-Whitemarsh (5-1), Pittsburgh Harlequins (3-4), NOVA (3-3), Schuylkill River (2-5), Baltimore-Chesapeake (2-4-1) and Washington (1-5-1). 

Philly and NOVA have a game in hand as their scheduled Week seven clash was postponed.

MARFU – PAC stretches championship lead

The Potomac Athletic Club has extended its lead at the top of the MARFU championship division points table with a resounding 32-19 win over the Pittsburgh Harlequins in Week 7 action. 

Despite wet weather in Pittsburgh, the day started well for the Harlequins. Just four minutes into the game and the Quins’ backline found an open space and slipped around the outside, drawing first blood with a try in the corner (converted, 0-7). That score seemed to only wake up the out of town guests. Minutes later prop Aaron Beuhring picked up a loose ball 10 meters outside the Pittsburgh try line. The front rower rumbled through a handful of defenders carrying tacklers to the line where he dotted down (5-7, conversion missed). 

PAC continued the attack immediately from the following kick-off. After multiple phases from the PAC forwards, the Quins yielded a penalty. The ensuing kick to touch setup a lineout 15 meters out from the Pitt try line. PAC won the line out and drove towards their goal line. The ball moved to the Potomac backline who were stopped by the Pittsburgh defense. However, PAC would continue in possession and attack. After stringing together eight phases of attack, prop Dax Schaumkel drove towards the try line and dished to supporting eightman Mike Kowalski for a try (conversion missed, 10-7). 

At the 30-minute mark, PAC flyhalf Mike Fabling hoisted a booming up and under towards the Pittsburgh backs. The ball was allowed to come down without being caught and PAC lock Chris Bjornestad gladly accepted the gift from heaven on the first bounce. Bjornestad carried the ball uncontested for 30 meters, dotting down and adding to the PAC tally (conversion missed, 15-7). 

The second half was slow to start, but PAC was on the board again when Schaumkel finished a penalty play for another try (converted, 22 - 7). Pittsburgh would vault back into the game six minutes later when a Quin back picked up an errant PAC pass and skated 22 meters unopposed into the try zone (unconverted, 22-12). 

The Potomac AC extended their lead through two more tries to winger Josh Stallings and Bjornestad. The conversions were missed leaving the score at 32-12. Pittsburgh claimed the last score of the game. Once again making the most of an good opportunity, the Pitt forwards scooped up a loose ball near the PAC tryline and closed the final score to 32-19. 

Elsewhere, the Maryland Exiles downed Schuylkill River 47-10, Washington and Baltimore-Chesapeake played out an exciting 25-25 tie, while the scheduled game between Philadelphia-Whitemarsh and NOVA was postponed. 

The Potomac Athletic Club leads the race in the MARFU Championship division and will face the Maryland Exiles this weekend. A win will secure the Cup for PAC and complete a successful fall warm-up for the Super League season. A win for the Exiles will secure the number one seed into the MARFU division 1 playoffs. 

Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Harlequins will look to bounce back in their final match of the year against struggling Baltimore-Chesapeake. Baltimore runs the risk of elimination from the playoffs after reaching the final 8 in division 1 last spring. NOVA is desperate for a win over cross-town rival Washington. A win will secure the last division one playoff spot for the Cardinals.

MARFU championship heats up 

The Philadelphia-Whitemarsh RFC beat a solid Maryland Exiles 32-21 to improve their standing in the Mid-Atlantic championship division.  

On a chilly autumn morning, the Maryland Exiles traveled to Philadelphia only to be beaten by a tough team with its eyes on the MARFU Championship. It was clear from the start that Philly-Whitemarsh was going to play a field position game by having flyhalf Adrian Stoch kick the ball downfield. 

Three minutes into the game, Sal Raniello recovered a kick deep in Exiles territory. Four phases later Keith McLean dotted down a try to get Philly-Whitemarsh off to a good start. Stoch, a native of South Africa, made another high, deep kick which Raniello covered to pin the Exiles winger deep in his zone. 

With no support, Maryland was forced to commit a penalty in the ruck. Philly-Whitemarsh capitalized by driving their lineout ten meters for a try. Stoch converted the kick to put Philly-Whitemarsh up 12-0. The home team opened space ten minutes later when they were able to move some forwards into the backline and co-captains John Grace and Jeff Preston made two nice passes to set-up Raniello for a try, which was once again converted by Stoch.

Maryland got on the board twenty-four minutes into the first half after a Philly-Whitemarsh penalty twenty-two meters out. The Exiles went with a quick tap and passed the ball through hands until they had a numbers mismatch on the outside. The winger touched the ball down in the corner for an unconverted try. The Exiles scored three more points as Philly-Whitemarsh was called for playing a man without the ball on a lineout that they almost stole. 

Maryland showed some skill by kicking a thirty meter penalty goal closing the gap to 19-8. Then Stoch made a beautiful drop goal after Philly-Whitemarsh stole a scrum inside Maryland's twenty-two meter line to give his side a 22-8 halftime lead.
The Exiles came out fighting in the second period scoring a penalty kick and a try in the first ten minutes. Stoch booted another penalty when Maryland was called for hands in the ruck sixteen minutes into the half. There was more field position rugby as Philly-Whitemarsh and Maryland fought hard for position and possession. 

With under ten minutes left in the game there was an on-field altercation which led to a Philly-Whitemarsh player being sent off. Maryland capitalized on this by kicking a penalty goal to make the score 25-21, but this was as close as the visitors would come. 

Brian Fischel capitalized on a Maryland miscue on the kickoff. With good defense, Philly-Whitemarsh caused Maryland to drop the ball, Fischel kicked it into the try zone where he dove on it to make the final score Philly-Whitemarsh 32 Maryland Exiles 21. 

Raniello was named Boddington's Man-of-the Match for his strong backline play and defense. Philly-Whitemarsh trails PAC by two points in the Mid-Atlantic Rugby Football Union standings and with two conference games remaining, they look like a strong contender for the championship. 

In other games, the Pittsburgh Harlequins pipped Washington 20-17, Schuylkill River spanked NOVA 37-8 and PAC thumped Baltimore-Chesapeake 36-8.

Philly racks up another win 

Flyhalf Adrian Stoch nailed two drop goals and his forward pack bulled in two driving mauls to lead Philadelphia-Whitemarsh to a 32-16 victory over fellow Super League club Washington in the latest round of the MARFU championship division competition.

Stoch, the native South African now living in Manayunk, led a pounding Philadelphia-Whitemarsh attack that wore down the opposition in the first half, then rolled up the score in the second.

Veteran lock Matt Winters of Wynnewood earned Boddingtons Man-of-the-Match honors for his all-around performance. Defensively the former club captain took the lead, stifling Washington's dangerous #8 and with ball in hand, he ripped off several penetrating runs, punishing would-be tacklers as he went. Winters also picked up the slack in lineouts after primary jumper Andrey Biryukov went off injured.

Washington started the scoring with a 22-meter penalty goal early in the match, which Stoch quickly countered with a drop goal of his own after Philadelphia-Whitemarsh drove inside Washington's 22 meter line.

Washington upped the score to 10-3 with a converted try, which Philly answered on the ensuing series when inside center Rob Smith of Langhorne picked up a loose ball and touched it down for a try. The conversion by Biryukov, of Cherry Hill, tied things at 10.

After moving the ball into Washington's territory with solid, multi-phase play, Philadelphia-Whitemarsh secured the ball in the back of a maul and drove it over the line from 5 meters out. Winger Joe Cassidy of Wayne touched down for the score and thanked his forwards for the effort. Biryukov's conversion put the visitors up 17-10.

Washington added two penalty goals before the half to put the score at 17-16 for Philadelphia-Whitemarsh at the midpoint.

As it has all fall, Philadelphia-Whitemarsh was able to up its game in the second half and pull away from a worn-down opposition. Villanova freshman and USA Under-19 selection Mike Petri started the second-half scoring with a darting move off the back of a ruck, touching down for his first A-side try in a Philadelphia-Whitemarsh jersey. Another drop goal by Stoch and a converted try off a rolling maul, touched-down by prop Sam Fiorelli, gave Philadelphia-Whitmarsh more than it needed to secure the victory at 32-16.

The win puts Philadelphia-Whitemarsh at 4-1 on the season, with previous victories over White Plains (NY), Potomac Athletic Club and Pittsburgh Harlequins.

In other games, Pittsburgh Harlequins pipped Schuylkill River 15-13, while the Maryland Exiles downed Baltimore-Chesapeake 29-12.

PAC tops MARFU table 

The latest round of matches in the Mid-Atlantic Rugby Football Union championship division wound up with the Potomac Athletic Club continuing its winning ways with a dominating 34-5 win over NOVA. The win and bonus point keeps PAC on top of the heap. 

PAC scored first at the 7 minute mark. A well executed short lineout was taken at NOVA's 22-meter line by number 8 Mike Kowalski. Kowalski moved the ball to scrumhalf Tom Kenney who dumped it to hard crashing prop Dax Schaumkel. The big front rower then found center Mark Cyphers streaking for the try line and he dotted down to give PAC a 5-0 lead. 

The next PAC score came at the 16^th minute mark on a NOVA miscue. NOVA attempted to counter a PAC clearing kick, but the attack ended up in the middle of the field. PAC defenders were well positioned to stop the counter-attack, and center Josh Stallings slid in and stole an errant pass. 

Stallings streaked to inside the NOVA 22-mater line where the cover defense forced him to dish to Cyphers, who finished the pick off with his second five-pointer of the day. Fullback Dave Burt converted to make the score 12-0 to PAC. Burt finished the first half scoring when he added a 35 meter penalty kick at the 26 minute mark. At the break PAC was ahead 15-0. 

Though NOVA seemed to have regained their composure late in the first period and opening the second, it was PAC who reopened scoring accounts 15 minutes into the second frame. A good ball from a midfield scrum set the backs away on the attack. Cyphers went through the defense and after breaking a few tackles he was able to dish back to the supporting flyhalf Mike Fabling who carried over the line. Another Burt conversion increased PAC’s lead to 22-0. 

Ten minutes later, PAC was back at the NOVA 15 meter line with a lineout. Again a short line was secured by "Killer" Kowalski, he moved the ball to Kenney who shoveled along to Dax. On this attempt, the prop could smell the try line and bulled over the top of several defenders for the five-pointer. With the Burt conversion it was 29-0. 

PAC added one last score on a well executed counter-attack. Fullback Burt took a deep NOVA clearing kick and moved back up field, eventually dishing to supporting wing Dave Kennedy. Kennedy set the ball for Fabling who continued the attack then returned to Kennedy who crossed the line to make it 34-0. 

Just minutes before the end NOVA finally punched in a score to prevent the shutout. The final score read PAC 34-NOVA 5. PAC faces 2002 Division I quarter-finalist Baltimore-Chesapeake in the next round.

Big scores in latest MARFU action 

On a bright fall day the Philadelphia-Whitemarsh rugby club took on an experienced Pittsburgh Harlequins side and came out with a 31-17 victory in Week 4 action. 

The scoring began with a converted penalty kick from Andre Biryukov after an offside call against Pittsburgh. The Harlequins scored next when their fullback scored on a four-meter run that was converted. The next points came when PWRFC’s Jim Brill set up Biryukov for a seven-meter try. Pittsburgh evened the score when PWRFC was called for an offside penalty and the Harlequins went for the points. 

PWRFC scored the next two tries, both converted by Biryukov, as Bobby Cassidy scored on a forty-meter run, and his brother Joe Cassidy picked off a pass and ran thirty-five meters before passing to Brill who put it down over the line. Biryukov concluded PWRFC’s scoring when the PWRFC pack drove a maul ten meters and he dotted it down. 

The final five minutes saw Philly-Whitemarsh inside its own territory defending as Pittsburgh had a number of chances to score. A last second score by Pittsburgh’s wing left the final tally at 31-17 in favor of Philadelphia-Whitemarsh. Philly improves to 2-1 on the season. 

Elsewhere, Schuylkill River bounced back from two consecutive losses to Super League sides Washington and PAC by dominating Baltimore-Chesapeake to the tune of 49-10 and improving their record to 1-2.

PAC scores big win over DC rival 

While protesters swirled around downtown Washington DC, two rival clubs clashed just minutes away at the Hyde School stadium in Northeast DC. PAC and rival Super League club, Washington, faced off in a MARFU friendly with PAC posting a convincing 39-5 victory. 

With the win PAC moves to the top of the MARFU Championship division.

The game started quickly and PAC showed great support play from the front row. After gaining a lineout just outside the Washington 22, PAC set up a short line. The ball was quickly moved from the Potomac jumper to scrumhalf Dave Etches who found prop Dax Schaumkel streaking towards the Washington back line. After carrying a number of tacklers with him, Schaumkel moved the ball back to a supporting Etches who broke free towards the try line. Etches was slowed and he slipped it back to the Dax who then passed it to winger Josh Stallings for the try (5-0, conversion missed).

PAC continued to exert pressure and kept the Washington side deep in its own territory. With 22 minutes gone in the first half, the Washington flyhalf attempted to clear the ball from within his own quarter. He failed to make touch and PAC fullback Dave Burt counter attacked from mid-field. The shifty Burt skirted a pair of Washington defenders then fed winger Dave Kennedy. Kennedy carried the ball through a few players before he slipped back to Burt. The fullback kept the ball moving, sending a shape pass to charging flanker Chris Bjornestad. Bjornestad dumped off to eightman Mike Kowalski who moved the ball to the prop who then found Stallings. Stallings capped a great counter attack by powering past two defenders for his second try of the match (12-0, conversion Fabling).

PAC continued to dominate play over the next 10 minutes and at the 35 minute mark was awarded a lineout at the Washington 10 meter line. The Potomac forwards executed a driving maul that culminated with hooker, and captain, Brian Olmes grounding the ball for the third PAC try of the match (17-0, conversion missed). Washington would not allow the half to finish without getting on the scoreboard themselves adding a late try to make the score PAC 17 Washington 5.

Opening the second half, PAC continued on the offensive. Five minutes into the second frame, winger Dave Kennedy picked up a beautifully placed grubber from scrumhalf Etches. The former England U19 halfback was the beneficiary of a ball stripped from a Washington runner by hooker Olmes. Etches quickly countered and placed a soft foot on the ball driving it inside the 5 meter line where Kennedy scooped it up and ran in for the 5-pointer (22-5, conversion missed).

Just minutes later, the Scarlets were in again. PAC stole a Washington lineout and quickly fed the ball out to fly half Mike Fabling. The former Eagle moved the pill wide to fullback Burt, he popped it nicely from the tackle to outside center Jesse Turnier. Turnier was tackled, but managed to make a great pass to inside center Mark Cyphers who crossed the line for the fifth try (27-5, conversion failed).

At 19 minutes PAC had another short lineout on Washington's 25 meter line. Again, the restart was well executed, and the ball moved quickly to attacking forwards. After moving through a couple of forwards, Kowalski set a ruck ten meters out. Quick ball was moved directly into the hands of fullback Burt who was coming at full pace. Burt's pace carried him past the Washington defense for the score (32-5, conversion missed).

Though Washington tried to spark the offensive in a number of ways, they couldn’t crack the PAC defense. One of those attempts cost Washington a final try. Washington fullback Martin O'Donoghue was trying a counter attack from his own half, however, he was caught by PAC hooker Olmes and dispossesed of the ball at the ensuing ruck. Scrumhalf Etches attacked upfield, dished to fullback Burt, who passed to Cyphers. Burt looped Cyphers who returned the ball and as Burt was tackled, he popped the ball high in the air where the supporting Kowalski was able to snag it and charge in for the last try of the day (39-5, conversion Fabling). 

MARFU Fall Season
by Brian Lowe

The Mid Atlantic Rugby Football Union fall season is up and running on America’s eastern seaboard and already the NOVA club of Northern Virginia is setting the pace. 

NOVA, one of MARFU’s leading clubs for many years, is 2-0 in the early going. The northern Virginians have dispatched both the Maryland Exiles and Baltimore-Chesapeake in the first two rounds, but only just. NOVA scored a 27-26 win over the Exiles in Week 1 and followed it up with another narrow 16-14 victory against Baltimore-Chesapeake in Week 2. 

The Exiles are running second with a record of 1-1 having beaten the Pittsburgh Harlequins 29-16 after their opening round loss. 

MARFU’s Division I is one of the few competitions in the United States that allows Super League teams to compete against other clubs, although those teams are not eligible to contest the post season. There are three  Super League sides in the comp, Potomac Athletic Club (PAC), Philadelphia-Whitemarsh and Washington RFC, and they use the competition to fine tune their squads for the Super League championship which kicks off in the spring. 

They also take the opportunity to test each other out and claim bragging rights along the way. 

Washington has started its fall campaign on a winning note with an 18-7 decision against Schuylkill River, while Philly scored a 21-15 come-from-behind win over PAC. 

Due to the weather, the MARFU championship is a seasonal competition with the preliminary rounds played in the fall and the playoffs contested during the following spring. 

Potomac Athletic Club wins MARFU 7s
by Brian Lowe 

Waiting was the order of the day at the Mid Atlantic RFU Sevens Championship. First the championship round was delayed due to rain, then the final went into overtime before a champion could be crowned. However, perseverance is often rewarded and PAC (DC) grabbed the MARFU Sevens Championship, defeating the Norfolk Blues (VA) in a 26-21 overtime win.

Kicking off after a 20 minute rain delay, the finalists faced stifling humidity and slick field conditions. Much of the game was punctuated by dropped balls and missed passes, as the two defensively-oriented teams put pressure on their opposition who struggled to handle the wet ball. Norfolk got out to a 14-0 lead, on two early tries. The Blues seemed to be holding control of the match when just before halftime, PAC prop J.C. Rocha broke through to mark down under the posts (conversion Buckland) cutting the Norfolk lead in half, 14-7.

Opening the second frame Norfolk re-established the 14 point lead on their third try of the day. However, PAC would not let the game get away from them. With less then two minutes to play, the DC team again got to within seven points, when captain Mark Cyphers dotted down a try (conversion Van Zyl). With Norfolk leading 21-14, the final play of regulation was announced by the referee on a Norfolk lineout deep in their own territory. The combination of a Norfolk handling error and pressure defense by scrumhalf Corey Rosensteel produced a loose ball. PAC Flyhalf van Zyl gathered ten metres out and scored a centre-post try. The successful conversion tied the game at 21-21 and forced sudden death overtime.

PAC received the opening overtime kickoff. Both teams traded possession back and forth and repelled multiple attacks with inspired defense. In the late moments of the first five-minute overtime, PAC was awarded a scrum about 55 meters out. With the backs out right, flyhalf van Zyl found a break to weak side. Van Zyl dashed down the left sideline, only to be cut off by a sweeping Norfolk defender. With a deft side-step van Zyl cut across the grain. With the Blues pursuing doggedly, the speedy Van Zyl headed cross field diagonally to the right corner of the in-goal. The Blues maintained chase into the try zone, but van Zyl managed to dot down in the back corner.

In pool play, PAC started the day looking somewhat disorganized in a 12-7 win versus NOVA I (NOVA B-side). PAC's play progressively improved in its remaining pool games, beating Baltimore-Chesapeake 28-14, and Norfolk Blues 24-5. PAC then went on to defeat the Maryland Exiles 33-14 in the semifinal. Norfolk defeated Baltimore-Chesapeake 12-5 and NOVA I 29-14 in pool play. Then Norfolk dispatched undefeated, and tournament favorite NOVA II (NOVA A-side) 24-19 in a tough semi-final matchup.

"It was very rewarding to see the boys come through with a lot of work and a championship this summer. However, I know they are not satisfied just winning the hardware at MARFU. There are a couple more weeks of work to be done," said PAC president Tom Lyons in an obvious reference to the USA National Championships to be played on August 10^th and 11^th.  

Through the summer though, PAC has slowly come forward, creating a group of players who aren't spectacular, but get the job done. "We don't have any superstars," noted Lyons. "We're a team of mutts who find a way to win."

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Midwest All-Star side taking shape 

The national All-Star championships (NASC)are less than a month away and the Midwest select side is beginning to take shape. 

The Midwest held its trials in St Louis and as a result, there’s a healthy smattering of players from Super League club the Chicago Lions in the squad headed by USA Eagles center Phillip Eloff. 

He’s joined by team mates Andy McGarry, Chris Brankin, Christian Long, Lee Carlsen, Ryan Nelson, Duncan Blowers, Matt Schmitz and John Burke. Joe Chesak has made the Midwest Developmental squad. 

“The guys performed very well in St Louis and all who made the trip were chosen, which shows the strength of our club in regard to Midwest competition,” noted head coach John Duggan. 

The national All-Star championships will be held in Florida in early December. US Eagles selectors will be keeping very close tabs on proceedings at the NASC with head coach Tom Billups already making it abundantly clear that players wanting to press for Test selection must show up. 

Meantime, ex-Lion Adrian O’Leary has been chosen in the USA touch rugby side to compete at the Touch Rugby World Cup next May in Japan.

Knock-out Cup for Midwest 

Teams in the Midwest could soon be playing for a knock-out Cup called the Mid-America Cup. A proposal has been put to the Midwest RFU for a tournament to be played during the Spring and to be loosely based around the format used by the English Football Association's FA Cup. 

The proposal would give every men's club in the Midwest a championship to play for regardless of division or playoff standing. 

“This tournament would run predominantly in the Spring and would be organized around Midwest and national playoff weekends,” said League commissioner Graeme Leask. “The Final Four weekend could be held in late August as a precursor to our fall League schedule. 

“The early rounds would be competed for by Division III clubs and organized regionally to avoid excessive travel. Division II clubs would be introduced in round four and Division I/RSL clubs would be brought in in round six.” 

The proposal has been circulated among MWRFU members for comment.

Midwest promotion and relegation 

The Midwest Rugby Football Union is digesting a proposal which, if accepted, would see the creation of a promotion and relegation system between divisions. 

The proposal is intended to mandate league sizes by division. Once optimal numbers in each division have been reached, a system of promotion and relegation would be put in place to allow for non-negotiable movement between First and Second Divisions and Second and Third divisions. 

“At present our system allows for movement between divisions, but with absolutely no structure nor system,” said League commissioner Graeme Leask. “If we adopt the proposal it will show clearly the channel for both promotion and relegation. 

“The restructuring of the national Division One format has done us no favors. Our region now also includes four teams from the South, which makes nine teams total including our five. The other three regions have between fifteen and seventeen teams each. The disparity in numbers leaves us a little short, and based upon the performance of both Midwestern and Southern Clubs in last year’s national playoffs, we will struggle to gain three playoff spots in the Sweet Sixteen.” 

Leask added that restructuring the system to mandate league/conference sizes and adopt a true promotion relegation process would: 

- Strengthen competition within all divisions           

- Position all clubs based on performance

- Maximize the potential of all clubs

- Minimize the need for individual club fixture making

- Add solid structure to all Midwest competition

- Better ready clubs for national competition

The draft blueprint calls for the following target numbers for league sizes to be achieved by the 2004 season: 

Division I - 8 teams

Division II - 24 teams

Division III - all remaining clubs (approx 54) 

The teams to be relegated would be determined by a relegation playoff format. The bottom eight clubs would playoff to determine who is to be relegated. Unlike the winners playoff, the losers would advance to face another losing team. There would be three rounds of play and the third round would be between the two clubs that have lost both of their previous games. The club that loses the third round game will be relegated to Div III. 

Each year two teams would be promoted/relegated between Div II & Div III, while one team would be promoted/relegated between Div I & Div II. 

“First Division would be a TU-run league within our region,” maintained Leask. “The league would consist of eight clubs playing each other once, giving each club seven conference games. The South would be strongly encouraged to raise up four more clubs to the Division I level. This would then have our region back in line with the three other regions and would allow our results to determine playoff births, and not our numbers.” 

Under the proposal, Second Division would be a TU-run comp, while Division III would remain a predominantly LAU-based competition. At the end of league play, the top sixteen clubs (top four from each conference) would advance to the traditional playoff format, culminating in a Midwest Final 4 weekend.

Lions end fall season on winning note 

The Chicago Lions wrapped up their fall season with a solid 36-16 win against Scioto Valley of Columbus, Ohio. The result avenged a defeat by Scioto Valley in the corresponding match last year. 

The game started against clearing skies and an early penalty by Duncan Blowers saw the Lions go up 3-0, but it was against the run of play and as the Lions struggled to put together multi-phase possession, Scioto started to take control. Scioto were rewarded with a converted try to take the lead 7-3 just six minutes in. 

The Scioto scrum gave the Lions problems and allowed the Ohio backs to get a lot of ball. A brief moment of Lions pressure earned another penalty from Blowers to narrow the gap to 7-6. Afterwards, Scioto moved the ball well and got a couple of penalties, which they missed, but in the 19th minute they goaled for a 10-6 scoreline. Six minutes later they converted another penalty to go up 13-6.

The Chicago side then struck with a great driving lineout and a forward dominated Joe Chesak try, which brought the Lions back into the game at 13-11. The first half ended that way and it was only Scioto's missed penalties and knock-ons, and Blowers kicking that kept the Lions in the game.

Scioto kicked off the second half and immediately it was obvious that the halftime talk had woken up the Lions. The upfront battle was being waged in earnest and there were a couple of scuffles, resulting in an early penalty that stretched Scioto’s lead to 16-11. The game stagnated except in the forwards where punches were being thrown. The referee reacted by sin-binning Scioto's tight-head prop. 

The Lions then took control of the scrums and dominated the lineouts. A 30 yard rolling maul was the first sign of forward dominance and the Lions back-row was everywhere. Tom Kennedy scored two tries in the space of five minutes, Blowers missed both conversions, but the game was now in Chicago’s control at 21-16. 

The Lions’ new inside center Skip Tramontana impressed by crashing through the Scioto mid-field in attack and defending with rib-crunching tackles. The pressure meant that US Eagle center Phillip Eloff had space to run and so he did twice. Ryan Nelson scored two tries off the running, Blowers converted one, and the Lions jumped ahead 33-16. 

Lions over NYAC 

The Chicago Lions have scored a 27-14 win over fellow USA Rugby Super League side the New York Athletic Club (NYAC) in a friendly in the big apple. 

In difficult conditions, the Lions adapted and took control of the fixture from the opening kickoff. Playing with the elements in the first half, wind and rain, the forwards controlled the ball for the most part and set a platform to allow flyhalf Duncan Blowers to use his boot to dictate the pattern of the game.

The halftime score was 24-7 in the Lions’ favor with tries coming from John Burke (6 mins), Joe Chesik (30 mins) and a penalty try (17 mins) after a high tackle on captain Lee Carlsen. All of the tries came from the back row players, underlining the dominance that the Lions pack showed throughout the day.

Playing into the wind and rain in the second period, the Lions for the most part contained NYAC who managed a try from their outside center in the 78^th minute. The try was converted to make the score 24-14. Blowers added a penalty with the last kick of the game to make the final score 27-14. 

The back three of the Lions ­ Matt Schmitz, Ryan Nelson and former All-American from Tennessee Scott (Beaver) Jones ­ were excellent all day, while Miguel, Skip Tramontana and Mike Wagrowski all debuted against NYAC. 

The Lions are trying to build a meaningful fall schedule for themselves and this game was the third in a series of matches against other teams. In their two previous outings, the Lions topped Charlotte 27-22 and upended cross-town rivals the Chicago Griffins 43-11. It was the first time in two seasons that the Lions and Griffins have clashed head on. 

Prior to that, the Lions finished a very credible second to host club the Gentlemen of Aspen at the Aspen Ruggerfest in September.

Utah Rugby Union

Under Construction

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TOP CLUB TEAMS MOVE ON TO PLAY
FOR CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., May 12, 2002 - The top men's and women's club
teams were awarded the opportunity to move to the championship round,
as club sweet 16 and elite 8 play ended today.  

Austin, Hayward, Back Bay and defending champions San Mateo will all
head toward Pittsburgh to compete for the title of Men's Div. I
National Champion.  Joining them from Men's Division II will be San
Fernando Valley, Newport, New Haven and Southside Irish.  As well,
Chico and Clinton will make the trip to compete for Division III
championship rights.  All three competitions will be held June 1-2, at
Founders Field.

In Women's Division I play, the Minnesota Valkyries, Twin Cities
Amazons, New York and Berkeley will all travel to Rochester, Minn.,
June 8 - 9, to compete for the National Championship.

The full report of scores is as follows:

Men's Division I
Elite 8
Austin over San Jose Seahawks, 19-16
Hayward over Charlotte, 32-21
Back Bay over Baltimore, 30-18
San Mateo over Santa Monica, 20-15

Pool Consolation
Boston Irish Wolfhounds over Cincinnati Wolfhounds, 32-27
Chicago Griffins over Kansas City, 31-21
Seattle over Palmer College, 40-20
St. Louis Bombers over New York, 35-15

Men's Division II
Elite 8
San Fernando Valley over Buffalo, 23-20
Newport over Old White, 21-12
New Haven over San Antonio, 59-0
Southside Irish over Springfield, 38-29

Pool Consolation
Dallas over Washington Irish, 37-12
Las Vegas over Media, 33-17
Northwest Woodsmen over Snake River, 39-32 (overtime)
Fresno over Connecticut Yankees, 56-21

Men's Division III
Final 4
Chico over Baracus, 39-24
Clinton over Albany, 15-13

Consolation
Jackson over Victoria, 48-17
Naples over Tri Cities, 32-12

Women's Division I
Elite 8
Minnesota Valkyries over Kansas City Jazz, 26-0
Twin Cities Amazons over Beantown, 17-11
New York over Atlanta, 10-8
Berkeley over Washington Furies, 93-0

Pool Consolation
Seattle over Morris, 12-3
Emerald City over Maryland, 20-8
Chicago Northshore over Harlequin Old Girls, 19-3
UCLA over Philadelphia, 34-10