Rugby Here and There | Nov 9, 2007

Penn State Looks Towards Final Four Again
From Collegian Online

For 14 of the last 15 seasons, the Lady Ruggers have competed in the Mid-Atlantic Rugby Football Union (MARFU) Final Fours and traveled to eight of nine national championship matches — winning it all last season.

To continue down the same path, the team decided its goals this year were to develop a team mentality and to hone individual skills. The team also wants more members and less-experienced players to come out and learn the game of rugby.

“We have to remember how hard it was [to win] last year,” 12-year head coach Pete Steinberg said. “The team sacrificed a lot to win. We are good, but we have to remember what we gave up [to win the championship].”

Rest of the article is here.

Women’s Rugby Scores Big Win Over Air Force
By Tony Brown
Head Coach

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (September 8, 2007) — As season openers go this one had its fair share of knock-ons, poor passes, and rusty play. Air Force had played on Friday against Army at West Point’s $6 million dollar rugby facility, Anderson Field, so they could be forgiven as no doubt they were sore and tired. Vassar was fresh but nervous as this was their first game since last April. In an absorbing yet slow paced game the final 3 minutes saw 3 scores and a roller coaster of a finish.

Vassar hosted Air Force Women at the Farm and under a sunny sky they made the best of starts. The Brewers established field position in the Air Force half and put them under immediate pressure. The scrums and line outs functioned well enough and from a forward drive Elise Okusami got the ball and drove over to put Vassar 5-0 up. After 15 minutes a lovely break by Alex Milne right up the middle was just the ticket for the home team as they went up 12-0 with the successful conversion. Vassar suddenly realized that this game was theirs for the taking! They had to continue to harass the visitors and jump on the mistakes. But Air Force also stepped up their game and got right back in to the game late in the first half with a break away try down the right wing. Vassar’s Morandi Hurst on the left wing moved in to make a tackle and was beaten by the pass so it was Vassar 12 and the Academy 7.

Rest of the article here.

Saint Mary’s Huskies Win Opener Against Atlantic University
by Halifax

(Staff) – The host Saint Mary’s Huskies opened the Atlantic University Sport women’s rugby season with a 22-15 win over the P.E.I. Panthers yesterday. Shannon Carey, Megan Kinsman and Fiona McNutt had tries.

Madison vs Marquette
by Women’s Rugby at UW-Madison

On Saturday Sept 8 our club hosted our first match of year in Madison against Marquette. With a new cheer and a determination to bet our long time rivals, Madison scored first in the first half. Andrea Larson started the competitive season off with the first try. The score now 5 to 0. Marquette also got on the score board in the first half with a penalty kick to bring the game to a close 5 to 3 score, Madison leading.

Madison fought hard to keep Marquette from scoring in the first half. Holding them at the 5 meter line for 6 scrum downs. Marquette was unable to score and Madison went into the half leading. As the second half commenced, Jamie Rogalla of Madison got a break away off a pass from Hope Reddington near half and ran it in for a try. Catie Mahon was able to convert with the kick and Madison took a larger lead 12 to 3. Again for the forward, Mary Hanks got a break away and took the ball in for another try to give Madison a 17 to 3 lead. With a conversion by Catie Mahon, 19 to 3.

Madison went on to hold Marquette University from scoring and the first game of year when in the books as a win for Madison. Team played very well together and look forward to playing UW Stevens Point this weekend.

The Other World Cup
The Russian Wolfhound Blog

While most of us are amped up about the Rugby World Cup, we can’t forget there are other sporting events happening around the world. Women’s soccer, is in the foremost part of my mind. It is a new young team this year and they are expected to go far. Check out this guy’s blog as he covers what else is going on in the world.

Women Needed as Referees
from Texas Rugby Union Website

More referees are needed and once recruited must be trained. The recruitment and training of referees is the main responsibility of all clubs in Texas. The goal for the TRU is that EVERY club have at least one certified referee.

I challenge all of the women’s rugby teams in Texas to work towards this goal. The Austin Valkyries are the only Women’s club team with registered refs right now. Meg Pace and Wendy Young just recently went through the class and received their referee certificates. Expect to see them on the pitch playing and refereeing this season. If interested please email Dave Jenkins at davejenkins@houston.rr.com.

Stay tuned for more referee courses at they occur in the Texas area. There are currently NO referee courses scheduled, but there is a Coaching Certification courses:

USA RUGBY 2007 FALL WORKSHOP SCHEDULE:

Introducing Rugby

2008 USA Sevens Rugby Tournament – San Diego, CAAll tickets for the 2008 USA Sevens Rugby Tournament in San Diego are now on sale. For more information on tickets, pricing, and a stadium map please visit USASevens.com. To purchase your tickets log on to USASevens.com or call 1-888-RUGBY 7S (1-888-784-2977).

Seating in the Club Level is limited, and expected to fill quickly, so act now.

Click on USASevens.com for additional Group hospitality spaces and official travel package information. We thank you for continuing to support USA Sevens and look forward to seeing you in San Diego!

And check out the USA Sevens video below!

Rugby World Cup 2007 Games This Week

Tuesday September 11, 2007
Argentina vs Georgia (1:30 CT)

Wednesday September 12, 2007
USA vs Tonga (7am CT)
Japan vs Fiji (11am CT)
Italy vs Romania (1pm CT)

Friday September 14, 2007
England vs South Africa (2pm CT)

Saturday Septmber 15, 2007
New Zealand vs Portugal (6am CT)
Wales vs Australia (8am CT)
Ireland vs Georgia (2pm CT)

Sunday September 16, 2007
Fiji vs Canada (7am CT)
Samoa vs Tonga (9am CT)
France vs Namibia (2pm CT)