2008 NASC Day 6 – West U23s & Seniors

The last day of the trip is always hard, but you have to wake up and play some rugby first. This year we (the West Senior team ) lost on Friday to MARFU 50 to 8, and that loss was hard to take. Our trainings the day before had felt strong, tight and intense, but we didn’t bring it on Friday and they did. So today was about playing for heart and pride as we did not want to be last in the standings. We played the South who had lost to the MARFU developmental team on Friday.

The game seemed very long and drawn out, usually rugby games are so quick and fast…this one was completely the opposite. I don’t necessarily know if anyone felt the same, but that’s how I felt. Perhaps it was because it was the end of a long week of rugby, perhaps it was because I was watching the match…who knows. Regardless the West played well and we were able to shut out the South 13 – 0. The game highlighted our unselfish play and teamwork as we pounded the ball hard in the forwards and then moved it out wide to the gazelles. The game plan was simple and we worked it well as a team.

Towards the end of the game I began wondering if I was going to get to get to play, I know I am coming off a major injury, but I can’t help my competitive spirit. The clock was winding down to about 12 minutes when the coaches decided to put me in. I threw on a jersey and quickly warmed up and then waited as my precious minutes ticked off the clock. The touch judge was less than worried about getting me in the game. I was literally yelling at the ref to put me in! Finally I got on the field and the action began. After a few phases of open play the ball ended in touch where there was a South injury. The backs were looking at the clock and realizing that there wasn’t much time left, so why don’t we run it out of our red zone?

We didn’t run it all the way in the try zone before time was up, but we moved it to their side of the pitch, and it felt wonderful to be out there directing traffic, running in support and orchestrating the game plan. I loved it…good to be back!

After our win, The Girl and I hurried over to the West U23 game which had a half left. The game was not looking as good for the U23s as they were losing pretty badly. It seemed like all the momentum and steam they had against the MARFU U23 Developmental side had left them. The coaches tried to bolster them at halftime and I told the subs on the sideline that they had better be hoarse after the game because they needed to hear us roar. Towards the end of the game we did see some sparks of energy, but nothing big enough to have a big comeback like I was hoping for. They left their hearts out there, but the NRU U23 team won it 41 to 3.

After the game we stayed to hang out and watch the rest of the games, the U23 and Senior finals were both awesome (even if the scores don’t show it) and I am glad we were able to watch. It was disappointing that the 3rd and 4th place matches were being played at the same time and they couldn’t watch the finals. Weird schedule…

After the games the mad rush to the rental, hotels (those staying Sun night) and airport began. I went with the U23 girls and we made good time with only a few mishaps. As we dropped people off at the airport we learned that anyone flying through Chicago or the Midwest was going to be delayed due to weather. It was hard to be upset as so many people have lost so much, but sometimes after a rugby trip all you want to do is go home!

Links to Day 1 NASC – West U23s, Day 2 NASC – West U23s, Day 3 NASC – West U23s and Seniors, 2008 NASC Day 4 – West U23s & Seniors, 2008 NASC Day 5 – West U23s & Seniors, 2008 NASC Day 6 – West U23s & Seniors and the 2008 NASC Full Results.