2008 NASC Day 2 – West U23s

Once again we found ourselves at Founder’s field with mist in the trees and running through the thick humidity that is Pittsburgh, PA. The girls from Texas seem to be adjusting to the heat and humidity well, but other plays are having a harder time adjusting. Blisters seem to be the theme of the weekend unfortunately.

The morning practice was light with plenty of shadow (team run, or unopposed rugby), line outs, back plays and plenty of team continuity. They were preparing for the Midwest scrimmage that afternoon, so contact was kept to a minimum. After practice we had lunch again and had some significant downtime. Several players had unique ways of keeping themselves entertained, Jack-ass was playing with sand art, Angie was tweaking out her bouncy ball, but most players just slept since we have had so many early morning practices.

Around 3pm we headed out to Founders field again to prepare for the match against the Midwest U23 team. We had heard that the ref was going to be late so the coaches had asked that I ref the first half until the real ref showed up. When the ref made it to the fields, he asked that I do the match since I was ready and all suited up (he had left work to come to the fields). I was excited to ref the game and had no problem filling in for him.

Both teams looked fit, excited and eager to get a scrimmage under their belt, so we began right on time. The game flowed well with very few penalties in the first third (they played 3 fifteen minute periods) and there was some early scoring by both teams. Once the players started getting tired they started committing penalties but were still very disciplined. The West U23s had possession most of the first third and about half of the second third. Once the Midwest U23s got their continuity and support on, they were able to put a few tries in and pull ahead. The West was able to pull within a kick and try towards the end because of a well played penalty. However the time ran out on the clock and the Midwest won.

Overall the game looked really good (as much as you can watch when you are reffing) and I think both teams really got to work some combinations and work a few things out. After the game we had dinner and then a short team meeting. All in all a great day of rugby and lots of fun!

However, I had to leave the U23s as the West Senior side was arriving…so now I am across the street (literally) preparing for two trainings tomorrow as we prepare the play MARFU on Friday morning.

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.