WPL Match Report by Meg Lamm: Keystone v Furies 10/9/11 [VIDEO]

View the complete 2011 WPL Schedule and Results here.

By Meg Lamm:

After a 55-8 pounding on the Furies the day before, Keystone’s game should’ve been a cakewalk, but DC came to play this game. The game was very evenly-matched throughout the 80-minute battle, with tries going back and forth. The teams battled all elements; the 85-degree weather (in October??), the questionable calls from the officials, and the overall stress and soreness both teams’ players were feeling going into this match. Keystone drew first blood this match, with 8-man Michelle Kirk driving in a try 10 minutes in. Battling for possession, the Furies were able to gain possession down the field off of penalties and plowed into the try zone for 5 points, with the conversion. Shortly after, Keystone’s Rachel Hammond responded with a try off a ruck 5 meters out of the try zone to put Keystone ahead by 3 points. Because this game was a battle for possession, due to some handling errors and unmatched rucks, the Furies slipped in another try and conversion before halftime. The score before the whistle blew, 10-12 in favor of the Furies.

Going into the second half, both teams knew this game would come down to heart; who wants to win more? Who was willing to fight for that extra inch? The whistle blew and the second half was underway. Although the handling errors dissipated more in the second half, the teams were still battling for possession, penalties, missing certain tackles, and allowing easy yardage back and forth on the pitch. 12 minutes in, the Furies drilled in a try by the posts, scoring the conversion as well. Keystone was now trailing by 9 points with 25 minutes left in the match. After a strong break through the line, Alison Worman tallies up another 5 points for Keystone, bringing them within 4 points. The fire didn’t stop there. Although given tough pressure from the DC defense, Rashida Stamps slams in another try for Keystone with Stacy Baker completing the conversion. With no more than six minutes left in the game, it would come down to the technicalities, penalties and possession of the ball to determine this winner. Mishaps happened both ways. On the flip side, both team also had a strong offense, breaking tackles, making 30+ meter runs, blowing opponents off the rucks. Keystone squeaked out the win 22-19, going undefeated on the double-header weekend.

Week 3 Video (Rescheduled for this weekend due to weather)

Week 4 Video

waiting for upload…

View the complete 2011 WPL Schedule and Results here.