CONNECTICUT GREY
RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB

~ est. 1979 ~

Mountain Mist Outdoor Center
Meriden, Connecticut

The Hourglass

November 10, 1998

A Publication of the Connecticut Grey Rugby Football Club
Tony Johnson, Editor

GREYS DROP CLOSE ONE TO LES VIEUX

On Saturday, October 31st (Halloween), the Greys traveled to Randall's Island to play Les Vieux in what is always a very hard fought match. This day would not be any different. The Greys got off to a very bad start. Even though the forwards were able to control their portion of the game, Les Vieux was able to tally four quick tries in the first period to take a commanding 24 - 0 lead into the first break. The Greys, however, were far from out of it so early in the game and came back strong in the second period. Les Vieux must have sensed that they had the game in control (and who would have argued against that??) which the Greys quickly took advantage of. The Greys scored three times with tries by Joe Scan (playing wing), Dave Yanik and Phil Tufano (Mid Hudson recruit) to bring the game tight 24 - 17 at the end of the second period. However, the momentum didn't carry over into the third as Les Vieux realizing they were back in a game kept the Greys at bay and were able to notch one more score to end the game with a 29 - 17 victory. Once again, the Greys pack dominated play and really kept the team in the game. Back play was less spectacular and missed tackles and errant passes resulted in Les Vieux scores that put the Greys out early in the first period. Captain Joe "slick fingers" Scandariato was very pleased with the phone responses on game availability for this match. He noted that it was nice to know exactly who was available long before kickoff. There were no noted players of the game except for the fine addition of Phil Tufano in the forwards. Consensus is that the MVP award goes to the entire Pack (once again).

GREYS END SEASON ON A HIGH AND LOW NOTE

On Saturday, November 7th the Greys played NYAC at Travers Island with game time slated for 11:30 am. Well, I'm not sure exactly what time kickoff took place but my guess is that if we had to play another period, it would have been called on account of darkness. Anyway, the Greys showed up on time with approximately 18 players. By 12:00, NYAC still hadn't mustered enough players for a 7's game. To call the assemblage of Greys "players" was probably a stretch. The only thing missing was the fife, drum, flag and the Battle Hymn of the Republic playing in the background. The "walking wounded" would have been a better description. What else would you expect for the last game of the season??? Anyway, by the time kickoff took place, the wind had kicked up several knots and the temperature dropped about ten degrees. NYAC had actually fielded a team of valid over 35 players for the first time. The Greys won the kickoff and proceeded to march into NYAC territory where the pack continued its dominating position and controlled play for several minutes. A blocked NYAC kick was scooped up by Dave "Voomer" Sherman - a former Mid-Hudson player now residing (and playing) in Amsterdam (and only 27 years of age) who took it in for the first score of the game. The conversion by Pete McInerny was good and the Greys were off to an early lead 7 - 0. The celebration was short lived as NYAC responded quickly and worked the loose play to perfection. Missed tackles and good support by AC quickly resulted in two tries from very long out. The first period ended with AC up 14 - 7. The second half started much the same way as the first with Grey forwards dominating play (this was greatly aided by the infusion of the Mid-Hudson players - Falatin, Casciaro, Tufano and McInerny). A misdirection pass over the pack to a Grey wing was picked off by an AC back who took the ball 50 meters for AC's third try. With the conversion, AC led 21 - 7. Down but not out the Greys continued forward pressure and with some good running by the backs were able to keep the ball in AC's half for most of the second period. Yes, field position does pay off as the Greys were able to score two tries, one by Phil Tufano who ran through (and over) several AC players on his way to the end zone and another by Brendan Coffey who ended up with the ball after a second phase movement close in. With both conversions good by McInerny, the Greys had knotted the score 21 all at the end of the second. The third period began with the momentum clearly in the Greys favor. The ball resided within the AC twenty meter for the first ten minutes of the second half. A ruck at the AC five meter line was won by the Greys as Dave Sherman hit Tony Johnson on a quick out who found the gap between three AC players and touched down for the go-ahead try. However, the conversion was not good and the Greys now led by the slim margin of one try. Play continued in the AC half for only a little while longer. Sensing the impending loss, AC picked up the pace and began to camp out inside the Grey's twenty two meters for what seemed to be an eternity. The Grey's defense was spectacular as five meter scrum after five meter scrum was turned back and the Greys were able to not only prevent AC from getting into the goal but actually pushed AC back on most occasions. As time wound down (or so we thought) the continued pressure started to take its toll. With AC awarded a penalty (still don't understand the call) at the Grey five meter line, the defense finally sputtered. Able to repulse the first rush, the second phase resulted in an AC forward picking up the ball from the ruck and diving between two Greys for the tying try with only 30 seconds left on the clock. AC was able to convert the try and now led 28 - 26. With seconds remaining the Greys mounted a furious effort to get the ball down the field into the AC half. AC was able to gain possession and with seconds left passed the ball out to the backs. Al Steiger, playing inside center, picked off the pass and bolted untouched 40 meters and with a nice pop kick over the head of the approaching full back, was left with an open goal if he would be able to receive the ball back. As luck would have it, the ball took an AC bounce - recovered by an AC player and was subsequently kicked into touch to end the game. Although the game ended in a loss this was one of the finest efforts of any Grey side. MVP of the match goes to the entire team that to a man never let down and fought right up to the last second.

In retrospect, there was much discussion on the time keeping in the final period. The 20 minute period lasted more than 40 minutes. Understanding that there was some injury time, it appears that the ref not only added injury time to the end of the game, but also stopped his clock during each injury. Also, it was noted that the ref stopped the clock when the ball was kicked into touch. His efforts rewarded, AC was given ample time to score the tying try and kick the winning conversion.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The AGM will be held on Sunday, November 22nd at Kenny G's at 2:30 p.m. We need to have as many active players present as possible. There are many important issues that need to be discussed and voted on, the least of which being the election of new officers for 1999. Remember, 1999 is the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Connecticut Grey Rugby Football Club. We are planning on hosting several events in 1999 and need to get everyone's input and opinions. The 1999 Annual Awards Banquet will be a really big event (scheduled for winter, 2000) and we are planning on a rugby excursion south sometime in 1999. So, BE THERE OR BE A DICK!!!! Also, if you have any nominations for one or more of the elected positions, please contact Tom Flynn or Joe Scan. Remember, you must be in attendance or have informed Tom Flynn of your intention to run for a position if nominated to be considered for a position. Nominated persons not in attendance and who have not informed Flynn of their desire to hold that position will not be considered for that position. And, only members in good standing may vote - that is to say - have paid their dues and are current on all financial issues with the club. We hope to have some appetizers available for all attendees. Any questions, call Tom Flynn or Joe Scan.

AROUND THE FIELD

Not much to report on when you're not available to play. However, there are a few items of interest to report on for the next to final edition of the Hourglass for 1998.

It was noted that Trunks is getting to be a lot like Seegar in his disdain for the Grey backfield. Having absolutely nothing good to say about the backs, he is approaching the "homo back" opinion. Now, one has to realize, when does Trunks have anything good to say to begin with??? So, the remarks about the backs, although it is agreed that they are somewhat negative, are just Trunk's way of showing his affection. If you don't believe it just consider this recent encounter. When asked if he were going to the NYAC game, Trunks replied "I don't know, I have to see what Donny (that's Don Brancard - a back) is doing." After conferring with Donny and learning that Donny was not going to be going to the game, Trunks informed the team "Donny's not going so I won't be going either." And, it doesn't stop there. When asked if he wanted another beer, Trunks said "I have to ask Donny." And, upon leaving the bar Trunks stood poised on the side of the road with his car on the opposite side. We have thus surmised that Trunks can't cross the road unless Donny is there to watch.

Noted Sports Quotes:

"Nobody in football should be called a genius. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein." - Joe Theismann "

You guys pair up in groups of three, then line up in a circle." - Bill Peterson, Florida State Football Coach

Stu Grimson, Chicago Blackhawks left wing, explaining why he keeps a color photo of himself above his locker: "That's so when I forget how to spell my name, I can still find my #%@*# clothes."

Shaquille O'Neal on his lack of championships: "I've won at every level, except college and pro."

Steve Spurrier, Florida Football coach, telling Gator fans that a fire at Auburn's football dorm had destroyed about 20 books: "But the real tragedy was that 15 hadn't been colored yet."

Chuck Nevitt, North Carolina State Basketball player, explaining to coach Jim Valvano why he appeared nervous at practice: "My sister is having an baby and I don't know if I'm going to be an uncle or an aunt."

Boxing Promoter Dan Duva on Mike Tyson hooking up with promoter Don King: "Why would anyone expect him to come out smarter? He went to prison for three years, not Princeton."

Pat Williams, Orlando Magic General Manager, on his team's 7 - 27 record: "We can't win at home. We can't win on the road. As a general manager, I just can't figure out where else to play."

Tommy Lasorda, Dodger Manager, when asked what terms Mexican-born pitching sensation Fernando Valenzuela might settle for in his upcoming contract negotiations: "He wants Texas back."

Torin Polk, University of Houston receiver, on his coach, John Jenkins: "He treats us like men. He lets us wear earrings."

Alan Kulwicki, stock car racer, on racing Saturday nights as opposed to Sunday afternoons: "It's basically the same, just darker."