CONNECTICUT GREY
RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB

~ est. 1979 ~

Mountain Mist Outdoor Center
Meriden, Connecticut

The Hourglass

June 21, 1999

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

"When approaching a four-way stop, the vehicle with the largest tires has the right-of-way"

GREYS BEHEADED BY LION KINGS

Saturday, May 15th , the Grey traveled to beautiful and scenic Randalls Island to play against a recently formed semi-old boy contingent of former (and current) Village Lions players. Known as the Lion Kings they actually reminded us more of Kimba and Simba - the little scamps. Anyway, as on over-35 club they were relatively legit and although we have usually not fared well against the younger mobs, this day started off to the Grey's advantage only to slip away in the closing (and I mean CLOSING) seconds of the game. The Grey dominated the smaller and younger pack all day and the backs were doing a fine job of moving the ball and defending the younger (and usually faster) Kings. The Grey opened the scoring with a try by Tony Johnson. Once again, our lack of a decent kicker resulted in a missed conversion but a 5 - 0 lead. The Grey were able to tally two more tries by Ed Carr and Fred Seeger and with one conversion missed but the second one made, the Grey held a significant (but not undaunting) 17 - 0 lead. With only one 10-minute period remaining, the Grey cleaned out their closets and brought on all the players who need game time. This proved to be a Parkinson's moment. In the first ten minutes, the Greys held off two long runs that almost resulted in tries for the Kings. This should have sparked some concern on the Grey's sideline but like the warning of icebergs in the path of the Titanic, it was ignored. To the final ten minutes the Grey's confidence turned to mass confusion as the little Kings tallied not one, not two, but three tries in addition to three conversions (one at the final whistle) to net a total of 21 points in ten minutes and down the Greys. In summary, the Greys did show the younger Kings how to play for three periods and they were impressed with our abilities even though we were significantly older. Anyway, lessons learned.

GREYS BOUNCE BERKSHIRE - NO LION REPEAT!!!!!!!

Saturday May 23rd, the Greys hosted Berkshire at the Wallingford Woodhouse field. Although the threat of rain was imminent all day, the precipitation held off long enough for the game to be completed. It also helped keep the heat down and provided a nice soft field - ideal conditions for an old boys game. The Greys had already beaten Berkshire once this season at the Watkins Tournament in Albany where the Greys dominated and scored 35 points on the pumpkinheads. Expecting a strong Berkshire team to seek revenge, Captain Carr had all he could do to not only field a strong Grey side each period but also had to provide for 4 - 5 players to Berkshire who had traveled light. This turned out to be a really good game as the Greys just took control early but made several mistakes (penalties and poor decisions) when in close to give Berkshire some breathing room. The score was knotted at 0 for almost the entire game. With 50 minutes gone and only 10 remaining, the Greys remembering the last week's loss in the final 10 when up by 17 decided not to sub and instead keep the strongest side in for the final period. This proved to be the right choice as half way through the period a short backline movement trying to create an overload resulted in a pass back inside to Ed Carr who touched down for the score. The conversion was wide and the Greys had a slim lead 5 - 0. Realizing one score with several minutes to go doesn't mean a win, the Greys kept up the pressure and Berkshire was succumbing to fatigue. With seconds to go, a forward break up the right side by Ed Carr gained a lot of distance and finding Jim Facey inside in support resulted in another score for the Greys. Again, the conversion was not good but the whistle blew and the Greys win 10 - 0. What a difference a week makes and this was the best example of learning from our mistakes. Great games posted by Steve Tenenbaum and Ed Carr.

GREYS SPLIT AT FRANCONIA

The first weekend in June and it must be New Hampshire. Also, Boston and Worcester. With the annual trek up north to the edge of the White Mountains, the Greys made their umpteenth trip to the Old Men of the Mountain Festival. Lots of partying and plenty of rugby - also, plenty of Greys. With almost 30 players on this trip, the proposal was made by Bill Good early on Friday that maybe the Greys should field two teams. A novel idea but not one that would fair well for the Greys - at times we need all the players we have. Anyway, at the captains meeting on Friday night the Greys drew Boston first and, once again, Worcester second. This is getting pretty stale. Still, with plenty of players and a good balance between the forwards and backs, the Greys were able to play some pretty good games and split 1 - 1 on the day. The evening is generally more fun than the rugby as the Greys retired to the Franconia Inn for the annual drink-'til-you-drop Champagne and hors d'oeuvres celebration. No one pulled a facey this year and almost all Greys, now fully charged on fermented grapes, bolted to the Mittersill for the usual dance fever demonstration. And, once again, the Greys ruled the floor. Special thanks to Bill Good and Joe Flynn for an excellent time (where are the shirts???) and for getting rid of the lame band from last year - the DJ was much better.

GREYS DOWN BOSTON IN FIRST GAME

This is the only time we do get a chance to play Boston recently and we usually try to make the best of it. Not to be disappointed, the Greys did in fact make the most of it. Boston had to bolster its shortcomings as far as players go and added the two Maryland studs, Keith and Beau, to their pack for the added support. Good to see these guys make it north for a nice weekend. Anyway, the Greys didn't let that affect our ability to play our game and with the numbers and the horses, the Greys were able to score first with a nice try by Ed Carr who was a real menace on the field (from the Boston perspective). The conversion by Brancard was good and the Greys had a 7 - 0 lead at the break. The second period was little different than the first except that the Greys had some substitutions (like 8). This didn't affect the play or the momentum as another try by Tony Johnson (would like to see that one on tape) was tallied and with the conversion by Seeger, the Greys now had a 14 - 0 lead. On to the third period and a usually problematic situation (lots of players and the need to win). However, the Greys kept up the dominance and were able to tally one more try by Seeger and another conversion for a 21 - 0 lead. With a comfortable lead (where have we had that bite us in the ass before???), the Greys had one mix-up on defense that allowed Boston to score late in the period. The conversion was not good and the Greys celebrated the convincing 21 - 5 win. Great effort and game by all - this goes to show us what we can do when we put our minds and bodies to it!!!!

GREYS PLAY WORCESTER CLOSE

As usual, or at least as it has been for the last 5 OMOM fests, the Greys were matched against Worcester in the second game. With ample time to rest, the Greys were ready for the game and by all accounts, we did a fair job of pressuring Worcester from the get go. The Greys were looking good but were unable to capitalize on some good plays. Drop balls within the two meter line from the goal and a bad pass on a three-on-one within the 22 were only two of the errors that kept the game close. The Grey defense was able to thwart many of the attempts by the Worcester backs who in past years were able to run ragged over the dragging Greys. This was a real good battle as both teams were pretty evenly matched and the only downfall - other than the bloopers by the Greys - were the totally uncalled for penalties in the Grey's half of the field. Although the first half ended a scoreless draw, the second half would prove otherwise. With two penalties close in - both converted by Worcester - the Greys found themselves down 6 - 0 with little time remaining. This did not diminish the effort in the final minutes as the Greys had some strong push and runs forward but were just unable to get any decent position or results form the efforts. The game ended a solemn 6 - 0 for Worcester.

MESSAGE FROM THE CAPTAIN

Guys - Just a quick note of thanks for a GREAT spring season! By my recollection I believe we kicked off 14 times this year, and ended up with a 5 and 9 record. However, we shouldn't dwell on the record but rather look at the fact that we played 14 games! And for the most part we played very well. Sure we ran into some young "Old Boys" in Baltimore. But a couple of breaks here and there and our season's W/L numbers could be reversed. Look at the positives: we gave Beacon Hill a battle they didn't expect, we beat Albany (which I don't believe we've ever done), we lost a couple of heartbreakers (Les Vieux and Village Lions) that I know could have gone our way. We played well in the Albany Law Tourney, and didn't give up in the Berkshire game. Lastly, this past weekend in Franconia was probably one of the best intense, consistent showing by the Grey in some time. And that was just the drinking! Seriously, everyone played great in New Hampshire. Everyone contributed, and everyone had fun - which is really the reason we continue to play this game. Playing against a Boston team is always a highlight for those of us associated with Hartford, and beating them is even nicer. They always give us a great game, and I noticed some new faces out there. My guess is that they may be gearing up with some new found Old Boys, and we can hopefully renew our home-and-away regular season meetings. The effort against Worcester was also stellar. Losing 6 to 0, against a team that usually kicks our asses, we should definitely hold our heads up after that one.

Some other positives: Huge numbers of players showing up - every weekend, not just at home games! Also, we've added some new teammates! Great showing by our families at the games. We even got some great ink in the New Haven Register!

So, as we get a chance to let our bodies heal over the summer, and as some of you prepare for Saranac Lake, I'll ask you to do a few things in our off-season:

1) Thank your family for letting you continue to play this great game we play. I'm sure that we wouldn't have the numbers we have without some sacrifice on their part. Family is a big part of our team.

2) Commit yourself to better conditioning. Even just running a couple of miles three or four times a week will help us. I have to believe that had we been in better shape - some of those close losses could have been wins.

3) Think about what you can do to help the Grey celebrate our 20th Anniversary this coming Fall season. We will need assistance in a number of areas such as lining the field, clean up, coordinating events, etc. As the Executive Committee meets over the summer, we will be determining what exactly we will need to do to make this event fun for all of us. So, if we ask for commitments by a certain date, please try to get back to us in a timely fashion.

Lastly, thanks to all of you for your commitment over this past season. I'm looking forward to our first kickoff in September. Take care,

Ed

SARANAC LAKE - AUGUST 7 - 8

Anyone interested in playing in the CanAm at Saranac Lake this August should contact Tom Flynn, who I believe will be the organizer for this year's tour. Word has it that vacancies in the local hotels are going fast and it is strongly recommended that you make your hotel arrangements soon - less you be camping out.

LIFESTYLES OF THE DUMB AND STUPID

Oklahoma City: Dennis Newton was on trial for the armed robbery of a convenience store in a district court when he fired his lawyer. Assistant district attorney Larry Jones said Newton, 47, was doing a fair job of defending himself until the store manager testified that Newton was the robber. Newton jumped up, accused the woman of lying and then said, "I should have blown your ****in' head off." The defendant paused, then quickly added, "if I'd been the one that was there." The jury took 20 minutes to convict Newton and recommended a 30-year sentence.

AROUND THE FIELD

After a recent follow-up party, our host, Kenny G, was quite disturbed by the actions of some of the Grey's party and invoke the old two-strike rule (like one more and we're out). Hey, we've been thrown out of better places than this! Or, am I reminiscing about another team and other parties since I certainly don't remember any elephant walk in Wallingford recently. Anyway, after one seemingly small mistake on the part of one of our younger members, the menu at Kenny's will now be serving a few new items (hey, they were on the table long before Kenny got the idea). The new fares will include: Diaper Pail Dumplings, Pamper-load Pizza, Braised Baby Grunt with Noodles, Poo-Poo Parmesan and Stir Fry Stools. My mouth is watering right now! Besides, it's probably better than some of the stuff he's been serving us at our parties.

Just a quick note: It was noticed that some of the members failed to recognize Don Guzzio at the Champagne party and did not properly kiss his ring. To atone for this oversight - all those who did not show their proper respect are now asked to kiss his butt! We have the list. Failure to do so will force the Don to take drastic actions like torture you with some old Paul Anka tapes at future games (yes, I am sure he has some of these still around).

Fruita, Colo., May 12 (UPI) -

A small Colorado town is heading into the weekend with plans for a celebration to honor a chicken that literally spent four years running around with its head cut off. On Sunday, Mike the Headless Chicken Day will be held in Fruita, Colo., to revive the 1945 story of a farmer who beheaded a chicken for dinner, only to see the bird shake off the decapitation and, taking nourishment through the top of its neck, go on to a life of fame and fortune.

When Apollo Mission Astronaut Neil Armstrong first walked on the moon, he not only gave his famous "one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind" statement but followed it by several remarks, usual com traffic between him, the other astronauts and Mission Control. Just before he re-entered the lander, however, he made the enigmatic remark "Good luck Mr. Gorsky." Many people at NASA thought it was a casual remark concerning some rival Soviet Cosmonaut. However, upon checking, there was no Gorsky in either the Russian or American space programs. Over the years many people questioned Armstrong as to what the "Good luck Mr. Gorsky" statement meant, but Armstrong always just smiled. On July 5, 1995 in Tampa Bay FL, while answering questions following a speech, a reporter brought up the 26 year old question to Armstrong. This time he finally responded. Mr. Gorsky had finally died and so Neil Armstrong felt he could answer the question. When he was a kid, he was playing baseball with a friend in his backyard. His friend hit a fly ball, which landed beneath his neighbors' bedroom windows. His neighbors were Mr. & Mrs. Gorsky. As he leaned down to pick up the ball, young Armstrong heard Mrs. Gorsky shouting at Mr. Gorsky. "Sex! You want sex?! You'll get sex when the kid next door walks on the moon!" True story.