CONNECTICUT
GREY
RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB
~ est. 1979 ~
Mountain Mist Outdoor Center
Meriden, Connecticut
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~ est. 1979 ~
Mountain Mist Outdoor Center
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The Hourglass October 25, 1999 A Publication of the Connecticut Grey Rugby Football Club What do you do when you see an endangered animal eating an endangered plant? GREYS COME UP SHORT - MYSTIC SHOWS UP SHORT On Saturday, October 16th the Grey traveled to Somerville, Mass. for a game against Mystic River Old Boys. Once again, the Grey outnumbered the opposition and had to supply one of our boys to play for them. This is getting a little tiresome and upsetting at this point especially when we have to provide players at an opposition's home field. Anyway, once again the particulars are a little sketchy since the editor was not at the game to take notes on the play by play action. GREYS HOST CANADA AT 20th ANNIVERSARY GAME The 20th Anniversary weekend featured a round-robin festival where the Grey would host a team from Canada (Quebec) and one from nearby Massachusetts (Mystic, Boston and Worcester). Needless to say the three-team format quickly turned into a two-team match and even that was in question for awhile. The Canadians were very gracious in accepting our invitation to help us celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Grey and were able to send about nine to ten players down for the weekend. Unfortunately, the Massachusetts team was unable to supply more than two players and so there was no team from Mass. In order to salvage the day, the two guys from Mass. were added to the nine guys from Canada and a few additional Grey were supplied to fill out the second team. This was easily done since the Grey only had 33 players show up for the match. This actually worked out quite nicely as the game was played in four periods - the last two at 15 minutes each - and it ended with plenty of time to stand around, drink beer, eat chili and the usual BS session that comes after drinking several beers. As for the game, the Canadians actually opened the scoring with a break-away down the right sideline - several missed tackles but real good support from the Canadians (and others) allowed them to advance into the Grey side of the field, this after the Grey had appeared to be camped at the Canadian 22 for most of the first ten minutes. A ruck on the left side won by the Canadians resulted in the ball out to the backs and an overload on the Grey gave the Canadians the opening score directly under the posts. The conversion was good and the Grey were down 7 - 0. After the kickoff, the Grey once again had the Canadians deep in their own side of the field and an attempt to kick into touch fell inside and was fielded by Steve Tenenbaum who actually kicked forward inside the Canadian 5 meter line. The ball was mis-handled by the Canadian player and the support from the Grey resulted in Tenenbaum bruising his way into the goal for the try. The kick was not good and the Grey were back in it 7 - 5. This score was then followed by another by John Kerr and another by Mike Fotos. Between the tries, Fred Seegar also tallied a penalty kick and with both conversions good, the Grey led at the break 22 - 7. The second period saw mass substitutions on the Grey side and although there was a lot of action, the period ended a scoreless tie. The Canadians had several opportunities on break-aways but these were somehow either thwarted by the recovering Greys or by the numerous errors on the part of the Canadians. In the third the Greys tallied another quick score as Mike Fotos - foaming at the mouth and screaming incoherently - ran over and through several players on his way to the goal. The conversion was good but the celebration was short lived as the Canadians countered with a score of their own. However, their conversion was not good and the period then ended Grey 29, Canada 12. In the final period, Canada scored on a backline movement that resulted in Chris Rose (playing for Canada) dusting several Grey (missed tackles) and touching down for a try for Canada. The conversion was good and although the score started to creep ever closer, the Grey put the nail in the coffin as Grayson Gregory swerved and scooted 50 meters for a try and with this conversion made, the final score was Grey 36, Canada 19. Great game by all and all players were awarded Man-of-the-Match for making this a really enjoyable game. Thanks to the Grey who helped out and played for the opposition and thanks to Quebec for coming down and having to play the entire game without subs. On to the festivities! PLAY OF THE DAY This is a toss up between Jim "Bruno" Sullivan's open field run right smack dab into one of his own players (Canadian at the time) that ruined a possible score and Dave Yanik's booming drop kick (?) that netted a negative one yard in the fourth period. OTHER WEEKEND ACTIVITIES The Anniversary weekend sported a variety of activities that began on Friday with the Anniversary Golf Outing at Pine Valley CC in Southington. Eleven Grey attended the outing and prizes were awarded to all based on either their final score, skill shots or physical disabilities - with most of the awards presented for the physical problems. The rounds began with mass consumption of beer and sandwiches (thanks Ed Robinson). But the real concern was the contents of the golf bags in the Carr, Kerr, Johnson and Farrell group with an inventory of products that closely matched the contents of Hunter S. Thompson's trunk in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Tony Johnson won low gross with a 77 (79 without the proverbial "lunch ball" on the first hole), Don Brancard had low net with a 75 (Callaway scoring) and Dean "Don't call me Colin" Jorgensen had high gross with a 122 but it was a very close win as Dave Yanik - equally challenged - posted a 121. Dean received the bottle of Muscatel for his efforts and several Grey received either a bottle of champagne (for good efforts) or a "Cup-O-Sake" (for the physically impaired players). Ed "the Excavator" Carr had a closest to the pin and numerous deep divots as well as the longest drive and Jim "I play like I'm 60" Farrell had the other closest to the pin and was awarded the coveted "Bum Bag" (a fifth of rot gut whiskey in a brown paper wrapper). Drink up followed at Kenny G's - which was followed by the usual intestinal discomfort. Saturday's activities not only included the game but also a chili competition. With over 10 entries it was hard to select the best chili - as the selection efforts were compromised by the hangovers and sour stomachs from the previous nights drink up at Kenny's. (Does anyone else feel as sick as I do after having a few pints at Kenny's???) I'll bet there is some new strain of E-coli that lives in the beer lines that causes severe diarrhea and stomach cramps that we will affectionately refer to as "Kenny's Kurl" and "G's Queeze." After much consumption the voting took place and the results and awards were presented at the evening's banquet. In first place was Ronco's Chile (what a creative name) constructed by none other than Tom "Molasses Gonzales" Roncaioli - who later attested that he had some girl make it for him (FOUL). Second place was a tie between the Miner's Pride Welsh Chile created by Steve "I'm actually from Iceland" Jones and uses real Welsh miners for meat and Jim "Pepe" Facey with his 4 Bean and Pork Loin Chile - I hope you all know what a pork's loins are. And, finally, in fourth place was Bert's Badass Chile entered by Bert Romano. Good thing there was only one quick game which allowed more time for the drinking and eating part of the day. There were many ex-Grey players at the field and included such notable members as Tom Furniss, Mark "Turk" Butterworth, Chris Johnson, Larry Mowell, Bill Earls, Shawn Murray, some other guy named Robinson and Butch Peterson. Tom Killacky was also at the game as well as Bruno Sullivan and both played several periods until Killacky's leg gave out from the loss of circulation due to the tightness of the cut-off leotards he was wearing. John O'Brien was also in attendance at the banquet. Other events (like, where was the pony???) must have been canceled and there were no volunteers in the bobbing for hot dogs competition. Saturday evening's gala was one for the books. Guzzio astutely pointed out to all that the location - the PNA Hall in Wallingford - looked like something out of the "Deer Hunter." All that was missing were some Bobby Vinton tunes. Sorry to hear that Guz had to leave a little early since he drank too much. Someone has to tell him the idea behind being a bartender is to serve the beer, not drink all the beer. Anyway, the food was great for a buffet and there was plenty to go around - just what we needed, a big meal on top of a chili and beer base. This was followed by numerous accolades and awards. Recognition was given to all who helped in the development of the weekend's activities as well as our esteemed Canadian friends. John Jones was given the "Up and Under" print specially designed for our 20th Anniversary (and was the winning entry of a coloring contest of third grade dyslexic chemotherapy patients from Alabama). The Canadians responded with some awards of their own - little pills for several Grey to help them overcome some fabricated afflictions. I really can't remember what the pills did and who all got them but I think Ed Carr got one for growing hair, Steve Tenenbaum got one for sterility (to cause it, not cure it) and Dean Jorgensen got one to cure him of his English accent. The awards were followed by the dance session and, once again, the Grey proved to be one of the best Old Boys dance clubs - second only to Boston. Music was provided by Tony C who was not to be confused as being a member of the Polish Club. Ed Carr and Kathy (a.k.a. Ginger Rogers which would make Ed - uh - "Mr. Rogers") were winners of the twist competition (an obvious fix). I thought the Soul Train dance line (of whiteys) was pretty lame and what the hell is Teuaca anyway??? The banquet broke up late (or early Sunday - whichever you prefer) and the big question at 1:00 a.m. was "who wants cake???" The PNA's cleanup crew arrived as the last revelers were leaving the club and became quite ashen when Ed Carr asked them for green cards. I guess, since they only spoke Polish, they thought Ed was asking them if they wanted some cake. A very pleasant brunch was held on Sunday morning and attended by all of the Canadians, all of the Bostonians except two, and probably 20 Grey and spouses including Jack Grauman. The Grey handed out lapel pins to all of the Canadians, Man-Of-the-Match to John Jones (who was noted to have made a miraculous recovery from the limp and cane action on the sideline Saturday afternoon to "cutting the rug with every Sheila he could find" on Saturday evening), and a promise to travel to Montreal next fall. The brunch broke up around noon so the Canadians could get back while there was still some twilight in the sky - either that or they wanted to get great seats at the Mardi Gras in Springfield. It was announced at the brunch that Jonesy had just that morning been appointed Director of the Canadian RFU's new Sensitivity and Diversity Training Program. Turns out the singing geese closed the Ramada bar on Saturday night (Sunday morning) but not without first breaking into song. They got through a few of the old standards and noticed that the only other revelers were a group of African-Americans attending a wedding reception. Not wanting them to feel left out, Jonesy broke into a chorus of "Daaaayy-oh ... da-a-ay-ohhhh". In conclusion, this was a really great weekend and special thanks go out to all who contributed to the cause. I think every member of the club was supportive in one role or another and it really came together under the direction of the Anniversary Committee and Thom Ward-McKinlay. Thanks to all and let's get on with the rest of the season and notch a couple more W's in the schedule. NEXT GAME YANKEES OLD BOYS The next game for the Grey will be held on Saturday, October 30th and is against a combined Yankee/Danbury Old Boy side. The game is in Bridgeport at Seaside Park and kickoff is at 11:30 a.m. Please call Ed Carr or Jim Facey and let them know of your availability for this week's game. The last game of the season is scheduled for November 6th and will be against the Lion Kings at 1:00 at the PNA field in Wallingford. Directions to Connecticut Yankees Athletic Club From Route 8/25 South: From I-95 South bound: From I-95 North bound: Once on Iranistan Avenue Follow Iranistan Avenue thru 1 stop light and 1 stop sign. After the stop sign, make the 2nd left onto Ingleside Place. The clubhouse is the second building on the right -- Ingleside Hall. It is a three story mansion built in 1892 with an exterior of brick & stucco with green trim. If you make it all the way to the beach, you've gone too far... No worries though, simply proceed around the P.T. Barnum statue, back up Iranistan Ave and take the second right onto Ingleside Place. ANNUAL AGM SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 21st The Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Sunday November 21st at about 2:00 at the home of Jeff and Linda Bouvier. Directions to the Bouv's will be provided at a later date - like when I call him to get them - and will be available on the web page. Spouses and significant others are welcome to join us for this meeting as there will be other things for the women to do than listen to the voting and the usual AGM crap.
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