The Hourglass

April 25, 2002

A Publication of the Connecticut Grey Rugby Football Club
Dean Jorgensen, Editor

GREY LOSE OPENER AT BERKSHIRE 
Story by Slappy White

April 6, 2002 -- The Grey opened the Spring 2002 schedule with a well fought but futile game against Berkshire on Saturday, April 6. The day started cold, windy, and snowy as of kickoff -- whose time was always in question until the actual whistle blew. Yeah, it was a cold one and the not-so-infrequent flurries didn't improve the mood and enthusiasm for the first game of the season. By kickoff about 23 Grey were suited and ready to go while Berkshire were still sorting out who had arrived and who was ready to play.

The Grey played well in the first period against the younger Berkshire team who had many of the elder usuals on the sideline and not able to play (as one can see when you compare the speed and fitness of the younger group, but that's just an observation). Good teamwork and infrequent penalties kept the game close and after a long and continuous up-field, down-field chess match the period ended with a 0 - 0 draw. The Grey lost returning fullback Chris McGrath to a pulled hamstring near the end of the first period. The Grey made considerable substitutions at the break with about 8 replacements available, unfortunately, so did Berkshire. The second period looked more like the first except the Grey seemed to be moving the ball into the Berkshire side with good back movement and forward support. It looked as if this was going to go down to the wire and the third period to determine the winner. Not so. With about a third of the period gone, Berkshire unleashed its secret weapon -- a small but fast and elusive wing affectionately referred to as "Li'l Lomu." And, the moniker wasn't far off. Berkshire and "Li'l Lomu" ran off three consecutive round-end runs to tally 15 points in a matter of about five minutes. None of the conversions was good but the flood gates had been opened. Before the half could end, Berkshire tallied another two tries and a conversion to take a commanding 27 - 0 lead into the final period. The Grey lost Chris (Moon doggie) Rose to a shoulder injury after being dusted by "Li'l Lomu".

In the third the Grey needed a little more than just verbal inspiration to get back into the game and the apparent insurmountable 27 point lead didn't help matters any. Still, Captain Carr sparked some sense of urgency to play like a team and give more of an effort as was done in the first period. This did seem to help and the fact that the little guy on the Berkshire side was moved into the flyhalf position (where we had more of a chance to double-team him) bode well for the Grey -- at least for a little while. The Grey played a good part of the early part of the period in the Berkshire half but lack of tackling after a turnover led to another long Berkshire try. No conversion was made and the Grey were now down 32 - 0. The Grey soon answered with a long series of sets in the Berkshire end that eventually resulted in a scrum and a pass from Gary Tamburri directly to Tony Johnson who dove in for the first try of the season -- and, unfortunately the only try of the game. Berkshire was once again making a long break starting with "Li'l Lomu" who was able to blow over a few Grey en route to a fifty meter scamper that ultimately resulted in another try. No conversion was attempted and while the Grey countered with pursuit continuing in the Berkshire half, the time expired. Final score, Berkshire 37, Grey 5. Not one for the record books but the ten minute, 5-try session in the second period just took the wind out of the Grey's sails when you consider the fact that over the other two periods, the score was only 10 - 5 in Berkshire's favor. Player of the game was awarded to Big Bob Casey for his stellar rendition of Jim Kick and Larry Cszonka (together). The Martha Stewart bitch-o'-the-match award was presented to John Kerr. A good and clean game with very little discussions on the calls -- something we should try to continue as we go through the season, for even in defeat, we were (and still are) a respectable team.

GREY WIN HOME OPENER AGAINST LES VIEUX 
Story by Daffy Duck

April 13, 2002 -- On Saturday, April 13th the Grey hosted Les Vieux in Wallingford for the first home game of 2002. And, what a great day this turned out to be. Not only was the weather cooperative -- like no wind or snow, but there was also a large number of Grey and a full supply of Heineken for after the game -- compliments of one of our sponsors and the efforts of Mike Guzzio. As for the game, well it was pretty one-sided possibly due to the fact that Les Vieux was several bodies short of a side and contrary to past years, the Grey that were provided to round out the field didn't put on a scoring fest for the opposition.

Anyway, with 25 playing members, the Grey were able to field some pretty competent sides while at the same time providing Les Vieux with some of our fairly consistent players. The game started with most of the play occurring in the Les Vieux side. The Grey are finally realizing how to play loose, without having all forwards become part of the pile when rucks are forming, and seeing the benefits of being able to have coverage and prevent Les Vieux from mustering any real offense. After several minutes the Grey pack muscled its way into the right corner and provided a clear opening for Brendan Coffey, playing second row, to spring away and dive in for the score. The conversion by Seeger was good and the Grey led 7 - 0. After the kickoff, the Grey again quickly moved into the Les Vieux end and again found themselves deep in the right corner -- this time springing Mike Kosilla free, who bolted across the line for another score. The conversion was not good but the Grey now led 12 - 0. It wasn't long after the kick from Les Vieux that the Grey again were assaulting the Les Vieux try line and with a solid backline movement found Chris Rose with the ball and into the end zone for another try. The conversion by Seeger was good and the Grey closed out the first period 19 - 0. In the second, it was more of the first with good forward play and stellar back play -- like not losing the ball and good tackles -- which resulted in three more tries. Scores were by Bob Casey with a nice behind the back pass from Grayson Gregory to start the half, followed by Tony Johnson and another score from Brendan Coffey, this time form the wing position. Two of the three conversions were good and the Grey completed the period with a commanding 38 - 0 lead. The third period was a little more even although the Les Vieux side was showing some fatigue. The Grey still played with intensity but could only muster one really nice try from a long backline movement that ended with Darryl Garrison touching down. With the conversion good, the Grey completed the first home game with a 45 - 0 shutout of Les Vieux. A really good game by all Grey, and Man of the Match was awarded to Lou Petruzello for his fine forward play. A special thanks to all the Grey who filled in for the missing Les Vieux players -- some of whom played the entire game for Les Vieux, and thanks to all who helped line and mark the field.

GREY GO TO 2-1 WITH VICTORY OVER THE LOBSTERS 
By Ed Carr

April 20, 2002 -- The Grey turned out very strong again on April 19th to play a Long Island Lobsters Old Boys side. LI brought a number of game players, however they were about 4 players short and the Grey had to lend them some of their players to fill out the side. LI can be forgiven, since 1) they are still trying to develop their Old Boys side and 2) they had 16 committed players as of Friday night. LI struck first in scoring about half way through the first period. The Grey had been playing in LI's end of the field the entire period, however the ball found its way out to the LI backs, a long kick got behind the Grey wing and fullback, and LI's speedy wing chased it down. After some mishandling by the Grey, LI put the ball down in the corner and made the point after. The Grey stormed right back getting the ball back in the kickoff. Again play was in the LI end of the field. The Grey elected for a penalty lineout. The forwards kept the ball, mauled to the try line going through just about all of the forwards hands, and eventually Brendan Coffey took it over for the score. The point after kick was good. 7 to 7 at the end of the first period.

Play was much more even in the second period, however the Grey were able to take advantage of loose play and should have scored a couple of times. They did put one down after some fine rucking. Ed Carr scored off of a pass from Joe Bordieri. Point after was no good. 12 to 7 at the end of the second period.

In the final period, it again was all Grey all the time. Mike Kosilla scored after he and Grayson Gregory and Joe Bordieri chased a touch attempt by the LI winger. The ball was blocked about 30 meters in front of the LI goal, the chase was on, and Kosilla made a diving effort to touch it down. Missed point after. A number of opportunities went by in this period as well, with the ball going out to the Grey outside centers and wings, but they just couldn't get the luck. The final score was a classic 8-man pick up by Fred Seeger. With about 3 minutes left in the game, the Grey pack controlling play, a scrummage at about the 5 meter mark, the ball was put into play and the forwards controlled again. Seeger picked up, dummied to Bordieri and put his head down to score. Point after no good. Final score 22 to 7. Man of the Match goes to Joe Bordieri.

AROUND THE FIELD 
By: Zipardee Duda

Discussion on the sidelines during the Berkshire game focused on the metallic grey jersey and matching socks worn by Jon Leone. The do somewhat clash with the usual gear purchased through a reputable vendor such as Godek et al and worn by the rest of the Grey. However, if you do desire to buy such contrasting attire you will find the complete line of un-official rugby uniforms at K-Mart. Also, for those of you who were intrigued by Jon's dainty little rugby gloves -- you can also purchase these on-line at www.wussygear.com.

For those of you who were wondering what was wrong with Kerr during the second half of the game, we can only surmise that he was PMS-ing. It should clear up by the next game.

OMOM 2002

We have been invited yet again (!) to take part in this year's Old Men of the Mountain rugby festival in Franconia. Golf and Chef Seeger's London broil cookout are scheduled for Friday afternoon, May 31. Matches will take place on the Franconia airport runway, across the street from the Franconia Inn, on Saturday, June 1. If you haven't booked a room yet, here is a list of hotels/motels to chose from. The Grey will, again, be headquartered at the Franconia Inn.

Cannon Mountain View Motor Inn , 603-823-9577, [formerly Raynor’s] 
Continental 93 Travelers Inn, 800-544-9366, in Littleton, indoor pool, trout pond 
Franconia Inn, 603-823-5542, across the road from the pitches, probably booked by now 
Gale River Motel, 603-823-5655, off season rates for the Festival 
Hillwinds Motel, 603-823-5551, convenient to the Village House 
Red Coach Inn, 603-823-7422, overlooking downtown Franconia 
Sunset Hill House, 800-SUNHILL, convenient to Polly’s Pancakes, 9-hole golf course 
Stony Brook Motor Inn, 603-823-8192, brook babbles almost as eloquently as the ruggers; indoor pool, game room

WHITE PLAINS CLASSIX ANNIVERSARY MATCH, JUNE 22

"Twist" Bermingham sent the following note to area old boys sides. Sounds like fun.

"The White Plains RFC celebrates its 30th year of existence on the weekend of 22-23 June. Part of the rugby action planned for Saturday the 22nd will be a match pitting an old boys 'select' side against the Classix. This was decided so as not only to avoid singling out any one side, but also to spread the burden around of rounding up 15 (or more) people to play at a time of year when summer is on the brain. Ideally, we'd like some representation from every one of your clubs that day, but we will take any enthusiastic players that day, regardless of club. I leave it to you all to involve any other players or clubs you like. Bring a stacked side -- all the better. But if you would, relay the names (or at least numbers) to me so I can get a handle on things as we go along (e.g., whether we need to go an extra period, etc.). The match will be at Cummings Park, Stamford, Conn., a nice venue right on the water, probably around 12:00 noon. It will be a good day all around. Let me know you're interest in this, since we are looking forward to it immensely."

If you're interested, let Dean J. know. He'll compile a list for Captain Carr.

2002 WORLD RUGBY CONFERENCE

The New England Rugby Football Union announces that the following presenters are scheduled to appear at the 2002 World Rugby Conference that will be held in Saranac Lake, NY, on August 1st and 2nd (the weekend of the CanAm tournament).

Mr. Eddie O'Sullivan - Current coach of Ireland and former assistant US Eagles coach 
Mr. Stephen Hilditch - Former IRB and Rugby World Cup Referee 
Dr. Liam Hennessey - Director of Fitness for the Irish Rugby Union 
Mr. Wayne Smith - Former coach of the New Zealand All Blacks and current coach of Northampton RFC 
Mr. Zin Zan Brooke - Former New Zealand All Black #8 and Captain

For registration information go to www.worldrugbyconference.com or contact Glenn Lawson at either 413-662-5326 or glawson@mcla.mass.edu.

SAVE 15% AT RUGGERS

From the folks at Ruggers, www.ruggers.com, comes this offer: "We're so happy that tax day, April 15th, has come and gone, we're extending a 15% discount to you! Just enter the code 'april02' during the check out. Your order will be automatically discounted."

MEDICAL ADVANCES

The long term implications of drugs and medical procedures must be fully considered. Over the past few years, more money has been spent on breast implants and Viagra than on Alzheimer's disease research. It is believed that by the year 2003, there will be a large number of people wandering around with huge breasts and erections who can't remember what to do with them.