Match Report: Renegades vs. Pigs

February 27, 2010
Anderson Hill Fields, Silverdale WA
Kitsap Renegades vs. Portland Pigs
Brisk, overcast, 55 degree day.  Southerly breeze and intermittent drizzle
12-5 

Kitsap's Renegades kicked off to the Portland Pigs at 1pm with approximately 50 fans in attendance.  Thoughtfully, the rugby gods had pre-moistened the fields, softening them up while keeping the footing solid and not muddy.

Kitsap started out strong -- quickly putting Portland on the defensive.  Shortly after the start of the match, Portland cleared the ball and held Kitsap at mid field until a clearing kick moved the action back to the Portland 5 meter zone.  Several phases of hard fought rucks later, and at about the 16 minute mark, Renegade, Rick Hardwick, dove the ball in for the first try of the match (5-0).  10 minutes later, Kitsap once again drove back into Portland's red-zone, where Portland's defenses, this time, held.  Throughout the first half, Portland had several advances that they generated with clearing kicks and breakaways, but the advantages were quickly lost due to penalties against the Pigs and unanswered kicks from Kitsap, resulting in turnovers, loss of field position, and new, sustained drives by Kitsap.  By the end of the first half, Portland had pushed back, looking much stronger in their scrums, and maintaining possessions through multiple phases of play, ending in a strong drive that, unfortunately, fell short before the halftime whistle.

Into the second half, just past the 20 minute mark, and after a really well fought half, Portland found themselves in a series of try line rucks, with Portland's 8 man eventually driving in a try -- so with 15 minutes left in the match, the score was tied at 5 all.  Then, with less than ten minutes left in the match, a quick drive down-field, followed by a quick pitch out from Kitsap's scrummy, Chris Munter, to fullback Tom Springer results in a try at the posts.  The conversion, by Brent Colby brought the score  to 12 - 5, which is where the match ended.

Overall a very good, well fought day on the pitch.  Kitsap's back-line play made a significant difference in the match and the team's new focus on fitness is starting to show.  Kitsap's forwards looked dominant in rucks and scrums, but lineout throw-ins still appear problematic.

The post game festivities were held at MoonDogs, Too in Port Orchard where the teams shared a spaghetti feed and songs.

Line Up
1. Oliver Otterbeck, 2. Redwing, 3. Eric Simon (Daithe), 4. Rob, 5. Rick Hardwick (Nate Jensen), 6. Hank Woodard, 7. Brent Rotter (Will, Glenn), 8. John Moore (Rick Hardwick), 9. Chris Munter, 10. Brent Colby, 11. Scott Miller (Luke), 12. Brian Wright, 13. Luke, 14. Tevya Friedman (Jay), 15.  Tom Springer

Scoring:
Tries: Rick Hardwick, Tom Springer
Conversions: Brent Colby

Man of the match went to John Moore.

The referee was Parrish Preston.  (ref:  please contact me to contribute a comment to the match report)

Kitsap was coached by David Schneegas.

Teams Tries Conversions Cards Drop Goals Match Results Match Points Bonus Points League Points Renegades 2 1 0 0 12 5 0 26 Pigs 1 1 0 0 5 1 0 ?

Please comment with any corrections, additions or changes.