Las Vegas Invitational Tournaments
Feb. 11 2011 (Field #16 8am-5ish)
After a well fought 15 a-side game, the Jr. Blackjacks were back on the field again to play some more. This time it was 7s and again playing against kids older, bigger and sometime faster. The Jr. Blackjacks landed in pool B with some well establish teams. Jr. Blackjack’s first game kickoff off at 8am against Cherry Creek Rugby Club from Colorado. The game did not start till 9ish due to miscommunication of what field the U19 7s were to play at. After arriving at the correct field and a quick warm-up and a prayer, the Jr. Blackjacks were ready. The Blackjacks played well spinning the ball wide and attacking the wing. We made several breaks but had no support to finish. This was the Blackjacks first game at playing 7s so the supporting line was lacking. But a few quick words and adjustment the Blackjacks were back at attacking again. “One more pass” became the word of the day as we fell short of the try line due to not passing the ball one more time to the open player. Overall the Jr. Blackjacks played well and performed well against a well-trained and older opponent.
The Jr. Blackjacks then took on Valley Center Avengers Rugby Club. Blackjacks came out firing and score 2 beautiful tries to take the lead. But due to experience and fitness then Blackjacks fell short of another opportunity to win. Also there were some questionable tackling techniques by the opponent. The players began to gel as team and understand how to compete in 7s compare to 15s style rugby.
The Final game of the day was against Arizona Bobcats. Due to the lateness of all the games due to miscommunication on the event organization we found out 5 minutes before kickoff we are to play. So with no time to warm up and trying to name my starting 7s we took the field. Arizona scored first with some awesome display of quick hands and speed. We finally regroup and started to work our way down the field. But questionable call by the ref game the Arizona the ball and they beat us outside. After the game the Arizona coach came over and was impress with the how the kids played and want to schedule more game against us in the future. I told him we would love to play them soon.
After the final standing of the pools we found our self in the Bowl bracket and were schedule to play our fourth game of the day. But the team we were supposed to play, never showed up. So we made it to the Semi-final the next day. But we forfeited the game so that the players can go and watch the International teams play and enjoy the weekend. Was it a good choice? Yes, because on Saturday I saw the parents and the players enjoy the atmosphere, the games, fan festival and just everything about the USA 7s. I am just happy the kids played with heart and never gave in. I look forward to training and train the Jr. Blackjacks to be the team to beat next year in the LVI. “Respect, Responsibility, Rugby”
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