Tuesday, September 20, 2011
RUGBYFIT
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Jr. Blackjacks report
JR. BLACKJACKS FALLS SHORT AGAINST TEMPE/RED MTN.
(Silvestri Middle School) Saturday is RUGBY DAY! Today was a treat for Las Vegas Rugby Fan as the Las Vegas Rugby Academy hosted the two top team in the nation, #1 Highland (Utah) and #2 United (Utah) as they travel down to Las Vegas to take on Red Mountain (Arizona) and Tempe. The first game saw Red Mountain upset United, who are the defending 2010 Under 19 National Champions. The 2nd game was a little bit one sided as Highland displayed how rugby is played. It was an awesome treat to see high level of rugby and also to have the Jr. Blackjacks and Academy kids learn from it.
The 3rd game of the day was Jr. Blackjacks against a mix team of Tempe/Red Mtn. After a good warm up and prayer the Jr. Blackjacks took the field. With the wind blowing about 12-15 mph we took the kickoff. We did great to seal and protect the ball and started to move the ball up field. Fitness was the key factor in the game as we moved the ball up the field, the number of supporters reduce and Arizona saw the opportunity and counter ruck to turn the ball over. Arizona started to attack and went wide and the winger knocked the ball on and our #14 Matt picked up the ball and out paced a few defenders to score under the post. We had some great go forward opportunity but lack the continuity to keep going the same direction. We displayed some great individual efforts but in this game of rugby, teamwork always succeeds far better then individual efforts. We won 80% of our lineout’s and stole the ball 4 times. Our the only time we gave the ball away in the lineout is when we did not throw it straight. Our scrum was shaky at the first half as we lost 55% of our scrum. When we started to hit them and push is when we started to control the scrum more. In the 2nd half we won 80% of our scrum which was an great turnaround for us. We had many opportunity to score but lack of supporters and protecting the ball. Overall the Jr. Blackjacks played well against a very talented team. Jr. Blackjacks has no where to go but up. We made 80% of tackles which was really good and the only time Arizona scored was out wide or turnover in the open field. Our Defense around the ruck area was solid and Arizona knew the only way they can move the ball was to go wide. We performed well and are looking forward for the next game and training. It was just great to see the camaraderie of the Jr. Blackjacks and how the develop as a team. I see a lot of potential with the Jr. Blackjacks and the next time we play Arizona, it will be a different result. Back to work on Tuesday with Fitness and Fitness and enhancing our rugby skills. RESPECT, RESPONSIBILTY, RUGBY!! Rugby, we dare you to TRY!!!!!!
(Silvestri Middle School) Saturday is RUGBY DAY! Today was a treat for Las Vegas Rugby Fan as the Las Vegas Rugby Academy hosted the two top team in the nation, #1 Highland (Utah) and #2 United (Utah) as they travel down to Las Vegas to take on Red Mountain (Arizona) and Tempe. The first game saw Red Mountain upset United, who are the defending 2010 Under 19 National Champions. The 2nd game was a little bit one sided as Highland displayed how rugby is played. It was an awesome treat to see high level of rugby and also to have the Jr. Blackjacks and Academy kids learn from it.
The 3rd game of the day was Jr. Blackjacks against a mix team of Tempe/Red Mtn. After a good warm up and prayer the Jr. Blackjacks took the field. With the wind blowing about 12-15 mph we took the kickoff. We did great to seal and protect the ball and started to move the ball up field. Fitness was the key factor in the game as we moved the ball up the field, the number of supporters reduce and Arizona saw the opportunity and counter ruck to turn the ball over. Arizona started to attack and went wide and the winger knocked the ball on and our #14 Matt picked up the ball and out paced a few defenders to score under the post. We had some great go forward opportunity but lack the continuity to keep going the same direction. We displayed some great individual efforts but in this game of rugby, teamwork always succeeds far better then individual efforts. We won 80% of our lineout’s and stole the ball 4 times. Our the only time we gave the ball away in the lineout is when we did not throw it straight. Our scrum was shaky at the first half as we lost 55% of our scrum. When we started to hit them and push is when we started to control the scrum more. In the 2nd half we won 80% of our scrum which was an great turnaround for us. We had many opportunity to score but lack of supporters and protecting the ball. Overall the Jr. Blackjacks played well against a very talented team. Jr. Blackjacks has no where to go but up. We made 80% of tackles which was really good and the only time Arizona scored was out wide or turnover in the open field. Our Defense around the ruck area was solid and Arizona knew the only way they can move the ball was to go wide. We performed well and are looking forward for the next game and training. It was just great to see the camaraderie of the Jr. Blackjacks and how the develop as a team. I see a lot of potential with the Jr. Blackjacks and the next time we play Arizona, it will be a different result. Back to work on Tuesday with Fitness and Fitness and enhancing our rugby skills. RESPECT, RESPONSIBILTY, RUGBY!! Rugby, we dare you to TRY!!!!!!
Jr. Blackjacks report
JR. BLACKJACKS FALLS SHORT AGAINST TEMPE/RED MTN.
(Silvestri Middle School) Saturday is RUGBY DAY! Today was a treat for Las Vegas Rugby Fan as the Las Vegas Rugby Academy hosted the two top team in the nation, #1 Highland (Utah) and #2 United (Utah) as they travel down to Las Vegas to take on Red Mountain (Arizona) and Tempe. The first game saw Red Mountain upset United, who are the defending 2010 Under 19 National Champions. The 2nd game was a little bit one sided as Highland displayed how rugby is played. It was an awesome treat to see high level of rugby and also to have the Jr. Blackjacks and Academy kids learn from it.
The 3rd game of the day was Jr. Blackjacks against a mix team of Tempe/Red Mtn. After a good warm up and prayer the Jr. Blackjacks took the field. With the wind blowing about 12-15 mph we took the kickoff. We did great to seal and protect the ball and started to move the ball up field. Fitness was the key factor in the game as we moved the ball up the field, the number of supporters reduce and Arizona saw the opportunity and counter ruck to turn the ball over. Arizona started to attack and went wide and the winger knocked the ball on and our #14 Matt picked up the ball and out paced a few defenders to score under the post. We had some great go forward opportunity but lack the continuity to keep going the same direction. We displayed some great individual efforts but in this game of rugby, teamwork always succeeds far better then individual efforts. We won 80% of our lineout’s and stole the ball 4 times. Our the only time we gave the ball away in the lineout is when we did not throw it straight. Our scrum was shaky at the first half as we lost 55% of our scrum. When we started to hit them and push is when we started to control the scrum more. In the 2nd half we won 80% of our scrum which was an great turnaround for us. We had many opportunity to score but lack of supporters and protecting the ball. Overall the Jr. Blackjacks played well against a very talented team. Jr. Blackjacks has no where to go but up. We made 80% of tackles which was really good and the only time Arizona scored was out wide or turnover in the open field. Our Defense around the ruck area was solid and Arizona knew the only way they can move the ball was to go wide. We performed well and are looking forward for the next game and training. It was just great to see the camaraderie of the Jr. Blackjacks and how the develop as a team. I see a lot of potential with the Jr. Blackjacks and the next time we play Arizona, it will be a different result. Back to work on Tuesday with Fitness and Fitness and enhancing our rugby skills. RESPECT, RESPONSIBILTY, RUGBY!! Rugby, we dare you to TRY!!!!!!
(Silvestri Middle School) Saturday is RUGBY DAY! Today was a treat for Las Vegas Rugby Fan as the Las Vegas Rugby Academy hosted the two top team in the nation, #1 Highland (Utah) and #2 United (Utah) as they travel down to Las Vegas to take on Red Mountain (Arizona) and Tempe. The first game saw Red Mountain upset United, who are the defending 2010 Under 19 National Champions. The 2nd game was a little bit one sided as Highland displayed how rugby is played. It was an awesome treat to see high level of rugby and also to have the Jr. Blackjacks and Academy kids learn from it.
The 3rd game of the day was Jr. Blackjacks against a mix team of Tempe/Red Mtn. After a good warm up and prayer the Jr. Blackjacks took the field. With the wind blowing about 12-15 mph we took the kickoff. We did great to seal and protect the ball and started to move the ball up field. Fitness was the key factor in the game as we moved the ball up the field, the number of supporters reduce and Arizona saw the opportunity and counter ruck to turn the ball over. Arizona started to attack and went wide and the winger knocked the ball on and our #14 Matt picked up the ball and out paced a few defenders to score under the post. We had some great go forward opportunity but lack the continuity to keep going the same direction. We displayed some great individual efforts but in this game of rugby, teamwork always succeeds far better then individual efforts. We won 80% of our lineout’s and stole the ball 4 times. Our the only time we gave the ball away in the lineout is when we did not throw it straight. Our scrum was shaky at the first half as we lost 55% of our scrum. When we started to hit them and push is when we started to control the scrum more. In the 2nd half we won 80% of our scrum which was an great turnaround for us. We had many opportunity to score but lack of supporters and protecting the ball. Overall the Jr. Blackjacks played well against a very talented team. Jr. Blackjacks has no where to go but up. We made 80% of tackles which was really good and the only time Arizona scored was out wide or turnover in the open field. Our Defense around the ruck area was solid and Arizona knew the only way they can move the ball was to go wide. We performed well and are looking forward for the next game and training. It was just great to see the camaraderie of the Jr. Blackjacks and how the develop as a team. I see a lot of potential with the Jr. Blackjacks and the next time we play Arizona, it will be a different result. Back to work on Tuesday with Fitness and Fitness and enhancing our rugby skills. RESPECT, RESPONSIBILTY, RUGBY!! Rugby, we dare you to TRY!!!!!!
LVRA Whites wins
Under 14/U19 Girls
LVRA Whites sneaks past the LVRA Blues to win 50-40. Under a cloudy and winding afternoon the LVRA Whites took the rugby pitch to take on the LVRA Blues. This was the first meeting between the two team and it was a promising game to watch and ref. Both side had a good mixture of new and experience players and also for the first time a group of girls. The academy is working on building an all girl team to compete and today was the first time to see some of the girls play.
The game started slow with each team trying to feel each other out. The Blues seem to be the team that gelled quickly and it showed as the score the first try of the game. Blues Dakota took a quick tap and beat two defender to take the lead 5-0. The Blues again extended their lead with some quick hands and footwork to find an open Malcolm in the corner. 10-0. The Whites responded back with a try with Ernie taking the matters in his own to score a long run. 10-5. The Whites finally found their rhythm and the see-saw tries started. When the Blues scored a try, the whites would reply with a try. The halftime score was Blues 35 Whites 25.
The Whites started the 2nd half the same way then ended, with a quick try off the kickoff. Whites 30 Blues 35. The whites continue its attacking arsenal with 4 more tries to take a 50-35 lead. The Blues scored one more try but could not muster anymore. Final White 50 Blues 40. The best part of the game was watching how the U19 Girls played with good communication and plenty of good passing. The U19 Girls also display an awesome awareness of rugby skills. This U19 Girls is going to be a force to be reckon with. RESPECT, RESPONSIBILTY, RUGBY.
LVRA Whites sneaks past the LVRA Blues to win 50-40. Under a cloudy and winding afternoon the LVRA Whites took the rugby pitch to take on the LVRA Blues. This was the first meeting between the two team and it was a promising game to watch and ref. Both side had a good mixture of new and experience players and also for the first time a group of girls. The academy is working on building an all girl team to compete and today was the first time to see some of the girls play.
The game started slow with each team trying to feel each other out. The Blues seem to be the team that gelled quickly and it showed as the score the first try of the game. Blues Dakota took a quick tap and beat two defender to take the lead 5-0. The Blues again extended their lead with some quick hands and footwork to find an open Malcolm in the corner. 10-0. The Whites responded back with a try with Ernie taking the matters in his own to score a long run. 10-5. The Whites finally found their rhythm and the see-saw tries started. When the Blues scored a try, the whites would reply with a try. The halftime score was Blues 35 Whites 25.
The Whites started the 2nd half the same way then ended, with a quick try off the kickoff. Whites 30 Blues 35. The whites continue its attacking arsenal with 4 more tries to take a 50-35 lead. The Blues scored one more try but could not muster anymore. Final White 50 Blues 40. The best part of the game was watching how the U19 Girls played with good communication and plenty of good passing. The U19 Girls also display an awesome awareness of rugby skills. This U19 Girls is going to be a force to be reckon with. RESPECT, RESPONSIBILTY, RUGBY.
Chiefs comes from behind to win
LVRA TOUCH LEAGUE REPORTS
Under 8/Under 10
On a windy Saturday afternoon the LVRA Chiefs come from behind to upset the LVRA Hurricanes 21-19. It was a one side affair in the first half with the Hurricanes controlling the possession of the ball. Hurricanes defense was solid and scored a beautiful try from a turnover ball. The Hurricanes got on the board again with some awesome passing from such young player to extend the lead to 10-0. Chiefs had opportunity to score and get on the board but just could not finish the movement. Just before half the Hurricanes again with an excellent defense turn the ball over and send it wide to take a 19-0 lead.
The 2nd half was another story as the chiefs responded to a prep talk from their coaches and made some personal changes. The Chiefs found and after many attempts to break the Hurricanes defense to score under the post. (7-19) The coaches talked seem to lifted the chiefs as they quickly got back on the score board again with some great passing, running and keeping the ball. The Chiefs were reward with a penalty and took the advantage to score under the post with only minutes remaining. (Chiefs 14 Hurricanes 19)
In the final second of the game and with the ball in hands the Chiefs attacked from their half of the field. Phases after the phases the Chiefs control the ball attacking and the Hurricanes working hard to hold the attack. What seem like an eternity the Chiefs found a gap and sent the player to the corner to score. (Hurricane 19 Chiefs 19). With no time left the Chiefs kicker placed the ball and with a Johnny Wilkinson stance kicked the ball. Chiefs make history as one of the best come from win in rugby to take the win. Awesome display of rugby skills, teamwork, communication and just overall athleticism from both the Hurricanes and Chiefs. Looking forwards for more rugby game from these great young rugby stars. Rugby, we dare you to TRY
Friday, February 18, 2011
Jr. Blackjacks make the Bowl Semi-Final but....
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”
Jr. Blackjacks compete in the LVI and did AWESOME
Las Vegas Invitational Tournament (LVI)
Feb. 10 2011 (Field #3 330pm)
The Nursery Field located outside of the Sam Boyd Stadium was filled with rugby players from around the nation and world. All types of accent, color, sizes came to Las Vegas to participate in the most exciting game call rugby and to watch 16 International teams compete to who is king of Las Vegas 7s. The Las Vegas Rugby Academy (Jr. Blackjacks) players were also part of the crowd. A feeling of excitement and butterfly filled the air. Each player from the academy looked ready to what was awaiting them on the rugby pitch. The Jr. Blackjacks’ opponent was Edina Rugby Club from Minnesota and was entering their 13 year as a club. Before the match I had a brief meeting and introduction with the Edina Coaching staff. Edina club had a lot of experience players and been playing rugby for a lot longer than all of the LVRA players. I was concern with the size and age of the Edina rugby players compares to his LVRA players (average age is 13 and the oldest player was 16yrs old). After a quick meeting with the parents of the LVRA and all feeling fine with the kids playing, the coaches got the players dressed and ready to go.
The Jr. Blackjacks did their team warm up and split into forward and backs. Jr. Blackjacks captain Isaac K. lost the coin toss and Edina chose to receive the ball. I believe I was more nervous then players. But with a prayer and a loud “Vegas Rugby” the butterfly flew away and I was ready to see some rugby action. The kickoff was good with some good chase from the forwards. I was amazed at how the Jr. Blackjacks kept tackling and kept their defensive system strong. Each player calling “Ruck, Guard, Post” and point to who had what man. The Edina used their size to attack the smaller forwards. But to my surprise as well as Edina, the Jr. Blackjacks forwards reply back with hard hitting tackles and held their own. After 15 minutes of playing defense, Edina scored a try beating us out wide after failing to beat us in the middle. I was proud of how well the players played and how well they respond to every breakdown and no matter what the score was, they kept fighting. Edina found that the only way they were going to beat the Jr. Blackjacks was go wide and use their speed cause the Jr. Blackjacks defensive system in the middle was solid. This was a great improvement for the players as the week before they had a hard time defending. They score did not reflect how well the players played. This moment was one of my fondest and beats any other feeling I had in my rugby experience to see how much the players played with their hearts. At every breakdown we competed, at every scrum we pushed and every lineout we fought. Edina coaching staff and players had nothing but positive feedback. The head coach of Edina said he was shocked at how well the kids tackled and organized they were around the breakdown, in a few years the Jr. Blackjacks will be a team to reckon with.
No words can express the feeling I had after the game and how proud I was with each player and how they played with their hearts. Playing with heart cannot be taught or learn, that something you have to find by yourself and the Jr. Blackjacks had heart that day. After the game I got a lot of good comments from players, coaches, former international and international players who saw the kids play. They were amazed to see 12 years old compete against 17-18 years old. As a reward for the kids, Fox was there to interview Mele and get the kids on the 10pm news. It was awesome to see the kids on the news and I know they were on cloud nine when they saw it as well. I look forward for more games and training to enhance the player’s skills and hopefully see all compete in professional, elite and maybe International level. Rugby, we dare you to TRY!!
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