GREEN BAY CELTICS V. IASCW SHAMROCKS
Green Bay, WI
May 12, 2007
MATCH REPORT
First off, The Shamrocks traveled with only 10 players. Only 8 were available at kick off, since the other 2 players were on their way. So originally, we had to borrow 7 players (mostly backs) from Green Bay. We were given a lot of rookies and old boys to fill in our open spots. For that generous gesture, we were very grateful.
The first half began with Green Bay kicking off, and Stoddard taking it into the Green Bay forwards to set up some quick crash ball to the forwards. The forwards took the ball a few phases, and made some hard yards. The ball was brought out to the backs and made some ground on the Green Bay defense. The first few minutes the Shamrocks played really hard, making good use with the ball at hand. The defense was pretty strong, except for getting sucked in too much in the rucks, and Green Bay took full advantage of the natural overloads created by this.
Green Bay scored about 4 or 5 tries in the first half, but who was counting. When you are playing with 8 of your own guys in the first half, and 5 of those being forwards, there is not much you can do in terms of team play.
At halftime, our two that were running late arrived. Amish (whose real name is kept secret to protect the guilty) at tighthead prop, and Toe Mongoven at number eight. The new arrivals definitely helped the Shamrocks settle down. Our defense tightened up, and we started to take a bit more control at the set pieces.
We then punched the ball down the field and about 15 minutes into the 2nd half, rookie lock Miles Daly touched down for the Shamrocks first try. For the conversion, a tee would have been nice so, Ryan Stoddard had to drop kick for goal to his right which is bad since he is left footed. We kept playing aggressively for the remainder of the match with hard tackling by center Pat Forsythe putting some hard sticks on the Green Bay backs. Rookie flanker Brett Mohammed had another great game, as he was all over the pitch and always the first at the breakdown. Scrum half Jeff Mumm had an outstanding game considering what he had to work with in the backs. He had to work with a flyhalf he did not know, and he performed outstandingly considering the circumstances.
We also took care of some pressure on a Green Bay scrum at our 5 meter line. Green Bay thought they were just going to drive in for the try, but our forwards dug in and stole the ball against the head to get us out of trouble. Another try was added by, I believe, Toe Mongoven, and again it was touched down to the left of the posts, and Stoddard had to drop for goal again going to his right. The kick sailed to the left of the posts and we now had 10 points.
The second half also saw the much settled down Shamrocks (all 10 of us) score 10 points to 5 for Green Bay, so a much better performance in that half. Though beaten, some great performances were displayed on the day, especially by our rookies. Alex Brumley at wing had a good game and is ever improving as this is his first season of ever playing rugby. The same can be said of lock Miles Daly, and Prop Mike Shehan. The future looks bright for these players, as well as for the future of the Shamrocks.
Man of the Match: I think it is for all 10 Shamrocks, for making the long journey to the North and played with passion and spirit and never giving up ever in the match. We still moved the ball using the backs, even though we had only 2 of ours in the backline and had to borrow the rest from Green Bay! Well played! If this spirit continues, there are going to be some eyebrows raised at CARFU Ball on the 19th.
Off the pitch Man of the Match: rookie Alex Brumley. Three reasons: First Reason: For staying out late with your’s truly into Saturday night. We dropped off our distinguished captain Josh Runge at the hotel to pass out, although he already passed out in my car on the way back to the hotel. Then it was of to Sidelines for some late night beers. We wanted to steal a 2 ½ foot tall bobble statue of Vince Lombardi or at least cut the head off. Unfortunately, it was behind the bar, and it would be very difficult to steal with all the local patrons looking on. Plus, we were too stupid to come up with a clever diversion to get it out of there.
Reason two: For taking the picture that will be going around of your’s truly taking a whiz in front of Lambeau Field in the parking lot about 75 feet away from the stadum. It was better there since you could see the stadium in the background in the picture.
Reason three: After I finished going number one, Alex decided to drop his trousers and do the same thing. The pictures of him giving the Packers the business were taken on his phone. Well done!
Shamrock team @ Green Bay
Fullback: green bay guy
Wing: green bay guy
Outside Center: green bay guy
Inside Center: Pat Forsythe
Wing: Alex Brumley
Flyhalf: green bay guy
Scrum Half: Jeff Mumm
Loosehead Prop: Mike Shehan
Hooker: Ryan Stoddard
Tighthead Prop: Amish (2nd half; green bay guy for 1st)
Lock: Miles Daly
Lock: Josh Runge (captain)
Flanker: green bay guy
Flanker: Brett Mohammed
Number Eight: Toe Mongoven (Runge played it 1st half)
Match report written by:
Ryan Stoddard
Vice President,
IASCW Shamrocks RFC
