Sat May 24, 2008
Ram Rugby Captures State Title
It only seemed fitting that Rockford and Grand Rapids Catholic Central would meet in the Division I State Championship Game. Both teams celebrating their ten year anniversary, and both emerging from their respective playoff brackets boasting identical records on the season, 8-0-1. The two teams had squared off once before in their season opener with a 17-17 draw being the outcome and the only tally not in the win column for both clubs. There would be no ties on this occasion, only a State Champion and a Runner-up. Although the higher seed, the Rams(2) came into the match as the underdog to a fourth ranked CC team who had won the DI title an impressive eight out of the past eleven years. The two teams spent the early minutes of the game working to feel one another out. Both had their breaks but neither could capitalize. Catholic Central would be the first to settle into its game plan and put on a sustained drive. Working hard and keeping the ball within their forwards with a series of pick and goes, CC would eventually pound the ball across the goal line for a try. The kick for the conversion was punched through, placing the score at 7-0 in favor of the Cougars. The Rams would answer back quickly. Following the kickoff from senior Keith Dufendach, the Rockford defense would waste little time getting the ball back. The Rams quickly mounted their first structured attack forcing the Cougar defense into what would prove to be a costly penalty. From 20 meters out Dufendach set the play in motion. Tapping the ball through the mark and dummying to his forward pack, Dufendach stepped left and spun a pass to senior David Williams on the weak side of the field. Williams took on two Catholic defenders before finding Wing Matt Heinz on the outside. Receiving the ball on the move, Heinz sped in untouched for the try. The conversion would find its mark off the foot of Williams, knotting the score at seven a piece. With 20 minutes already gone in the first half , Catholic Central would strike for a second time. Working from a lineout, the Cougars executed a well timed maul which would eventually be driven in for their second try of the game. This time however, the conversion kick could not be added from the sharp angle, leaving the score 12 - 7 Cougars. The Rams, not wanting to go into the second half trailing, put together a late surge. Settling play in the forwards, Scrumhalf Greg Farmer delivered a pass to Dufendach who was positioned to his right. Dufendach spun a pass to outside centre Zebb Dewes-Taylor who took it at pace. Taylor broke the CC defensive line and then smartly found inside centre Williams on a switch move. After securing the pass, Williams was off to the races leaving Catholic defenders behind as he went in for Rockford’s second score on the day dotting down directly under the posts. Dewes-Taylor added the conversion, putting the Ram’s up by a score of 14 - 12 and ending the first half. The second half started in a similar fashion to the first, with the two clubs taking part in a back and fourth contest with neither side finding points. The Rams would see two excellent opportunities go by the wayside in the early going’s of the half, as they looked to be controlling the game play. However, as the afternoon wore on and time grew short, the Cougars would mount an incredible sustained attack inside Ram territory. The Rockford defense stood tall, pushing back numerous CC attempts at points. Late in the game and only meters out from pay dirt, a lunging CC forward stretched the ball across the goal line in what looked like a certain score. However, as he extended to touch the ball down he was met by two Ram defenders dislodging the ball from his hands and causing a knock-on. The Rams quickly used the ensuing scrummage as an opportunity to clear the ball to safety. Rockford would not have much time to rest as Catholic stormed right back, applying pressure to an already weary defense. The Catholic pressure paid dividends, as they forced Rockford into a penalty 20 meters out from their own posts and in the center of the field. With no time left on the clock, the fate of the game came to rest on a penalty kick. The Catholic kicker composed himself, took one last look at the posts, stepped forward and let it fly. The ball was cleanly struck but pushed wide of the right post. As the ball crossed the dead ball line, the referee raised his whistle and ended the match. The Rockford sideline erupted as the team piled together on the field. The final score of the match remained as it did at the conclusion of the first half, Rockford 14 - Grand Rapids Catholic Central 12. Rockford concludes its 2008 campaign with a record of 9-0-1 and the title of State Champions. The win marks the Rams first ever state title in the clubs 10 year history.
Sat May 17, 2008
Ram Rugby Sends Two East Side Teams Packing En Route to a Spot In the State Finals
Straight off their second win over Traverse City, in a game which saw an outstanding performance from Scrumhalf Greg Farmer, the Rams headed into the DI state playoffs boasting a 6-0-1 record and the #2 seed. Rockford's first opponent of the day would be Lakeview in a #2 vs. #7 match-up. It took the Rams a little over 10 minutes in the first half to settle into the playoff atmosphere and get things rolling in their favor. Prop Kole Daigle would start the scoring off with a punishing 10 meter run for a try. The conversion sailed wide and the Rams had a 5 - 0 lead. The next seven minutes would see a bit of back and fourth play as both teams jockeyed for position. Rockford, staying strong defensively would gain possession of the ball and again see Daigle rip the Lakeview defense for 40 meters. Being pulled to the ground, Daigle was able to find Inside Centre David Williams who would do the rest and add to the Ram's lead. Again the conversion would not go, leaving the score at 10 - 0 at the half. The Rams started the second kicking off to Lakeview. Dufendach's kick would prove too tough to handle, as the ball bounced leaving it up for grabs. Rockford pounced on the opportunity and quickly drove to within five meters of the try line. Winger Matt Heinz saw an opening in the defense and let Farmer know about it. Farmer quickly delivered the ball to Heinz on the weak side for the Ram's third try of the day and a 15 - 0 score. Eight minutes later it would be Outside Centre Zebb Taylor's turn. Running a good support line off of his counterpart David Williams and taking the ball at pace, Taylor was away for a 50 meter strike increasing the lead to 20 - 0. With five minutes left to play in the match, the Rams would add one more tally for good measure. Working from a scrum Farmer again eyed an opportunity to exploit Lakeview's defense to the short side of the field. As the ball worked to Eight Man Jake Kelly's foot, Farmer slipped a pass out to Wing Chuck Knoll for the Rams fifth and final try. Lakeview would manage a single try late in the game with a successful conversion, but it would not be nearly enough as they would fall to the Rams 25 - 7. The second match of the day would see the Rams face off with the defending state champions Birmingham in a #2 vs. #3 bout. These was no love lost between these two sides as Rockford's playoff-run was cut short at the hands of Birmingham in the first round of last years tournament by a single point. The Rams, eager to return the favor would draw first blood. Birmingham, in an attempt to relieve the Rockford pressure, kicked the ball down field. This proved to be a mistake. Catching the ball on the Run, Fullback Donny Schaner would start the attack. Schaner, drawing the first defender to him unloaded the ball to Hinze who had jumped into the play. Hinze raced up the sideline for 20 meters before running out of room. Cutting back into the field Hinze found Taylor with a short pass, springing him for a 50 meter run and try. David Williams would slot the kick giving Rockford a 7 - 0 lead. The Rams would be unable to hold Birmingham off the scoreboard as they were able to put a penalty kick through the uprights and narrow the margin to 7 - 3 at the Half. The second stanza of the game would see the Ram offense roar to life. Only five minutes in Rockford found themselves in prime scoring territory. With Birmingham penalized the Rams went to work with a penalty play. Dufendach tapped the ball through the mark, dummied to his crashing forwards and spun a pretty pass to Willimas with a full head of steam. The Birmingham defense could not stop him as he rumbled in for five points. Williams would convert his own try pushing the lead to 14 - 3. The offence would continue to roll with Hooker Steve Henderhan breaking through untouched on a forward crash ball from 15 meters out. Williams would again connect on his conversion attempt and the Rams lead 21 - 3. In the final minutes of the game the Rockford would put an exclamation point on the match. With a 5 meter scrummage awarded, the Rams executed a quick back-row movement which in the end saw Farmer dot the ball down for a try. Williams would continue to be perfect on his conversion attempts, raising the final tally to 28 - 3 Rockford.
Wed May 14, 2008
Rockford Rugby Ranked #2 in the State Following Second Win Over Traverse City
The Rams made the long trip north to Traverse City this past Wednesday the 14th for their final game of the regular season. With a win, Rockford could clinch first place in the west and ensure a strong seed in the playoffs. The Rams would waste little time getting on the board. Seven minutes into the first half and following a strong drive down the field, Rockford found itself knocking on the door of the first points. Off of a five meter scrum, Ram Scrumhalf Greg Farmer spun a pass to weak side wing Chuck Knoll. Knoll made the fist man miss and drug two more defenders within feet of the try line. As Knoll went to ground and placed the ball, Farmer moved in for a pick and go. Farmer retrieved the ball from the ruck and dove across the line for five points. Zebb Taylor was good for the conversion, putting the Rams ahead 7 - 5 early. Eight minutes later Farmer would go back to work. Once again picking up from the base of a ruck, but this time making four defenders miss on his way to a 30 meter strike. The conversion missed this time making the score Rockford 12 - Traverse City 0. TC would manage to get themselves on the board late in the half, breaking through the Ram defense for a try. Their conversion missed, and the half time score was 12 - 5 in favor of the visiting Rams. The second half would see Traverse City steady the ship and make a number of bids for points. However, it would be Rockford putting points up first. With TC pinned deep in their own territory, Prop Dean LeMaire managed to charge down a kick attempt. The ball fell to the ground and was quickly scored by Flanker Mike Stephens. The conversion fell short against a steady head wind, placing the score at 17 - 5. Later in the half Traverse would punch another try in by way of their forwards, pushing things to a 17 - 10 duel. Travers would march back down the field on the ensuing kickoff, applying sustained pressure to the Ram defense. Rockford defended wave after wave of TC attackers before finally getting the opportunity to kick the ball down field and out of harms way. The Rams mounted their finally attack shortly there after, with who else but Farmer punching in the final Rockford Try. With another missed kick Rockford found them leading comfortably 22 - 10 with only minutes left in the game. Traverse managed one final try in the waning moments, but it would not be enough to stop Rockford from completing an undefeated regular season by way of a 22 - 15 victory. With the win the Rams clinched the #2 ranking in the state and will face Lake View in the first round of the playoffs.
Wed May 7th, 2008
Rockford Hangs 110 on Kenowa Hills
Wednesday May, 7th would see the Rams match up with Kenowa Hills in their second of two DI vs DII crossover matches. The Rams proved why they are a DI club crushing Kenowa Hills 110 - 0. The game would see the return of Senior Wing Matt Heinz after receiving multiple stitches two games prior. "It was great to get Matt back into the lineup." Commented the Ram Coaching Staff, "He has an excellent motor and his work ethic on pitch is un-paralleled." The Rams would waste little time finding their rhythm as Hooker Steve Henderhan plowed through defenders for a try only five minutes into the match. David Williams would convert the kick putting the Rams up 7 - 0 early. On the ensuing kickoff from Kenowa, Outside Centre Zebb Taylor would take the ball back the other direction for a second try with Williams converting the conversion and stretching the score to 14 - nil. This would be the story of the match as Rockford would roll to a 55 to nothing lead at the half, with trys from Williams, Henderhan (2), Taylor (2), Dean Lemaire, Jake Kelly (2), and Kole Daigle. Conversions would come off the feet of Williams (2), Taylor (2) and Keith Dufendach (1). At the half the Rams would make some drastic changes to the lineup, getting some players well deserved rest and others important A-side experience. For the backs, Flyhalf Dallas Hanson would replace Dufendach. In the forwards, James Springvloed and Brian Ray would replace Taylor Russ and Ben Lamb as locks, Andrew Barclay would come on for Henderhan at Hoorker, Mike Stephens added experience and leadership at flanker and Zack Nelson replaced Dean Lemaire at prop. The changes would not slow the Ram offence. Two minutes into the half Winger Matt Heinz would punch in his fist try for the day on a pass from Hansen. Taylor would convert the kick, making the score 62- 0. Three minutes latter, Senior Flanker Mike Stephens would get in on the act scoring a try with help from Kole Daigle and Donny Schaner. Again Taylor would nail the conversion, increasing the lead to 69 - 0. Like Clockwork, it would only take another three minutes for the Rams to add an additional Tally, this time from Greg Farmer. The conversion would sail wide with the score now at 74 - 0. Once again the Rams would come right back off a kickoff. This time the points would come by way of a designed play to weak side of the field from a scrum. Number Eight Jake Kelly popped the ball to Farmer who in turn moved it on to Chuck Knoll on the wing for the try. The conversion would be missed for the second straight time with no ill effect, as the Rams enjoyed a 81 - 0 lead. With 20 minutes remaining in the match the Rams made a number of additional substitutions in the back line. John Purssner would come on for Greg Farmer at Scrumhalf, as Kyle Henry, Luke Counterman and Scott Nadeau saw time as Wings and Fullback respectively. The Ram offense continued to click until the final whistle blew with additional trys coming by way of Stephens (3), Taylor, Schaner, and Kelly, with conversions being slotted by Farmer, Taylor (3) and Hanson. When the smoke cleared, Rockford had hung 55 more points on the board, blasting Kenowa Hills 110 - 0. The Rams will face Traverse City at Traverse City this coming Wednesday May, 14th for their final regular season contest before the start of the playoffs. The Division I state semifinals will be hosted by Rockford on their home pitch at Rougewood Elementary Saturday May, 17th. In addition to the DI State Semifinals, the Rams will also play host to all State Finals games (DI, DII, DII and Women's) on Saturday May 24th. Visit www.ramrugby.net for additional details on these two exciting events.
Sat May 3rd, 2008
Rams Keep Winning
The past week saw the good fortune continue for the Ram Rugby squad, with wins coming over both Traverse City and Kenowa Hills. Not only did they claim two more victorys, but the week also saw the return of injured Senior Prop Kole Daigle to the Ram lineup. Kicking things off was the match up between Rockford and Traverse City. The Rams haven't enjoyed much luck against TC in the past and were looking to turn that around. They did so early. Although outsized by their opposition, the Rams had speed in their favor. Only a short three minutes into the match Winger Kyle Pletzke, filling in for the still injured Matt Heinz, tallied his first ever try for the club on a pass from Fullback Donny Schaner. The conversion sailed wide, leaving the Ram lead at 5 - 0. As the first half wore on, both teams sured-up their defenses and scoring came at a premium. The Rams saw a number of opportunities to use their speed around the outside go un-recognized and missed the chance to go up big early. Traverse City however, would not be denied when a chance arouse to exploit their size advantage. Late in the first half TC was awarded a lineout at the five meter mark and made it count. Senior Lock Taylor Russ narrowly missed stealing the throw-in and the ball was secured by the TC jumper. Once on the ground, the Traverse forwards went to work on a driving maul. The Rams made a valiant attempt to stop the drive but in the end were unable to prevent the try. Traverse missed the conversion leaving the game deadlocked at 5 - 5. The first half would end with the score all knotted-up. The second half saw both clubs remain stingy in the way of defense. Neither side was able to out maneuver the other until roughly 20 minutes had elapsed from the half. The Rams would again be the first to add to their total. Flyhalf Keith Dufendach, spun the ball on a skip pass past David Williams to Zeb Taylor. Taylor, seeing an opportunity, offloaded to the winger and quickly looped the play were he found himself with the ball once again. Taylor this time drew the defense to him and quickly zipped a pass to Donny Schaner supporting on his outside. Schaner blazed around the corner and was able to dot the ball down between the posts. The straight away kick was drilled by Taylor, pushing the lead to a score of 12 - 5 Rams. Traverse City would put fourth a superb effort in the final few minutes of the game, working hard to mount a comeback. As the Traverse City club inched its way down the field, the Rams would loose Senior Lock Ben Lamb to a shoulder injury. Stepping in at the lock position to replace Lamb would be James Springvloed. Traverse would eventually draw the Rams into a penalty and then look to capitalize on the same tactics that had worked earlier. The TC kicker was able to obtain a lineout eight meters away from the try line with an excellent kick for touch. The Traverse forwards again attempted a maul off the lineout but this time were stopped by the surging Ram defense. Unfortunately for the Rams, Traverse City would quickly obtain a second lineout. This time they would look to fool the Rams by spinning the ball to their backs. The plan did not work. Rockford was able to hold them short of the goal line once again. Traverse City was not yet finished as they again forced Rockford into a penalty. TC made a quick attempt to pound the ball in but were denied. However, they would receive a another chance only meters out as the Rams were pinged for second penalty. The Rockford defense would hold once more, this time gaining possession of the ball and sending it to touch. The kick would give Traverse one final chance with a lineout 10 meters from pay dirt. The Rams had a different outcome in mind. As the TC throw-in missed its mark, the Rams were able to gain possession of the ball. Scrumhalf Greg Farmer pulled the ball from the ruck and pounded a kick down the field, reliving the pressure on the defense. The Rockford players saw a chance to end things and gave chase. The effort paid off, as the Rams were able to steal the ball away from the scrambling Traverse players. With the next stoppage in play ending things, Rockford would put an exclamation point on the win. Following a tough run by Senior Flanker David Bond, Prop Dean Lemaire picked up at the ruck and dove across the line for one final try. The conversion went astray, but the Rams were once again victors by a final score of 17 - 5.
Wed April 30, 2008
Ram Rugby Stretches Win Streak to Three Straight
Moving into the heart of their league schedule and straight off a defeat of Lowell in a DI vs. DII crossover match, the Ram Rugby Team looked to add another notch to their win column this past Wednesday. It would not be an easy task by any means, as the Rams matched up with a determined Forest Hills squad boasting a 13 - 5 victory over Grandville, the two club's only common opponent to date. Forest Hills would strike first on a splendid penalty kick 22 meters out and shading the 15 meter indicator, putting them up 3 to nil early. On the ensuing kick from Rockford, Flyhalf Keith Dufendach, would hang a perfect ball allowing his forwards to make a quick tackle, pinning Forest Hills deep in their own end. The Rams, after defending a number of unsuccessful attacks, would eventually obtain the ball and go to work. Senior forwards, Steve Henderhan, Ben Lamb and Jake Kelly, along with lone Freshman Forward Zack Nelson, would lead the initial surge. After a number of well called plays by Dufendach and hard running out of the Ram forwards, the Forest Hills defense began to crack. Taking a crash ball at pace to the short side of the field, Flanker Mike Stephens made a short break. Stephens would manage to get the ball to Zebb Taylor, again working the weak side, and he would do the rest. Taylor's try would be converted by Inside Centre David Williams putting the score in favor of the Rams 7 - 3 with 15 minutes to play in the half. The elation from the try would prove to be short lived. Only seven minutes later a member of the Forest Hills club would scoop up the ball on a broken play and race off for a 60 meter try. The event left not only the players but also the Ram faithful stunned. Fortunately for the Rams, the conversion would go astray, leaving them down only a single point. These proved to be the last points Rockford would allow Forrest Hills, as the Ram defense stiffened and the offence finally found its groove. Forest Hills would however make one final run at points only moments after scoring their lone try of the game as the Rams gave up a penalty within kicking distance. The kick missed wide and was fielded by senior Wing Matt Heinz. Heinz, recognizing an opportunity, took off up the sideline and was only dragged down just before reaching Forest Hills territory. Senior David Williams would do a superb job of cleaning up at the ruck, allowing the Ram forwards to catch up to the play. Rockford quickly settled things down and got back to the game plan. Forward shadows tied up the Forest Hills forwards and allowed Williams time to get back to his position. He would not wait there long, Dufendach would call Williams' number only seconds latter. Running hard, Williams broke through the Forest Hills back line at mid-field and was off to the races, scoring a diving try with only two minutes left in the half. The conversion could not be added but the score had shifted back into Rockford's favor at 12 - 8. The Rams were not yet done in this half. After receiving the kick from Forest Hills, Rockford would again settle into their offensive set making things happen. By design, the play would start in the forwards. With mainstays such as seniors Taylor Russ and Jake Kelly helping to do the dirty work. Once the forwards had done their part, it was time for the backs to do theirs. They did not disappoint. Dufendach put the call on for a play to the wing and after receiving the ball from Scrumhalf Greg Farmer, would execute it to near perfection. A skip pass was given out to now Inside Centre Matt Heinz. Heinz quickly read the play, saw the overload to his outside and looked to deliver the ball to Winger Chuck Knoll. The pass to Knoll narrowly missed its mark and the play looked to be going nowhere fast. That is until fullback Donny Schaner surprised everyone. Sensing an opportunity and moving into the back line with perfect timing, Schaner scooped up the ball on the bounce and raced in for a score between the posts. Dufendach would attempt this conversion and would slot the straight on kick with ease, running the score to 19 - 8 Rams. The end of the half would come only a minute later, leaving Forest Hills stunned. Rockford wasted little time getting back to business in the second half. Only three minutes in the Rams would send the ball into their attacking back line where Matt Heinz found Donny Schaner on the attack once again. Schaner received the ball from Heinz and made a slashing 20 meter run for the score. The conversion would miss but the Rams still enjoyed a 24 - 8 lead. Things would then settle down for a while as both clubs tightened up defensively. No more points would be added until the midpoint of the second half. It was at this time that the Rams again found themselves with a great attacking opportunity. 60 meters out with a comfortable lead, Rockford executed a beautiful backrow play for a try. The Ram Scrummy, Greg Farmer fed the ball into the scrum and worked his way to the back foot of Jake Kelly playing Number Eight. Once the ball was in position Farmer gave Kelly a tap and received the ball on the run. Farmer drew the oppositions flanker to him and then hit Zebb Taylor , flying up from his position on the wing, with a crisp pass. Taylor slipped past the remaining defender on the weak side and was gone again for his second try on the day. Taylor's try would end all scoring for the match as the conversion fell short, leaving the final tally at Rockford 29 Forest Hills 8. With under 15 minutes still to play in the match Rockford would loose both Heinz and Williams to injury. Coming on for the injured Williams was Junior Utility Player Kyle Pletzke. Pletzke has logged time in multiple positions for the Rams year. Zebb Taylor would shift into the outside centre position vacated by Heinz, as Sophomore Nate "Milk" Baldwin would fill in at wing. Both Baldwin and Pletzke proved to be sparkplugs for the team adding fresh legs off the bench and thwarting Forest Hills final attempts to claw back.
Sat April 26, 2008 - Rockford vs Lowell
Rams Slip by Lowell
With Michigan's weather up to it's old tricks in the form of cold air and gusting winds, the Rockford Rugby Team took part in its first league crossover match against the Lowell Red Arrows. The weather made for difficult conditions on both sides of the ball. High wind caused many passes to miss their intended targets, as the cold air on the hands of the players caused problems with catching the ball. The Rockford club seemed to be effected to a greater extent than their counterparts. "What it came down to was playing style" commented the Ram Coaching Staff. "We like to spread the ball around the field, which calls for longer passing." " Winds like these really throw a wrench into our game plan." Although the Rams' back-line struggled with the wind offensively, the team defense remained staggering. Lowell try as the may, found it difficult to launch an effective attack. The first half proved to be uneventful for both clubs. Neither team would be able to get anything going and the half ended in a 0 - 0 score.
The Rams began the second half with the wind at their backs this time and would eventually use it to their advantage. The first few minutes following the kick made it look like the spectators were in for a repeat of the first half. However, Rockford was able to find a bit of offence and were able to push within striking distance. The Rams pressure paid off by way of a penalty against Lowell. With the advantage of the wind, Outside Centre David Williams would have no trouble punching one through from 30 meters out. Giving Rockford a three to nothing lead. The score would remain unchanged for a period of time, as both team struggled to maintain possession of the ball long enough to take a tactical advantage. Eventually Rockford would try something different offensively. Flyhalf Keith Dufendach kicked a ball over the defense and found some open space. Unfortunately, due to the strong wind, the ball carried into touch. "It might not have worked initially, but we could see there was potential there" commented coach Besemer. Dufendach attempted the same type of kick twice more with similar results before gaining his feel for the wind. Nearly halfway through the second, Duefendach connected with a kick which would stay within the field of play. Lowell's Fullback made a valiant effort to chase down the ball, but in the end was no match for Rockford's speed. The Rams secured the ball five meters from the try line. Not allowing Lowell to scramble back into position, senior prop Dean LaMaire picked up from the base of the ruck and plowed across the line for a try. David Williams was good for the conversion running the score to 10 - 0. Once again, following right on the heals of points being scored came another scoring drought. The final drought would end on full time with Lowell driving in a try in the corner and finalizing the game with the score of 10 - 5 Rams. In addition to another win, the Rams also gained depth in the form of experience as a number of the clubs A-side reserves and developmental team players saw extended time on the pitch. Kyle Pletzke, the teams "Mr. Versatile" started the game at Flanker for the Rams and put in a outstanding effort defensively. Nate "Milk" Baldwin started at wing in the absence of Matt Heinz who had moved to outside Centre, and delivered another steady performance. The second half saw both Jordan Evans make his first A-side appearance for the Rams at Flanker and Chris "Bubba" Zimmer log time at Prop. The Rams hope to use this added experience to their advantage throughout the remainder of their season and on into the playoffs.
Wed April 23, 2008 - Rockford vs Grandville
Rams Knock-Off Rival by Narrow Margin
Following a two week layoff due to spring break and a bye, the Rockford Rugby Team returned to action against rival Grandville on Wednesday April 23rd. The rivalry between the Rams and the Bulldogs has long been understood by each team in the football and wrestling arenas, and although Grandville's rugby team is only in it's 3rd year as part of the league, the rugby pitch has been no different. "We talked this game up to the guys all week." Commented Grandville Assistant Coach Ben Beaumont. Needles to say, both teams understood what was at stake. In last years meeting, it would be only two points separating the clubs at the final whistle, with the years bragging rights going to Rockford. This season's contest would be more of the same. Grandville, and its' notoriously large pack, went to work early testing the Rams defense. Rockford bent, but would not be broken. The Ram forwards displayed excellent discipline spreading into a nearly impenetrable wall at each breakdown. Senior prop Dean LeMaire lead the way defensively with numerous punishing tackles. Rockford's' patience would pay off as Grandville inevitably made mistakes leading to turnovers. Once gaining control of the ball, the Rams would waste little time exposing their advantage in the back-line. Upon their first possession , Zebb Taylor connected on a pass to Winger Donny Schaner which nearly turned into a quick try, falling one pass short in the end. The first half would continue in this back and fourth fashion, with Grandville pounding away in the forwards and Rockford countering with breaks in the back-line. However, neither team would be able to turn any movement into points on the board. The second half would start the same as the first with both teams boasting no points. The Rams immediately made a quick break and showed signs of catching Grandville napping early. Unfortunately that break was almost instantaneously followed by a penalty against the Rams. Grandville's Flyhalf made Rockford pay for their mistake, showing a splendid boot, and finding touch approximately 10 meters outside of Rockford's goal line. With Great attacking position the Bulldogs opened the scoring first, by finding and taking advantage of an overload. The Grandville kicker drilled the conversion kick putting the Bulldogs up 7-0 just three and a half short minutes into the second half. Though down, the Rams were not out. Rockford countered quickly and worked their way deep into the Bulldog end of the field. After stopping a number of near breaks, Grandville faltered in their defense and gave up a penalty to the Rams five meters from the try line. Zebb Taylor, thinking on his feat, engineered a nifty penalty play dummying to his forwards and sending a crisp spiral skip pass out to winger Matt Heinz. Heinz quickly dotted the ball down for Rockford's first strike on the day. Inside Centre, David Williams was given the task of attempting the tough conversion kick from the sideline but was unable to find his mark. The ball sailed wide and the Rams found themselves still trailing by a score of 5 - 7. As the second half wore on, it began to look like the Rams might learn what it felt like to be on the other side of that two point difference from a year ago. Both teams worked vigorously in the waning moments, one to build on a minuscule lead and the other to erase a deficit. With eight minutes left in the match Rockford would mount its final push with the outcome of the game riding on its' result. Rockford Flyhalf, Senior Keith Dufendach worked the ball through four successful phases in the forwards before spotting the overload he needed in the back line. From 25 meters out, Dufendach put a back play into motion by receiving a solid pass from Scrumhalf Greg Farmer. Dufendach quickly spun the ball to David Williams who, while in the grasp of a Grandville defender, moved the it on to Zebb Taylor. Taylor, recognizing a two on one situation, quickly dished the ball outside once more to streaking winger Matt Heinz. Heinz flashed down the sideline for his second try of the night, putting Rockford up 10 - 7 with only five minutes left in the match. Another tough conversion kick would miss wide, but it would not matter. 10 points would be all the Rams needed to secure the win. Grandville would put fourth a valiant effort in the final minutes but to no avail. The final score would remain 10 - 7 in favor of the Rams with another year of bragging rights attached.
Wed April 2nd, 2008 - Rockford vs Grand Rapids CC
Rockford Battles GRCC to a Stalemate in Home Opener
The Rams opened their 2008 campaign with a 17 - 17 draw this past Wednesday against Western Michigan perennial power Grand Rapids Catholic Central. Rockford got off to a hot start surprising their division foes by racing to a 17 - nil half time score. Catholic however refused to go quietly and made the match interesting knotting things up with only minutes left in the match. As those last few minutes ticked away it was clear that both clubs had left it all on the pitch. Battered and weary neither was willing to throw in the towel. The final whistle would inevitably blow with the score still deadlocked at 17. The Rams should be proud of there effort but remain cognizant of the fact that there is still much work to be done and a few problems to be remedied before their next contest. The team will enjoy a week off for spring break with a bye in the following week thereafter before squaring off against division rival Grandville on Wednesday April 23rd. The match is to be played at Grandville High School.
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