On September 22nd our brothers the Shasta Highlanders tragically lost a son, a brother and a rugger in Andrew Mittry. On November 3rd the Highlanders will hold a tournament in his memory. For more information click HERE.
Reno Tournement
Erik Harmon
August 8, 2007
The Mendocino Steam Donkeys will be traveling to Reno for their 2007 tournement. It is a 15s tourney held the 1st and 2nd of September.
Saturday was a great day for rugby, sunny and 68 degrees. The pitch was dry given a day of sun, and we were all eager to tear it up. Humbolt rolled in early and ready to play with 20+ strong. Still suffering from the loss of several players, the Donkeys only had 19 at the pitch.
From the start the Humbolt side liked to maintain a fast paced, and balanced game. The ball seemed to spend equal time with both the backs and forwards when they had possession. Within five minutes a sneekey run around the side landed Humbolt their first try. And thus it went for the remainder of the first half. We kept leaving doors open for them which they traded for tries. Though they were scoring, they weren't pushing us around. We are, and always have been a very physical team. The score was in their favor, at the cost of some limping, bleeding and some popping. When the whistle blew at the end of the first half the score was some to none.
The second half wasn't too different. Though it seemed to spend more time in Mendocino's possession on Humbolt's side of the pitch, nothing came of it. By twenty minutes into the second half the Donkeys, out of subs, were showing their fatigue. Humbolt's man of the match (Marc Steven Woods) exploited this for a try when the Old Growth fullback banged one down field past the Donkeys' fullback and winger. Too worn out to chase the donkeys lumbered down field when Marc passed them by at full tilt, picked up the ball, ran it the remaining 30 meters and touched it down for his first ever try.
Just as time was about up, and Mendocino seemed to have capitulated to an Old Growth shutout, an amaizing 35 meter, breakaway run by our prop Mr. Chris Applet put some momentum in Mendocino's favor. After a successful ruck Jake Slates, the Donkeys' scrum half, picked the ball and got another 10 meters. The whistle blew, our ref, Mr. Buckey, backed the Old Growth up to the try line, and Jake gave it another shot. Three meters out he was stopped by several of the Humbolt forwards, another whistle, Buckey backs Humbolt up again. This time Adam Osburn, Mendocino's Man of the Match, picks it up, taps it off his boot and takes it home through a hord of Humbolt forwards. Immediately after this Buckey blew his whistle to end the game.
Having partied with the Old Growth before, in Arcata we knew what to expect. It can be said that they brought their "A" game to the field, but it can always be said that they brought their "A+" game to the social!! After loading up on pasta and some beer, Humbolt managed to shock an awe the bar with songs that would make George Carlin blush! In what has to be the most impressive act of binge drinking ever witnessed by myself, or anyone for that matter, Marc (Humbolt's man of the match) killed an entire pitcher of Red Tail Ale.....And held on to it!! Following this the Donkey man of the match Adam killed one himself. Though he didn't hang on to all of it, I am still impressed. Way to go Spoons!! This was followed by more singing and mirth. Even though we didn't win, I think I can speak for all of the Donkeys when I say, "Thanks Humbolt for a great time!!". The Mendocino Steam Donkeys are looking forward to seeing Humbolt next season, or even this summer at the Emerald Cup. I think Vance said it best at the social, "...after we get a little more experience, we will give you one hell of a game!!".
Just as time was about up, and Mendocino seemed to have capitulated to an Old Growth shutout, an amaizing 35 meter, breakaway run by our prop Mr. Chris Applet put some momentum in Mendocino's favor. After a successful ruck Jake Slates, the Donkeys' scrum half, picked the ball and got another 10 meters. The whistle blew, our ref, Mr. Buckey, backed the Old Growth up to the try line, and Jake gave it another shot. Three meters out he was stopped by several of the Humbolt forwards, another whistle, Buckey backs Humbolt up again. This time Adam Osburn, Mendocino's Man of the Match, picks it up, taps it off his boot and takes it home through a hord of Humbolt forwards. Immediately after this Buckey blew his whistle to end the game.