James River started the Fall with a good initial showing in a scrimmage with William & Mary in Williamsburg The Sunday action was a chance for the club to work through a few things we wouldn't normally be able to accomplish through regular training. The scrimmage consisted of five fifteen minute periods with both sides alternating players at different positions throughout the day.
Since this was only a scrimmage, scores were not kept, but good play was turned in by a number of players. James River newcomer Abri Botha from South African had one of the better diversified performances of the day scoring several tries while running at Wing, Flyhalf and Scrumhalf at different points on the day.
Most impressive was the overall turnout by James River players with 32 players making the trip. Included in this total was new player Clay Shoaf son of James River veteran Todd Shoaf. Clay experienced his first taste of rugby turned in several solid plays and did quite well for his first game ever. River can now boast two legacy players with Clay and Adam Floyd walking in footsteps blazed by their fathers.
September 10, 2005 - Cardy Cup, Roanoke, VA :
James River 40, Roanoke 3
James River kicked off it's defense of their VRU title with a match against Roanoke RFC. Also a part of the competion the teams were competing for the Cardy Cup a tradition between James River and Roanoke RFC that honors a Roanoke player by that name lost way too young in a tragic auto accident several years back.
At the opening kickoff, miscommunication within the James River ranks allowed Roanoke to pressure and force the turnover deep in 'River's half. Roanoke continued to press the advantage and after a James River penalty, were able to make the kick, and take a 0 - 3 lead. It would be the last lead they held in the match.
'River quickly took back the lead solid support play across the field. fullback Jon Delong followed up on a break by center Jason Foresman to touch down the first try. flyhalf Deigo Saralegui converted to put James River ahead.
The strong support continued for the first 20 minutes of play with resulting points. One try was by flanker Paul Townsend picking up from a fast ruck five meters out from the Roanoke line and driving over the line to expand the lead.
Thirty minutes into the first half, play became quite chippy, and 'River lost focus. For the balace of the half discipline was lacking, and James River did their best to allow the larger but slower Roanoke side back into the game. 'River began committing entirely too many penalties and then wanted to spend too much time arguing with the referee about the call.
Last time I check, not too many rugby teams have been successful in convincing a referee to change his call by questioning his abilities. This not only must stop, it will stop, or players will pay for their transgressions. Even normally safe fullback, Jon Delong was sin binned for retaliation after a very late and dangerous tackle on him by one of the Roanoke players.
The second half continued with the scrappy play, but discipline started to improve if only marginally. Whenever James River was able to move the ball wide, points followed. wing Will Thornton, Diego Saraleugi, Jason Forsman all scored by following up on breaks made by players like lock, Jason 'Flake' Smith, number 8 John Garofolo and wing Abri Botha.
Scrumhalf Billy Wallace closed out the scoring when he alertly quick tapped a penalty and raced to the corner of the try line to touch down.
Overall, a team should be happy with a 37 point win, but this was not a game to be happy about. Too much was conceded by our lack of discipline and unwillingness shut our mouths and simply play the game.
Players in the match included:
15 Jon Delong (T), 14 Adam Floyd, 11 Abri Botha (3C), 13 Jason Foresman (T), 12 John Pulli, 10 Diego Saralegui (2C, T), 9 Billy Wallace (T), 1 Greg Wood, 2 Jarrod Aune, 3 Ted Dinch, 4 Mike Wood, 5 Jason 'Flake' Smith, 6 Paul Townsend (T), 7 Thomas Goro, 8 John Garofolo
Replacements: Will Thornton (T)(for Floyd), Jonathan Leach (for Jarrod Aune), Ryan Kennedy (for Townsend)
September 17, 2005 - Washington, DC :
James River 22, Washington Irish 17
James River traveled north to take on the Washington Irish. The Irish, a Division II playoff team in the spring, were expected to give James River quite a test. They did not disappoint.
Coming into the match 'River felt their best hope would be to start fast and try to build a lead before the Irish could establish themselves and start to take control of the game. The match was played under less than ideal conditions with the Irish breaking in a new pitch that still needs work, and temperatures soaring into the mid-90s.
The match started with good intensity and high pace as 'River took early advantage in the forwards setting a stable platform for Flyhalf Diego Saralegui. With their own very solid backline, the Irish would not concede the run, and pressed their defense up at James River's backline. Facing this defensive pattern, 'River adjusted and used the tactical kick to continually pin the Irish in their end and away from James River's try line. While these tactics kept the opposition from scoring, it also took the ball out of the hands their own players and thus limited James River's own scoring opportunities.
The drought was ended when Wing Abri Botha chasing one of the tactical kicks downfield with Center Adam Floyd in strong support was able to poach the ball from the tackled Irish Fullback and drive over to touch the try down.
However the story of the half was the dominating play turned in by the James River forwards. They owned the mark in the scrums, and did well in the rucks, overall outplaying their opposition. It's quite obvious, the work being turned in at training is paying off.
Still, the initial hopes of building a big first half lead did not materialize as the Washington Irish were able to keep James River to only a 7 - 0 advantage. To further complicate, 'River already stretched dangerously thin in the tight five, saw injuries take their toll as both Prop George Durocher, and Lock Tommy Prins went out in the first half. On came Aubry Ellis at Prop, with Jason 'Flake' Smith shifting over from Blindside Flanker to Lock.
However, regardless of the change in personnel, Prop Greg Wood continued to lead from the front with the entire pack keeping the pressure on the Irish and starving their backline of quality possession.
At the half, it was a study of contrasts between the two huddles. 'River was calm, collected, and knew what needed to be done. On the other side of the pitch, the Irish Coach and Captain were delivering a not so subtle tactical message to their side, something about manhood and mothers. As a result, the second half started with the Washington Irish on fire. Their intensity level went way up, and the took both the advantage, and the lead with hard driving forward charges and lethal rucking which resulted in two tries. At one point, scrumhalf Billy Wallace found himself on the wrong side of the ball and earned his stripes.
Now trailing, it would have been easy for James River to fold, but that was not in the plans. With the Irish challenging the 'River line again, the tackles got hard, and intense. At one breakdown five meters from the 'River line, Center John Pulli was able to pick and go driving all the way to the '22 before they could stop him. That one play not only relieved the pressure, but was the last sustained assault by the Irish forwards on James River's line.
Shortly afterwards Diego Saralegui stepped inside his marker, and touched down for 'River's second try. With eight minutes left in the match, 'River found itself starting to reestablish control. Paul Pace came on at Lock and helped provide a spark with some hard charges and strong tackles as the forwards picked up the pace further. With pressure on the Irish line a Washington player committed a penalty in the ruck, and Center Matt Balazik stepped up converting the kick from 30 meters out to put James River back in front.
However, the advantage was not long lived as the Washington Irish Flyhalf found a gap in the coverage and raced all the way to the try line. Now only three minutes left in game, James River again had to step up, which they did driving hard at the Irish line.
After several minutes of hard rucking, John Pulli took the ball at pace and broke over for the winning try with only one minute left in injury time. James River 22 - Washington Irish 17.
Players in the match included:
15 Jon Delong, 14 Abri Botha (T), 11 Jason Foresman, 13 Matt Balazik (C,P), 12 Adam Floyd, 10 Diego Saralegui (C, T), 9 Billy Wallace, 1 Greg Wood, 2 Jonathan Leech, 3 George Durocher, 4 Mike Wood, 5 Tommy Prins, 6 Jason 'Flake' Smith (T), 7 Nick Macauley, 8 John Garofolo
Replacements: John Pull (T)(for Floyd), Aubry Ellis (for Durocher), Paul Townsend (for Garofolo), Thomas Goro (for Macauley), Patrick (for Prins), Paul Pace (for Smith), Luke Quinlan (for Botha)
September 17, 2005 - Washington, DC :
James River 29, Washington Irish 0
In the second game, James River took the advantage further. Because of the heat, and the hard play, nearly all the reserves from the first match had already turned in key performances against the Washington Irish A side. But that didn't stop them from turning around and doing it again against the Irish B side.
Back onto the pitch 'River legend Todd Shoaf lead a side that took advantage to run out to an early lead which they did not relinquish. Prop Aubry Ellis having already played nearly the entire first match turned in a strong performance in the second game as well. Also performing well were Center Dan Ferrell, Fullback Luke Quinlan, and of course Captain Todd Shoaf. Also adding to the mix was Adam Floyd who had his first run ever at Hooker and did quite well, taking two against the head.
Number 8 Nick Macauly and Flyhalf Matt Balazik both touched down to add to the points total, but the most points were scored by Jason Foresman who came on in the second half at Flyhalf and dotted three tries himself by simply out pacing all opposition.
Players in the match included:
15 Luke Quinlan, 14 Jonathan Leach, 11 Billy Wallace, 13 Patrick, 12 Dan Ferrell, 10 Matt Balazik (T), 9 Aubri Botha (C), 1 Greg Wood, 2 Adam Floyd, 3 Aubry Ellis, 4 Jason 'Flake' Smith, 5 Paul Pace, 6 Todd Shoaf, 7 John Garofolo, 8 Nick Macauley (T)
Replacements: Paul Townsend, John Pulli, Mike Wood, Jason Foresman
September 24, 2005 - Pole Green Park, Richmond, VA :
James River 73, Blackwater 0
The opening home weekend of the fall was set to be a full and lively day. The heat wave that had gripped Virginia finally broke and game time temperatures were in the 80's, not the 90's the team had been contending with. The sidelines were filled with players, James River supporters, and several old boys.
On the pitch, James River had two matches scheduled, the first a league match against improving Blackwater RFC, and the second match against Cherry Point RFC.
In the end, the day was a mixture of triumph but also good measure disappointment.
The first disappointment, came when the players from Cherry Point were restricted to base forcing the day's second match to be canceled. Initially, it was hoped that Blackwater might travel strong so a B side match could be arranged and give all the 32 James River players who turned out a chance to play.
However, as the 1:00 kickoff approached, there was no sign of Blackwater either. Finally, 10 minutes before the scheduled start, Blackwater players began to turn up. After checking with their coach, it was learned that through a combination of injury and cry offs, they only had thirteen players in total.
At this point, the easy if selfish move would have been to take the forfeit and notch a 60-0 victory in league play. Instead, two 'River players volunteered to go over and play for Blackwater so a match could be played. Hats off to Perry Pence, and Bob Sottile and later to cover for injury Jason 'Flake' Smith who were willing and able. Without them, the day would have been a complete washout.
Kickoff was pushed back to 1:30 and warm ups started again. In the James River huddle, the spirit was somewhat lethargic with so many disappointed on how the day was shaping up. Shortly before kickoff, the entire club was called together.
There are many items we keep to remind us of what hopes and dreams we covet, what goals we hope to accomplish. In my coaching folder, I keep many items, an SAQ manual, a beep test tape, past schedules, current rosters. In a game that felt like it had become meaningless I pulled out the one item that reminded me why we were not only to play the game, but also why we needed to play this game to the best of each players abilities.
From the folder, I pulled the score card from James River's loss to Happy Valley at the MARFU Championships. This team can be great, but only if we apply ourselves each and every week. Around the circle, the players listened, and responded by taking the field, and taking care of the business at hand.
Within minutes of the kickoff, James River was on the board after a neatly run misdirection play that sprung Jason Foresman hitting the line from fullback at pace to score center post untouched. The total play from all involved was good, with the pace extremely high. Jason Foresman quickly notched two more tries and could have had another two but unselfishly dished off so others could score.
Sadly just before half, Jason was injured with a separated shoulder which looked bad enough that we may have lost him for the rest of the fall.
At the half, James River was up 34-0 and able to start making wholesale substitutions. In the second half, the high effort continued, if started to get a little sloppy. Still, the points continued. In total, nine different players scored in the match. Highlights included a punishing run by center John Pulli where he utilized his trademark bounce to send four Blackwater players scattering. Abri Botha playing at scrumhalf because of the unavailability of Billy Wallace had a very good day both in distribution and attack with one run where he jinked nearly the entire opposition side taking ball down to near the 10 meter line before dishing off for another try. Also of note was Clay Shoaf who scored his first try ever. Still, in an embarrassment of riches, center Matt Balazik was personally responsible for 19 total points on the day.
However, the best part of the day was James River's ability to substitute eleven players into the match, and have them all perform well. This kind of depth will make a difference once we reach the Ed Lee Cup.
Players in the match:
15 Jason Foresman (3T), 14 Adam Floyd, 11 Patrick Brenner, 13 Matt Balazik (3T, 2C), 12 John Pulli (T), 10 Diego Saralegui (T, 3C), 9 Abri Botha (T), 1 Greg Wood, 2 Jonathan Leach (T), 3 Ted Dinch, 4 Mike Wood, 5) Tommy Prins, 6) Jason 'Flake' Smith, 7) Paul Townsend, 8) John Garofolo (T)
Replacements: Will Thornton (for Foresman), George Durocher (for Prins), Todd Edwards (for Dinch), Todd Shoaf (for Smith), Ryan Kennedy (C) (for Townsend), Mike Harris (for Botha), Clay Shoaf (T) (for Brenner), Dan Ferrell (for Pulli), Dennis McLane (for Saralegui), Luke Quinlan (for Leach), Rudy Miller (for G. Wood)
October 1, 2005 - Newport News, VA :
James River 33, Newport News RFC 12
Coming into the biggest divisional match of the year, James River was struck with several injuries and work commitments which meant the side that traveled to Newport would have to cope without the services of 9 key performers.
Among those missing were fullback Jon Delong, wings Jason Foresman, and Adam Floyd, flankers Nick Macauley & Thomas Goro, lock Tommy Prins and prop Aubry Ellis.
Considering that Newport News was a MARFU playoff team in the spring this was a very dangerous time to be short on talent against a very motivated side. Still, the only way you can test a team's depth is when you are forced to rely on it and take the pitch to win regardless the odds.
That's exactly what James River did.
From the kickoff, the 'River forwards took control of the match consistently pushing the Newport pack off the mark at scrum downs, with hooker Jonathan Leach taking several against the head.
In the rucks, we expected Newport News to be very strong and to hit everything that moved. Overall, this is exactly what they did, but their dominating forward surges that had been their trademark never materialized. Instead, it was more a matter of dealing with one or two contesting hard at the breakdown, but not in any real organized fashion.
On the James River side, the boys in blue and green held their own, but paid the price anytime they did not quickly move the ball away from the breakdown. The tackles were very aggressive if somewhat late. On several occasions they were late enough to be penalized by the referee.
Unfortunately, 'River uncharacteristically was unable to convert as many of these opportunities as they would have liked making only two of five penalty attempts.
At the half, James River was up, but only 16-5 with much good work going for naught when attempting to make one pass too many. Still as the second half proceeded, 'River expanded it's advantage and started to put the game out of reach. Newport News was able to make a few attached into the James River half, but most of that was due more to mistakes and a few missed tackles, not to any sustained attach by the Newport players.
In a game where it was important that we play as a team, the real story was support, the play of our reserves, and the five trys scored by five different players.
In rugby, the best play always comes from good support. Three of the tries on the day were results of exactly that. In the first half, center John Pulli, and wing Abri Botha both scored after great support runs, and being in place to make things happen. In the second half, prop Ted Dinch added another try by following Abri Botha's break down the left sideline, blasting the ruck, and picking up to finish the score.
'River's own human points machine center Matt Balazik added a try, penalty, and conversion to the score (bringing his season total to 34 points)
Towards the end of the match, 'River closed with one of the prettiest scores of the day. The play started off a four man lineout which after being taken cleanly was passed out the flyhalf Diego Saralegui who broke for the gain line. At the last minute before meeting the tackler, Diego feed the ball back inside to number 8 John Garofolo who sliced through to touchdown by the posts.
Players in the match:
15 Patrick Brenner, 14, Will Thornton, 11 Abri Botha (T), 13 Matt Balazik (C, P, T), 12 John Pulli (T), 10 Diego Saralegui (P), 9 Billy Wallace, 1 Greg Wood, 2 Jonathan Leach, 3 Ted Dinch (T), 4 Mike Wood, 5 George Durocher, 6 Jason 'Flake' Smith, 7 Paul Townsend, 8 John Garofolo (T)
Reserves: Paul Pace (for Durocher), Ryan Kennedy (for Smith), Todd Edwards (for Townsend), Mike Harris (blood sub for Wallace)
October 1, 2005 - Newport News, VA :
James River 31, Newport News B 15
In the second game, 'River's blue side took the pitch and continued where the first game left off. After some early disorganization in the play, James River again started taking control of the game.
Like the first match, the second game saw James River score five tries by five different players. Lead onto the pitch by veteran Todd Shoaf, the side played simple hard if not always beautiful rugby to slowly take control of the game.
At the half, James River was up 7-5. After a few adjustments, the team took it's play up a notch, and the scores started to come. New scrumhalf Mike Harris did a good job of keeping the forwards organized and going straight ahead. Matt Balazik had a couple of spectacular runs including one where he made a break down left sidelines. When faced with a wall of defenders, he pulled back, stepped inside to draw the tacklers and fed off to wing Billy Wallace who took it the rest of the 20 meters to score in the corner.
Adding to the scoring was center Dan Ferrell with a hard run which culminated with a crash over try near the posts. However, finishing with the most points was James River's newest player Patrick Brenner (recently moved over from Newport) who contributed a try, and two conversions.
Players in the game:
15 Luke Quinlan, 14 Billy Wallace (T), 11 Clay Shoaf, 13, Jonathan Leach, 12 Dan Ferrell (T), 10 John Pulli (T), 9 Mike Harris (T), 1 Rudy Miller, 2, Todd Edwards, 3 Greg Wood, 4 George Durocher, 5 Paul Pace, 6 Todd Shoaf, 7 Patrick Brenner (T, 2C), 8 Jason 'Flake' Smith
Replacements: Matt Balazik (for Pulli), Will Thornton (for Leach), Ryan Kennedy (for T. Shoaf), Mike Wood (for G. Wood)
October 15, 2005 - Pole Green Park, Richmond, VA :
James River 95, Blacksburg 0
Entering the forth league match, James River had positioned itself well to that point with three games, and three wins. Now into Richmond rolled a familiar and traditionally dangerous foe Blacksburg RFC. While the side wasn't what it had once been, it was still a match that 'River was capable of losing if they did not play up to their ability.
Good news, this is exactly what they did. Final results 95 points for the boys in blue and green.
From the start off the match, James River dominated field position and except for a couple of nervous passes would have touched down before 2 minutes had escaped the clock. Quickly the dominance in possession turned into points and then more points after that as James River rolled to a 50-0 halftime lead.
While forward play started a little slow, within minutes the pack was stamping its authority on the match and never backed off the pressure. It was 30 minutes into the match before Blacksburg gained the ball, and so unused to having it quickly gave it back.
The backline furnished with an embarrassing wealth of ball, put it to good use making numerous breaks and carving up their opposites with great tactical decisions and team play.
Among the scores were a couple of beautiful runs by flyhalf Diego Saralegui resulting in scores, and three tries by fullback Jon Delong. One of which came from a slicing run off miss direction plays to score center post. However most telling was the all around play of wing Abri Botha, who displayed superior support and follow up throughout and finished with two tries himself and dished off for two other scores by his teammates.
At the half, 'River started with mass substitution, but the points keep rolling as on came Ryan Kennedy, Dan Ferrell, and Patrick Brenner each adding to the points total. In fact, Patrick Brenner added two tries and a drop goal to the scoreboard. In the end all 25 players added to the match that was clean, efficient and a clear win.
Players in the match:
15 Jon Delong (3T), 14 Adam Floyd, 11 Abri Botha (2T, 7C), 13 Matt Balazik (T), 12 John Pulli, 10 Diego Saralegui (T, 3C), 9 Billy Wallace, 1 Greg Wood, 2 Jonathan Leach, 3 Ted Dinch (T), 4 Mike Wood, 5 Tommy Prins, 6 Paul Townsend, 7 Jason 'Flake' Smith (T), 8 John Garofolo (T)
Replacements: Patrick Brenner (2T, 1DG) (for Saralegui), Ryan Kennedy (T), George Durocher (for Prins), Mike Harris (for Wallace), Dan Ferrell (T) (for Pulli), Will Thornton (for Delong), Todd Shoaf (for Smith), Clay Shoaf (for Balazik), Luke Quinlan (for Floyd), Dennis McLane (for Leach)
October 22, 2005 - Pole Green Park, Richmond, VA :
James River 56, Virginia Beach 5
Last year, Virginia Beach gave James River a scare and only a try at the end of the match saved 'River's undefeated season.
This year, with no intentions of a repeat, James River took control early and never let go. Going through their pregame, the side was clearly motivated and ready to go. As kickoff approached the focus sharpened and the intensity increased. Despite missing six players through injury, family or work commitments, within minutes of the kickoff 'River was knocking on the door of the Virginia Beach try line.
If there were any mistakes, it came from over aggression and taking too many charges at the line with crash ball while not moving the ball wide for what would have been a much easier score. Still it wasn't long before 'River scored it's first try.
That initial score was somewhat symbolic. Mike Harris, newly to the club, and playing in his first start at scrumhalf for James River touched down the first try of the day and the first of his James River career. This came from following in support of a strong drive by his forwards. Before the day was over, Mike would collect a second try.
The pressure only increased from there as James River ran out to a 34-0 halftime leads.
The forwards again dominated the sets, taking ball against the head, wheeling their puts ins, and essentially eliminating any possession Virginia Beach hoped to get. In the lineouts, Flanker Jason 'Flake' Smith won as much of their ball as they did. While in the backs, their deep three were no match as five different 'River backs scored trys on the day.
At the half, after a few adjustments, 'River returned to more balanced and expansive rugby and continued to press the advantage. Only a misguided pass off a counterattack gave Virginia Beach a shot at scoring. In the end, seven players scored, but in total 23 players played a part in the win.
Players in the match:
15 Jon Delong, 14 Adam Floyd, 13 Matt Balazik (3C), 12 John Pulli (2T), 11 Abri Botha (T), 10 Diego Saralegui (2T), 9 Mike Harris (2T), 1 Greg Wood, 2 Jonathan Leach (T), 3 Ted Dinch, 4 George Durocher, 5 Tommy Prins, 6 Jason 'Flake' Smith, 7 Paul Townsend, 8 Patrick Brenner
Replacements: Will Thornton (2T) (for Botha), Dennis McLane (for Harris), Rudy Miller (for G. Wood), Perry Pence (for Dinch), Paul Pace (for Durocher), Dan Ferrell (for Pulli), Ryan Kennedy (for Townsend), Clay Shoaf (blood sub for Prins)
October 29, 2005 - Charlottesville, VA :
James River 16, Virginia Beach 8
Congratulations to the entire James River club, including players, coaches, old boys, family and friends. You have accomplished much this past two years going undefeated in league play for two years running while winning 35 matches to only 4 losses.
The thing about winning is it becomes a habit. Not a habit that shows up on Saturdays, but a habit that is visable Tuesday & Thursday in training. Up until this week, one of the things that allowed this club to play total team rugby was it's willingness to put in the work required at training to be successful on game day.
Unfortunately this past week we saw what happens when bad habits sneek into our regimen. When a team doesn't prepare to win, it will not have an easy run against a determined foe.
Against Virginia, James River ran into a very motivated and determined opponent and almost gave a way their perfect season.
The match started with the team missing several players from the starting side, but still plenty of talent to get the job done. Playing in Charlottesville, 'River was faced with the hurdle of playing a strong forward pack on a postage stamp pitch.
From the first whistle, Virginia left no doubt that they had no intention of being an easy win for James River. Off the kickoff, 'River attempted to go on the attack. In an ill advised move, the team moved the ball wide attacking out of their own 22.
Unfortuantely, Virginia applied strong pressure causing James River to make a bad pass which ended with a knockon. Scrum down Virginia.
The forwards then launched from the first scrum down pushing Virginia off the ball spoiling their posession. However, James River was a little too eager again making another ill advised attach from deep in their end which again went astray turning the ball back over to the hosts.
Now just five minutes into the match, and it became obious that James River would have to work for their victory. Play was gritty and hard, but not necissarily tight and consolidated. In the lineouts, it was not until half that 'River was able to adjust to Virginia's driving mauls. In defense, the River backs were excellent, but with ball in hand, they did not adjust to the sliding defensive schemes of Virginia.
However, 'River was able to break out on occasion one of which resulted in a try by Flyhalf Abri Botha as he finished off a movement to dot down the try just inside the right touchline.
Defensive pressure almost added another try when Prop Ted Dinch charged down an attempted clearing kick by Virginia. The ball bounced back into goal with several 'River players in pursuit. Unfortunately, the ball squirted out the the goal before any James River player could touch it down.
Scrappy play continued with 'River displaying a disturbing lack of discipline which resulted in numerous momentum killing pentalties. In total, James River's penalty count exceeded 20 with most coming from silly over agressive actions, and offsides at the maul that were completely unnecessary.
Just before half, James River was awarded a penalty 10 meters from the Virginia line. Captain Jonathan Leach took the tap and after faking right, where the balace of the side was positioned, found Flanker Patrick Brenner wide open 15 meters away on the left touchline where Brenner finished the movement to put the side ahead with a little more comfort lead.
Fullback Matt Balazik added a penalty kick to close out the scoring in the first half James River 13 - Virginia 3.
The second half while better played, was still not the standard we've come to expect with 'River spending much of the half defending their line against countless charges by the Virginia forwards. Luckily, Virginia never elected to kick the penalty or the final score could have been much different. Still eventually, 'River's defenses broke and Virginia was able to score to pull the game to within 5 points.
The mostly defensive effort continued for much of the game with only a few exceptions when 'River was able to press the advantage. The first came at a rough and disorganized breakdown. Scrumhalf Billy Wallace launched a highball off the back of the ruck which landed just infront of the Virginia line. The ball kicked up and carried on into the end goal. Wallace in hot pursuit arrived inches late as the ball rolled out the back of the goal just beyond his reach.
On the day, while the decisions were not great, the intensity was. With the game clock slowly ticked down, James River's fitness took control.
Throughout much of the match, the scrums had been a hard, but mostly even affair. But late in the game, when the team needed possession the most, the 'River front row stepped up. Props Ted Dinch and Greg Wood were able to take the advantage bending their loosehead in half, and giving their tighthead wings. Hooker Jonathan Leach took two against the head thus spoiling Virginia's possession and keeping them from launching any kind of organized attack in the final five minutes.
Finally, Matt Balazik slotted another penalty kick with less than three minutes to play to put the game away.
I've said this before, but every season, a team will have one game that is a clunker. This season we had been very good at staying up, preparing well during the week, and playing well on Saturday. However, our performance against Virginia was all but inevitable given our lack of committment at training ahead of the match.
If we repeat this perfomance next week, we will be blown out in the Ed Lee Cup. This club has worked too hard, has performed too well not to finish this season as strongly as they're capable of showing. But, potential is worthless without preparation. See you at training.
Players in the match:
15 Matt Balazik (2P), 14 Adam Floyd, 13 Will Thornton, 12 John Pulli, 11 Dennis McLane, 10 Abri Botha (T), 9 Billy Wallace, 1 Greg Wood, 2 Jonathan Leach, 3 Tend Dinch, 4 Mike Wood, 5 Paul Pace, 6 Jason 'Flake' Smith, 7 Patrick Brenner (T), 8 John Garofolo.
Replacements: Tommy Prins (for Garofolo), Mike Harris (for Botha), George Duocher (for Pace)
November 5, 2005 - Ed Lee Cup, Pole Green Park Richmond, VA :
James River 13, Richmond Lions 9
In the opening round of the Ed Lee Cup James River faced the Richmond Lions. The Lions are a side with plenty of talent, but one that had experienced very little success in its previous games of the fall.
They entered the match against James River without a win, but having played close in nearly every contest. While 'River had beaten the Lions the previous three games in a row, this was perhaps the most dangerous match of the tournament.
From the start of the match the Lions fixed on using disruptive tactics to pressure space in the James River backline. Flyhalf Diego Saralegui countered with solid tactical kicking to relieve the pressure. This kept play mostly in the Lions end of the pitch, but also kept scoring opportunities to a minimum.
James River opened the scoring with a strong surge among the forwards which was finished off by Lock Mike Wood who dotted down the try.
Throughout the match, the James River forwards displayed their improved form by holding the much larger Lions pack at bay, controlling most of the scrums and dominating in the lineout Injury limited the backline but there was still enough to keep possession moving in a positive direction.
As would be expected from a local derby intensity was high and on occasion chippy. Still, this was a good hard match with both sides pushing for the win.
James River added a second try when Fullback Jon Delong alertly quick taped a penalty along the right touchline and after playing pitch and catch with Hooker Jonathan Leach finished off the move with a try to put 'River out in front for good. Saralegui added a penalty in the closing minutes to finish off the scoring.
The one dissapointment from a 'River perspective was the number of penalties given away. At one point, James River was down a halfback because he had been sent to the sin bin. While the Lions also had a player binned, the real point is we must expect better from ourselves. All of the Lions point came on penalties with them never really challenging the try line. This game was much closer than it should have been, and another side will not be so generous to let us win.
Players in the match:
15 Jon Delong (T), 14 Adam Floyd, 13 Matt Balazik, 12 John Pulli, 11 Abri Botha, 10 Diego Saralegui (P), 9 Billy Wallace, 1 Greg Wood, 2 Jonathan Leach, 3 Ted Dinch, 4 Mike Wood (T), 5 George Durocher, 6 Jason 'Flake' Smith, 7 Paul Townsend, 8 Patrick Brenner
Replacements: Paul Pace (for Durocher), Thomas Goro (for Smith), Tommy Prins (for Townsend), Will Thornton (for Balazik)
November 5, 2005 - Ed Lee Cup, Pole Green Park Richmond, VA :
James River 0, Charlotte 40
James River second match tournament was a repeat of last year when we also faced Charlotte. While last year 'River spent the entire match on the defensive being pushed at every step, this year they did a much more credible job of competing especially during the first half.
Still, the level of intensity and committment displayed by the players from the newly promoted Super League Charlotte took some on the James River side by suprise. Charlotte looks to intimidate at every turn with the boot, the hard and sometimes late tackle and plenty of chatter. Overall, too many of our own James River players did not adjust very well to this and instead of staying above it, let the match disentegrate by joining them.
Charlotte is a very accomplished and competitive side at the highest levels of rugby in this country. I encourage every player from James River to learn from their intensity, but I will not tolerate the lack of sportsmanship to creep into our game. It is possible to play hard, dominate, win, and have some class.
If there's any consolation to take from a 40 point loss it is that in the finals, Charlotte destroyed Raliegh 81-0.
Players in the match:
15 Jon Delong, 14 Billy Wallace, 13 Matt Balazik, 12 John Pulli, 11 Will Thornton, 10 Diego Saralegui, 9 Mike Harris, 1 Greg Wood, 2 Ryan Kennedy, 3 Alastair Monk, 4 Mike Wood, 5 George Durocher, 6 Paul Townsend, 7 Jason 'Flake' Smith, 8 Patrick Brenner
Replacements: Ted Dinch (for Monk), Adam Floyd (for Balazik), Abri Botha (for Wallace), Tommy Prins (for Smith), Nick Macauly (for Brenner), Thomas Goro (for Townsend)
November 6, 2005 - Ed Lee Cup, Pole Green Park Richmond, VA :
James River 10, Norfolk 17
There was a time when playing close to a team like Norfolk was considered a good day. This club has grow to the point that there are no moral victories.
The Sunday match found 'River suffering through several injuries from the previous days. Unavailable were Hooker Jonathan Leach, Number 8 John Garofolo, Flyhalf Diego Saralegui, Center Matt Balazi, Fullback Jon Delong.
Still despite the less than idea lineup 'River walked into the match looking for the win. The first half was rough with several players adjusting to playing out of position to cover space. Regular Scrumhalf Billy Wallace lined up at Fullback, and Flanker Jason 'Flake' Smith started at Outside Center.
At the half, James River found itself trailing by twelve points.
In the second half play improved as 'River went on the attach scoring a second try to pull closer. Play started getting very chippy from that point and with James River driving with 10 minutes left in the match one of the Norfolk players took offense and tried to start a punchup. At that point the Referee, decided he'd had enough and called the match. This means we missed our opportunity to finish the weekend with a positive record, and only have ourselves to blame for finishing 1-2 on the tournament.
Players in the match:
15 Billy Wallace (T), 14 Adam Floyd (T), 13 Jason 'Flake' Smith, 12 John Pulli, 11 Jeb Tate, 10 Abri Botha, 9 Mike Harris, 1 Greg Wood, 2 Ryan Kennedy, 3 Ted Dinch, 4 Mike Wood, 5 George Durocher, 6 Todd Shoaf, 7 Paul Townsend, 8 Patrick Brenner
Replacements: Paul Pace (for Durocher), Nick Macauley (for Townsend), Thomas Goro (for Shoaf)
