Tigers Rugby took on two final four teams in Parker this Saturday, fairing well with a limited turnout of players. Great thanks to Chaparral HS Wolverines and state champions, Colorado Springs for their invitation to play, and their donation of players to help us field a full side.
Thanks to Nick Allen, Andrew Hutchinson and Giggles Kaniecki for supporting us, though unable to play because of injury. It was also great to see parents learning about the game as coaches from all three clubs sat with them, facilitating questions among those watching their boys. Some of the best life lessons gleaned from rugby are in the organizational efforts of those like Coach Greg Wolf of Chaparral, who prepare the situation for people to play and watch this great sport. Coach Wolf gave the boys the best opportunity possible to learn by lining the field and refereeing the matches. We are also grateful to Coaches Jim Twiford and Ben Wright for their help organizing a tremendous effort.
As coaches, we know that players win games. We are particularly impressed with the depth of this club. Michael Fagundo, Matt Wright, Nick Martin, Devin Weeks Jake Boselli, Danny Fiorino, Michael Bowman, Walker Prieb, Alec Walters, Jake Gossman, Warren Wood, Jimmy Higdon and Patrick O’Connor are dearly appreciated after this demostration of their commitment, courage and overwhelming success against the best in the state.
Tigers Rugby faired well at Chaparral, missing 7 starters from Wednesday’s championship match. In over 60 minutes of play in Parker, Tigers Rugby first tied the Colorado Springs B side 0-0. Immediately after, they took on the state champion’s A side, losing 15-5. After a rest period, the Broomfield and Arvada boys took the field to face Chapparal’s A side, losing on the last play 10-5 as Chaparral ran 100 meters to edge the Tigers Rugby. Jimmy Higdon scored three tries to lead the Tigers over the Chaparral B-side 25-5. Other try scorers today included Walker Prieb, Michael Bowman and Warren Wood.
Sadly, Fort Collins Youth Rugby player Matt Hammerdorfer died in Tinmath, Colorado after playing a match against Littleton. The Tigers Rugby community extends our condolences and prayers for Matthew’s family, the Fort Collins Youth Rugby Club and the Rugby Colorado community.
Paul O’Brian
http://tigersrugby.com
(303) 506-8110
xlr8pt@aol.com
