The Aurora Saracens finished 2009 as the second rated team in Colorado Youth Rugby’s State Championship tournament. The Saracens played five contests at three different venues against Tigers Rugby Football Club in 17 days. Aurora came from behind with a big surge early in the first and second periods in the most recent contest on 3/27/2010 to edge Tigers Rugby Football Club 20-17 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
The Saracens came prepared, and were strong and experienced in their skill positions. Tigers Rugby fought hard for possession of the ball and territory throughout each match. Each successive contest allowed the chance for the Tigers to learn their positional responsibilities and strategies against an onslaught of big, fast Samoan runners leading the Saracens’ attack. Pomona’s Warren Wood was the latest Man of the Match for contributing seven points on a try and a conversion kick, and for taking over the scrumhalf position for Tigers Rugby. Panther team mate Nick Allen added a resounding try. Pomona’s All-State linebacker, Daijon Tyler continues his four-year rugby career for Tigers Rugby, making sure, and at times sensational tackles in the backline and from the fullback position.
The Tigers forwards became progressively more aggressive and led the attack “through the gate” for successful advances at the point of contact. Jake Boselli, Matt McLean, Jared Riemer, Peter Loving, Patrick O’Connor, Walker Prieb, Bobby Stomski, Jake Gossman, Matt Woolem, Andrew Hutchinson and Rob Nees worked hard each day, nearly neutralizing a strong and mobile Saracens pack on 3/17, and finally taking control on the third day of the play against the Saracens. Ralston Valley Sophomore Luke Rockwood got valuable A-side time as a wing in a torrential Tigers surge in the second period of most recent match. RV freshmen Ryan Rockwood, and Holy Family’s freshmen Hooker, Robert Kaniecki and Second Row, Danny Fiorino, also a Holy Family student, offered extraordinary contributions in the A-side’s relentless late rush.
Ultimately, an Aurora goal-line stand and a couple dropped passes cost the Tiger a near win. Albert Whitemore, Nick Allen, Warren Wood, Christian Wallis, AJ Shannon, Anthony Puglise, Daijon Tyler, and Jimmy Higden were able to work through a number of backline attack issues despite losing three matches to Aurora in 17 days by final scores of 27-22 (3/13/10), 19-5 (3/17/10) and finally 20-17 (3/17/10). What is clear, is that the Arvada based rugby club is standing tall among high school rugby giants, and is getting plenty of friendly matches against the elite in the state to practice their skills for the upcoming playoffs.
The Tigers are 2-2 in league play as a Division I Colorado Youth Rugby team. Overall, Tigers Rugby’s record stands at 8-11-1, currently ranked at least 6th in the state, after losing 4 of 5 matches to #1 Denver East, and 5 of 7 scheduled periods to #2 Aurora. The Tigers play nationally ranked and reigning State Champions, Denver East on April 7th. A-sides kickoff the Division I league match at 5:00 pm in Broomfield County Commons Park (132nd & Sheridan). B-sides kickoff at 6:20 pm.
The HS boys end their seasons in May. Summer leagues and summer camps are available through Tigers Rugby and Apex Parks and Recreation District from May through August. Tigers Rugby Football Club is based out of Arvada, and serves Pomona, Ralston Valley, Standley Lake and Holy Family High Schools. The Tigers play home matches and currently practice in Broomfield. To play rugby, contact Paul O’Brian at (303) 506-8110.
Matches
2/20/2010 Denver East Invitational – A-side: 0-22, F/S: 5-0; B-side (1-1-1)
2/24/2010 Northside Vikings 24-5 (2-1-1)
2/27/2010 SWARM 22-14 (3-1-1)
3/1/2010 Fresh/Soph Festival #1: Regis 10-12, East 5-17 (3-3-1)
3/3/2010 Cherry Creek 29-7 (4-3-1)
3/6/2010 Boulder 17-25: Boulder B-side 0-12 (4-5-1)
3/10/2010 Regis Jesuit HS – A-side: 7-20, B-side: 17-5 (5-6-1)
3/13/2010 East 5-41; Aurora Saracens – A-side: 5-12; B-side:17-15, Fort Collins B-side: 0-5, A-side: 45-0 (7-8-1)
3/17/2010 Aurora Saracens – A side 5-19, B side 7-17 (7-10-1)
3/27/2010 (Saturday) Aurora Saracens 17-20 -A-side: 7-5; B-side: 10-15 (8-11-1)
Pending Matches:
4/3/2010 (Saturday) Rocky Mountain Classic Tournament (DSGP) 10:00 am kickoff 4/5/2010 (Monday) Freshman/Sophomore Festival #3
4/7/2010 (Wednesday) Denver East HS @ Broomfield County Commons Park 5:00 pm
4/10/2010 (Saturday) Tigers Rugby @ Ranch Rugby (to be rescheduled)
4/14/2010 (Wednesday) @ Chaparral HS – 5:00 pm
4/19/2010 (Monday) Freshman/Sophomore #4
4/21/2010 (Wednesday) @ Colorado Springs – 5:00pm
4/28/2010 (Wednesday) CYR Promoting/Relegating Matches TBD
5/1/2010 (Saturday) State Quarterfinal Matches @DSGP
5/8/2010 (Saturday) State Semifinal @ DSGP
5/13/2010 (Thursday) State Championship matches @ Englewood High School
5/22/2010 (Saturday) State All Star matches, Aurora Sports Complex
Paul D. O’Brian, PT, CSCS
http://acceleratept.com
http://tigersrugby.com
(303) 506-8110
xlr8pt@aol.com
