Good ball movement, teamwork, aggressive tackling, firm rucking, and a never give up attitude were key factors in the first Spartan victory of the season against a solid Crusaders team. There are many highlights in this game, but let’s begin the one that’s usually underestimated, Spartans were able to win the majority of scrums thanks to improved play and key additions. We got pushed around the first game but thanks largely in part to a revamped first line we gave The ‘Cruising Warmongers’ a surprise this time.
The next highlight is one that may be considered by some to be the play of the game. Late in the game, Crusaders are about to score to potentially take the lead, the ball carrier actually crosses the try-line but before the player has a chance to put the ball down, first year Spartan Adrian, very astutely, rips the ball away from his hands and the scoring chance is taken away. As if this weren’t enough, Adrian picks up the ball and carries it for 10 yards. Meanwhile the Crusaders loose their cool and acquire a penalty due to the reaction to the play sending him off for the rest of the game with a yellow card. A reminder to all of us how important it is to keep your head in the game.
Of course any of “Momosito’s” tries can always be considered a play of the game. And this game didn’t leave him short of points as he solidifies his status as the teams high scorer with 5 tries in the game, 9 total in the season.
Spartan kicker Charles ‘Blaze’ is proving to be one of the best in the league despite hitting the crossbar on a drop kick attempt at the end of the game.
Yet another key to victory is the fact that we have so many versatile players. When starting scrumhalf Ritchie went down Lil Xavier was there to pick up where Ritchie left off.
There’s more folks..
just because the game ended doesn’t mean that the highlights stop. In the supplemental part of this match we saw Lil Xavier and Lil Schumacher (Snuggles) Score their first try. Although the scores were unofficial, both tries were a result of great awareness and athleticism.
And finally, although we had a few small injuries, as far as I’m aware of, no major injuries were reported. This is important because it indicates that most everyone is finally practicing good rugby technique. Although injuries can never be fully eliminated from any sport, when we use good overall alertness in all aspects of the game we can minimize the risk. And we did. Let’s keep that up please!
With that, I ask that you enjoy this well deserved victory, for now, but when we show up to work on Tuesday, let’s put this in the backburner and focus on the task at hand. Which is the next game vs. the Fighting Irish, which BTW is getting sued by Notre Dame for copyright infringement. (Ha!, just thought I’d throw that in there).
Due to time constraints, I could not write down every highlight as I would love to do, but if you feel I left something out that you or another player did in the game please add it in the comments.
One last thing! A big thank you to all parents and volunteers for supporting our team. Without them this wouldn’t be possible. So please make sure you thank your parents Family, and Friends!
Need help in figuring out what to thank them for? Here go some suggestions:
Rides to the game/practice.
Money. Equipment. Volunteering to be the flag guy. Water personnel… etc
And just overall giving you life without which you couldn’t be a Spartan. ;)
On behalf of all coaches –Thank you!
C Mario
The next highlight is one that may be considered by some to be the play of the game. Late in the game, Crusaders are about to score to potentially take the lead, the ball carrier actually crosses the try-line but before the player has a chance to put the ball down, first year Spartan Adrian, very astutely, rips the ball away from his hands and the scoring chance is taken away. As if this weren’t enough, Adrian picks up the ball and carries it for 10 yards. Meanwhile the Crusaders loose their cool and acquire a penalty due to the reaction to the play sending him off for the rest of the game with a yellow card. A reminder to all of us how important it is to keep your head in the game.
Of course any of “Momosito’s” tries can always be considered a play of the game. And this game didn’t leave him short of points as he solidifies his status as the teams high scorer with 5 tries in the game, 9 total in the season.
Spartan kicker Charles ‘Blaze’ is proving to be one of the best in the league despite hitting the crossbar on a drop kick attempt at the end of the game.
Yet another key to victory is the fact that we have so many versatile players. When starting scrumhalf Ritchie went down Lil Xavier was there to pick up where Ritchie left off.
There’s more folks..
just because the game ended doesn’t mean that the highlights stop. In the supplemental part of this match we saw Lil Xavier and Lil Schumacher (Snuggles) Score their first try. Although the scores were unofficial, both tries were a result of great awareness and athleticism.
And finally, although we had a few small injuries, as far as I’m aware of, no major injuries were reported. This is important because it indicates that most everyone is finally practicing good rugby technique. Although injuries can never be fully eliminated from any sport, when we use good overall alertness in all aspects of the game we can minimize the risk. And we did. Let’s keep that up please!
With that, I ask that you enjoy this well deserved victory, for now, but when we show up to work on Tuesday, let’s put this in the backburner and focus on the task at hand. Which is the next game vs. the Fighting Irish, which BTW is getting sued by Notre Dame for copyright infringement. (Ha!, just thought I’d throw that in there).
Due to time constraints, I could not write down every highlight as I would love to do, but if you feel I left something out that you or another player did in the game please add it in the comments.
One last thing! A big thank you to all parents and volunteers for supporting our team. Without them this wouldn’t be possible. So please make sure you thank your parents Family, and Friends!
Need help in figuring out what to thank them for? Here go some suggestions:
Rides to the game/practice.
Money. Equipment. Volunteering to be the flag guy. Water personnel… etc
And just overall giving you life without which you couldn’t be a Spartan. ;)
On behalf of all coaches –Thank you!
C Mario