Eagles Update, 27 July 08

Recap
It was a tough day of rugby yesterday, with vacations taking their toll on our numbers.

The U-11s traveled to Braddock Road once again, and despite their efforts went down in defeat. Lots of tries scored by us, but we just couldn't get around their game-killing yet legal rolling maul tactic.

The U-13s traveled to Warrenton with only six, truly stalwart rugby players. All reports is that all of the lads who came out did very well in only their second tackle outing, with lots of heart. Man of the match went to all six, for showing up and playing on.

the U-15s traveled to Fairfax, and showed with only five. We borrowed one and played 6s for a full match. Mike P kicked two conversions and Sam L got his first try on a 10m rumble. Sam got man of the match for running straight and true, and in support.

Training
We'll practice Tu, Wed and Thur this week ahead of the tournament next Saturday, 6:00-8:30 at Collingwood Park.

Tournament
All three of our teams will play in the touch tournament this coming Saturday at SYC's Hooes Road Park complex. Touch was a difficult decision, but what it came down to was that we didn't have the depth to field a full team of 11 all day long, with sufficient substitutes.

Start time probably will be 9:00, and play will continue all day long--bring camp chairs, a shade canopy if you have one, and lots of water.

There will be concessions on site, as well as port-a-johns. There probably will be a rugby outfitter selling t-shirts and trinkets.

We will be guaranteed three matches, and if we do well, we will play 2-3 more up to the championship. If we do well, we could be there up until 5:00, and if we do not do well, each team could be done by 12:00 or 1:00.

U-11s may play up to U-13, and U-13s may play up to fill out a U-15 side. Players may not play down.

Players who want to play tackle on Sunday can come out, and I and the other coaches will be on hand to place players--ideally as a single Fort Hunt unit--with a team that needs players.

End of Season Trophies/Medals
These are strictly voluntary.

The choice is a modest trophy or a medal on a lanyard, both of which will be customized with name.

The trophy will be approximately $9, and the medal approximately $5.

I need all answers by the end of practice on Thursday. Payment can come later.

End of Season Picnic
We'll meet at Area E in Fort Hunt Park on Sunday, 10 August.

Time is 4:00, and we should be done by 6:00 or so.

We'll hand out trophies, medals and certificates, highlight man of the season for each team, and have some chow. And take some pictures.

Basic format is potluck, emphasis on handfood, to avoid the need for plates and flatware.

More info to come out later this week and early next week.

See you at practice.