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Rugby and Disney Collide -By Wayne Nicholson
In the small historic town of Marceline Missouri a new event is born. The Show-Me Classic, as the event would be called, was staged September 10th and 11th in the infamous boyhood home town of Walt Disney. Four regional teams participated: The Blues and City from Kansas City, The Bombers of St. Louis and the Omaha Goats.
The first paring on Saturday the 10th saw the two Kansas City squads take the hard dry earth at the old Marceline airfield. City and the Blues brought their love/hate, mutual admiration/hate, respect/hate relationship to the small town of novice spectators and put on a defensive battle. These encounters have been one sided for some time now (in the Blues favor) and for the love of a good rivalry something had to be done. City was up for the challenge and felt very confident. The last two or three matches between these two have been close and City was eager to take the torch.
Although offensively the game did not demonstrate a great deal of skill or organization, it was highly emotional with players on both sides putting their bodies on the line. 18-14 was the score at the final whistle and an elated group from The Kansas City R.F.C. showed class as they walked away from a well earned victory. A good early season match with much to be learned for each club regardless of the outcome.
The second match of the day saw the St. Louis Bombers use their powerful experienced forwards and excellent depth to hold off Omaha’s valiant effort to sack the tournament favorite. Final score 40-17
City Vs Blues
Tries: Logue, Higbee Conversions: Logue 1 of 2 Penalties: Logue 2 Subs: # Danny Clark, @ Nick Welchert, * Jason Kanak
The ominous day of September 11th pitted another Missouri rivalry. The Bombers and City would meet for bragging rights as well as the top prize of $1500. The Bombers traveled with good depth and used that depth very effectively both days. Tournament rules allowed unlimited subs that surely hurt the clubs that did not have the advantage of traveling with two full sides. Although this is a credit to the Bombers success over the last decade it gave them a decisive edge and probably should not have been allowed.
Regardless however of how many fresh legs St. Louis did posses they are, and have been for some time, a well drilled, poised, and just plain organized side. Offensively and defensively they appeared to have the upper hand in both matches they played and they deserved their victory over the men in patriotic hoops on the day.
The first half was fairly competitive and City was still in it emotionally and had a handle on the situation at half, then the fresh legs started piling in and it became very tough to hold back the tries. 2 Tries were conceded in the first 40 and 5 more would rain down in the second stanza. There was also a drop goal from an unlikely position by the Men in black; I believe he was a lock. The final was in the favor of St. Louis 52 to 7. The lone try for KC came on great hands from all in the back line. Everyone touched the ball and it came together just like it was drawn up.
City Vs St. Louis Bombers
Tries: Higbee Conversions: Logue Penalties: Subs: *Higbee, @ Kevin Hunn
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