04/02/05

Kansas City R.F.C. VS Omaha G.O.A.T.S.

The G.O.A.T.S. attempted to pull off the unthinkable as far as KC was concerned this past Saturday.  Although City did lose a match last year to Omaha, they hadn't dropped a match to their league rival since 1998 and were determined not to begin a new tradition.

The game started out slowly because there were numerous disagreements with the way the ref was calling the match. Both sides appeared to be baffled by some of his decisions and neither could get mentally focused on the task at hand.

There were numerous hard pounding runs from City's forwards and centers in the first half which produced several scoring opportunities. City's defense however was a little suspect and a couple of easy tries were the result of high tackling. It's much easier to tackle a big guy around the ankles but hardly anyone was buying into that notion. Individually there are some great defenders on the club and collectively we let these men carry the load against Omaha. 

This game represents another step forward in City's quest to Nationals, although a leap is what really is needed.  Austin's B side is probably just as competitive as the GOATS first side so City will have to travel with a lot of heart and determination to get the job done in Texas April 16th. Final Score City 24 Goats 18.

A side:

1. Harry Kuan
2. Mike Lawrence
3. Pita Pau
4. Charlie Hirner
5. Colin Pestinger
6. Al Laula
7. Ryan Braun
8. Mike Hasse
9. Wayne Nicholsen
10. Danny Blades
11. Pete Swingle
12. Keith Andrew
13. Gary Tapusoa
14. Allen Higbee
15. Neil Snow (C)

Try's: Gary, Danny, Ryan and Allen Conversions: 2-4 Allen and Penalties: 0-1 Allen.

City traveled very light and I think it's the first time all season were we had to rely heavily on the first side to fill a second. Only 20 traveled and we picked up one extra Pete Fell to play in the centers. Pete played on the wing for us a couple years ago and just happened to be hanging out in Omaha that weekend.

This game was played with tired bodies and it was obvious from the kickoff that everyone was slacking a little. In the early goings city was doing just enough to keep the G.O.A.T.S. out of their try zone and that effort didn't keep them out for long. It took almost the whole half to get a second wind but after that wind finally came it was on and although the G.O.A.T.S. had a lead it wouldn't be for long. Great support play and individual runs made the final 19-12 in City's favor.

B side:

1. Pita Pau
2. Wayne Nicholsen
3. Tommy Sao
4. Lole Taula
5. Colin Pestinger
6. Ric Coward
7. Ryan Braun
8. Mike Hasse
9. Pete Swingle
10. Danny Blades
11. Rodney McNeal
12. Keith Andrew
13. Pete Fell
14. Allen Higbee
15. Neil Snow (C)

Try's: Mike, Ryan, Pete Fell Conversions: 2-3 Allen.