Match score 3/27/10 Saturday
Gentlemen of Dubuque 47 (7) - Des Moines RFC (0)
MATCH SYNOPSIS: By Dave Schlueter
The “Ruck at the Rock II” is now history! On a Saturday night, under the lights at Loras’ Colleges Rock Bowl Stadium, the G O D came away with a very convincing 47 to nil verdict over DII Des Moines RFC. The weather could not have been better with pitch temps in the 50’s and virtually no wind to be a factor. The skies were clear and it was a brilliant venue for the match. The Gentlemen came out strong and kept the lads from Des Moines on the back foot most of the day with strong forward play. Captain Mark smith started the scoring off a short burst from 5 meters out and by the time the 1st half was over the count was 28 to nil. The second half showed more of the same as the Gentlemen virtually doubled the final tally to result of 47 to 0. A third half was played to make sure everyone had a run.
POSITIVES:The biggest positive was it was a quality event which showed our sport to people of the city who had never seen the game before. Discipline was very good and the play, on our side of the ball, was exceptional. We had good numbers and everyone had a run. Kicking was greatly improved as far as kickoffs, getting touch, and kicking at post. Support was good and the forward pack was dominate, winning not only our own ball but also taking opposition ball.
NEGATIVES: For the most part, strategic kicking was good, but we should not be launching Garry Owens inside our own 22 meter line. The use of the Garry Owen should be for attacking and probing just past the halfway mark to check opposition nerve and skill under the high ball and apply pressure. It’s not used to relieve pressure. For the most part, inside our own 40 meter line we want to kick long to space. We also need to recycle ball much quicker from the ruck and maul. Taking as long as we did allows the defense to get set and can negate the advantage of putting the opposition on the back foot.
A very good opening effort by everyone involved! However, this cannot be our best effort! We must improve as the season move on. At a point, the one thing we can always improve is our fitness, and ultimately, with evenly matched teams, that is what decides who prevails.
SCORING: Tries-Matt Derby (3), Matt Roberts, Mark Smith, Steve Ruden, Jeremy Klein
CONVERSIONS: Mike Taylor 6/7
MEN OF THE MATCH: Backs-Matt Derby, Forwards-Jeremy Klein