Match score 4/24/10 Saturday

Gentlemen of Dubuque RFC 67 (11) v Peoria Pigs RFC 12 (2)

Match synopsis: The Gentlemen traveled to the Quad Cities for an 11 AM showdown with the Peoria Pigs RFC. The weather was overcast threatening rain, which never came, and humid with a slight breeze. Zach Singsank started the scoring with a try in the corner 5 minutes in. The kick was skew, but by half the guys had tacked on 5 more scores and went to the break in the lead 36 to nil. The second half saw the Pigs put up a much improved effort and narrow the scoring line to 60 to 12 before Michael Taylor ended the match with a try under the post which was converted by Ronnie Pole.

Positives: We played all our people and got out of the blocks well. Our tackling was improved over the week before as we lowered our body position and put ourselves in effective positions to ruck and poach opposition ball. Kicking was generally good, kicking to space and playing in their half. Enthusiasm and discipline of the guys was good as well. Backline ball movement was beautiful as the guys came in waves and shipped the ball repeatedly to the wings. We did a good job of keeping our ball in play.

Negatives: We did have one injury (Aaron Burbach), but hopefully Aaron will be available in Chicago due to some quick work by his father (chiropractor Kurt). We need to kill rolling kick through ball and then initiate a counter attack. We can’t miss conversions or penalties in front of the post. We ran the ball to much sideways, forwards need to straighten so players can come at angles and support.

A very good effort by all involved. We need to keep our focus for 80 minutes…especially going into this weekend. How does the title “Midwest DIII Champions” sound?! One game at a time!

Tries: Steve Ruden (3), Zach Singsank (3), Ryan Marsh, Brandon Phelps, Matt Roberts, Rick Besler, Michael Taylor

Conversions: Zach Singsank 4-8, Michael Taylor 1-2, Ron Pole 1-1

Men of the Match: Backs; Brian Zeimet Forwards; Josh Flammang