November 5, 2009
Gentlemen of Dubuque 40 (5) - Fon du Lac Wolfpac 19 (3)
2nd Round Midwest DIII Playoffs
MATCH SYNOPSIS: By Dave Schlueter
The Gentlemen traveled to Fond Du Lac Wisconsin to play against the undefeated and top rated team out of the Wisconsin league. The weather was beautiful with temps in the 60’s and a steady wind of 5 -10 mph running west to east across the pitch under sunny skies. We traveled with 21 players and numerous supporters. The scoring started 5 minutes into the match when Michael Taylor slotted a penalty kick. At the half the match score stood 23 to 5 in favor of the Gentlemen. Fond du Lac started the second 40 with a converted try to close the gap to 11 points but the Gentlemen immediately responded with scoring of their own to increase the lead to 40 points to 12 till the Wolfpac scored the matches final points with a converted try on the last play of the match.
POSITIVES: Victory and advancing to the Midwest Final Four! We went with a full cast of players/supporters who were all on the same page of playing “Gentlemen of Dubuque” rugby. We were well disciplined, we played with composure and respect for each other, our opponents, and the sir. We used our bench appropriately with good substitutions at proper times. Our use of the boot was effective and kept constant pressure on the defense and we played within the strategies of good position rugby, for the most part finding the right balance between position and possession. When the opposition committed a penalty we punished them with points and our ball control and work in the set pieces was spot on.
NEGATIVES:We had one breakdown when Fond du Lac scored a try to start the second half, where we didn’t keep our composure after poaching a ball deep in our territory and lost it right back when we needed to clear and play position.
Beautiful game!!
SCORING: Tries-Steve Ruden(2), Matt Roberts, Ryan Oberhoefer, Mark Smith
CONVERSIONS: Michael Taylor 3/4, Zach Singsank 0/1
PENALTY KICKS: Michael Taylor 3/3
MEN OF THE MATCH: Ross Dillavoux - Forwards, Michael Taylor - Backs