September 12, 2009
Gentlemen of Dubuque 26 (4) - Gopher College 0
MATCH SYNOPSIS: By Dave Schlueter
The Gentlemen squared off against their first league foe on home soil. After a minute of silence for the events of 9/11 and a brilliant effort by Emily Smith in leading the Star Spangled Banner, the Gentlemen kicked off to start the match at 1 PM. The weather was a tad bit hot (making water breaks at the 20 minute mark of each half appropriate) and the wind was minimal. The first half saw neither team able to penetrate either’s goal line and at the end of a rather ugly half the score was knotted at zeros. The second half saw the G O D eventually wear their opponents down and erupt for 26 unanswered points to come away with the victory and maximum points toward a league championship. OB started the scoring by pilfering an errant pass and dotting down just outside the upright. The conversion was wide. Singsank and Besler scored under the posts with each converting a conversion kick. Finally Ruden finished the score line by taking a pass at the midfield mark and sliding in by the touch line. Besler then converted a beauty. The Gentlemen had numerous other opportunities to cash in for points by were foiled by a combination of hard luck, handling errors.
POSITIVES: Winning with maximum points. Stepping up and playing an improved 2nd half showed good conditioning and discipline. Our tackling and rucking both improved from one half to the next. Use of the boot, especially at fly half, was effective as far as staying in the oppositions half and as far as an attacking option. Post kicking was mostly spot on other then the one miss which was in automatic range. Thought as far as “foot rush ball” was good. Discipline of players on and off the pitch was of a high standard. We used our reserves effectively and treated each other with respect.
NEGATIVES: Our rucking was high and often times a player, especially in the forwards, went on his own and became isolated. Two factors lead to isolation; a player doesn’t communicate with teammates that he needs support before he goes and/or a player doesn’t communicate that he is in support for a teammate who is receiving ball. Either way, lack of communication is the number one problem. We came in high to the rucks, mauls, and in our tackling. Set pieces need to be more consistent and solid. We must retain our own puts on lineouts and scrums.
All and all a very strong effort by all involved and a good win. Specially thanks to Emily Smith for singing a beauty! Also thanks to Mitch Kelly for running touch on the oppositions side for the whole match, much appreciated!!
SCORING: Tries: Steve Ruden, Ryan Oberhoefer, Zach Singsank, Rick Besler 1 each
CONVERSIONS: Zach Singsank 1/2, Rick Besler 2/2
MEN OF THE MATCH: Nic Romaine - Forwards, Rick Besler - Backs