September 19, 2009
Gentlemen of Dubuque 31 (5) - Cedar Rapids Headhunters 42 (5)
MATCH SYNOPSIS: By Dave Schlueter
The Gentlemen traveled to Cedar Rapids to take on the Headhunters in a match that everyone knew would be physical and possibly go along way in determining the No. 1 side out of the Iowa league. The weather was beautiful with negligible wind and sunny skies. The match saw the Gentlemen jump out on top with a try by Ruden after a kick and chase and set up by a beauty of a pressure tackle by Brian Ziemet. The conversion was skew. The match then see-sawed back and forth with CR going to the break clinging to a 15 to 12 lead after the G O D ended the half with a try by Matt Roberts from his 8-man position off the base of a scrum at the oppositions 5 meter. Besler then slotted the conversion. The second half opened with a penalty kick by CR to which the Gentlemen responded with an unconverted try by Singsank. The Headhunters tacked on 3 converted tries to the Gentlemen’s 2 to lead to the final result.
POSITIVES: Once again we traveled with good numbers and all who went, played. In the set pieces we either won or held our own. The forwards won the battles in the scrums and lineout’s (one of which was brought down to a maul and lead to a try). We played well defensively at the base of the rucks. Use of the boot was good, being used to keep the opposition on the back foot and goal kicking was also adequate though we did miss one in what we’d like to consider, “automatic” range. In an emotionally charged game the boys did a respectful job of keeping their discipline. We scored at the end of each half, we scored the last try of the match, which are 2 important factors we’d like to see become common place.
NEGATIVES: Obviously losing and not keeping the match within 7 points. We need to keep our heads into what needs to be done to garner any points possible in a league match. First time tackling, especially in the backline, was the story in this match. We need to come with more controlled and timely support to the rucks and not allow the tackler to get his feet and take the ball with no opposition. Once we’ve been taken to the pitch, we need to learn to regain our feet and be able to defend if need be. We lost too many ball on the way to pitch in rucks. Get all the way to the pitch first and then make a strong, winnable placement.
In summary, the lads played with spirit and left everything on the pitch, no one quit! We need to build off this and take each game as it comes, garnering maximum points in each match. Build off our positives and correct the problem areas.
SCORING: Tries: Steve Ruden (2), Hiram Heysinger, Zach Singsank
CONVERSIONS: Rick Besler 3/5
MEN OF THE MATCH: Matt Roberts - Forwards, Matt Derby - Backs