Rugby is a full-contact sport in which 2 teams attempt to score points by running, passing, and kicking an oblong ball. For those who have never seen or played rugby, it is often best described as a cross between American football and soccer.

Like American football, there is tackling and hitting; like soccer, the game is much more continuous and there are far fewer stoppages of play. There are several obvious differences between rugby and American football and soccer. Rugby is played at a fast pace, with few stoppages and continuous possession changes. All players on the field, regardless of position, can run, pass, kick and catch the ball. Likewise, all players must also be able to tackle and defend, making each position both offensive and defensive in nature. There is no blocking of the opponents like in football and there are a maximum of seven substitutions allowed per team. Each match is 80 minutes long, divided into two 40-minute halves.

The Details

Positions

The Match

Saturday, March 31 marked the final match of the Spring 2012 Matrix Season with a match against Athens Eagles RFC. Over 20 NARC Norsemen came out to represent at NARC’s contingency pitch at Robinson Road Park in Marietta, GA. Athens showed up on time with strong numbers whereas most of NARC’s numbers showed up after 1:30 PM for a 2:00 PM kickoff. At first glance, this match looked to be a poor way to end up the season. Athens had nothing to lose as they had already berthed a spot in the national tournament by winning the Division III Georgia Rugby Union; NARC, however had much to prove.

NARC came out strong in the first half. They showed much improvement on their ball control and support from preceding weeks. NARC kept constant pressure on Athens and consistently marched down the field. NARC’s efforts, unfortunately, were not rewarded at first however. Within the first 20 minutes, Athens was able to make use of two separate loose ball situations that resulted in two break-away tries for the Eagles. Despite being behind, NARC continued to put pressure on Athens. The Norsemen stayed focused and kept their intensity, which resulted in one try after another. The Norsemen soon took the lead.

It was important that NARC kept their intensity coming into the second half. NARC kept up with their intensity and continued to keep possession. The Norsemen relied on their superb line-outs with Trey Kelly as jumper. Trey was able to successfully win almost all of NARC line-outs as well as a number of Athen’s line-outs. The Norsemen showed strong progress from previous games; they were much more aggressive and the support was much better. This all came together and resulted in a number of tries being scored as contributed by Mark Aylor, Joseph “Chocha” Perez, Doug “Shitballs” Lightstone, Derrick “’Bater” Duke, and Patrick Ridgway.

Worth noting is Michael Henderson’s first rugby match and debut for the Norsemen. Henderson played extremely aggressive making tackles and fighting tirelessly in rucks. In one instance, Henderson ended up with a loose ball and fought his way through multiple tacklers to within one meter of the try line. Henderson was just short of touching that ball down for 5 points, but his impact and heads-up play were consistently felt throughout the game and earned Michael Man of the Match. Cheers Michael!

Athens was able to make good use of NARC weaknesses occasionally throughout the match and kept a close trail on the Norsemen by the match’s end. However, the Norsemen proved to be the better team and ended the match with a 55-48 victory over the Eagles.

NARC represented really well this past weekend. The Norsemen showed up 20+ strong and everyone got to see minutes. NARC played hard for all 80 minutes.

There were strong performances from a number of players. In the forwards, Luis “LuBalls” Cribeiro, Rich Griesbach, Derrick “’Bater” Duke, Brian Auerbach, Greg “Wheezer” Barnes, John Gavrilla, Michael Henderson and DJ Griesbach represented the tight 5 well with strong support good ball maintenance in the rucks. Billy Simmons, David Donoho, Euan “Button” McLeod and Doug “Shitballs” Lightstone at 8-man were crucial in keeping the intensity up. They carried ball really well, breaking through defensive lines, and were tackling machines.

NARC Former Coach and Captain, Joseph “Chocha” Perez took up the scrum-half position and did so very well. His strong and precise passes led to many well-executed backs plays. Joe also played an integral role in NARC’s defense as he broke up many Athens plays. In the backs, Mark Aylor, Trey Kelly and Matthew “Nigel” Mackenney represented with strong crash balls constantly breaking Athens’ defensive line and making the gain line with almost every carry. Keith “Schmegma” Skinner, Patrick Ridgway and Thomas “Cletus” Reisert covered the wings and backfield well with strong carries and smart aggressive defense.

NARC followed the match with a drink up social hosted at Ralph’s Tavern in Kennesaw. This was an epic drink-up! NARC was able to invite Kennesaw State University RFC and Georgia Southern University RFC as well due to KSU hosting a match with GSU. At 4:30 PM Ralph’s was swarmed by upwards of 100 rugby players and supporters from the four teams. NARC and Athens have many ties, so this drink-up was more like a coming together of old friends. Everyone was in good spirits. The teams kicked two kegs and feasted on the delicious food cooked up by Ralph’s. The drink-up was filled with good times including drinking games and drinking horns. The social ran into the night with rugby players occupying Ralph’s past 9:00 PM.

I was very proud to take the field with everyone on this Saturday and every other Saturday before it. This was a great way to end our Matrix. So much was accomplished this season for NARC. We need to keep this momentum and move forward into the Sevens Season and each season to come. The NARC Norsemen will no doubt become the powerhouse of the Georgia Rugby Union. It has been my honor serving this club and representing it on the field. Cheers!

Trainings are held at NOONDAY PARK IN KENNESAW. Practices are held every Wednesday and Thursday nights from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM.

There is a team social every Wednesday night after practice at our team bar and sponsor, RALPH’S TAVERN OF KENNESAW located one mile from the pitch.

For any more information, please contact the Summer 7-aside NARC Coach, Keith Jakupca, or the NARC VP, DOUG LIGHTSTONE.