BLUES FALL TO GREEN HORDE WITH 14...

Traverse City traveled to Cleveland to play the quarterfinal match against Cleveland Eastern Suburbs. The 1pm kick off also brought 25 mph winds in our face to get going.

The scoring started out with a penalty try given to Cleveland for a "high tackle" by our captain Dave Wenkel. 7-0 Eastern Suburbs.
Minutes later the Blues organized an attack at our 22 only to be stopped by a penalty in front of the post for not releasing, at about 30 meters in front of the posts - Suburbs convert. 10-0 Cleveland.
The Blues quickly stole the kickoff and drove 5 phases to the corner touching it down for 5 by Ryan Fortune (11). Traverse City pressed the Suburb team and looked fantastic as we captialized on some loose plays an executed a strike runner to get us to the 5 meter line, where Jared Belovich (9) took it from the back of a ruck and was tackled with Beehler (12) in support, Chris sorted out the ruck with his foot  - but the ref was square in his face and RED Carded him leaving us with 14 for the rest of the game - harsh - considering it was the beginning of the match and NO WARNING was given. We held them in check for the most part, but Eastern Suburbs kept pounding the forwards in classic 90's style and popped a few more across the line along with a penalty to go up 27-5 at the half.

The Blues reorganized at the half with directives from the coach to use the wind to our advantage with some kicking in space, as well as attacking the outside like the original game plan.
Mishandled balls proved costly to the Blues in the wrong spots giving up 3 more try's. Traverse City played there hearts out and continued to pressure, but every 5 minutes we seem to have defensive breakdowns and the Blues had a tough go. The 14-15 man disadvantage worked for them and against us.
The Blues scored a provencial try late in the game, when flyhalf Matt Thomas intercepted a pass at there 40 and cruised through for 5 points under the post - Benson converted. It was a great run and even better improvement for our team this fall. Final 42-12

The continuity of the team is intact and if we can keep it together  - more championships of larger scale will follow.

Great job!

Scoring:
Fortune(11) 5
Thomas (10) 5
Conversion:
Benson (15) - 2 (1-2)
Red Card:
Beehler

10/24/09  36-0 Shutout Brings Northern Conference Championship Crown.

The Traverse Bay Blues RFC defeated Flint RFC 36-0 today to finish first in the Midwest Northern League with a 5-1 record.  This give Traverse home-field advantage for the first round of playoff this coming Saturday 10/31 at the Civic Center (time and opponent TBD based on other conference results this weekend....details will be forthcoming).

• Score Leaders:  Sam Lantz - 2 Trys (10 points)
• Griffon Benson 3 for 6 on conversion kicks (6 points)
• 1 Try (5 points) Each:  Dave Wenkel (Captain), Derrick Counselor, Matt Thomas, Mike Sherwood