They don’t call it 80 minutes of rugby for nothing. After a strong first half the season and a few bumps along the way in the second half, the Bombers DIII side made it the Missouri DIII Playoffs.
The rankings had the Royals at #1 taking on the #4 Hornets and the #2 Bombers would face #3 Franklin County in the second match of the day.
The Bombers scored first with a try but Franklin County was able to score a try after the restart. The Bombers kept the ball deep in Franklin County’s end and scored two more tries leading half.
Franklin County took control of the second half scoring two tries early and cutting the lead down. The Bombers struggled to get the ball of their end but had a few big break away. Franklin County would take the lead with only a few minutes left in the game, but the Bombers were on the offensive. Chris Bellavia broke through the line and laid down a beautiful squib-kick to the try zone with John Pauley chasing on. John dove onto the ball in the try zone to win the game and looked like he had done it with both his and the sidelines reaction, but it was called no try and the game was over. The Bombers lost 17-20 to Franklin County and ended the playoff run.
The Royals beat Franklin County the next day for the Championship and will move onto the national playoffs in May.
Despite being out of the playoff the DIII side will represent the Bombers in this year’s Ruggerfest on Saturday, April 12th. The Bombers DII side will be traveling up to Davenport to take on Palmer in a friendly match before going to playoffs in Colorado, May 3rd.
This year marks the 66th annual St. Louis Gateway Ruggerfest and the Bombers look to repeat last year’s Championship. There are close to 60 teams this year from Men’s, Women’s, College and High School teams. First game is set at 9AM at Creve Coeur Park.
The Bomber are planning a couple upcoming events such as an “Own the Bar Night” on April 26th at Colomobos Bar & Tavern. Events like these really help the club in supporting travel and gear for the club. Make sure to keep checking the website and the Facebook page for more events and club info.