Back on weekend of April 12th, the Bombers had a full day of rugby for both sides.
The DII side traveled up to Davenport to take on Palmer in a friendly match. The Bombers played very tough and were only down 10-12 at half. The second half was a struggle as a 30+ mph wind kept the ball deep in the Bombers zone and Palmer took full advantage. Despite losing 37-25, the Bombers looked strong with just some mental mistakes that can easily be fixed before playoffs.
With the DII side in Davenport, the DIII side represented the Bombers, and defending champs, in the 66th Annual Ruggerfest.
Some of the Old Boys came out to take part in the first couple of games and helping the Bombers take the first two games on Saturday beating Springfield and Wichita. After a weather delay on Sunday, the Bombers would face the DIII champion Royals in the first semi-final game of the day. Having a full and healthy DIII side gave the Bombers a big victory over the Royals 32-0 and moving onto the Championship.
The Championship match would be the St. Louis Bombers vs. the Arkansas Gryphons. The Gryphons were first to score as the Bombers looked a little worn down from earlier, but would keep battling on. The Gryphons looked to be control but was turned around after Jim Morrison hit a 45 meter penalty kick, yes there was a good wind behind him. The Bombers were finally composed and were able to beat the Gryphons 24-13 and take the Championship two years in a row.
The DII Playoffs are only a week away and Bombers continue to practice hard, but are also focus on the future of the club. This weekend the Bombers will be having a field clean up, can food drive, and an “Own the Bar”. The plan is to clean-up Lucier Park and get it ready for next season with new grass, trash pick-up, and benches. Clean up starts at 9:30am on Saturday and will managed by Jim Morrison, followed by a BBQ at the field at 11:30am. The Bombers hope not to only improve the field, but improve the relationship with the surrounding neighborhood.
On Saturday night, starting at 5pm, the Bombers will be hosting an “Own the Bar Night” at Colmobo’s Café and Tavern off of Manchester and Mitchell. Bring out your friends for boozing, parents for dinner, etc. because Columbo’s is donating 50% of all tabs between 5pm and 1am. Spend $30 on dinner and drinks, club gets $15. It adds up fast. There will also be a silent auction with sporting tickets, gift cards, and bottle of booze.
Everyone is invited to the field clean up and especially the Own the Bar, so bring all your friends and family out on Saturday.