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.

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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 12^th. 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 3^rd.

This year marks the 66^th 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.

Ruggerfest

2014 Ruggerfest Schedule

The Bomber are planning a couple upcoming events such as an “Own the Bar Night” on April 26^th 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.

Last weekend was St. Patty’s day in St. Louis and the weather couldn’t have been any better and a sign that spring is finally coming.

The Bombers scheduled a friendly against MIZZOU’s rugby team on Saturday and turned into a fun time with friends. Of course the college kids had a little more stamina and speed than the Bombers but the Bombers kept moving forward and closing the gap. The Bombers would like to thank the MIZZOU boys for making the trip up the St. Louis and hope to play again soon.

On Sunday the Bomber’s DIII side had a make-up game from the fall against the Rowdies in Belleville, IL. The weather wasn’t as ideal with strong winds but at least it wasn’t raining or snowing. Both teams battled against each other and the wind which turned to be a key player of the game. The Bombers would suffer miss calls, missed kicks, and a try called back in a 11-12 loss against the Rowdies.

Despite two divisional losses this spring, the DIII side is still in running for the playoffs.

This weekend is probably the BIGGEST weekend for both sides. The DIII side will face Hornets in their third league match of the spring. Both teams are coming off a loss from last week and are hungry for a W. The Omaha GOATS will be traveling down to St. Louis to face the DII side in a MUST win for the Bombers. With the standings so close and only one team moving onto playoffs in May, the Bombers need to acquire as many points as they can. It’s going to be a great weekend for rugby and you can watch both games at Lucier Park, with the Hornets game starting at 1PM followed by the GOATS game at 3PM.

Lucier Park

With spring officially here, the Bombers are doing a little spring cleaning and have ordered new kits for the team. The new jerseys features the iconic Fleur-de-lie on the chest along with the “Mopes”. Each sleeve will have either the Dubliner or Colombo’s logo on it and our new sponsor Cripsin will be featured on the back. The new kits should be in a few weeks and the Bomber’s would like to thank everyone who helped in making this happen.

So bring everyone you know, some drinks and your pets to Lucier Park this Saturday!

Schedule

Saturday night is the 2n Annual Soulard Pub Golf Open! Last year was a huge success for those who can remember and we look to have a repeat year. More information can be found on Facebook. Yes golf attire is required and green jacket may be involved!

The first matches of the spring season began last weekend with both sides traveling for games.

The DIII side faced against Franklin County in a league match in Washington, Missouri. The Bombers beat Franklin County earlier in the season and were looking for a repeat on Saturday. The Bombers struggled with drop balls and knock on as Franklin County kept the pressure up. Franklin County took control of the game, beating the Bombers 49-12.

The DII side traveled down to Tennessee to face Nashville in our first league match of the spring. Because of the new league the Bombers had to schedule a friendly match as a league match. Being the first match of the spring there were a few mistakes here and there but the Bombers were able to control the scrums and take advantage of over loads. The Bombers would go onto beating Nashville 52-21 and collect much needed bonus points.

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This weekend the DII is off but the DIII has a double header with a friendly game Saturday at Lucier Park against MIZZOU and a league match against the Rowdies in Bellville on Sunday. The next couple of weeks will be big for the Bombers as playoffs for both sides’ creeps closer.

Schedule

Come out to Lucier Park this Saturday to cheer on the Bombers and enjoy some rugby.

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By now we are all sick and tired of the cold and snow we’ve had this winter and cannot wait until warmer weather returns. Despite the cold and limited practice the spring season must go on. First of all the Bombers would like to thank everyone that stopped by our booth at Mardi Gras in Soulard. It was a huge success and we cannot thank the volunteers enough for their help. We will have more events such as trivia, pub crawl, and a golf tournament later in the year so keep your calendar open.

This Saturday, March 8^th, the Bombers have two games as the spring season begins. The DIII-side will be starting off with a league match against Franklin County in Washington, MO kick off is at 1PM. The DII-side will be traveling down to Tennessee for a friendly match against Nashville, kick off is set for 2PM.

Schedule

Playoffs for both sides are less than two months away and every game is important for the club whether it’s a league or friendly match.

Practice Pitch

The club is starting to see our numbers  grow and we are always looking for more members, whether you’re in high school or in your 40s. If you or someone you know is interested in playing rugby, come on out to a practice session to see what all the fun is. Remember the Bombers are the only St. Louis Rugby Club to have both a competitive DII and DIII league side which means everyone gets to play at that competitive level.

Also Ruggerfest 2014 is April 12-13th at Creve Coeur Park. You can find all the information here.

Make sure to “Like” our Facebook Page and keep checking the website for updates.

After their best start of the season and only suffering their first lost a couple weeks ago the Bombers DIII side was looking to finish off the fall season on a high note against the Rowdies.

The Bombers and Rowdies were to face off earlier in the season, but due to weather the game has been postponed until spring.

With overcast, potential storms, and high winds it was another rugby game day in St. Louis, but there was something in the air that day.

The first half of the match would turn into scoring frenzy for the Bombers as Colin Fitzgerald started off with the first try only a few minutes into the match. Conversion was made by Jim Morrison giving the Bombers a 7-0 lead. Four more tries would be scored before the end of the half by Mike McMillion, Chris (Vinny) Wroughton(2), and Jim Morrison who kicked for conversion only missing one giving the Bombers a 33-0 lead at half.

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Both Jim Morrison and Vinny are two gentlemen who don’t understand the word “retirement” all too well and it maybe because to many blows to the head, but either way they love the game. Morrison had major shoulder surgery during the summer and had his arm in a sling for weeks and was expected to call it quits. Vinny, like Jim, has been with the club for many years and has played multiple positions such as flanker, hooker, but mostly prop. On this day he was part of the back line and seemed to be having too much fun.

In the second half the Rowdies were able to keep the ball in the Bombers half and scored their first try of the match, making it 33-5. The Bombers would answer back with a big run from Jeff Rehder to Jim Morrison for the try. Support running was very impressive in this match along with tough individual running. The Rowdies would score another try before the end of the match, but the Bombers would win 58-10. Man of the match went to Mike (Damage) McGowan for the forwards and Mike McMillion for the backs.

The DIII side finished the fall season 6-1 and is currently in first place. The spring season will be tough, but the Bombers are heading in the right directions to make the playoffs.

Even though the fall season is over there will still be touch played during the week to keep people somewhat in shape, but everyone is encouraged to get some sort of fitness during the break. We’re hoping to have Bomber basketball as well. Keep checking back for information about Kangaroo Court and other events.