This year marked the 65^th Annual St. Louis Gateway Ruggerfest and had been two years since the Bombers had entered a side.

Ruggerfest featured teams from across the country with Men’s A/B, Women’s A/B, College, and High School teams; needless to say there was a lot of rugby to be played.

The Bombers would open up against the Gents of Dubuque for the first match of the tournament. The tournament allowed for open subs which allowed everyone playing time. The Bombers started off quick with two tries but Dubuque would come right back with a try. The Bombers would defeat Dubuque 41-10 and would face Fox Valley in the second match of the day.

Much like the first game the Bombers were off to a strong start controlling the ball and setting the D-line. Fox Valley was a tough team and would be the closet game the Bombers had the whole tournament, but Fox Valley would fall 22-7 to the Bombers.

Sunday was the final day for the tournament and each team would have one or two games. Lincoln Park, from Chicago IL, was the first match and whoever won would go onto playing in the Championship game for the Men’s A side. The Bombers got off to the quickest start ever and never let up. Dave Klug kept reminding players after every try what the game plan was, “same plan guys…”. The Bombers would defeat Lincoln Park 36-10 and would face KU Jayhawks for the Championship.

The KU Jayhawks were last year’s Ruggerfest champs and looking for a repeat, but the Bombers had different plans. The championship game was a physical match and people hurting from three previous games of rugby wasn’t making it easy. The Bombers dominated the scrums and line outs and would go on to defeat the Jayhawks 31-13 making the Bombers the 2013 Ruggerfest Men’s A Division Champion.

Photos – Day 1

Photos – Day 2

Man the match would not go to one person but the whole Bomber squad because it was a team effort from everyone. It was a great effort from both the veterans and new players to the club.

We’re less than three weeks from Westerns in Omaha as we work our way to the National Championship. The season is not over and we need everyone to come to practice and be ready to go!

This week the Bombers A side will face the Ramblers in the last League match of the season in Forest Park. There may be a friendly B side game following the first game, just check back for updates.

*UPDATE* The match against the Ramblers has moved up from 1PM to NOON. It’s still at Forest Park and there will be another match following the first game.

Don’t forget to register your team for the Bomber’s Trivia Night. It’s on April 20^th and less than two weeks away. This is a great time for everyone and you can really help out the club with new equipment.

Playing away is never easy and St. Paddy’s weekend would be a big challenge as the DII side would face an always tough Tulsa team in Tulsa.

The weather was warm with temps in the 70’s, a few clouds, and some wind at kick-off. The Bomber’s took quick advantage of the ball as James Sills kicked a penalty kick in the first 7 minutes of play to give the Bombers an early lead. Both teams were eager to get the next points, but both defenses’ were determined to stop any offence. Deep in the Bomber’s zone Mark Menne found an opening and had a 40 meter run with James Sills and Sean McDonald in support, which lead to a try scored by Sean. James would miss the conversion but the Bombers were ahead of Tulsa 8-0. Tulsa kept the pressure up and was quick to cut the score down to one point with a try and conversion before half making it 8-7 at half.

The second half started off with the same intensity, but the Bombers had the wind at their backs this time. The Bombers with a line-out deep in Tulsa’s zone and were able to drive it for a try scored by Chris ‘Vinny’ Wroughton (video below). The conversion was good by James and gave the Bombers a 15-7 lead over Tulsa. Things quickly changed direction as Tulsa was right on the Bomber’s 5 meter line, hungry for a try. Tulsa would swing the ball from one end to the other, but the Bombers were right there with them and held Tulsa out of the zone in some of the best defense played. “Our defensive during the game but in particular the five minutes we spent on our line was simply outstanding.” said Aaron Spencer. “… it was the best I have seen out of the Bombers for a very long time.” James Sills’ big leg and with help from the wind would get the ball out of the Bombers end. William ‘Ryan’ McDonald would find an opening and score from 35 meters out, extending the lead 22-7 with James’ conversion. Tulsa was only able to get three points out of the second half with a penalty kick before Matt Skarin would score the final try of the game and giving the Bombers a 27-10 victory over Tulsa.

Photos

Both teams played exceptional rugby and defense was the name of the game. Man of the match for the backs was Mark Menne and Chris ‘Vinny’ Wroughton for the forwards. The Bomber’s DII side will face KCRFC in Kansas next weekend for another League match. The DIII side had the weekend off but will face the Hornets again for the MRFC on Saturday at Lucier Park. Kick-off is at 1pm and we need a big crowd to show up.

Don’t forget to register and get your teams together for the Bomber’s Trivia Night. You can register and pay online!

Stay up-to-date with Bombers on the website and to “Like” our Facebook page!

Current Schedule

First off, the Saturday game against Franklin Country has been POSTPONED due to field conditions and will be made up March 12th at 7:00pm in Washington MO under the lights.

Second, this Sunday the Bombers will face off against Sunday Morning in a friendly match at Marquette Park. There will be a full 80 minute Black side game followed by two 30 minute half for the White side. All players should arrive to Marquette Park by 11:30AM and everyone will get playing time. Kick off is at 1:00PM and we’re expecting a big crowd so get their early. Weather looks to be a bit chilly so dress warm, but will be a great day for rugby.

With the postponement of the Saturday game we have the opportunity to have a lot of guys play and get ready for the league matches. All players should show up at 11:30AM to the field and be prepared to play.

So bring your friends, wives, kids, dogs, family, and some drinks and enjoy some good ole’ rugby!

2013 Schedule