This weekend Orlando hosted the Miami Tridents in the first round of the cross-over matches with the south division.   The match was played at Thunder Field, just like the old days of Orlando Rugby.   Many Old Boys were in attendance, and true to form, they regaled us with stories of their former greatness.   Back when they played barefoot in the snow and matches were a dual to the death.  The Tridents traveled well to Orlando and came out aggressive from the start.   They were able to score the first try and dig Orlando into a hole.  ORFC stepped up and scored two quick tries to take the lead 12-7.  The momentum shifted when Bart “The Hulk” Longchamp landed a monster hit on the opposing center.  From this point forward, Orlando controlled the match.  Rucks looked good, counter-attacks were impressive, and all in all, ORFC played a solid all-around match.    Credit goes out to head coach Raoul Besse, for focusing on specific defensive-related drills in training.  The Old Boys were ever so slightly impressed, however, most would have gladly hopped onto the pitch to show us how it’s done…some even tried.  Tries were scored on the afternoon by Preacher Blake, Solomon Wyant, Mason Whittle,  Blake Lockhart (2), and even one unnamed Miami player who was kind enough to give us a penalty try.  Man of the Match goes out to Bart Longchamp for a dominant performance in his first game back with the club.  Recognition goes to Blake Lockhart for playing a near flawless game in his first match with the club.  Final Score:  Orlando 38, Miami Tridents 14.

A special “Thank You” goes out to Andy Heller for his $300 contribution towards a medical kit for the team.  In addition, the following Old Boys stepped up last week to support the club and buy a new set of jerseys: Mike Hanson, Dave Berube, Tim Ackert, Andy Heller, Mike Brockman, and also Mears transportation.  We do have some injuries to report and wish these players a speedy recovery:  Dallon Galleai (knee), Dewey Lamont (back), and Blake Herrington (concussion).  For the record, Blake does know who he is now and is aware that there was some sort of game on Saturday.  He’s making strides as this is more than he knew prior to the concussion.  This week, 2/16, Orlando travels to Ft. Lauderdale for round 2 of the cross-overs.   Thank you Old Boys for all of your support this season.   We look forward to seeing you at more matches.

Webmaster Men

Orlando has secured the 2^nd seed of the North Division for the cross-over matches. We will be hosting the Miami Tridents this Saturday, Feb. 9^th. Sorry for the late notice, the FRU just released the schedule and we needed to secure a pitch. Hopefully, you’ll be able to join us in our quest for Nationals.  It should be a good day for rugby and rumor has it, we’ll be in 75 degree weather.

Match Details
Date: 2/9
Kickoff: 2pm
Address: 1 Citrus Bowl Place Orlando, FL 32805

*This is the address for the Citrus Bowl, Thunder field is located across South Rio Grande.

Social

Dive Bar

Address: 63 North Orange Avenue  Orlando, FL 32801

http://www.divebarorlando.com/

Directions from Thunder Field to Dive Bar

-Head north on S Rio Grande Ave toward W Church St

-Continue onto Jamil Ave

-Turn right onto N Orange Ave

-Destination will be on the left

Webmaster Men

Orlando Youth kicked off their season on Saturday with an important home win against neighbors Daytona. The late afternoon kickoff left both sides with great weather for attacking rugby. Orlando recieved the opening kick off and marched right down the field with great forward runs breaking the opposition line and applying early pressure on a dug in Daytona defense.  Second rower Maxime Remesey,  flankers Adam Gunn and Josh Wilson set the tone early and Orlando was able to score in the 7th minute from a set piece with Gunn finishing off an 8 man pick off the scrum; conversion missed, Orlando 5-0.

Using more tactical kicking to get out of their half Mitchell Wilson kicked deep into touch to set up a line out for Daytona. Orlando jumped on a long line out throw and Maxime Remesy was able to take the mis-throw in and give ORFC their second try, conversion missed, Orlando 10-0.

Daytona wasted no time in getting to the kick off and poor readiness by Orlando saw Daytona recover the restart and shortly after score their first try of the match in the right corner, conversion missed, 10-5 Orlando. Now with there heads up Daytona applied good pressure against Orlando but found very few opportunities credit to great ‘A’ gap defense from Hector De Juan, Nick Plale and company. When Daytona chose to go wide there was little space out there as well with Mark King, Harry Allen and Parker McCormick meeting Daytona before the gain line. Nearing the end of the first half both teams continued aggressive play but it was Orlando that was able to score with Adam Gunn scoring his second try of the match 4 minutes before the halftime whistle, conversion missed, 15-5.

Play stalled somewhat in the second half with both teams struggling to maintain consistant possesion. Hector De Juan, Sam Voegle and captain Jack Ponder all made great runs but Orlando lack suffcient support to finish great runs into points. Anthony Morales was able to take a try in during the 45th minute, conversion made, 22-5. It would be Orlando’s last points of the day. Daytona played well after some Orlando mistakes and were able to score two more tries before the final whistle. Orlando walked out passing their first test as a 22-17 winner. “We did things well but we have more to work on.” said captain Jacob Ponder. “We are going to work hard to fix our mistakes and be prepared for the Trojans” added junior hooker Nick Plale.

The Junior Griffins will be in action next on February 16th as they travel to Ft. Lauderdale to play the Taravella Trojans.  We would like to thank all supporters and members that came to support Saturday.

Tries: Gunn (2), Remesey, Morales

Conversions: M. Wilson 1-4

Man of the Match: Josh Wilson

Hit of the Match: Hector De Juan

Webmaster Match Reports, Youth

This weekend the Men’s team is travelling to St. Pete for the final round of pool play for the season. We’re still in the lead for the north division but need a big win to retain home filed advantage for the crossover games coming up.

Mett Up to Travel to St. Pete
K-Mart
Address: 7603 Turkey Lake Rd  Orlando, FL 32819
Time: 10:00am (sharp)

Kick Off: 2:00 pm
Location: Coquina Key Park.  - 3595 Locust St SE – St. Petersburg, FL – 33705
Social: MacDinton’s at Jannus Live - 242 1st Avenue North  St. Petersburg, FL 33701  (No Parking lot, Street parking and Parking garages)

The U19s are just kicking off their season this weekend at home vs Daytona.

Kick Off: 3:30 pm
Location: University High School – 11501 Eastwood Dr, Orlando, FL 32817

Webmaster Men

It was a bitter-cold, windy afternoon in Jacksonville.  Orlando didn’t travel well due to all the current injuries.   Orlando was the first to strike with Anthony Muniz out wide for the score.   Jacksonville quickly answered with a hard fought try of their own to put that score at 7-5.  The Griffins executed poor tackling, atrocious rucking, and didn’t fare any better on the counter-attacks.  Jax was able to score again going up 12-7, and again to go up 19-7, and even decided to do it again to put the score at 24-7.  Orlando battled back with a couple tries from Blake Herrington and Will Doherty, but ultimately, gave up another score to end the match 31-21 in favor of the home team.  Hats off to Jacksonville for playing as well as we’ve seen in quite some time.  Poor numbers at training last week didn’t help, but hopefully, we’ll correct our mistakes and be better prepared for St. Pete’s next weekend before the cross-over matches begin with the South.

Webmaster Men