The Virginia Cardinals flew into Savannah for St.Patricks Day Ruggerfest| and plucked the 35 and over title with a blend of players from all our sides. Let us start by thanking Bill Gardner,our Team Manager, for once again making sure that our side was exciting and full of talent yet blended with our Cardinals from our 45 and 50 sides. Bill is three weeks off the surgery table from major hip replacement,it was a huge physical effort on his part to lead us this weekend. Bill is the Warrior.

Mike Puopolo

Our first match v Hilton Head was hard to figure in the first half. Hilton Head played tough defense on the incredibily narrow pitch. We really had no answers to the narrow pitch riddle and ended the first half down by 7points. We must recognize James Painter's defense all over the pitch in the first half. Mike Puopolo took on the flyhalf chores in the second half and began to make hard yards up the middle with the side step,dummy,and let me run over somebody voodoo that pack players do not understand or trust. We began to feed off Mike's confidence finally punching one in with Mike making the dot down. Every minute we got stronger in the second half and Dixie ripped off a try from midfield right down the middle of the pitch to seal the deal. Final scoreline two trys to one.

Our Richmond Lion prop Charlie Grant adds his account for the day:

"For the Cardinals over 35 team it was a different story(then the Richmond Area Training Side). We hammered away with a very good Hilton Head team and while the outcome was never really in doubt, Hilton Head played tough until the end. Result: 14-7 Cardinals. In the 2nd match of the day the Cardinals faced a well organized but outclassed team from Beaufort, SC (I think) called Old Yeller. This one got away from Old Yeller early with the end result being a 66-0 Cardinals victory. On Sunday, with beer sweating out, the Cardinals played for the Championship against Thunderbolt who also hailed from SC. Once again, the Cards asserted their dominance early and often, running to a 45-5 (it was either 42, 45, or 47--can't remember) victory in 60 minutes of tough play. The Thunderbolts never gave up or let up which was a testament to their pride and cohesion as a team. I for one was very glad to hear the final whistle as some of us were still haunted by ole St. Paddy's revenge from the night before"|

|

Our final v The Thunderbolts was a physical affair. They were big and played the kind of rugby that compelled us to stay engaged for the entire match. Yet, The T-Bolts for all their size and intimidation had no answer to our speed,wisdom, and good looks. We had three former Eagles on the field forcing the ball up the middle in Petrakes,Bell,and Dean. Skip Yeager had an epic day supporting nearly every major movement and soring 3 or 4 trys. MVP to Captain Skip Yeager.

We have a trully special rugby club. Future fixtures for us to consider are listed at our index page. Stay in touch and keep your boots in a safe place.

Nick explains facts of life to Darden and Skip	Brian and David as you can see are not needed on this narrow pitch but their kit sure is keen
Bill Gardner works out game plan with his girl scout cookies	Mike Puopolo tells James Painter how to play rugby
Will and Skip marvel at George's rugby kit style	Cary and Brian

Ted Dinch,George Durocher,Will Thornton

Tyler Dixon

Mike Puopolo,James Painter,Rob Greenough,Will Thornton

Skip Yeager/w daughter,Steve Yeager

|

We are heading south to Savannah March 16,17,18 to participate in largest St.Patricks Day celebration in the Nation and to compete in the Ruggerfest friday and saturday. Get ready for a fine rugby weekend in historic and beautiful Savannah. Expect balmy spring-like weather. Spanish moss is everywhere and the azaleas will be in full bloom.

Savannah Ruggerfest MAPQUEST directions to Daffin Park.1401 E Victory Dr Savannah, GA 31404-4107, US

Practice at Daffin park,thursday,5pm. Meet at big pitch where final is played.

MAP of Daffin Park in close

Daffin Park high altitude

More Maps of Savannah

Video Stream in Aspen 06: Graham glides in Dixie and Jason combine Dixie and Jason again Chris Porter pushes in Profile on Jason Wood

Tony Brooks and Tatonka

As of March 6th,we will be traveling with only one side.

1.Darden Couch,Rob Greenough $25 2.Billy Wilson $70,Joe Somerville 3.Charlie Grant $25,George Durocher $25 4.Roger Tree Tremont,Todd Muscik $65 5.Jeff Soeken,Kris SA 6.Steve Yeager 7.Kevin Warde $65 8.James Painter $25 9.Skip Yeager,Tyler Dixon $25 10.Chris Petrakes,Mike Puopolo $25 11.Mala? Brian Fischer 12.Will Thornton,Tri Ligon $95 13.Nick Bell 14.Prince Hill,Al Lucus $25 15.David Dean TEAM MANAGER Bill Gardner

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.Tim Largent $25 6. 7. 8. 9.Steve McWhorter $25 10. 11.Ric Kempton $25 12. 13. 14. 15.Sam Smyth?

Accomadation in historic Savannah on St.Paddy can be expensive. Go to http://hotels.com for pricing. We have set up Cardinal headquarters at very affordable Days INN just off I95,Port Wentworth, at $69.95,call 912 629 1900 to make reservation. Port Wentworth is about 20 minute drive to historic area.As of early Feb,Port Wentworth Days Inn has raised their room rates in anticipation of this busy weekend. Scroll down to our emails at the bottom of this page for hotel options in Hardeeville S.C.

Send Cary $25 which indicates your fervent desire to support the Virginia Cardinals at the legendary Savannah St.Paddy Ruggerfest March 16,17,18. If you need a jersey add $40. Checks payable to "Cary Kennedy" 9405 Barnes Road,Toano,Virginia 23168 or pay instantly online with a credit card at paypal.com. Your payment email is cary@richmondrugby.net. Thanks in advance.

Kit order:
Boyd XXL #4
Chapman XL #54
Grant XXL #3
Jeffrey L #14
Musick XL #4

Thornton S #12/UA
Wilson XXL #2