1/23/10 Uni Hou @ Katy

These two teams came out ready to play some rugby in cloudy and windy but comfortable conditions. University struck first, demonstrating better pace and tackling than the "older" Katy side. University of Houston's play in the loose to start the game would have led the spectators and referee to believe this might be a blowout but unfortunately for UniHou - their discipline was not up to snuff. A swift two yellow cards (10 min apart) for red zone breakdown infringements brought Katy back into the game. Katy were certainly the more organized and disciplined rugby side - just not quite so light on their feet as UniHou. Katy only scored one try on the day (converted) but did kick 3 penalties and a drop goal. UniHou scored three tries, 2 converted. Their last try and conversion was scored right as we passed fulltime....bringing the game to an unfortunate draw.

Overall - I wish my communication had improved to prevent me from having to use the 2 yellow cards on UniHou - something to improve certainly.

Following the game we went to a classic Texas bar - Mr. Jim's Hole in the Ground for a classic american rugby social. Contentious points of the game were discussed and kegs emptied.

1/16/10 Texas HS Scrimmage Event

Welcome to Texas Larry! you brought the weather with you! 32 degrees and wet! Regardless of the weather, this was a fun and challenging introduction to texas rugby.

This was my first experience with Houston area rugby....a early season High School scrimmage tournament. The games were played with 2 20 minute periods, the conditions were muddy, and many special rules were implemented for the young teams...such as uncontested scrums.

Westside 0 - 10 Strake Jesuit

The westside team had a total of 3 players with on-field rugby experience....the strake jesuit players all had game experience (it should be noted, they are also a Varsity sport). The game started with a free kick. The teams did not want to kickoff...said they had not practiced it yet. Seems to me that a scrimmage is prime opportunity to practice kickoffs...at any rate...Westside proceeded to take a free kick and get tackled, strake immediately penalized...and westside took a quick tap....then strake didnt go back 10...then westside took another...and jsut keep trying to tap and go. I had to literally stop play and explain the best options to the teams. This type of communication and "greenness" to rugby continued throughout the game. Strake naturally beat Westside because of their game experience....but Westside were extraordinarliy good at rucking. They turned over a number of strake rucks quite legally, it was quite impressive.

Strake dominated the lineout and their overall skills were superior, enabling them to score two tries out wide. Westside never really managed to pass the ball further than their flyhalf.

Overall, I felt delayed in response during this game. To be expected after a 2 month break, but I hope my response and comfort level improves.

Katy 45 - 0 San Antonio

The next game was much better with all players having played rugby before... Katy v. San Antonio. All players had played rugby before, made for quite a skillful game....though Katy were clearly superior. Gave a yellow card at the end of the game for a player who didnt understand "fringing" despite my personal explanations. We talked further after the game. I also missed a clear maul collapse early in the game - too much of a delayed response to some obviously dangerous play.