3/13/2010 Kingwood @ Tomball HS

70-80 degree conditions, a decent wind that could impact some play. The pitch was grass, narrow, and the posts were at the back of try zones. Tomball are a new rugby team this season and this was their first home game, ever. Both schools were on spring break - so the numbers and players were pretty slim picking. Tomball's 15th player showed up about 20 minutes into the game, and Kingwood played a mixed side of freshman, JV, and Varsity. The narrow field did not help either side as the first half almost finished scoreless - but Kingwood put one in right on half time for a score of 5-0. In the 2nd half Tomball's superior size (lots of seniors on the side) began to really help them out. Tomball had been good all game turning over scrums, rucks, and tackles. Unfortunatley, they had not been able to string together phases to threaten the try line - this started to happen in the 2nd half as the Kingwood defense tired. Tomball stood players up in the tackle well and used the rolling maul to great effect. The Tomball star prop (#3) scored the side's two tries, one after muscling out of a maul and another pushover try. It was great to be there for Tomball's first game and first win. I hope the club continues to grow. Credit to Kingwood for playing a much smaller and younger team and being excellent sports. Notes: lots of stood up tackles and mauls. I actually would touch the players in addition to verbal communication to indicate they had entered the maul from the side. Foot up on the scrums - both sides coming up early. ankle was sore (shin splints) but I noticed it felt a lot better after a quality warm up. Used hte headsets today - gave units to the coaches so they understood what I was saying to the players. Both coaches thought it was an excellent tool for coaching.