By David Sosnoski
NEW ORLEANS- The Little Rock Stormers got their first win of the season in their opening match against the New Orleans Eagles – a rugby team that won the National Division III Championship last year.
It was a perfect environment for rugby in the Big Easy. The pitch (field) was in good condition, the temperature was 68 degrees, it was partly cloudy skies, and a light wind was blowing from the South. The air was filled with electricity and great anticipation from both sides of the pitch. As the teams waited on the pitch for kick-off the tension was almost palpable.
Andrew Roach received the ball from the opening kick off and then the battle ensued. Both teams fought back and forth. Off-loads, passes and rucks were one after another to no avail for 15 minutes. Then out of nowhere Little Rock’s Aaron Valentine perfectly executed a grubber kick (on the ground) to the corner of the try zone (end zone) where ultimately it was chased down by Nash Kamhara. This gave Little Rock Stormers the first points of the game. The conversion failed, and Little Rock lead 5-0.
New Orleans then successfully converted a penalty kick eighteen minutes into the game to make the score 5-3, followed by another penalty kick six minutes later to take the lead 5-6.
With 13 minutes remaining in the first half, Little Rock answered in the form of a penalty kick. Making the score 8-6.
With a little less than 10 minutes left in the first half New Orleans came close to scoring a try. However, Little Rock’s defense held strong. Just about one minute later Darrin Oliver (DC) broke through the New Orleans back line, bobbing and weaving then just as he’s about to be taken down he pops it up to Aaron Valentine. Valentine takes it another 10 meters to score a try. Conversion was successful. This put Little Rock Stormers into a 15-6 lead at the half.
During half time break Pierre Ranouil came in for Ronnie Parkinson. Team captain Danny Brickey motivated his team with few, but powerful words: “We’re kicking off. I want to run down, take the ball, and stick it in, to go up 14 points.”
Within two minutes of the second half, Little Rock complied with the captain’s wishes.
New Orleans got the ball, but Little Rock’s defense was on fire. Little Rock stopped New Orleans behind the gain line for about four plays then won over a ruck. The ball was passed out wide and our very own DC did his hippity hoppity scoot, scoot to score another try. Conversion attempt was unsuccessful; taking Little Rock up 20-6.
New Orleans gained control.
Ball possession was maintained by them for quite some time and they answered back six minutes later with a try and a successful conversion. This cut Little Rock’s lead 20-13.
Aaron Call was subbed in for Andrew Roach brining in much needed fresh legs for the pack. With this substitution one of the notable forces moved from “the engine of the scrum” (lock) to the “seek and destroy” (flanker) position.
Little Rock’s half time back substitution paid off at the 52-minute mark. Pierre Ranouil scored a try by dancing around a few defenders, which made the score 25-13. Conversion failed. During the conversion Gianni Palmiero was subbed in for Jason Pollack bringing more fresh legs into the pack at a critical time in the game.
At 25 minutes into the second half New Orleans was awarded a penalty. They were able to successfully kick for points from nearly 41m away. That’s a good kicker, and made the score 25-16.
With 12 minutes left Justin Nichols was subbed in for Nathan Tucker and Derik Oliver was moved over to hooker (a position in rugby). Talk about making an immediate impact. As soon as he was in the game he made tackle after tackle, after tackle, after tackle… Seriously, he made a big difference. He made other players on his own team cringe at how hard he was hitting people.
With nine minutes left, Chance Hugh attempted a penalty kick at a distance of 49 meters from the try line. His kick hit the post and the ball remained in play.
New Orleans was unable to retain possession of the ball due to Little Rock’s barrage of players- BAM! BAM! BAM!
Little Rock’s hard work paid off because a New Orleans player lost the ball forward. A scrum ensued after New Orleans knocked the ball forward. Matt Guest was able to spin the ball out after the forward won the ball out of the scrum. Chance Hugh broke through the New Orleans defensive line like he was Ultra Beast from Sega Genesis then he scored a try! Conversion was successful. This took the score for Little Rock up to 32-16.
In the final few minutes of play, New Orleans scored a try off of a well intentioned, but poorly executed pop kick from the backline. They converted for points and made the score 32-23. Soon after the score Little Rock gained possession, maintained possession and killed time ruck by ruck. When the 80 minutes were up, Matt Guest ended the game by kicking the ball out of bounds.
This weekend Little Rock looks to travel to Baton Rouge, La., to play against the Baton Rouge Rugby Club on February 9th.
This should be another doozy of a match. Everyone looks forward to it.
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