ORSU & Vancouver

Word is out, the Jesters beat the Pigs for the first time in a few years. The final score was 14 – 13 in a real nail biter.  ORSU played a tight game, both in the forward pack and back line. Their methodical pace and calculated, basic play helped them manage possession longer than the Pigs. Our cross town rival were not spectacular, but played well as a team and seemed fitter than last season.  Congratulations ORSU.

The Pigs first side were their own worst enemy. Some adjustments will remedy the major mistakes.  The leadership and maturity of newly retired Mathew Springer, Matt Welton, and Seth Terril were missed. New leaders are emerging. Our young pack is very athletic, and will improve every match as they continue adjusting to men’s rugby. The backline is talented and experienced, but much like the forwards, needs time to gel with the positional and personel changes. The young Pigs will be dangerous this half, and hopefully this upcoming Saturday, we drown the Geoducks.

Vancouver crossed the bridge for the debut of the Portland Rugby Club third division side captained by Michael Staton at #10.  Apparently the Washingtonians were still chapped from last season’s administrative disqualification for play-offs , and hit the field aggressively. A major DONNYBROOK best describes the third 20 minute period, resulting in two red cards.  Later, the tele-ref was signaled to the Pigs touch zone with ten minutes left. A questionable defensive downing was debated. Was it a 22 meter drop out or 5 meter scrum to Vancouver? Did the full back actually ground the ball?  The digital video camera was run onto the pitch by a spectator, and it was ruled grounded inside the try zone. Vancouver protested vigorously, and the game was called following bitter words towards the game officials. The Pigs third side won their inaugural match 15- 17!

For the first time, the Pigs featured three complete men’s teams. The two twenty-five minute halves were good for the new guys on both clubs, and the old boys enjoyed the competition. We should have played a complete game. Both teams scored trys and played relatively clean rugby. With no time left, the Vancouver scrum stole a Pigs tight head and the 8 man scored under the posts for a one point victory.

Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub once again graciously hosted the Pigs, this time with three local rugby clubs. We appreciate their continued support.

Paul Campbell and Zeke Martinez have joined the coaching staff, helping develop the second and third division teams. We’re glad to have old boys return to the family.

2009 Captains

Congratulations to Josh Roll and Justin Burgin, the Portland Pigs first side captains. Josh is the team and backs captain as he shares duties between half back and inside center. Justin leads the pack from his flanker position.

Tsunami Pre-Season Matches

The Portland Rugby Club rotated 48 players against the Tsunami over 120 minutes of rugby at Westmoreland Park on Saturday August 29. Four 30 minutes periods allowed playing time for everyone. Several Pigs played for the Tsunami in the last period, which feature several participants new to rugby.

Set pieces improved dramatically from the Canadian road trip. Several new players made significant impacts, including Artie  of Persia at flanker and Steve at full back. Tactical kicking was rusty. Captain Josh Roll played outside center, moving from his familiar half back position. Coaches Cleve Larson and Royle Johnson were inspired by the play of second year player Daniel Ricci, who started at hooker for the opposition.

The referee was particularly tight on all infractions and managed play with an iron-fist. Following the letter of the laws was good for a pre-season game. One area of concern was the discipline. Pigs players argued with the referee, resulting in critical penalties. Even more disappointing was that senior starting players were at fault, which is unacceptable. The coaches are developing a code of player conduct to punish those back-chatting officials.

We were particularlly pleased with the Pig’s new third division team debut. Thank you Mike Staton and Ryan Lutz for organizing the side and hosting the after match BBQ.

Canadian Rugby Road Trip

The Portland Pigs brought 23 playes to Vancouver Island for a tune-up. Naniamo RFC, last year’s BC first division runner up, beat the Pigs 24-12. For many Portland ruggers it was their first experience playing at a proper rugby club facitlity with prestine fields, club house and showers. Immigration was cooperative both ways.

Patrick Donaldson and Tim Boyd scored tries for Portland. Defense around the loose fringes was less than organized. Set pieces needed improvment. Tackling was excellent as usual and all 23 men played. Our Canadian friends hosted us very well, and we look forward to a return tour by the Naniamo Hornets next season.

First week of training

Forty six players showed for the first training of the 2009-2010 campaign. More than half the attendees were new faces, but most had rugby experience.  Coach Cleve drilled basics and we ran hard. Numbers Thursday were lighter, closer to our normal 35 guys. Between the two sessions more 53 guys attended. We still haven’t seen all the regulars.

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Portland Enters Third Division Team

The executive committee voted last week to confirm the new third division side. In 2008-2009 playing time for second side forwards was reduced due to awesome numbers. Entering a side in the third division will allow continued club growth.

For young players transitioning for highschool, the competition will allow growth and fun without first/second side pressure. Players new to rugby will get safe, competitive matches to learn and grow in. Old boys always need game time! Those training more will be rewarded with increased game time. Unsure of our player count, we may be tapping old boys for help the inaugural half.

The third side core is lead by Michael Staton, who already leads a tournament team from “the West side.” 12 players from the touring outfit have committed to the new Pigs side.

To keep the entire club together, all three men’s sides will train together. Players can move from thirds to first side if chosen by the coaches. For most matches, the first side will be 22 players deep. These are obligated to one first side match on Saturday, followed by a seconds half. When travelling, the first/seconds squad might be 25 players.

On Thursdays, the match day 22 – 25 will be announced at training after full squad warm-ups. These players will work with one coach on continuity and match-day preparation. The remaining players will prepare for their opponent under the supervision and direction of another coach.

Portland Rugby Training Begins

Hope to see good numbers for our first training session on Tuesday at Washington Park. Be there ready to run at 6:30 and have tennis or turf shoes for the hard ground. Also bring plenty of water. Expect lots of running, ball handling and basics the first week.

For those competing for first team minutes, attendance at pre-season sessions is being recorded. For the Vancouver Island trip, these trainings are required.

Coach Cleve and I will accomodate players not contending for the first side when it comes to fitness training. When the 100 meter sessions start, old boys and third side players  players will be encouraged to safely do their best.

Washington Park Play Field

Looking forward to meeting new players, both competitive and third side.

Letter to Nigel Melville, USA Rugby CEO

Dear Mr, Melville,

You answered your own question in your blog today:

“In preparation for the June window this year, the domestic Eagles were playing in the Super League, but as we approach the November window, the players require competitive games that can put them in contention for Eagles places.”

Maybe something is wrong with the Super League? Only in the US does the top domestic competition not have relegation, or choose their nationals from regional representative sides.

Follow the Canadian model and make the Super League a regional representative side, not a club based. There are several Shawn Pittmans and Kevin Sweryns in Portland and Boise. They would play representative ball, and get viewed by Eddie O’Sullivan and his squad.

The Super League isn’t so super. The last two Div 2 winners – East Palo Alto and Red Mountain – are stronger sides a couple Super League teams I’ve seen play.

There is always talk of relegation in the Super League, but the wealthy clubs who threw in the 25k initially somehow end the conversation.

The Super League is the #1 reason for poor Eagle performance the past decade.

In my opinion you’re doing a good job communicating with the rugby community, and I like the moves you’ve made. The Super League old boy network is strong (and wealthy) that I doubt relegation will happen anytime soon.

Respectfully,

Royle Johnson
Portland Oregon

PNRFU: USA Win Over Canada Features Bellingham’s Pittman

Bellingham native Shawn Pittman has quickly cemented a spot at tight head prop for the Eagles with a strong performance against Canada today. Solid in the scrums, Pittman also showed good mobility within the domainating US pack. He was an engine room players, consistently moving forward and maintaining possession.

Pittman’s upside is exciting to watch (thank you ESPN) and he has a legitamate shot to start through the 2011 Rugby World Cup. PNRFU highschool products in the Eagles camp have not stayed long recently. Seattle native Jeremy Nash pulled the Eagles jersey on for a few matches, but didn’t become a regular fixture (scrum half playing outside back). Scott Lavalla from Olympia’s Budd Bay program is in the Eagles mix now as a back up #8, and will have more opportunities to catch up with Pittman.

Only 14 months ago Pittman played against our own Portland Pigs in a league match for the visiting Chuckanut Bay Goeducks. Playing #8 instead of prop, he was not the dominate destroyer a future Eagle should have been. Has playing in the British Columbia Premier league for Bayside improved his play that much? Maybe the Eagles six week’s together this summer has made the difference.

The point is Oregon and Washington youth rugby are producing high-caliber players, and there are probably several more in the youth leagues now. My bet is that Chuckanut’s U-14 program has an Eagle or two in the making; they won the BC championship!