Blues roll over KC Rogues, and KC RFC, in non-conference action The Blues played their first local games of the fall season this past Saturday, as Head Coach Aseri Batiratu’s boys squared off against KC RFC (D1) and the KC Rogues (Developmental) on 9/7/13 in non-conference action at Shawnee Mission North District Stadium. A long-standing and often heated rivalry since the 1960’s, the Blues and City squared off multiple times per year until the early 2000’s, and had not played each other since the fall of 2009. The Rogues, a 5 year-old Division 3 Club, have had some good battles with the Blues in D3 matches and in 7s over the past few years, and merged with City over the summer. In the 2:00pm match, the Blues Developmental side jumped all over the Rogues despite the 100-degree heat, running away with a one-sided 39-10 victory. Lead by center and captain Mike Scoma, the Blues had a balanced attack that saw the forwards and backs exploit the Rogues’ apparent fitness issues en route to some exciting tries. Bubba George lead from the front in the forwards, with fullback Eirik Hartley accounting for 13 points with his boot. A number of young players made their debut for the Blues Developmental side, including Tyler Zoz (Iowa State Univ.) at center, Jesse Tapia (Benedictine Univ.) at flanker, and Joe Hopfinger (KC Jr. Blues) at wing. The most notable debut for the Blues Developmental side would have to be Bayo Adio. The 6’5 wing is a former track star at Northwest Missouri State, and scored 2 tries for the Blues on Saturday. In the 4:00pm match, the Blues D1 side kept things rolling, picking up where the Developmental side left off and cruising to a 47-19 victory over KC RFC. Unfortunate injuries to lock Paul Joran and scrumhalf Casey Cummings, combined with some chippy play around the breakdowns and the stifling heat, slowed their attack somewhat and made for a sloppy, stop-start opening half. However, center and captain Conner Smith was able to keep the Club focused, leading the way with 2 tries of his own as the Blues went out to a 20-3 lead by the break. Fullback Ed Mills was dangerous all day with ball in hand and with his foot, creating a number of line breaks that saw wings Kenny Scott and Joe D’Agostino, and reserve center Tyler Hodges finish in the try zone. A very strong scrum, and a number of impactful substitutions in the 2nd half allowed the Blues to keep the pressure on, and run in 8 total tries on the day to close out City. Other notables from the game include Jay Allen’s first start in the backline since 2011 at center, and flanker James Clarke (KC Jr. Blues) putting in an inspiring performance in his first D1 start for the Blues. Across town, two collegiate sides that the Blues are very close to played to a thrilling 34-34 tie, as UMKC hosted UCM in a Gateway Collegiate Conference matchup. The Blues have a few players, Bubba George & Brendan Murphy, who are helping coach the UMKC program and have built a great relationship with UCM as well over the past few years by hosting annual coaching clinics with the club. Richie Diaz and Aaron Dzik controlled the game from 9 & 10 for UMKC, and the midfield combination of KC Doan and Sean McDonough (KC Jr. Blues) continuously broke the gainline throughout a game that saw 3 lead changes in the final 6 minutes. This weekend, the Blues D1 side travels to Columbus, OH to take on Columbus RFC (2-0), in a Thunderbird Conference matchup. The Blues Developmental side will head to Warrensburg, MO for a friendly with UCM RFC. On September 21st, the Blues will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 1993 & 1994 Final Four teams, honoring all players from those sides (15s and 7s) at halftime of the D1 match. The Club will be hosting a full day of rugby at Swope Park, as the Club takes on the Milwaukee Barbarians. Blues Developmental Roster vs. KC Rogues – 9/7/13 1. Chuck Henson 2. Nathan Foster 3. Chris Nugent 4. Brendan Murphy 5. Brian Klinzing 6. Jesse Tapia 7. Jim Eftink 8. Bubba George 9. John Knutsen 10. Tyler Hodges 11. Joe Hopfinger 12. Mike Scoma © 13. Tyler Zoz 14. Bayo Adio 15. Eirik Hartley Substitutes 16. Zach Hildebrand 17. Steve Jackman 18. Zach Kerr 19. Austin Watts Blues D1 Roster vs. KC RFC – 9/7/13 1. Colin McFarland 2. Panama Hoover 3. Ross Sua 4. Keith Hicks 5. Paul Joran 6. James Clarke 7. Lloyd Saunders 8. Brodie Orth 9. Casey Cummings 10. Kelly Mercer 11. Kenny Scott 12. Jay Allen 13. Conner Smith © 14. Joe D’Agostino 15. Ed Mills Substitutes 16. Jim Eftink 17. Chris Nugent 18. John Knutsen 19. Chuck Henson 20. Bubba George 21. Eirik Hartley 22. Tyler Hodges
Posted on: Mon, 09 Sep 2013 20:12:36 +0000
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