ALL HIGH SCHOOL PLAYERS SHOULD BE AT BISHOP SHANAHAN HIGH SCHOOL BY NO LATER THAN 11:15 A.M. ON SUNDAY!!! 

The various coaches agreed that we will start the tournament at 11:00AM to end as early as possible for Mothers Day dinners.

D1 Rankings are: 1- Shanahan, 2- Downingtown, 3-Conestoga, 4- Coatesville; 5-Valley Forge; 6-West Chester East; 7-Unionville, 8-WhiteHorse

D2 Rankings are:  1-Henderson; 2-Shanahan; 3-Valley Forge; 4-Downingtown

So the schedule will be:

11:00AM -

Field 1:  Shanahan vs Coatesville

Field 2:  Downingtown vs Conestoga.  

Upper field:  Valley Forge vs Whitehorse

12:15 PM -

Field 1:  Henderson vs Downingtown

Field 2:  Shanahan vs Valley Forge

Upper Field:  West Chester East vs Unionville

1:30 PM -

Field 1:  D1 final

Field 2:  D1 3rd place match 

Upper Field:  Winner of Valley Forge/Whitehorse vs. Winner of Unionville/WCEast

2:45 PM:

D2 Final & 3rd place

Penn State University Women's Rugby Team ran away with the match against Stanford on Saturday at USA Rugby's National Guard College Championships, containing the home team's speed and scoring 39 consecutive points on the reigning champions to walk away with a 46-7 victory and clinching their fifth Championship title in 13 years.

In what has become a true rivalry between these two teams, Penn State marks its second win against Stanford in their last five meetings in the Championship finals at Steuber Rugby Stadium, and secures the biggest margin of victory since Stanford’s 53-6 beating of PSU in 2005.

“The key to our success this year has definitely been our defense,” PSU’s Coach Pete Steinberg said. “We’ve been working with defensive specialist Peter Baggetta and I think you can definitely see the hard work paying off.”

In fact, in the past seven playoff games, Penn State has only allowed three tries; and following Stanford’s one and only try against PSU in the 15th minute of the match, the Penn State Lady Ruggers stifled the typically perilous Cardinal offense.  

“Once we were able to shut down their game in the first half, we knew we could wear them down and then get around them,” Steinberg added. “We have learned how to play more physically during our tours to South Europe and I think we were able to do just that. We also had a bit more depth in our roster, providing we were able to rest a few players yesterday.”

Penn State proved that they had a lot of gas left in their tank and as Stanford found itself down players in the second half due to yellow cards, PSU capitalized and scored five tries in the last 25 minutes of the match.

“The balance of power lied with them,” Stanford’s Coach Jonathan Griffin said. “Penn State just plain out-played us today. We showed a lot of character, but they were the better team.”

The USA U-20 men finished second in the International Rugby Board World Junior Rugby Trophy tournament, played in Nairobi, Kenya.

In the championship match, played today, Romania scored two late tries through Marian Pirvu and Stefan Patrascu to finally break the deadlock and be crowned IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy 2009 champions with a 25-13 victory over USA.

Final pool standings appear below:

Pool A

Team	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	TF	TA	BP	PTS
USA	3	2	0	1	125	72	18	8	4	12
Kenya	3	2	0	1	117	54	18	7	3	11
Namibia	3	2	0	1	150	53	23	8	2	10
Cayman Islands	3	0	0	3	22	235	1	37	0	0

Middle School: 

1. West Shore is unable to play on Saturday so there will be no Saturday match. 

2. I'm very happy about this because we need to practice ... Here's why.  The emerging playoff structure for May 9 will involve the top 4 teams playing one another and the bottom 3 playing one another.  We need to beat Conestoga on Sunday in order to retain our position in the top 4.  I want us to be ready. 

3.  Saturday practice will be from 10 am - noon at Pocopson.  Please make every effort to be there.

4.  Our Sunday game against Conestoga will begin immediately after the high school game.  Players should arrive no later than 2:30 pm at Hillendale.

High School:

1.  We will have practice from noon - 1:30 pm on Saturday at Pocopson.  This is an important practice -- the last of the year, so we need to get ready for Conestoga and the league tournament.

2. Match against Conestoga kicks off at 2 pm on Sunday at Hillendale.  Players should arrive no later than 1 pm.

See you all tomorrow,

Curt

Congratulations to all 3 teams on a great stadium game event!  3-0 for the night!  Well done!

And thank you to the many parents who assisted in one of the great food events of the year.  Job well done on the (count 'em) three grills that were going.

Regarding practice tomorrow (Saturday) ... 

Middle School Boys:  10 a.m. until noon

High School Boys:  Noon until 1:15 p.m. (shortened practice)

High School Girls:  2:00 until 4:00 p.m.

ALSO, AND THIS IS A PLEA FOR HELP, WE WILL NEED TO RELINE THE HILLENDALE FIELD.  I INTEND TO DO THAT AT ABOUT 4 P.M. ON SATURDAY.  IF ANYONE IS ABLE TO COME ASSIST, PLEASE DO.  IT WON'T BE AS BAD (I HOPE) AS THE ORIGINAL LAYOUT, BUT MANY OF THE LINES WILL HAVE BEEN LOST.

Here is the up to the minute information regarding this Friday's stadium games at Unionville High School Stadium ...

All stadium game matches are proceeding.  Only one note of caution:  There have been playability issues on UHS and CFPMS fields the past few days.  With today's glorious weather and tomorrow's even more glorious weather, I am hopeful that we will not have any such issues.  Nonetheless, check the website tomorrow afternoon just to be on the safe side. 

Assuming the field is okay

Middle School Boys:  5:15 kick-off vs. TE Tigers / Conestoga (Confirmed)

High School Girls:  6:15 kick-off vs. Rustin Girls  (Confirmed)

High School Boys:  7:45 kick-off vs. Henderson Boys (Confirmed)

As a result of the weather-related stuff we encounter almost every year, the schedule has turned a bit topsy-turvy.  The following is the schedule (both firm and tentative) for the remainder of the season.  IF THINGS CHANGE, I WILL LET YOU KNOW AS SOON AS I KNOW.

BE SURE TO CHECK THE WEBSITE AND YOUR EMAIL FREQUENTLY FOR FURTHER UPDATES.

Curt

CHECK THE WEBSITE AND EMAIL ON TUESDAY FOR FINAL CONFIRMATION

MATCHES:

FRIDAY, APRIL 17:  STADIUM GAME (CONFIRMED) AT 5:15 P.M. (ARRIVE 45 MINUTES BEFORE IF POSSIBLE) AT UNIONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

SATURDAY, APRIL 25 @ 4:00 P.M. (FIRM.  ARRIVE AT 3:00 P.M.):  AWAY LEAGUE MATCH VS. CUMBERLAND VALLEY AT CUMBERLAND VALLEY

SATURDAY, MAY 2 (TENTATIVE):  HOME MAKE-UP LEAGUE MATCH WITH WEST SHORE.  We are targeting a late morning (10:30 a.m.) kick off.  We will verify the field (Hillendale, Pocopson, or somewhere else) once the time is set, but this is a HOME match.

SUNDAY, MAY 3 @ 4:00 P.M. (FIRM.  ARRIVE AT 3:00 P.M.):  HOME LEAGUE MATCH VS. T/E TIGERS AT HILLENDALE ELEMENTARY.  The HS boys are also at home with a 2 p.m. kick-off.  The middle school match will begin immediately after the completion of the 1st and 2nd side high school boys matches.  Actual kick-off time will depend on the duration of these matches.

SATURDAY, MAY 9 (CONFIRMED).  MIDDLE SCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT AT VALLEY FORGE MIDDLE SCHOOL.  This is the championship tournament -- a grand finale for the MS season.  Expect most of the day with at least two matches.  We will be very competitive.  (The league is trying to confirm ref coverage.  Once done, schedule will be locked down.)

PRACTICES:

SATURDAY, APRIL 18 AT 10:00 A.M. AT POCOPSON (This is a VERY important practice)

MATCHES:

FRIDAY, APRIL 17:  STADIUM GAME (CONFIRMED) AT 7:45 PM. (ARRIVE 1 HOUR BEFORE KICK-OFF) AT UNIONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

SUNDAY, APRIL 19 @ 2:00 P.M. (FIRM.  ARRIVE AT 1:00 P.M.):  HOME LEAGUE MATCH VS. BISHOP SHANAHAN AT HILLENDALE

SUNDAY, APRIL 26 @ 2:00 P.M. (FIRM.  ARRIVE AT 1:00 P.M.):  AWAY LEAGUE MATCH VS. COATESVILLE AT COATESVILLE

SUNDAY, MAY 3 @ 2:00 P.M. (FIRM.  ARRIVE AT 1:00 P.M.):  HOME LEAGUE MATCH VS. CONESTOGA AT HILLENDALE

THURSDAY, MAY 7 @ 5:00 P.M. (FIRM).  FIRST ROUND OF DIVISION TOURNAMENT.  LOCATION AND OPPONENT TO BE DETERMINED BY FINAL STANDINGS.

SUNDAY, MAY 10.  (FIRM).  BRANDYWINE DIVISION TOURNAMENT.  PLAN FOR SEVERAL MATCHES THAT DAY.  FINAL SCHEDULE WILL BE DETERMINED BY HOW WE DO ON MAY 7.

PRACTICES:

SATURDAY, APRIL 18 AT NOON AT POCOPSON (This is a VERY important practice).  If we play on April 17, it will be a 1 hour practice.  Otherwise, we will spend the full two-hours together.

SATURDAY, APRIL 25 AT 11:00 AT POCOPSON.  The earlier start time is due to the middle school match later that day.

SATURDAY, MAY 2 AT NOON AT POCOPSON.  Note:  Practice time may change slightly based on final start time of the middle school match that day.

SATURDAY, MAY 9 (TENTATIVE) WITH TIME TBD.

We've received confirmation from Doylestown that today's Middle School match will be played.

There will NOT be a high school boys practice today.

Curt

UCFSD has indicated that due to the heavy rain this week and forecasts for more rain, all fields are closed this weekend.  This means, for the boys at least, the following:

a.  NO MS OR HS BOYS PRACTICES THIS WEEKEND

b.  THE MS GAME ON SUNDAY WILL BE RESCHEDULED.

HS girls should consult Kim for guidance.

Curt

Many thanks to Greg Hartley for his photos of the Middle School matches!  Just follow the links below:

Unionville MS vs. Hempfield:  http://www.dotphoto.com/go.asp?l=hartleyfamilyphotos&P=&AID=5785853&CID=2160825&T=1&E=Y&ILD=4974594

Unionville MS vs. Downingtown:  http://www.dotphoto.com/go.asp?l=hartleyfamilyphotos&P=&AID=5779401&CID=2160825&T=1&E=Y&ILD=4967108

In light of the change in the Middle School match (see below), the following is the schedule for this weekend:

Saturday, March 28:

Middle School:  Arrive at Hempfield at 10 a.m.  (1 hour, 15 minute transit time from Pocopson).  Kick off is at 11 a.m.  TIMELY ARRIVAL IS IMPORTANT.

High School Boys:  Practice is moved to 4 p.m. at Pocopson (immediately after the girls' practice)

Sunday, March 29:

Middle School Boys:  No practice.  

High School Boys:  Away match at Valley Forge.  Arrive at 1 p.m. (Kick off is at 2 p.m.)  Both our sides will play.

===================================
Directions to Valley Forge
===================================

Holy Ghost Orthodox Catholic Church

Arrangements have been finalized for this weekend's middle school match against Hempfield.  This one has been a struggle.  I apologize for the late change.

Match time:  SATURDAY, MARCH 28

Players should arrive at 10 AM (Kick off is at 11 am)

Location: 

 

Total Time: 1 hour 11 minutes

Total Distance: 48.47 miles

1:  Start out going SOUTH on POCOPSON RD toward W STREET RD/PA-926. 0.1 mi 2:  Turn RIGHT onto W STREET RD/PA-926. 8.3 mi 3:  Keep RIGHT at the fork to go on PA-926. 0.1 mi 4:  Turn LEFT onto W STREET RD/PA-926. 5.1 mi 5:  Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto GAP NEWPORT PIKE/PA-41. Continue to follow PA-41. 9.4 mi 6:  PA-41 becomes NEWPORT PIKE. 3.0 mi 7:  Take US-30 W. 21.4 mi 8:  Take the exit toward CENTERVILLE. 0.3 mi 9:  Turn RIGHT onto CENTERVILLE RD. 0.8 mi 10:  End at 865 Centerville Rd Lancaster, PA 17601-1413

B: 865 Centerville Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601-1413

Total Time: 1 hour 11 minutesTotal Distance: 48.47 miles

1.  Saturday Practices

All practices will be held at the regular time at Pocopson Elementary.

-- Middle School:  10 a.m. until noon

-- High School Boys:  Noon until 2 p.m.

-- High School Girls:  2 p.m. until 4 p.m. 

2.  Matches this Sunday

-- Middle School Boys:  (League Match)  Unionville vs. Downingtown at Hillendale Elementary School.  All players should arrive by no later than 3 p.m.  (Kick off is at 4 p.m.)  Middle School players are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to arrive at 2 p.m. to watch the High School Boys match.

-- High School Boys:  (League Match) Unionville vs. White Horse at Hillendale Elementary School.  All players should arrive no later than 1 p.m.  (A-side kick off is at 2 p.m.  Second side kicks off immediately after final whistle of the A-side match.)

-- High School Girls:  (League Match)  Unionville vs. Downingtown at Downingtown.  Check with Coach Daly for time and location details.

3.  Game social on Sunday. 

         For those new to the sport, the social side of the game is a critical part of what goes on.  Typically, we try, as the host team, to have a BBQ going (usually with hot dogs, and sometimes sausage and/or burgers), drinks (e.g., water, Gatorade), and other finger food (e.g., chips, cookies, and, heaven forbid, even some healthy stuff).  The club supplies the meats, buns, condiments, charcoal, and drinks.  Generally, we have parents bring the finger food to create an appropriate spread.

         Two requests here for High School Boys and Middle School families.  First, please actually bring the finger food.  Second, we will need parents to volunteer to help set up and man the food station (and to do the cooking on BBQ).  The good news is that there will be one burst of activity when the match concludes.

         Finally – and this is not a request, but rather an expectation – players should expect to spend 20 to 30 minutes after the match getting to know the players from Cumberland Valley.  We’re going to be playing matches against these guys for as many as 7 years.  It’s time to get to know them on a personal level.  Same goes for parents.  Let’s honor the social aspects of this glorious sport.

4.  Game Kit 

It is important that all players arrive at the match with appropriate equipment.  You MUST have your mouthguard.  You must have rugby boots (with no toe cleat) -- this was closely checked in our week 1 matches.  You must have rugby shorts.  (Jersey will be provided.)

Let's play well this weekend!  Come ready to play.

Curt

Middle School Boys: Practice at Hillendale from 4 to 5:30 on Sunday, March 15.  Middle School boys are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to come watch the high school boys match against West Chester East.  Kick-off is at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 15 at Hillendale.  It is a great opportunity to watch the game live and to cheer on the Unionville boys. 

High School Boys Sunday match against West Chester East has been moved to Hillendale.  East was not able to play on its field this weekend and the league directed that the match be moved to Hillendale.  Check the website for further developments.  Let me reinforce the need for help in setting up the field on Saturday afternoon.

High School boys Saturday practice is as planned at noon on Saturday.

We are about to be off and running.  This weekend will feature a ton of activity – and there is a lot to do.  Please read this message completely.

1.  Field Preparation

The Middle School program will have its first match of the year on Sunday, March 15 at 4:30 p.m.  (More on that below.)

This means that we will need to carry out the annual “Laying Out of the Hillendale Pitch” event.  Always comedic to watch grown men try to create a properly-sized rectangle, I am confident that this year’s version will be no different.

We need help with this on Saturday, March 14.  Every team (high school boys, high school girls, and middle school) will benefit from this one-time setup effort.  So I am hopeful that individuals from all levels will be present to help.

The group will convene at Hillendale at 4:30 p.m. and continue until the field is lined or a scrum is formed.  (It is a 2 to 3 hour event that, happily, only has to happen once each season.)  Please, please, please join if you are able to help out.

2.  Schedules are now posted

The most recent schedules for all Unionville Rugby sides – middle school, high school boys, and high school girls – are now posted on the U-Rugby website (www.eteamz.com/unionvillerugby).  We will make every effort to keep you informed of any subsequent changes.

3.  Middle School Match this Sunday

Cumberland Valley has agreed to a non-League U15 (middle school) match on Sunday at Hillendale.  Kick off is at 4:30 p.m.

Three things are extremely important for MS parents and players:

--      Practice on Saturday, which will be at Pocopson Elementary at 10 a.m. is crucial.  There are several critical skills (e.g., scummaging and lineouts) that we have not yet taught that we must teach.  These require a full group to be present.  Please be there dressed and ready at 10.  We will need the full session to get ready.

--      Game social on Sunday.  For those new to the sport, the social side of the game is a critical part of what goes on.  Typically, we try, as the host team, to have a BBQ going (usually with hot dogs, and sometimes sausage and/or burgers), drinks (e.g., water, Gatorade), and other finger food (e.g., chips, cookies, and, heaven forbid, even some healthy stuff).  The club supplies the meats, buns, condiments, charcoal, and drinks.  Generally, we have parents bring the finger food to create an appropriate spread.

         Two requests here for Middle School families.  First, please actually bring the finger food.  Second, we will need parents to volunteer to help set up and man the food station (and to do the cooking on BBQ).  The good news is that there will be one burst of activity when the match concludes.

         Finally – and this is not a request, but rather an expectation – players should expect to spend 20 to 30 minutes after the match getting to know the players from Cumberland Valley.  We’re going to be playing matches against these guys for as many as 7 years.  It’s time to get to know them on a personal level.  Same goes for parents.  Let’s honor the social aspects of this glorious sport.

--      Pre-game warmup.  Players should arrive at Hillendale Elementary at 3:30 p.m.  (There will, of course, be no Sunday practice earlier in the day.)  I will be late in arriving (since the high school boys are playing from 2:00 to 4:00 at West Chester East).  Please look to the coaches there for guidance on warmup. 

Every player will get playing time.  Please do not abuse this promise, however, by showing up just before match.  It is important that our guys get the full hour of pre-game preparation.

         I have high regard for the Cumberland Valley program.  They are well coached and share the developmental philosophy that we at Unionville strongly support. 

It is important that all players arrive at the match with appropriate equipment.  You MUST have your mouthguard.  You must have rugby boots (with no toe cleat).  You must have rugby shorts.  (Jersey will be provided.)

4.  High School Boys Match this Sunday

The High School Boys season commences this Sunday with a LEAGUE MATCH against West Chester East.  All high school boys should be at West Chester East at 1:00 p.m.  DO NOT BE LATE. 

(Kick-off on Sunday is at 2:00.  Second side play will commence immediately after the completion of the first side match.)

DIRECTIONS TO THE WC EAST PITCH WILL BE POSTED SHORTLY.

Also, it is essential that all high school boys be at practice on time on Saturday at Pocopson.  Practice commences at noon.

5.  High School Girls Match this Sunday

The High School Girls website shows the Unionville Girls playing Hempfield at Hempfield on Sunday at noon.  I will reach out tonight to Coach Daly to confirm arrangements and then update the website, if necessary.  Please stay tuned.

6.  Registration

If you wish to play this weekend and have not submitted your paperwork, you MUST get everything in order by no later than Saturday.  Let me be very clear about this:  no paperwork and you cannot play.  USA Rugby is very strict about this and we will abide fully by their directives.

I hope you all are as excited as I am about what lies ahead.  Come ready to play folks.  Let’s get out of the gate with great matches from everyone.

Curt

I had always believed that the phrase "South for the Winter" meant that one went to places like North Carolina to escape the cold of Pennsylvania.  What we learned from this year's trip to Wake Forest University is that the phrase references a trip south to encounter freezing rain, wind, and very Pennsylvania-like climate.

That said, Pat Kane and the good folks at WFU did a terrific job in hosting the 2nd annual High School Rugby Showcase.  Our guys had a terrific time, bonded well, and otherwise learned a thing or two about the game.  An excellent time, I believe, was had by all.

Note that the pitch upon which the "wet rats" photo below was taken was later under about 2 inches of water.  "Lake Wake" it was dubbed on the ride home.  Oh may it be spring before long ...

Weather permitting, the location of U-Rugby's practice for MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL BOYS on SUNDAY, MARCH 8 has been moved to the playing field of Brandywine Rugby Club.  (Many thanks to the Brandywine Rugby Club for their hospitality.)

Middle School Boys:  Noon until 1:30

High School Boys:  1:30 until 3:00

SINCE FOUL WEATHER IS IN THE FORECAST, PLEASE CHECK THE WEBSITE 1 HOUR BEFORE PRACTICE TIME FOR FINAL CONFIRMATION.  THE U-RUGBY WEBSITE IS www.eteamz.com/unionvillerugby

The address of Brandywine Rugby's Pitch is:

1830 Howellmoore Rd
West Grove, PA 19390

Directions appear below.

WE WILL HAVE A FULL SCRIMMAGE, SO PLEASE WEAR MATCH-READY EQUIPMENT (E.G., MOUTHGUARD, RUGBY BOOTS, RUGBY SHORTS).

Curt

From POCOPSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Take RT 926 WEST
Follow RT 926 WEST for ~11 miles
(Cross RTS 52 & 82 - At Newark Rd., Route 926 will jog first right, then left.  If you hit RT 841, then you've gone too far ... )
Turn LEFT onto HOWELLMORE ROAD
Follow HOWELLMORE ROAD for ~1 mile
Pitch is on the LEFT

YOU MUST PARK ON THE SAME SIDE OF THE ROAD AS THE FIELD.

This is a call for a videographer for the Wake Forest trip.  If a player or parent has a video camera that can be used to film our matches, please bring it with you.  I would like to do some film work on Saturday night after our matches.  Thanks.

Curt

Okay, we're nearly on the road.  Here are final instructions for High School boys making the trip:

1.  DEPARTURE

UHS has recommended that, in order to avoid the end-of-day crush, that we leave by 1:45.  In order to do this, you MUST take the following steps.

a.  Bring a parent note to the UHS Attendance Office (Patti McDonough) requesting an early dismissal.  USE 1:30 as the requested dismissal time.

b.  Convene at the UHS entrance nearest the gym.  (Same place we've met in prior years.)  DO NOT MESS AROUND.  GET THERE ASAP.

c.  Drivers should confirm that they have their assigned riders.  PLAYERS ARE INSTRUCTED TO RIDE AS ASSIGNED.  I DO NOT WANT ANYONE ACCIDENTALLY LEFT BEHIND.  I ALSO DO NOT WANT A DELAYED DEPARTURE BECAUSE WE CANNOT FIND SOMEONE.

Note for drivers:  If you are leaving at a time other than 1:45 p.m., please let me know that you intend to do so.  It is vital also that you contact the players that are riding with you to make arrangements.   It is my strong preference that we set out as a caravan.

If there are any problems, Mrs. Baker will be at UHS and I will be available by mobile phone (540-892-0869).

2.  WHAT TO BRING

a.  GEAR.  Mouthguard, rugby shorts, rugby socks, rugby boots, any other rugby gear you choose to wear (e.g., scrum caps).   I have the team jerseys with me.

b.  CLOTHING.  Remember that you represent UHS.  Casual dress is appropriate, but it must be in good taste.

c.  MONEY.  If you are sharing a room with another player, your hotel bill will be $70 to $75 (including taxes) in total.  We estimate food at about $10/meal.  (7 meals if you stop for dinner on Friday, 3 on Saturday, and 3 on Sunday).  So bring about $70.  If you have $150, you will be fine.

3.  HOTEL CHECK IN

The rooms are reserved, but not paid for.  You will make arrangements to settle up with the hotel when you check in.

4.  WEATHER

The weather forecast has been bouncing around the last couple of days.  Right now, there is rain in the forecast.  Temperatures will top out about 50 degrees.  Please be sure to take this into account when you pack.

5.  QUESTIONS

If you have questions, please call either Mrs. Baker (Home: 610-793-0539) or me (Mobile: 540-892-0869).  Even if it is wet, it is going to be a great weekend.

Curt

Unionville High School to Quality Inn & Suites Hanes Mall

A: Unionville High School: 750 Unionville Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348, (610) 347-1600

1:  Start out going SOUTH on UNIONVILLE RD/PA-82 toward IVYSTONE PL. 1.6 mi 2:  Merge onto US-1 S (Crossing into MARYLAND). 24.3 mi 3:  Turn LEFT onto MD-222 TRUCK/MD-276/JACOB TOME MEMORIAL HWY. Pass through 1 roundabout. 5.6 mi 4:  Turn LEFT onto MD-222 TRUCK/MD-275/PERRYLAWN DR. 2.5 mi 5:  Merge onto I-95 S via the ramp on the LEFT toward BALTIMORE (Portions toll). 65.9 mi 6:  Merge onto I-495 W/CAPITAL BELTWAY via EXIT 27 toward SILVER SPRING (Crossing into VIRGINIA). 30.1 mi 7:  Take the I-95 S exit, EXIT 57A, toward RICHMOND. 1.2 mi 8:  Merge onto I-395 S. 0.3 mi 9:  I-395 S becomes I-95 S. 118.1 mi 10:  Merge onto I-85 S via EXIT 51 toward DURHAM/ATLANTA (Crossing into NORTH CAROLINA). 171.0 mi 11:  Keep RIGHT to take I-40 BR W via EXIT 131 toward US-70/GREENSBORO/WINSTON-SALEM. 15.0 mi 12:  I-40 BR W becomes I-40 W. 22.0 mi 13:  Take the HANES MALL BLVD exit, EXIT 190. 0.2 mi 14:  Keep RIGHT at the fork to go on HANES MALL BLVD. 0.6 mi 15:  Turn LEFT onto SILAS CREEK PKWY/NC-67 W. 0.4 mi 16:  Turn RIGHT onto S HAWTHORNE RD. 0.1 mi 17:  End at 2008 S Hawthorne Rd Winston Salem, NC 27103-3030

B: Quality Inn & Suites Hanes Mall, 2008 S Hawthorne Rd, Winston Salem, NC 27103-3030

Total Time: 7 hours 51 minutesTotal Distance: 458.86 miles

Below is the FINAL ride list for Wake Forest (posted just after 9 p.m. on 2/26). 

Curt

RIDE LIST

Baker Car:  Chris Baker, Kevin Cattie, Jason Hodess

Ford Car:  Ryan Ford

Hunt Car:  Chris Hunt, Chris Ariza, Ben Andersen, Hunter Scales

Bloomfield Car:  Graeme Bloomfield, Trevor Bloomfield, Chris Ochs

Riley Car:  Connor Riley

Hayes Car:  Chris Hayes, Jackson Hyde

Caldwell Car:  Matthew Caldwell, Robbie McNew, Nate Henderson

Sanderson Car:  Daulton Sanderson, Troy Varrasse

D'Amico Car:  Mario D'Amico

Dell Car:  Spencer Dell, Al Cochran, Nick Jenny

Gatter Car:  Evan Gatter, Matthew Woislaw, Joey Alalou 

The FINAL rooming list for Wake Forest appears below. 

Curt

FINAL Room List

(Posted at 9:00 p.m. February 26, 2009)

PLEASE NOTE:  The Middle School and High School Boys practices will be at the Episcopal Church of the Advent today.  Parents who want to learn more about the game, its rules, and the approach we will be using on the playing field are encouraged to attend.

MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS:  12:30 to 1:30 -- INDOOR FILM AND CHALK TALK

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS:  1:30 to 3:00 -- INDOOR FILM AND CHALK TALK

ALSO VERY IMPORTANT FOR HIGH SCHOOL BOYS ... If you did not bring your sign up form yesterday for the Wake Forest trip, it is vital that you bring it today!  I have to provide rooming lists to the hotel on Monday.  (Parents ... we look to be a little short of drivers.  Please seriously consider making the trip.)  The sign up form is posted below.

Directions to the Episcopal Church of the Advent from Unionville High School:

SEE YOU ALL THERE!  If you get lost, call me on my mobile phone:  540-892-0869.

(Thanks to Jeff Gatter for making these arrangements.)

It's a cold, but beautiful day for rugby.  Regular practice times at Pocopson:

Middle School Boys:  10:00 a.m.

High School Boys:  Noon  (BE SURE TO BRING YOUR WAKE FOREST TRIP FORMS!!!)

High School Girls: 2:00 p.m.

Dates:

Hotel:

Match Schedule:

10:00 a.m. -- East Chapel Hill B vs. East Meck B (25 minute halves)
11:15 a.m. -- Each Chapel Hill A vs. East Meck A (25 minute halves)
12:30 p.m. -- Wake Forest vs. UNC-G
2:30 p.m. -- Unionville A vs. East Chapel Hill A (25 minute halves)
3:45 p.m. -- Unionville B vs. Triad (25 minute halves)

Sunday, March 1

9:00 a.m.:  Skills clinic by Wake Forest Coaching Staff for both East Meck & Unionville
10:00 a.m.: East Meck vs. Unionville (three 25 minute halves)

Transportation:

What You Should Budget:

Weekend practices are as follows (at Pocopson).  BE SURE TO BRING BOTH CLEATS AND FLAT-SOLED SHOES.  The school has reiterated the need to be careful to preserve field condition.

Saturday...

Middle School (10 to noon)

High School Boys (noon to 2)

High School Girls (2 to 4)

Sunday ...

Middle School (noon to 1:30)

High School Boys (1:30 to 3:00)

High School Girls (3 to 4:30)

With the good weather forecast, we will have practice this weekend at the regularly scheduled times; Saturday middle school 10-12,  high school boys 12-2, high school girls 2-4.  Sunday middle school noon-1:30; high school boys 1:30-3; high school girls 3-4:30.

We anticipate that the Pocopson field will not be in playable condition, so come prepared for parking-lot play (i.e. tennis shoes).  Please also bring your cleats. 

For the boys: be sure to bring your mouthguards.  We anticipate that we will be working on some tackling.  (Parents, expect muddy players at the end of practice).

As a side note, this weekend is my coaching recertification.  Middle School practice on Saturday will be run by Coach Sanderson, and on Sunday by Coach Ford.  High School boys will be run by Coach Sanderson on both Sat and Sun.

Curt

Today's practice will be on the blacktop - wear sneakers.

 Middle School - 12 - 1:30 pm

High School - 1:30 - 3:00 pm

 At Pocopson Elementary

Due to the cold and ice, Saturday's practice will be at the Pizza Peddler from 2:30 -4:15 pm

 News from Unionville Girls' Rugby:

With nothing but ice on the ground, 22 degree temperatures with a wind chill in the single digits, I have no choice but to cancel practice for today for the middle school and high school boys. 

We'll make an announcement on the girls' Saturday practice shortly.

Also, stay tuned for word on practices tomorrow.

 Curt

1.  The Unionville A2 HS boys will NOT (repeat NOT) play in the D3 tournament tomorrow (Saturday, May 10).  Our entry would have created a 5 team field which is a scheduling nightmare.

2.  Unionville A2 WILL (repeat WILL) play in the Brandywine Division championship, as will Shanahan 2.  This will create a 12 team field, broken into an upper 6 team bracket and a lower 6 team bracket.

Hence, our A2 team will be in the same bracket as Henderson, Rustin, and WC East.  New competition against whom we should be able to compete well. 

I believe the schedule will call for a Thursday evening (May 15) match and at least one match on Sunday (May 18).

As I mentioned before, with parent permission, rising 8th graders are also welcome to play in the tournament.

Sorry for any confusion this might cause.  Playoff time is always a challenge.

Curt

ORIGINAL Message from EPRU

Gentleman,

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR A1 GIRLS FOR THEIR HUGE WIN OVER CONESTOGA.  NEXT STOP:  THE EPRU CHAMPIONSHIPS AT NORTH PENN.  FIRST OPPONENT IS DOYLESTOWN.  (See below) 

2008 EPRU High School Girls Division I Tournament

April 27th- East

(Seeding in parenthesis)

Match 1- (8)Downingtown @ (1)Conestoga, Downington 5, Conestoga 36  

Match 2- (5) Valley Forge @ (4)Unionville, Valley Forge 5, Unionville 10

Match 3- (7)Wilmington @ (2)Doylestown, Wilmington 0, Doylestown 10, Forfeit

Match 4- (6)Blackthorn @ (3)North Penn, Blackthorn 10, North Penn 36

April 27th – West

(Seeding in parenthesis)

Match 1- (8)South Jersey@ (1)Hempfield, South Jersey 0, Hempfield 70

Match 2- (5)Cumberland Valley@ (4)Hibernians, Cumberland Valley 45, Hibernians 0

Match 3- (7)West Carroll@ (2)State College, West Carroll 5, State College 47

Match 4- (6)West Shore@ (3)Warwick, West Shore 19, Warwick 29

May 4th – East

(Site to be determined by seed)

Match 5- Winner of Match 1 vs. Winner of Match 2, Unionville @Conestoga, Unionville 18, Conestoga 3

Match 6- Loser of Match 1 vs. Loser of Match 2, Downington @ Valley Forge, Downingtown 0, Valley Forge 10, Forfeit, did play in a friendly with Blackthorn

Match 7- Winner of Match 3 vs. Winner of Match 4, North Penn @ Doylestown, North Penn 14, Doylestown 19

Match 8- Loser of Match 3 vs. Loser of Match 4, Wilmington @ Blackthorn, Wilmington 0, Blackthorn 10, Forfeit, did play in a friendly with Valley Forge

May 4th – West

(Site to be determined by seed)

Match 5 – Winner of Match 1 vs. Winner of Match 2, Cumberland Valley @ Hempfield, Cumberland Valley 7, Hempfield 12

Match 6- Loser of Match 1 vs. Loser of Match 2, South Jersey @ Hibernains, South Jersey 12, Hibernians 43

Match 7- Winner of Match 3 vs. Winner of Match 4, Warwick @ State College, Warwick 20, State College 38

Match 8- Loser of Match 3 vs. Loser of Match 4, West Carroll @ West Shore, West Carroll 14, West Shore 10

May 11th – East

( EPRU DI & DII Tournament Championship & Consolation hosted by North Penn)

Match 9-    Winner of Match 5 vs. Winner of Match 7 ( Semi-Final & East Championship),

Match 10 – Loser of Match 5 vs. Loser of  Match 7,

Match 11-  Winner of Match 6 vs. Winner of Match 8,

Match 12 – Loser of Match 6 vs. Loser of  Match 8

Unionville's High School rugby teams had another outstanding week.

The Unionville girls advanced to the Eastern Pennsylvania Rugby Union (EPRU) League Championship match with a big 18-3 win on Sunday, May 4, over previously unbeaten Conestoga.  The playoff win improves the girls' season record to 5-2 and avenges an earlier 27-15 loss to Conestoga.  The win comes on the heels of last week's 10-5 playoff round victory over Valley Forge.  These are the first playoff wins in the history of the Unionville girls rugby program.

The Lady Indians will face perrenial powerhouse Doylestown in the Eastern Division Championship game, which will be played next Sunday, May 11, at North Penn's home pitch (on the Unisys grounds) in Blue Bell.  A win against Doylestown will qualify the Unionville girls for the Mid Atlantic Rugby Football Union (MARFU) championship tournament.


Meanwhile, the Unionville boys achieved their dream of going undefeated in EPRU League play by beating West Chester Rustin 63-0 on Sunday, May 4, at Rustin.  Unionville's boys thus improved their unblemished record to 8-0 in League play, 11-0 overall.  On the season, the Indians have outscored their opponents by a whopping 467-61.

The going will get tougher, however, as the playoffs begin.  The boys will face their nemesis, Bishop Shanahan, in the EPRU quarter-finals on Thursday, May 8 at 5:30 p.m. at Hillendale Elementary.  A win there will qualify the Unionville boys for the EPRU championship tournament on May 11, which will be held in Hempfield.  In the boys tournament, the four divisional champions will vie for the right to represent the EPRU in the high school boys' MARFU championship tournament.

SCORING SUMMARY OF UNIONVILLE BOYS VS. RUSTIN MATCH

1st half:
Unionville try by Hardy Stewart, conversion good by Joe Baker at 1 minute (7-0)
Unionville try by Dan Raube, conversion failed by Baker at 12 minutes (12-0)
Unionville try by Chris Karas, conversion failed by Baker at 17 minutes (17-0)
Unionville try by Ryan Neff, conversion good by Baker at 24 minutes (24-0)
Unionville try by Neff, conversion failed by Baker at 34 minutes (29-0)

2nd half:
Unionville try by Andrew Hollinger, conversion failed by Baker at 2 minutes (34-0)
Unionville try by Steven Taunk, conversion good by Baker at 6 minutes (41-0)
Unionville try by Karas, conversion good by Bill Howard at 13 minutes (48-0)
Unionville try by Colin Kipping-Ruane, conversion failed by Kipping-Ruane at 18 minutes (53-0)
Unionville try by Stewart, conversion failed by Howard at 23 minutes (58-0)
Unionville try by Taunk, conversion failed by Steve Berzon at 28 minutes (63-0)

This message is to provide an overview of the proceedings for this weekend.  I have work obligations in Roanoke that will prevent me from making the drive north.  Thanks in advance to those who are stepping in to assist while I am away.

SATURDAY PRACTICES:

Saturday practices will run as planned.  Boys (HS and MS) will run a little shorter than normal … about 90 minutes.

SUNDAY MATCHES:

High School Girls

Congratulations to the A1 girls for their huge win over Valley Forge – the first girls’ playoff win in Unionville history.  As a result, the High School Girls A1 team will play Conestoga at Conestoga.  Kick-off is listed as 12:00 p.m. 

The listed game location is YMCA Field in Berwyn (1416 Berwyn Paoli Road  Berwyn  PA  19312).  Directions are as follows:

From Route 202 take Route 252 South to Paoli
At the intersection of Rt 252 and Rt 30 turn left onto Rt 30 East
Go to next traffic light at Daylesford Train Station and turn right onto Glenn Avenue
Go to next intersection and turn right onto Berwyn Paoli Road
YMCA is on the left
Turn into main entrance and park in main parking lot
As you face the building, walk to the left and around to the back of the building
Field is in the back  

High School Boys

A.        The A1 (Gold) side will play Rustin at Rustin on Sunday.  Kick-off is at 2 p.m.  Players should arrive by 1:15.  Coach Matas will serve as my stand-in.  REMEMBER, WE NEED TO WIN THIS MATCH TO ACHIEVE OUR GOAL OF GOING UNDEFEATED IN EPRU LEAGUE PLAY.

The following players are assigned to this match:

            1^st Half:

            1:         Czymmek

            2:         Cattie

3.                  Ochs

4.                  Delaney

5.                  Brosius

6.                  Howard

7.                  Stewart

8.                  Karas

9.                  Kipping-Ruane

10.              Baker

11.              Taunk

12.              Geiger

13.              Goodall

14.              Neff

15.              Raube

Subs:

16.              Ely

17.              Hyde

18.              Bloomfield

19.              Hollinger

20.              Berzon

21.       Donaghy

2^nd Half (assuming coaches agree to sub-back for injury):

1:         Hyde

2.                  Karas

3.                  Czymmek

4.                  Ochs

5.                  Donaghy

6.                  Howard

7.                  Ely

8.                  Stewart

9.                  Kipping-Ruane

10.              Goodall

11.              Taunk

12.              Geiger

13.              Bloomfield

14.              Hollinger

15.              Berzon

Directions to Bayard Rustin High School (1100 Shiloh Road; West Chester, PA 19382):

Follow Route 926 (Street Road) across 202 and proceed East

Continue on Route 926 East about 2 miles to the traffic light at Shiloh Road

Make a left onto Shiloh Road
The main entrance will be on the left

B.        The A2 (Blue) side has had a change in opponent.  This is an EPRU D3 League match against Narberth.  (We are NOT playing Doylestown as was originally scheduled.)  Kick-off is at 3 p.m.  Players should arrive by 2:00.

            All players not assigned to the A1 (Gold) match are to play in this match.  Coaches Gatter and Sanderson will lead the team.  THIS IS OUR FINAL LEAGUE MATCH.  IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE FINISH OUR LEAGUE SCHEDULE WITH A STRONG PERFORMANCE.

Directions to Narberth Ball Park (13 Haverford Avenue; Narberth, PA 19072)

Get on Route 202 North toward King of Prussia
Take the Devon Park Drive/I-76 East exit toward Philadelphia
Merge onto I-76 East
Take exit 338 for Belmont Avenue toward Green Lane
Turn right at Belmont Avenue
Turn right at Rock Hill Road
Turn right at Conshohocken State Road
Turn left at Manayunk Road
Turn right at Bryn Mawr Avenue
Turn left at South Woodbine Avenue
Turn left at Iona Avenue
Turn right at Haverford Avenue to 13 Haverford Avenue
and Narberth Ball Park

            Travel time is about 40 minutes from Route 926 and 202.

Middle School Boys

The middle school side has a cool finale to its regular season.  A round-robin has been set up against Cumberland Valley and Hempfield.  We’ll get two matches.  Kick-off is at 11:30 a.m. at Hempfield’s home pitch (which, happily, is a lot closer than CV’s home pitch).  Players should arrive by 10:45.  Coach Ford will lead the charge for the Unionville middle schoolers.  Matches will be concluded by no later than 2:30.

            Directions to Hempfield’s Field (Silver Spring Park) from Pocopson Elementary School:

1.      Follow 926 West for 13.5 miles (At about the ½ way mark, 926 jogs to the right and then makes a quick left.  Follow the signs.)  (13.5. miles)

2.      Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto GAP NEWPORT PIKE/ PA-41. Continue to follow PA-41. (12.4 miles)

3.      Take US-30 WEST (21.4 miles)

4.      Take the exit toward CENTERVILLE (0.3 miles)

5.      Turn RIGHT onto CENTERVILLE RD. (0.3 miles)

6.      Turn LEFT onto MARIETTA AVE/ MARIETTA PIKE/ PA-23 (2.5 miles)

7.      Turn LEFT onto IRONVILLE PIKE (0.1 miles)

8.      End at Silver Spring Park, 2850 Ironville Pike Columbia, PA 17512

This means, in a nutshell, that we will play Shanahan at home on THURSDAY, MAY 8.  Make sure you clear your calendars for this match!

------------------------------------------

Coaches,

We will be completing the regular season this Sunday. It is imperative that you
have completed all your regular season matches by Sunday so that we can proceed
with the EPRU Quarterfinals for both Club and high school teams.  Please make
CERTAIN that all your match scores are reported to your District Coordinators by
this Sunday evening.

The EPRU Standings Web site is the final statement of rankings.  It takes into
account Head-to-Head match results, the rest is based on the differentials
rankings which include number of try's scored as well as the match scores of
Points Scored and Points Given Up.

1)The 2008 Quarterfinals will be held at the home pitch of the higher ranked
team.  All Quarterfinal matches will be completed as agreed upon at our meeting
last December.  Consequently the 1st and 2nd ranked  HS/Club teams within each
District will have their Quarterfinal EPRU match Thursday evening 8 May.  Teams
winning Thursday evening will proceed to their respective semi-final matches at
the Hempfield site for Sunday 11 May.  This process was agreed upon to limit
travel for the Thursday evening match within District boundaries.  We can review
this process for 2009.

2) All teams participating in the playoffs MUST be in good standing with the
EPRU.  EG Dues paid, CIPP compliant, Coaches certified, etc.  Failure to meet
EPRU/USA Rugby requirements will disqualify teams from Championship play.

3) Boys HS/U19 Playoffs   Match Duration = two 30-minute halves if one daily
match or two 25-minute halves for multi-matches on same day (May 11
Championships).  As a group we have never changed our standard policy on 30
minute halfs, although in regular season play coaches have been given the option
to play 35 minute halfs.  With several matches for playoff teams - Th/-Sunday we
will adhere to our 30 minute half policy for quarterfinals.

Tied Match - Extra Time (overtime) Policy is below.

USA Rugby Knock-out Competition Extra Time Policy, Revised and adopted April 14,
2006

The extra time protocol for Under 19 competitions will be as follows:

1. Match is not decided in regulation time (ends in a tie score), the team
with the greater number of tries will be declared the winner.

2. If the match is still not decided (teams have equal number of tries), the
team with the greater number of converted tries will be declared the winner.

3. If the match is still not decided (teams have equal number of converted
tries), the winner will be determined by a penalty shoot-out between the two
teams to take place as follows:

         i)    The kicks at goal should be part of the match and be the
responsibility of the referee. The touch judges and match commissioner may help
the referee. Before the kicks at goals, the two captains shall toss a coin to
decide which goal posts and toss again to decide who will kick first.  The match
commissioner may move the penalty shoot-out to another field if necessary to the
competition schedule.

         ii)    The first series will consist of five placed kicks taken on the
22 meter line in front of the posts. The kicks at goal will be taken, for each
Team, by each of the five players, nominated by the Captains, who were on the
field of play at the end of that match. In the event of an injury, a player
initially nominated to kick, may be replaced however his replacement shall be a
player who was on the field of play at the end of that match. The five players
shall take it in turns to kick at goal. Teams will alternate: Team A, Team B,
Team A, Team B, etc.

         iii)    In the event of a tie after the first series of kicks at goal,
additional kicks shall be taken, still from the 22 meter line in front of the
posts, alternatively by each Team, until one Team has an advantage for the same
number of kicks taken.

         iv)    Each of these additional kicks shall be taken by a different
player who did not participate in the first series of kicks

4) Division 3 will have their year end Tournament at Bishop Shanahn on May 10th
as stated in the season schedule.  A new schedule for the final matches this
Sunday will be sent to all D3 teams later today.  Most have already received the
updated schedule.  There will be a $50 team entry fee to cover referee expenses.

If you have any questions please contact your District Coordinator or me.


Best regards to all.

Greg Karabin

In a battle of unbeatens, the Unionville High School boys rugby team seized sole possession of first place in the Eastern Pennsylvania Rugby Union (EPRU) Brandywine Division with a thrilling, come from behind, 29-22 victory over Valley Forge.

Players on both teams had long before circled April 27 on their calendars as the match of the season.  Neither side disappointed, delivering a match that will be talked about for years.

The Indians displayed early nerves, and Valley Forge capitalized, scoring two quick tries and racing to a 10-0 lead after just 8 minutes of play.  There was understandable concern on the Unionville sideline.

UHS quickly recovered, however, showing great resiliency.  At the 11 minute mark, Outside Center Alex Goodall broke through the Valley  Forge defense and touched the ball down for a try.  Joe Baker’s conversion made it 10-7 and the Indians were back in the match.

Four minutes later, UHS tied the contest at 10-10 when Baker split the uprights with a 35 meter penalty kick.

The Indians finally got their first lead at the 23 minute mark when Chris Karas bulled his way into the try zone.  With Baker’s conversion, the match went into halftime at 17-10, with Unionville having scored 17 unanswered points.

The second half started just like the first, with a Unionville gaffe leading to a Valley Forge try.  Unable to convert for the third consecutive time – kicking now clearly Valley Forge’s Achilles heel – the Indians lead narrowed to 17-15.

It was here that the match turned.  Valley Forge, clearly tiring at about the midway mark of the second half, committed three crucial penalties.  Each time, Joe Baker went for points and converted.  20-15 at 14 minutes.  23-15 at 19 minutes.  26-15 at 21 minutes.

In the frantic final 10 minutes of the match, Valley Forge capitalized on a Unionville mistake and pushed in their fourth try of the day.  After the Valley Forge line judge generously ruled a 3-meter-wide-of-the-goalpost kick good, the score stood at 26-22 with 5 minutes left. 

Unperturbed, the Indians sealed the deal.  Unionville gained possession and calmly drove down the field.  Valley Forge, in desperation, committed a penalty and Joe Baker again went for points.  He again split the uprights for a 29-22 lead. 

The referee’s whistle followed and a joyous celebration began.

Unionville is now 10-0 (7-0 in EPRU league play) and in sole possession of first place.

The team’s final league match will be played at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 4^th against Rustin at Rustin.

Scoring Summary 

1st Half:
Valley Forge try, conversion failed at 3 minutes (0-5)
Valley Forge try, conversion failed at 8 minutes (0-10)
Unionville try by Goodall, conversion good by Baker at 11 minutes (7-10)
Unionville penalty kick good by Baker at 15 minutes (10-10)
Unionville try by Karas, conversion good by Baker at 23 minutes (17-10)

2nd Half:
Valley Forge try, conversion failed at 4 minutes (17-15)
Unionville penalty kick good by Baker at 14 minutes (20-15)
Unionville penalty kick good by Baker at 19 minutes (23-15)
Unionville penalty kick good by Baker at 21 minutes (26-15)
Valley Forge try, conversion good at 25 minutes (26-22)
Unionville penalty kick good by Baker at 31 minutes (29-22)

FINAL SCORE: UNIONVILLE 29, VALLEY FORGE 22

AS A RESULT, THE FOLLOWING IS OUR MATCH SCHEDULE FOR TOMORROW (SUNDAY, APRIL 27): 

The following is our away match tomorrow: 

3:00 to 4:30:  Unionville Blue Boys vs. Shanahan at Shanahan (D3 League Match) 

Please be sure to arrive one hour before your scheduled match time. 

DIRECTIONS FROM POCOPSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TO BISHOP SHANAHAN HIGH SCHOOL 

Bishop Shanahan High School

April 27th- East

(Seeding in parenthesis)

Match 1- (8)Downingtown @ (1)Conestoga

Match 2- (5) Valley Forge @ (4)Unionville

Match 3- (7)Wilmington @ (2)Doylestown

Match 4- (6)Blackthorn @ (3)North Penn

April 27th – West

(Seeding in parenthesis)

Match 1- (8)South Jersey@ (1)Hempfield

Match 2- (5)Cumberland Valley@ (4)Hibernians

Match 3- (7)West Carroll@ (2)State College

Match 4- (6)West Shore@ (3)Warwick

May 4th – East

(Site to be determined by seed)

Match 5- Winner of Match 1 vs. Winner of Match 2

Match 6- Loser of Match 1 vs. Loser of Match 2

Match 7- Winner of Match 3 vs. Winner of Match 4

Match 8- Loser of Match 3 vs. Loser of Match 4

May 4th – West

(Site to be determined by seed)

Match 5 – Winner of Match 1 vs. Winner of Match 2

Match 6- Loser of Match 1 vs. Loser of Match 2

Match 7- Winner of Match 3 vs. Winner of Match 4

Match 8- Loser of Match 3 vs. Loser of Match 4

May 11th – East

( EPRU DI & DII Tournament Championship & Consolation hosted by North Penn)

Match 9-    Winner of Match 5 vs. Winner of Match 7 ( Semi-Final & East Championship)

Match 10 – Loser of Match 5 vs. Loser of  Match 7

Match 11-  Winner of Match 6 vs. Winner of Match 8

Match 12 – Loser of Match 6 vs. Loser of  Match 8

May 30 - June 1, 2008
Pittsburgh, Pa.: Founders Field
Hosted by: Pittsburgh Harlequins

Founders Field
101 Eisele Road, Cheswick, PA 15024

(412) 68-RUGBY 

The Unionville boys rugby team continued its dominance of Eastern Penn Rugby Union (EPRU) league opponents, beating Coatesville 41-12 on Friday (April 18) and Downingtown 38-5 on Sunday (April 20).  The wins improve Unionville's EPRU league record to 6-0 (9-0 overall).

The match against Coatesville was played under the lights in the Unionville High School stadium.  Unionville put up four tries in the first twenty-five minutes, racing to an insurmountable 26-0 lead at the end of the 1st half.  The Indians scored three more tries in the second half and won going away. 

After the match, Unionville hoisted high the "Rusty Bucket" trophy, which is awarded annually to the winner of the Coatesville-Unionville match.

The stake in Sunday's match against Downingtown was the "Olde Wood Mallet" trophy, which is awarded to the winner of the Downingtown-Unionville match.  (Downingtown was in possession of the trophy after routing the Indians in last season's stadium-game match-up.)

After a lackluster start in which Downingtown controlled most of the action, Unionville broke through with a try by co-captain Chris Karas.  Karas scored again before the half, giving the Indians a 12-0 halftime lead. 

After a stern talking-to during the intermission, the Unionville team lifted their game, putting up four tries in the second half.

The stage is thus set for next week's match of the season:  Unionville vs. Valley Forge.  A battle of undefeated sides.  Kick off is set for 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 27 at Hillendale Elementary.

The girls matches tomorrow (Sunday) will NOT be played at Unisys.  The following are directions to the correct field for the North Penn matches:

Walton Farm Fields
1610 Allentown Road
Lansdale, PA

Great job everyone last night!  Whether it was the middle school's comeback from 3 tries down to almost steal the match, to the girls' come-from-behind win over Downingtown, to the boys dominance, the Stadium Games were a huge success.  Please thank the many parents who went above and beyond the call of duty to make this a great event.  A special note of appreciation is extended to the parents who worked the food area, which was mobbed all night long.

TODAY:

Practices will proceed as planned, but may be a little shorter than normal on the boys' side.  I would like to run 90 minute practices today.  Start times are 10 a.m. (MS); noon (HS boys); 2 p.m. (HS girls)

TOMORROW:

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS AND MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS 

All high school boys (Gold, Blue, and Middle School) are to be at Downingtown.  Match schedule is as follows:

2 p.m. -- High School Gold vs. Downingtown 1

Immediately after (likely about 3:30) -- Middle School Boys vs. Downingtown U15

Immediately after (likely about 4:30) -- High School Blue vs. Downingtown 2

The matches will be played in Johnsontown Park, right behind the Downingtown train station.  Directions provided by Downingtown are as follows:

From Delaware –Take RT 202 North.  Look for the Rt. 100, Pottstown Pike Exit.  Follow Rt. 100 for about 2 miles, looking for the 30 bypass west.  Take the 30 bypass west to the Rt. 30 business exit by Lowes.  Take a left onto rt 30 west, and continue through town looking for Rita’s Water Ice on the left (approx. 5 miles).  At Rita’s, turn left onto Viaduct Avenue and continue through tunnel.  Johnsontown Park and the rugby pitch is on the left directly after tunnel.

MapQuest directions from Pocopson Elementary School are as follows:

Pocopson Elementary School 1105 Pocopson Rd,  West Chester, PA 19382  - 610-793-9241 

1: Start out going NORTH on POCOPSON RD toward LENAPE RD/ PA-52. (0.8 miles)

HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS

All girls (A1 and A2) will be playing tomorrow at North Penn.  Henderson will be sending their squad up there as well for a great day of rugby.  It is my understanding that the first match kicks off at noon.

Directions:

The location is of the GIRLS MATCHES TOMORROW (SUNDAY) IS DIFFERENT FROM WHAT WAS ORIGINALLY POSTED. 

INFORMATION ON THE STADIUM GAME EVENT – FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 2008 IN THE UNIONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL STADIUM

This is our extravaganza of rugby.  Everyone should be there.   

A.  Match schedule is as follows: 

Players should arrive 1 hour before scheduled match time.   

B.  Trophies 

The winner of the girls match will receive the Brandywine Belle Trophy. 

GIRLS:  YOU HAVE POSSESSION OF THIS TROPHY.  IT MUST BE BROUGHT TO THE GAME.  PLEASE CONFIRM VIA RETURN EMAIL (patrojan@aol.com) THAT THE TROPHY WILL BE THERE IN GOOD CONDITION. 

I have the Rusty Bucket and will bring it with me. 

C.  Senior Recognition 

Every high school senior (men and women, 1^st side or 2^nd side) should send to me the following: 

If you are planning to go to college next year, the name of the school in which you intend to enroll. 

If you’re not sure yet, please indicate the schools you are considering.  Please also indicate if you intend to play rugby next year.

D.  Food 

We will have the BBQ going at the match.  Dogs, buns, and condiments will be provided. As always, food is free, but we will accept donations from those who which to provide such.  

PARENTS, THE FOLLOWING IS MY REQUEST: 

(i)  Food.  It would be a huge help if you would bring finger food to supplement the dogs.  Chips.  Cookies.  Rice Krispies treats.  Even (oh my gosh) something healthful.   

(ii)  Assistance.  We will need volunteers to assist with cooking on the BBQ and other food distribution.  This will be on a “hey, I’d like to help” basis as opposed to a sign up sheet.  Our intent is that folks volunteer when their child is NOT playing.  I’m most concerned about the middle school match.  If high school parents would arrive early I would be most grateful. 

(iii)  Heads Up.  We’re working to try to have hot chocolate and coffee for those who grow chilly in the mid-April evening.  If someone wants to head up this part of the food service adventure, please let me know.  I’ll gladly provide additional details. 

E.  Girls Lineup 

All HS girls should be on the sideline.  Coach Daly will announce match lineup on Friday night (if not before). 

F.  Boys Lineup 

(All seniors should also be ready to play in this match)

G.  Scoreboard and Announcing We will need someone to handle the scoreboard and game announcing.  THIS MUST BE RESPECTFULLY DONE IN A PROFESSIONAL MANNER.   

H.  Sportsmanship This is Unionville Rugby’s showcase event.  I am aware that School Board members, Administrators, and senior leaders of the Eastern Pennsylvania Rugby Union will be present. 

Let’s demonstrate to the world how great UNIONVILLE RUGBY is, both on and off the field.   Indeed, let’s bring home two trophies and three wins … and have a great time in the process. 

I look forward to seeing you all on Friday.

Curt

The Unionville High School boys rugby team improved its Eastern Pennsylvania Rugby Union (EPRU) league record to 4-0 (7-0 overall) this week with commanding wins over Henderson and West Chester East.

The Indians crushed Henderson 73-0 on Thursday (April 10), then ran past West Chester East 74-5 on Sunday (April 13).  Both matches were played at Unionville's home field at Hillendale Elementary School.

As an indication of the depth of this team, 13 different players scored points this week.  Matt Geiger (Inside Center) and Dave Delaney (Flanker) lead all players with 20 points (4 tries) each. 

This week's wins keep Unionville in a tie for first place with Valley Forge, the only other undefeated team in the EPRU Brandywine Division.  Valley Forge, however, is a club team (meaning it is comprised of players from more than one school) whereas Unionville is a single school program.  The distinction is important because of USA Rugby's emphasis on building single school programs across the country.  Separate regional and national playoffs are now being held for "single school" and "club" programs.

Unionville, therefore, currently finds itself alone at the top of the Brandywine Division single school bracket.

Unionville's next match is on Friday night, April 18 at 8 p.m. in the UHS Stadium, against Coatesville in the annual U-Rugby Stadium Game event.  To the winner goes the "Rusty Bucket" trophy, a perpetual award that resides each year with the Coatesville / Unionville winner.

Unionville faces Valley Forge on April 27 at 2 p.m. at Hillendale Elementary.

2nd Half:
Unionville Try by Dave Delaney, Conversion missed by Dan Raube at 5 minutes (44-0)
Unionville Try by Ryan Neff, Conversion good by Colin Kipping-Ruane at 7 minutes (51-0)
Unionville Try by Chris Ochs, Conversion missed by Colin Kipping-Ruane at 9 minutes (56-0)
Unionville Try by Matt Geiger, Conversion missed by Colin Kipping-Ruane at 12 minutes (61-0)
Unionville Try by Steve Berzon, Conversion missed by Colin Kipping-Ruane at 21 minutes (66-0) 
Unionville Try by Dave Delaney, Conversion good by Howard at 61 minutes (73-0)
      
FINAL SCORE: UNIONVILLE 73, HENDERSON 0

UNIONVILLE VS. WEST CHESTER EAST

There was some confusion about this weekend's High School Boys schedule.  Here's what has been worked out:

Boys A1 (Gold):  2:00 p.m. kickoff vs. West Chester East at Hillendale.  (Players should arrive by no later than 1:00 p.m.)

Boys A2 (Blue):  1:30 p.m. kickoff vs. Doylestown at Doylestown.  (Drive time is about 1 hour 15 minutes.  Players should arrive no later than 12:30.  Directions appear below.)

ALL PLAYERS NOT LISTED ABOVE WILL PLAY IN THE DOYLESTOWN MATCH.

Directions to Doylestown RFC Field on Cold Spring Creamery Road in Doylestown:  (Doylestown recommends that to get to the Doylestown Rugby pitch, use EXPEDIA.COM and enter Doylestown Airport as your destination 'place name'.  The pitch is located adjacent to the airport on Cold Spring Creamery Road between Route 313 and Route 413.)  

Here are MapQuest Directions:  

1.  Take US-202N (19 miles from PA-926)

2.   Merge onto I-276 E/ PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE toward I-476 N/ NORTHEAST EXTENSION/ ALLENTOWN/ NEW JERSEY/ EXITS 333-359 (Portions toll).  (16 miles)

3.  Take the PA-611 exit, EXIT 343, toward DOYLESTOWN/ JENKINTOWN.  (0.7 miles)

4.  Take the US-611 N ramp toward DOYLESTOWN/ WILLOW GROVE NAVAL AIR STATION. (0.2 miles)

5.  Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto EASTON RD/ PA-611. Continue to follow EASTON RD. (9.4 miles)

6.  Merge onto US-202 North (1.6 miles)

7.  Turn LEFT onto SWAMP RD / PA 313 (1.2 miles) This will put you at the corner of SWAMP RD and COLD SPRING CREAMERY ROAD next to the airport.  You will be very near the field at this point.

The Unionville Gold Boys had their way with Henderson, running away with a 73-0 win.  Here's the scoring summary:

UNIONVILLE versus HENDERSON
618P game started			Try By		Conversion		Score
at 3mins			Karas	5	Howard	0	5
at 10mins			Delaney	5	Goodall	0	10
at 12 mins			Geiger	5	Goodall	2	17
15 mins			Donaghy	5	Goodall	0	22
22 mins			Hardy	5	Goodall	2	29
25 mins			Kipping	5	Howard	0	34
30 mins			Karas	5	Howard	0	39
HALF TIME
40 mins			Delaney	5	Raube	0	44
42 mins			Neff	5	Kipping	2	51
44 mins			Ochs	5	Kipping	0	56
47 mins			Geiger	5	Kipping	0	61
56 mins			Berzon	5	Kipping	0	66
			(great pass from Neff)
61 mins			Delaney	5	Howard	2	73
						FINAL SCORE    73-0

Sorry for the late update - logistics for this weekend have been extremely difficult to put in place.

Here is where we are:

1) Middle School Boys -

Saturday: Match vs. Conestoga at 3:00 pm at the Bus Barn Field.  No practice at 10 am.  Boys should arrive at 2:15 pm for warmup. 

Sunday: Match against Morris NJ at 3:00 pm at Hillendale Elem.  Players should arrive at 2:15 pm.

2) High School Boys -

Saturday:  Practice from 11 am - 1 pm (no match on Saturday). 

Sunday:  U-Blue Match vs. Doylestown 2 at Hillendale at 1 pm (players should arrive no later than noon).

3) High School Girls -

Saturday:  Practice from 1 - 3 pm (no match Saturday). 

Sunday:  A1 match at Conestoga at Noon; arrival time will be discussed at practice on Saturday

Unionville Girls:  Unionville and Media United have mutually agreed to reschedule their match, which was originally set for this Sunday, April 6th.  We have tentatively agreed to move the date to Saturday, April 12, at the Unionville Bus Barn Field. We have access to the field between 2p -6:30p on Saturday, and would anticipate a kick off time somewhere between 4:30 and 5pm. The respective coaches will be finalizing a time after consulting with their players at practice.

With the possibility of imclement weather - please be sure to check the website for any last minute changes.

Curt

The Unionville High School boys rugby team beat Conestoga High School 31-7 on Sunday, March 30.  The match was played at the Pioneers’ home field at Valley Forge Middle School.

The win improves the Indians’ record to 2-0 in Eastern Pennsylvania Rugby League (EPRU) play and 5-0 overall.

Unionville’s 5-0 mark represents the team’s strongest-ever start.  The Indian ruggers have outscored their opponents 149-17 over this stretch.

Sunday’s match featured extremely physical pack play.  Conestoga controlled the ball early in the match, letting their big forwards pound away at Unionville’s defense.  The strategy paid off at the 20 minute mark when ‘Stoga punched in a try for a 7-0 lead. 

Unionville countered by opening up the field to use their superior speed and ball handling skills.  It worked.  At 25 minutes, Dave Delaney rumbled through the Pioneer defense to even the score.  Then, just before half-time, Chris Karas put UHS up 14-7 with a try of his own.  Both tries were converted by Bill Howard.

The second half was all Unionville, and the rout was on.  Tries were scored by Hardy Stewart, Graeme Bloomfield, and Matt Brosius.

Scoring Summary

1st Half:
Conestoga try + conversion at 20 minutes (0-7)
Unionville Try by Dave Delaney + conversion by Bill Howard at 25 minutes (7-7)
Unionville Try by Chris Karas + conversion by Bill Howard at 35 minutes (14-7)

Second Half:
Unionville Try by Hardy Stewart + conversion by Bill Howard at 2 minutes (21-7)
Unionville Try by Graeme Bloomfield, missed conversion by Howard at 6 minutes (26-7)
Unionville Try by Matt Brosius, missed conversion by Goodall at 32 minutes (31-7)

FINAL SCORE: UNIONVILLE 31, CONESTOGA 7

Conestoga believed that the kick-off was to be at 1:00 (not 2:00 as was posted on the EPRU referees master schedule).  We have agreed to a 1:30 kick-off for the boys' A1 match.

All players, please make every effort to arrive at Valley Forge Middle School by 12:45 so that we have 45 minutes to warm up.

The middle school match, I believe, will correspondingly commence 30 minutes earlier (about 3 p.m.)

Call me at 610-793-0539 (home) or 540-892-0869 (cell) if you have questions or issues.

Curt

We have a huge day tomorrow.  Here's the overview:

Immediately after the High School Boys match, we will play Conestoga at Valley Forge Middle School (Directions are below).  Kick off will likely be about 3:30 p.m.  Players should arrive in time to watch the HS match which kicks off at 2:00 p.m.

DIRECTIONS TO VALLEY FORGE MILITARY ACADEMY

1001 Eagle Road  Wayne  PA  19087

From Valley Forge Middle School (105 W Walker Rd; Wayne, PA 19097)

Estimated Time: 10 minutes      Estimated Distance: 4.49 miles 

Parking at Valley Forge Military Academy
Parking is available in the General Lot on Radnor Street Road (adjacent to the football field) or in the South Lot on Radnor Road. Regardless as to which direction you turn off of Eagle Road onto Radnor Road/Radnor Street Road, you will reach one of these lots. Parking is not permitted on Fariston Road at any time

Unionville's Middle School Boys made a huge step forward today, playing one of the most exciting middle school matches I've seen in a very long time.  Though the Unionville guys ultimately lost 20-19, I truly believe they turned a corner. 

The game was back and forth:

It was right here -- with just under 10 minutes left -- that the moment emerged.  Rather than fold, this team -- every last player -- clearly made a decision to step up and try to win the match.  At this moment, Unionville took control and dominated play.  With 6 minutes left the gap was closed:

Unionville kept up the pressure and played their best rugby of the year the rest of the way.  Great intensity, great support, exceptional spirit.  The good guys threatened again and again, but, sadly time ran out.  (Final: CV 20, Unionville 19)

Nonetheless, our guys now know what they are capable of doing.  The parents know.  Everyone there saw the transformation.  We talked after the match about the intensity that was present in those last 10 minutes.  We talked about what might have happened if we had had that intensity at the start of the match.

It was great to see.  Tomorrow will be a challenge against Conestoga, but I suspect that the enthusiasm will be there from the start.  A truly exciting match.  Great job guys!

Unionville's Middle School team opened its season with a solid showing against Doylestown. 

After a slow start in which the U-Rugby guys went down 14-0, the good guys gave everyone a glimpse of the future, fighting back to tie the match at 14-14.

Early season conditioning (or lack thereof) began to show in the second half and the game got away.  Nonetheless, this team showed that it is capable of playing with anybody.

The guys played really, really well considering that, for many, it was their first ever rugby match.  We'll do nothing but improve.

There is, to say the least, a lot to be proud of.

Next week the Middle Schoolers play two matches -- one on Saturday at the bus barn against Cumberland Valley, then another on Sunday at Conestoga.  Let the fun begin!

The Unionville High School Boys rugby team opened Eastern Pennsylvania Rugby Union (EPRU) league play on Sunday, March 16, with a 10-5 win over Bishop Shanahan High School. 

The win improves the Indians' season record to 4-0.

In this very physical match, Unionville jumped out to a 3-0 lead quickly when Joe Baker converted a penalty kick just 2 minutes into the contest.  The rest of the half was a defensive battle.  Unionville threatened several times, but was unable to punch through into the try zone. 

Shanahan launched a serious threat late in the half, successfully moving the ball to the try line several times.  Unionville's defense held, each time preventing the Eagles from touching the ball down for a score.  The half ended 3-0 with a disappointed Shanahan still knocking at the door.

Unionville opened things up early in the second half, executing perfectly a fullback crash play that surprised Shanahan.  Dan Raube broke through the line at about midfield, beat the Eagles fullback, and sprinted the rest of the way for the score.  Joe Baker converted to make it 10-0.

Late in the match, Shanahan rallied valiantly.  With about 2 minutes left, about 10 Eagles pushed a maul 5 meters into the try zone.  Though there was some controversy as to whether the ball was, in fact, touched down (there were a lot of bodies in there), the try was awarded.

Unionville's defense held on the ensuing kick-off, and the win was sealed.

It was the Indians' first ever victory over Bishop Shanahan.

Unionville's next match is on Sunday, March 30 at 2 p.m. against Conestoga High School.  The match will be played at Valley Forge Middle School.  Directions appear below.

DIRECTIONS TO VFMS

1. Take 202 North to the North Valley Road/West Valley Road exit.
2. At the light, turn LEFT onto West Valley Road, going under
the underpass for Rt 202.
3. At the light, turn LEFT onto East Swedesford Road.
4. Go through the traffic light at the entrance by Outback Steakhouse.
5. At the next light, turn RIGHT onto 252 north.
6. Pass through 2 traffic lights, and then get into the left hand lane.
7. At the next light, West Walker Road, turn LEFT.
VFMS is on your right.

Unionville Division I Girl's rugby team opened their 2008 EPRU rugby season against a strong Valley Forge team on Sunday, March 16th. The Indians emerged victorious at the end of a tightly contested match with a final score of 10-5.

This was a much anticipated league match for both teams. Last year, Valley Forge and the Unionville 1 girls both finished their seasons undefeated at 6-0.  Unionville won the 2007 Brandywine Division title based on point differential. The deciding factor for the title was that Unionville defeated West Chester East by 21 points, while the Valley Forge team only beat them by 18 points. Very tight!

This match was a great opener for our season - two talented teams, both vying for the first win. Neither team had faced each other in regular season play last year, and both teams were eager to face each other in Sunday's match.

Valley Forge got off to an exciting start in a strong series of offensive plays after Unionville kick-off. Valley Forge's right-side winger, Brianna Couso carried her team 50 meters down the right touch line in an explosive run that saw her breaking four or five Unionville tackles before finally being stopped well inside the 5 meter mark.

The Valley Forge team pressed the attack and Unionville was unable to advance outside their own 10 meters. After an off-sides penalty, Unionville fullback, senior Abby Taylor, gave her team some much needed breathing room with a 30 meter kick for touch.

Unionville continued their offensive effort, and at the 7 minute mark of the 1st half as senior hooker Francesca Phillips scored for Unionville as the entire Unionville forward pack pushed the ball over.  A conversion attempt by Amanda Cruz-Ortiz failed.  5-0 Unionville.

Unionville scoring continued at the 28 minute mark as junior fly half Amanda Cruz-Ortiz broke free on the right side and ran 35 meters for the score.  The conversion failed.  10-0 Unionville.

The second half had a great deal of back and forth action but no scoring until Valley Forge scrum half Charlotte Roger dove on a loose ball for a try.  The conversion failed.

Final Score 10-5 Unionville

Next weekend, MIDDLE SCHOOL opens its season with an AWAY match at Doylestown.  The Eastern Penn Rugby Union has done a nice job of bringing improved attention to the Middle School level and has published a comprehensive schedule.  Ours is as follows:

UHS Dominates Rugby Showcase 

The UHS Indians boys rugby program has won the Wake Forest University High School Rugby Showcase, held March 1-2, in Winston-Salem, NC. 

Unionville dominated this invitation-only tournament, which featured top single-school teams from Maryland, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

In Saturday’s semi-final round, UHS notched a 21-0 win over the Potomac Rugby Union Division 2 champion Derwood Stags (from Rockville, MD).   Dan Raube (Fullback) opened the scoring with a try at 8 minutes in the first half.  (A “try” in rugby is roughly equivalent to a touchdown in football.) 

Five minutes later, Chris Karas (8-man) broke free and ran 20 meters for the team's second try.  Then, after a long period of choppy play, Ryan Neff (Wing) waltzed in for the Indians' third try at 29 minutes of the second half.  All three tries were converted by Joe Baker (Fly Half).  Unionville’s defense was stifling.  Derwood never seriously threatened to score.

In Sunday’s final, Unionville faced East Mecklenburg (NC) High in a classic North-South showdown.  UHS dominated from the opening kickoff, winning 31-0.  Joe Baker led the scoring with 2 tries and 3 conversions – including a 98 meter run at the mid-point of the first half that appeared to break East Meck’s spirit.  Dave Delaney, Matt Geiger, and Steve Taunk also scored tries.

“It was a total team effort,” said Head Coach Curt Baker.  “We played with purpose.  We played with intensity.  And we played with the confidence that defines championship programs.”

Thirty-five Unionville players made the trip to Wake Forest University, which included a campus tour and the opportunity to watch the Demon Deacon ruggers play the University of Richmond.

“Wake Forest Rugby is a shining example of the values that make this such a wonderful sport,” said Baker.  “Character.  Commitment.  Discipline.  Sportsmanship. Teamwork.”

“It’s an honor to have been invited to an event of this caliber.  I’m particularly pleased that we were able to introduce Unionville students to a great University like Wake Forest,” he said.

Unionville’s JV team was as dominant as the Indians’ first side, a sign of the depth of the UHS rugby program.  The JV team won both their matches by a combined score of 58-12. 

Unionville’s first team continues its pre-season action this Sunday, March 9, against Archbishop Ryan.  The match will kick-off at 3:30 p.m. at Hillendale Elementary School.

SCORING SUMMARIES: 

1st Half:
Unionville try by Dave Delaney, Conversion by Joe Baker (7-0 at 2 minutes)
Unionville try by Joe Baker, Conversion by Joe Baker failed (12-0 at 14 minutes)
Unionville try by Matt Geiger, Conversion by Joe Baker (19-0 at 32 minutes)

2nd half:
Unionville try by Joe Baker, Conversion by Joe Baker (26-0 at 3 minutes)
Unionville try by Steve Taunk, Conversion by Kipping-Ruane failed (31-0 at 33 minutes)

FINAL SCORE: UNIONVILLE 31, EAST MECKLENBURG 0

1st Half:
Unionville try by Jason Hodess, Conversion by Hodess failed (5-0 at 4 minutes)
East Mecklenburg try, Conversion failed (5-5 at 8 minutes)
Unionville try by Steve Berzon, Conversion by Hodess failed (10-5 at 22 minutes)

2nd Half:
Unionville try by Steve Berzon, Conversion by Trevor Bloomfield (17-5 at 5 minutes)
Unionville try by Graeme Bloomfield, Conversion by Sanderson failed (22-5 at 14 minutes)
Unionville Try by Chris Baker, Conversion by Trevor Bloomfield failed (27-5 at 18 minutes)

Unionville JV versus Combined Team (East Mecklenburg / Derwood / Gilbert (SC))Sunday, March 2, 2008 

1^st Half:
Unionville try by Ryan Neff, Conversion by Trevor Bloomfield (7-0 at 1 minute)
Unionville try by Jason Hodess, Conversion by Trevor Bloomfield failed (12-0 at 7 minutes)
Unionville try by Jason Hodess, Conversion by Trevor Bloomfield (19-0 at 9 minutes)

2nd half:
Unionville try by Dave Bowers, Conversion by Brandon Crawford (26-0 at 6 minutes)
Unionville try by Mario D'Amico, Conversion by Brandon Crawford failed (31-0 at 8 minutes)
Combined team try plus successful conversion (31-7 at 19 minutes)

FINAL SCORE
UNIONVILLE JV 31, COMBINED TEAM 7

More to come later, but for now, suffice it to say that Unionville's Boys took Wake Forest by storm. 

Our A1 team took home the Championship Trophy in the Wake Forest High School Rugby Showcase.  Today's convincing 31-0 win over East Mecklenberg (NC) secured the cup.  Over the course of the weekend, Unionville outscored its opponents 52-0.

Our A2 team was similarly dominant.  With a 31-7 rout this morning over a combined team from East Meck/Gilbert (SC)/Derwood (MD) -- U Blue won the weekend by 58-12.

This is the strongest start in Unionville Rugby's history.  Let's go U!

It was an outstanding day for U-Rugby.  A magnificent start to the season.

Here in Winston-Salem, the Boys A2 side opened the season at 8:30 this morning with a resounding 27-5 win over East Mecklenberg High School's second side.  Steve Berzon (Fullback) led the scoring with two tries.  Jason Hodess (Outside Center), Graeme Bloomfield (Fly Half), and Chris Baker (Scrum Half) also scored tries.  Trevor Bloomfield made an extremely difficult conversion -- a beautiful kick.  Nice pack play and excellent continuity.  An all around outstanding effort.

The Boys A1 side continued the momentum with a strong 21-0 win over the Derwood Stags.  Though something of a sloppy game that got a little chippy toward the end, Unionville controlled the action from start to finish.  Dan Raube (Fullback) opened the scoring with his first-ever try at 8 minutes in the first half.  Five minutes later, Chris Karas (#8) broke free and ran 20 meters for the team's second try.  Then, after a long period of choppy, sloppy play, Ryan Neff (Wing) waltzed in for the team's third try at 29 minutes of the second half.  All three tries were converted by Joe Baker.

Tomorrow, the A2 team plays at 8:30 in a "Unionville vs. the world" match.  East Meck, Derwood, and Gibert (SC) will all contribute players to match up against our guys.

Then, at 11:30, A1 plays East Meck's first side in the WFU high school showcase championship match.  Let's go U!

On the girls' side, Paul Foster reports a terrific day in Charlottesville.  After training with Nancy Kechner (UVA's head women's rugby coach), several of the girls volunteered to participate in a women's collegiate festival that is also taking place at UVA.  As a result, Abigail Taylor, Ashley Brown, Jess Pfeifer, and Stephanie Forbes all saw significant action for Princeton University.  Courtney Mooney and Mal Lockhart joined UVA's B-team.  Mal Lockhart also saw action with James Madison University's B-side.  Wow!

Tomorrow the girls team will see significant action with a match against UVA's B-side and a composite high school team from Morris (NJ) and McLean (VA).

So far, in every respect, it has been a great weekend.  Tomorrow promises to be a wonderful finale.

First ... Middle Schoolers ... weather permitting, there will be practice on both Saturday (at 10 a.m.) and Sunday (at noon) on the bus barn field.  If the weather is lousy or the field is mushy, practice will be relocated to the UHS parking lot.  Please check both locations.  The website will likely not be updated since I'm in Winston-Salem, NC with the HS boys.

Second, Paul Foster and Kim Daly report that all the HS girls arrived safely in Charlottesville, NC.  Their adventure is underway.

Finally, everyone made it to Roanoke, VA for dinner and to the hotel in Winston-Salem, NC. 

Keep an eye on the website.  I will try to keep it updated with news from WFU and UVA.  Let the matches begin!

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS

1.  HOTEL INFORMATION

Quality Inn and Suites at Hanes Mall

2008 S Hawthorne Rd.

Winston-Salem, NC

Phone:  336-765-6670

Reference: Wake Forest Rugby

Rate for rooms with two double beds: $60.00

2.  DEPARTURE

Thank you to UHS for approving a 12 noon dismissal time for the HS boys team.

All HS boys players traveling to North Carolina should convene with their stuff outside the gymnasium entrance at 12:15.  All drivers should convene in the parking lot at that time.  WE WANT TO LEAVE AS A CARAVAN BY NO LATER THAN 12:30.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT EVERY PLAYER AND DRIVER CHECK IN WITH DEBBIE BAKER (MY WIFE) WHO WILL HAVE THE FINAL RIDE LIST.  WE WANT TO BE CERTAIN THAT NO ONE IS LEFT BEHIND … AND THAT EVERYONE HAS APPROPRIATE TRAVEL DIRECTIONS.

We will have a team dinner on Friday (on the way down) in Roanoke, Virginia.  With a 12:30 departure, you will arrive in Roanoke at about 6:30 p.m.  Arrangements have been made at the following restaurant for 50:

Red Palace Chinese Restaurant 

5030 Valley View Blvd. N.W.

Roanoke, VA

Phone:  540-265-8848

This will allow us to re-assemble, have a good (buffet) meal, then travel together the final 2 hours to Winston-Salem.

3.  DIRECTIONS

Unionville to Red Palace Chinese Restaurant

1.  Start out going SOUTH on UNIONVILLE RD / PA-82 (1.5 miles)

2.  Merge onto US-1 SOUTH (Crossing into MARYLAND) (24.2 miles)

3.  Turn LEFT onto MD-222 TRUCK / MD-276 / JACOB TOME MEMORIAL HWY.  Pass through 1 roundabout.  (5.6 miles)

4.   Turn LEFT onto MD-222 TRUCK / MD-275 / PERRYLAWN DR.  Continue to follow MD-275 / PERRYLAWN DR.  (about 2 miles)

5.  Merge onto I-95 SOUTH toward BALTIMORE (Portions toll).  (65.9 miles)

6.  Merge onto I-495 W / CAPITAL BELTWAY via EXIT 27 toward SILVER SPRING (Crossing into Virginia)  (about 20 miles)

7.  Merge onto I-66 WEST toward FRONT ROYAL (61.9 miles)

8.  Merge onto I-81 SOUTH via EXIT 1A on the LEFT toward ROANOKE (157.2 miles)

9.  Merge onto I-581 SOUTH / US-220 SOUTH via EXIT 143 on the LEFT toward AIRPORT / ROANOKE (2.8 miles)

10.  Merge onto VA-101 EAST / HERSHBERGER ROAD NW via EXIT 3E toward AIRPORT (0.6 miles)

11.  Turn RIGHT onto VALLEY VIEW BLVD. NORTH (0.2 miles)

12.  End at RED PALACE RESTAURANT … 5030 Valley View Blvd. NW

DRIVING TIME FROM UNIONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL TO RESTAURANT … 6 hours

-----------------------------------

Red Palace Chinese Restaurant to Quality Inn and Suites

1.  Start out going SOUTHEAST on VALLEY VIEW ROAD NORTH toward VALLEY VIEW AVE NW (0.3 miles)

2.  Turn RIGHT onto RING ROAD NW (0.5 miles)

3.  Turn RIGHT onto VALLEY VIEW BLVD. NW (0.4 miles)

4.  Merge onto US-220 SOUTH (59.1 miles)

5.  Merge onto US-200 SOUTH toward GREENSBORO (Crossing into NORTH CAROLINA)  (8.0 miles)

6.  US-220 becomes THOMAS A. BURTON HWY (19.7 miles)

7.  THOMAS A. BURTON HWY becomes NC-68 (0.7 miles)

8.  Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto BELEWS CREEK RD / NC-65 (1.0 mile)

9.  Stay STRAIGHT to go onto US-158 WEST (15.4 miles)

10.  Take the I-40-BR WEST ramp (0.3 miles)

11.  Merge onto I-40 BR WEST / US-421 NORTH (6.5 miles)

12.  Merge onto SILAS CREEK PKWY / NC-67 EAST via EXIT 2A (0.8 miles)

13.  Turn LEFT onto SOUTH HAWTHORNE RD (0.1 mile)

14.  End at 2008 S. Hawthorne Rd.  Winston-Salem, NC

DRIVING TIME FROM RESTAURANT TO HOTEL …. 2 hours, 14 minutes

4.  ROOMING LIST  

5.  RIDE ASSIGNMENTS 

6. COST  

There is no direct fee for the trip.  Players will cover their living expenses while on the road (hotel, food, and any sharing of travel costs).

I estimate that per player living expenses will total about $185, calculated as shown below.  (This does not include incidentals like t-shirts bought at the campus store, etc.) 

Hotel:  $80 ($40 / night, inclusive of taxes, for 2 nights … assumes a shared room) 

Food:  $60.  (6 meals at an average of $10 / meal ... Friday dinner, Saturday all 3 meals, Sunday breakfast & lunch) 

Travel:  $45 ($135 in total gas cost, split 3 ways)

7.  ITINERARY

Saturday: 

8:30am:  Unionville 2 vs. East Mecklenburg 2 

10:00am:  Unionville 1 vs. Derwood (Game A) 

11:30am:  Gilbert vs. East Mecklenburg 1 (Game B) 

2:00 pm:  Wake Forest vs. Richmond 

4:00 pm:  Campus tour of Wake Forest University 

6:00 p.m.:  Dinner, followed by team film session

Sunday: 

8:30am:  Unionville 2 vs. East Mecklenburg 2 

10:00am:  Loser of Game A versus Loser of Game B 

11:30am:  Winner of Game A versus Winner of Game B 

Depart for home 


 

HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS

1.  HOTEL INFORMATION 

2.  DEPARTURE

3.  DIRECTIONS

Here's the schedule for today's (Sunday) practices:

1.  High School Boys and Middle School Boys:  75 to 90 minute practice starting at noon on the UHS parking lot next to the stadium.

(I am concerned that there may be competition for this space since all fields are more or less shut down, so several teams may be migrating to this location.  For the high school boys, the intent is a walk through for next weekend.  For the middle school boys, the goal is to work on ball handling.  We'll find appropriate locations somewhere on the HS grounds to accomplish these objectives.)

2.  High School Girls.  Practice on the UHS parking lot next to the stadium at the normal time.  (Same concerns regarding availability.)

3.  I know I'm overdue with the final instructions regarding logistics for the trips to Wake Forest and UVA.  I will complete my work after practice today and will post all relevant information ASAP thereafter.

Just a quick note to let you all know that the Unionville high school boys will play Bishop Shanahan in the annual stadium game on April 18.  We will, in fact, play them several times:

March 16:  Unionville Gold vs. Shanahan 1 at Shanahan (Scrimmage)

March 16:  Unionville Blue vs. Shanahan 2 at Shanahan (D3 league match)

April 18:  Unionville Gold vs. Shanahan 1 at UHS Stadium (D1 league match)

Below please find the preliminary rooming list and ride assignments for the Boys High School Trip to Wake Forest University.

Rooming List: 

Room	Adults	Player 1	Player 2
1	Baker Family
2	Bloomfield Family	Graeme Bloomfield
3	Brosius Family
4	Crawford Family	Brandon Crawford
5	D'Amico Family	Mario D'Amico
6	Delaney Family	Dave Delaney
7	Geiger Family
8	Hollinger Family
9	Karas Family
10	Kipping-Ruane Family
11	Lamantia Family	Robert LaMantia	Tyler LaMantia
12	Ochs Family
13	Larson Family	Ricardo Larson
14		Joe Baker	Chris Baker
15		Kevin Cattie	Austen Czymmek
16		Matt Brosius	Ryan Donaghy
17		Matt Geiger	Alex Goodall
18		Chris karas	Bill Howard
19		Ryan Neff	Dan Raube
20		Taylor Williams	Thomas Williams
21		Hardy Stewart	Chris Ochs
22		Steve Taunk	Andrew Hollinger
23		Colin Kipping Ruane	Steve Berzon
24		Chris Ariza	Jackson Hyde
25		Jason Hodess	Sean Potts
26		Luke Makai	Dave Bowers
27		Rob Grant	Alex Robillard

Ride Assignments:

Driver	Passenger 1	Passenger 2	Passenger 3	Passenger 4	Passenger 5
Debbie Baker	Joe Baker	Chris Baker	Dan Raube
Karas Family	Chris Karas
Delaney Family	Dave Delaney	Bill Howard	Hardy Stewart	Ryan Neff	Luke Makai
Bloomfield Family	Graeme Bloomfield	Kevin Cattie	Jason Hodess	Austen Czymmek
Hollinger Family	Andrew Hollinger	Alex Goodall	Steve Berzon
Brosius Family	Matt Brosius	Ryan Donaghy	Chris Ariza
LaMantia Family	Robert LaMantia	Tyler LaMantia	Mario D'Amico
Taunk Family	Steven Taunk	Jackson Hyde
Kipping Ruane Family	Colin Kipping Ruane	Dave Bowers
Crawford Family	Brandon Crawford	Taylor Williams	Thomas Williams
Geiger Family	Matt Geiger	Sean Potts
Ochs Family	Chris Ochs
Larson Family	Ricardo Larson	Rob Grant	Alex Robillard

Everything looks great for our trips to Wake Forest (HS boys) and University of Virginia (HS girls).

This note is to indicate the players for whom I have information.  If your name does not appear on this list, you MUST tell me your intentions immediately.  I am now in the process of creating transportation arrangements and rooming lists to submit to the hotels.  After today, if you haven't gotten your information to me, I will work to try to enable you to go on the trip but can make no promises. 

Speak now or miss a great experience!

(NOTE:  "NO FORM" MEANS THAT I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT YOU ARE COMING, BUT HAVE NOT YET RECEIVED YOUR CONFIRMATION FORM)

BOYS INFORMATION

ARIZA	CHRIS	YES	NO FORM
BAKER	CHRIS	YES
BAKER	JOE	YES
BERZON	STEVE	YES
BLOOMFIELD	GRAEME	YES
BOWERS	DAVE	YES
BROSIUS	MATT	YES
CATTIE	KEVIN	YES
CRAWFORD	BRANDON	YES
CZYMMEK	AUSTEN	YES
D'AMICO	MARIO	YES
DELANEY	DAVE	YES
DONAGHY	RYAN	YES
GEIGER	MATT	YES
GOODALL	ALEX	YES
GRANT	ROB	YES	NO FORM
HODESS	JASON	YES
HOLLINGER	ANDREW	YES
HOWARD	BILL	YES
HYDE	JACKSON	YES
KARAS	CHRIS	YES	NO FORM
KIPPING-RUANE	COLIN	YES
LAMANTIA	ROBERT	YES
LAMANTIA	TYLER	YES
LARSON	RICARDO	YES	NO FORM
MAKAI	LUKE	YES
NEFF	RYAN	YES
OCHS	CHRISTOPHER	YES
POTTS	SEAN	YES