Your Scrumhalf Connection - Women's Rugby Blog

A feeling of walking home...when I stepped on the pitch in Oklahoma yesterday. I arrived an hour before everyone else and spent some time walking the grounds. This field is where I played my first rugby game. Where I first believed that when you posted the ball, no one could touch it! How wrong I was! What a silly little rookie I was, running zulus, singing songs, fundraising, concessions, wins & losses, tears and smiles...so many memories.

It was like a high school reunion...all the old friends, flings, teammates and alumni. Oh and the dogs! I of course brought Jake, but it seems that everyone has gotten a a dog over the last year. Puppies, big dogs...very interesting. I put some pictures of my best times & the worst times at that field randomly throught this post. Enjoy!

The first match of the day was Oklahoma vs. Arkansas...we've played them almost every year as an alumni match. The teams are both in re-building years, but played well and played hard. I got to play in the second half as a sub at fullback. I reveled in being free and being able to wander as I wanted. Arkansas never kicked, so I was mostly directing traffic and being the big voice that I am. The OU centers were brand new and not very confident on defense, so I made it easy for them. I gave the AR backs nick names...and it was hilarious! Fancy, Ugly, Scrumcap and Gloves...it seemed to help the girls remember who they were marking and lightened the mood. Thanks for being good sports Arkansas!

The second match of the day was the OU Men vs. the OU Alumni. Of course the OU Alumni were victorious and drove to the try line again and again. There were rolling subs so we got to see all the legends at OU step on the pitch again. Tarzan, Branden Farris, all the Velies, Larry Naifeh, and all the young guys that taught me so much. It was lovely to see the pitch full of rugby fans, players, supporters and more. Loved it.

The last and final match of the day was the FEATURE match of the day. At least I think it was! The men were done for the day and I LOVE that they stayed and cheered us on. They really love our club and have been so supportive! Thank you so much OU MEN!

OU Varsity vs. OU Alumni
The alumni side was stacked with alumni players and recent alumni players. Our team was blessed with experience, fitness and heart. At one point the back line was counting up the years of experience and it was over 30! Pretty amazing. The game was a blast with the opening drive resulting in a try by the Alumni. The scoring didn't stop even with rolling subs as we brought fresh legs in! I didn't keep score but it was at least 5 or 6 tries to zero at the end of the game.

Great rugby was played on that pitch again. Great rugby will always be on that pitch. I am proud that I was part of that family. Thank you so much my friends.