Your Scrumhalf Connection - Women's Rugby Blog

• U23 Local Area Union (LAU) Tournament in Denton, TX
  
  This weekend the TRU U-23 women's team faced off against ERRFU, HOA and Ozark in Denton, Texas at the annual LAU U-23 tournament. This tournament provides the West U-23 coaches a preview of the players, while allowing the players an opportunity to experience higher level play. Until now, ERRFU has won this tournament for the past 6 years.
  
  Saturday started off with TRU playing HOA in cold and windy conditions. While the forwards on both sides battled it out, playing excellent defense and both sides having some good runs, the TRU backs were able to use their speed to breakthrough HOAs backline and score. The final score was TRU 17 - HOA 7. After a short break, TRU faced off with ERRFU in a much anticipated game. Both teams proved to be fast and both were able to counter kicking attacks. However, the TRU forwards excelled at rucking, maintaining possession for TRU and turning over many of ERRFUs balls. That combined with excellent forward running and an aggressive defense by TRU lead to a final score of TRU 14 - ERRFU 0.
  
  The weekend was wrapped up by the TRU playing a much less experienced Ozark team. While the Ozark team gave it a go, the TRU was in control of the majority of the game and won by a considerable margin.
  
  Overall, the weekend was a success with the TRU taking home thier first LAU tourney championship and with the West U-23 coaches very pleased with the level of play. I would like to thank Phil Camm for organizing the event in Denton. Also I would like to thank the coaches of the Texas college teams. Without strong college programs, this team would not have been able to succeed. Finally, I would like to thank the girls for giving it 110% and never taking breaks. A list of the girls who participated is below:
  
  Natalie Ingram (Texas A&M)
  Stephanie Dvorak (Texas A&M)
  Monika Morales (Texas A&M)
  Amy Burkhalter (Texas A&M)
  Rachel Kraft (Austin Valkyries)
  Rebecca DeMoor (Texas A&M)
  Laura Lansdell (Texas State)
  Kelly Frazer (Texas A&M)
  Brea Hughes (Texas A&M)
  Lauren Sharp (Texas A&M)
  Kaylan Chidgey (Texas A&M)
  Kelly Izard (Texas A&M)
  Karen Villatoro (Texas A&M)
  Shalyn O'Farrell (UT)
  Sierra Smith (UT)
  Hillary Wells (Texas A&M)
  Kristin Youngless (Rice)
  Becca Barron (Texas A&M)
  Gina Steffano (Texas A&M) - TRU MVP (Chosen by West coaches)
  Betsy Bryant (Texas A&M)
  Erin Wood (Texas A&M)
  Cassie Hindsley (Texas A&M)
  Heather Hill (Texas State)
  Leia Wilson (Texas A&M)
  Allison Lee (UT)
  Mary Mason (UT)
  
  Results of the weekend:
  
  Saturday
  Heart of America - 12 vs. Ozark Union - 0
  ERRFU - 41 vs. Ozark Union - 0
  Texas Rugby Union - 12 vs. ERRFU - 0
  
  Sunday
  ERRFU vs. Heart of America (score unknown)
  Texas Rugby Union - 46 vs. Ozark Union - 0
  
  *I attended with my roommate Ashley Mefford who ran the Red Rhino Rugby Distributor tent. I was all-time touch judge as I did every game of the weekend. It was a blast and the rugby was great! Thanks ladies and great job!

• Random Rugby Scores from strr.net:
  
  Denton Whiptails RFC Women A - 15 vs. Baton Rouge RFC Women A - 27
  Harc Women Women 1 A - 83 vs. Sam Houston State Women College Women - 0
  

• All four women's challenge matches are now confirmed ... (from Blondie)
  
  #13 seed
  SC#2 - Belmont Shore vs. W#2 - Austin Valkyries
  April 21 at Austin
  
  #14 seed
  SC#1 - Scottsdale vs. PC#2 - ORSU
  April 21 at Portland
  
  #15 seed
  NE#4 - Boston vs. W#3 - KC Jazz
  May 12 at Kansas City
  
  #16 seed
  MW#4 - Wisconsin vs. PC#3 - Mudhens
  May 26 at Seattle

• Shout-out to all of my 'mates that are President, Match Secretary, Social Coordinator, Selector, Treasurer, Manager etc...you ladies RULE! I am putting together the "bible" for the Valkyries trip to Nashville and it sucks! I have already spent hours organizing flight times, finding hotels, rental cars...all so you ladies can have a safe and successful trip to Nashville.
  
  So lets raise our glasses to all the hard workers out there who spend hours of THEIR time working behind the scenes to make life easier for everyone else. So next time you see the administrators of YOUR team give them a hug and a thanks. They work hard so that you don't have too.
  

• Match Report - "Kashville" vs UT
  Courtesy of Sarah Deane:
  
  As most of you know, the Minx have teamed up with Nashville this season. Worried about numbers, the clubs' officers decided a joint venture was just the ticket. So for this season we are Kashville (no word yet on a mascot). What's great about playing with Nashville is the amount of experience we now have on the pitch and, also, no longer doing the last-second mad dash to scrape together 15 (or 13 or 10) ruggers. Should be a season of very good rugby.
  
  First match of the season was against Mid-South Champs (wahoo!!!) UT. We were set to play 3-25 minute halves. Conditions were slightly cool and windy, with just enough sun to blind you if you looked up too quickly. We won the toss and received the kick-off. Our pack was strong and we took a quick lead. (I can never remember the scoring order, so bear with me.) As the game moved on, Mumps put the squeeze on UT's scrummy, Kate had quite an attractive bloody nose, and our young high-schoolers proved they could ruck/run with the best of 'em. UT came close to scoring twice, opting to kick for post and making one of those kicks. Our backs had good hands all day and did well on the outside. JP proved once again that rugby ain't nothing without a good utility player (you love it!) Wink Mel almost scored on a sweet run, but was stopped just shy of the try-line. Rugby Goddess Cindy Brown won Nashville's MVP wrestling belt, so hat's off to her. A big thank you to Katie W. for stepping in as hooker for a half. Birdie and Ty both put in excellent performances while playing new positions. Thank you to all who came out!
  

• Dollface Rugger - A Myspace rugger who is always having contest including the most recent Hottest Male and Female Ruggers. Check out her site!
  

• Must have been that ash mark on our foreheads... - A funny blog that came through my inbox this morning from USF Women's Rugby Myspace.
  
  One goes through their life denying the existence of a higher power. They could be completely ignorant to other people's beliefs, criticizing the notion of organized religion, and mocking those with a spiritual purpose in this world of intelligent design. This is the part of my rant that I must admit, it has been I all along. Not until this past Wednesday, Ash Wednesday in fact, was it til a friend, teammate, and now spiritual partner, Niki Reid introduced me to that big guy in the sky, also known as God. I entered the church with the utmost attitude of skepticism. I left with a new outlook on Catholicism and someone's remains on my forehead. Anywho, point of this story is to relay my idea that somehow, my acceptance, or at least 35 minute experience in Dale Mabry Ascension church, brought our team good fortune this past weekend. We beat the goddamned shit out of GSU!
  
  I mean seriously, what went wrong this weekend? Four tries on Saturday and two on Sunday has confused us all but brought us the hope we all have been deprived of for as long as I have been on the team... ahem, which has been two years. I want to take back anything negative I have ever written about Joanna's misunderstanding of out-of-bounds in the past, as she has proven to be our leading scorer and break-away artist. This girl has got seriously dangerous moves. With the win we achieved on Saturday, it was only fitting to celebrate extensively at our usual bar and public outdoor restroom, Rocky's. With the help of the losing Georgia Southern team, we played numerous rounds of chuggabat, sustained several injuries due to extreme dizzyness, and ate more pasta off of Niki's muu muu than Italy produces in a year. Golf balls were sunken in everybody's drinks at some point of the afternoon. It was pretty much the best social I have never remembered.
  
  Two kegs later, we nomadically gathered our asses over to Stag's Leap. Promiscuity owned the night...and my front yard...and driveway...and neighbor's backyard... The night is a ridiculous blur for most people, but a few good highlights involve Allison's chuggabat rage on Shane's ass, Kali in general, and Taro's cool throw-up. The worst part was waking up to the most horrible mess I have ever seen that damn house encounter since St. Patty's Day 05'. Additionally, we definitely celebrated too intensely as proven in Sunday's game against the GI Janes (or Joes) of Citadel. We should have won and that's all I'm going to say. BUT, it has removed a tremendous amount of stress off of my shoulders considering the fact that if we came out with a victory, our participation at Nash Bash would be questionable since the date coincides with playoffs. So, awesome job with the loss.
  
  It wouldn't be fair to not give credit to our continuously improving team and the help of beefstud Roman and newly accepted coach, Martha. I mean, it is an act of complete charity to graduate from a prestigious college, move to your Mom's house in Florida and befriend the neighboring college's struggling sandlot rugby team. How sweet of you Martha!
  
  So, recap of the weekend:
  
  wins:1
  losses:1
  tries:6
  kegs:2
  Chuggabat accidents: 7+
  Things Reese left at the house: 5...maybe 6
  Converted atheists: 1
  Acts of complete success for the USF women's rugby team: infinite
  
  
• Oklahoma 31st Annual Alumni Weekend
  
  The annual Varsity Alumni weekend is scheduled for Thursday, March 15 through Sunday, March 18 at the Al Velie Rugby Complex on the OU campus. All matches on Saturday will be played on the Tarzan pitch.
  
  Thursday, March 15 -- Booger at the Tarzan pitch at 7pm
  Friday, March 16 -- golf tournament during the day with a social at the clubhouse that evening
  Saturday, March 17 -- Tarzan Pitch -- times to be announced, but probably around noon the OU Roses play a nail-biter versus their rivals, the Arkansas Iron Maidens. Following that match is the AMAZING varsity versus alumni battle for the men's team. Following that match is the AMAZING varsity versus alumni battle for the women's team
  Saturday night at the clubhouse-- we have a PIG that will be ROASTED for the occasion that shall be delicious. We will have dancing and celebrations happening all through the night. Good times. Neat fun.
  Sunday, March 18 at 10:30am-- We are twisting Michelle Corr's arm to host a brunch for all survivors. Please bring your photo albums and a pot luck dish to share. All current and former players, referees, coaches, and huggers are encouraged to attend.
  
  If you are an alumni planning to play, let us hear from you! Please send an email to rugby@ou.edu so that we can make the appropriate team contact aware of your attendance.
  
  One more thing--there is an article coming out in the March 14th issue of the Oklahoma Gazette featuring the Oklahoma Roses as well as Varsity Alumni Weekend. Pick up your copy!
  
  *I was going to blog about the current ongoing mess of the Oklahoma Roses, but I would hate for my words of truth to be twisted into a negative mess...so all I'm going to say is that you know I love you and everyone else...I'm horribly disappointed at how the situation was handled. You may have just alienated ALL your alumni and therefore your funds, support and more. Good luck with the rest of the season.

Whew. What a crazy weekend. Moving a friend, painting TWO houses, decorating...visiting Homo Depot at least twice a day.

My inbox has been crowded with news:

• The Austin Valkyries are attending Nash Bash 2o07...along with a whole shibang of other teams. Looks like the competition this year is going to be pretty stiff!
  
  Check out the registered teams:
  Atlanta Harlequins
  Austin Valkyries
  *Chicago North Shore
  Cincinnati
  Detroit
  *Indy Hoydens
  *Louisville Riversharks
  Maryland Stingers
  Memphis
  Nashville
  Nova I
  Nova II
  *Olde Girls of Glendale
  Philadelphia
  Raleigh Venom
  Scioto Valley
  
  *Teams that have registered but not paid Tournament fee.
  
  That list is just the Women's Club bracket...the College bracket has TWENTY SEVEN teams. Very exciting indeed, I am pretty excited because the last time I went to Nash Bash it was FREEZING and drizzling rain or sleet. Hopefully this time it will be warmer or at least there will be less precipitation!
  
  
• 200 Girls Attend High School Clinic in PA
  Teams from Virginia, Maryland, DC, West Virginia, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania traveled for this clinic. For the full article check out Goff (*subscription required)
  

• Wild Hare' Raises Money For Women Athletes
  (CBS4) DENVER This Saturday brings a fundraiser by women for women. The 13th Annual Wild Hare Snowshoe Trek raises money for the Sporting Women Community Fund.
  
  Lisa Voorhees with the Sporting Women Community Fund sat down with CBS4 Sunday morning's anchors to talk about the fundraiser and the fund.
  
  The fund helps women athletes of all abilities and all levels pay a variety of costs from entry fees to travel costs to uniforms.
  
  Among the beneficiaries are the the women's basketball team at East High School and another high school's rugby team.
  
  "They've worn the boys uniform for years and years," Voorhees said. "They finally decided they could get their own, and the Sporting Women's Fund helped."
  
  The Wild Hare Snowshoe Trek is the fund's largest fundraiser; Voorhees said they hope to raise $10,000 this year.
  
  For many women the Trek is about more than exercise and raising money. "It's actually turned into a weekend that women come up spend with their pals and hang out on Saturday."
  
  The annual event is held at the YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby. Race day registration is $35 but you can register online for $30. Men are allowed.
  
  * For more information, visit www.thesportingwoman.com.
  
  
• USA 7's Women's International Tournament
  
  Complete results American Rugby News:
  Match 1: Canada ‘B’ 7, USA ‘B’ 5
  Match 2: USA ‘A’ 29, China 17
  Match 3: USA ‘B’ 19, Canada ‘A’ 5
  Match 4: Canada ‘B’ 17, USA ‘A’ 14
  Match 5: China 20, Canada ‘A’ 0
  Match 6: USA ‘B’ 10, China 0
  Match 7: USA ‘A’ 19, Canada ‘A’ 5
  Match 8: Canada ‘B’ 17, China 0
  Match 9: USA ‘A’ 10, USA ‘B’ 5
  Match 10: Canada ‘A’ 10, Canada ‘B’ 15

  Semifinals:
  (#2) USA ‘A’ 22, (# 3) USA ‘B’ 7
  (#1) Canada ‘B’ 22, (#4) China 7

  Final: Canada ‘B’ 19, USA ‘A’ 7

• Rugby Girl - New Clothing Line for Women Ruggers
  *Not sure I would sport it...but what the hell, I'll pass the link on!
  

• International News: Rugby: MRU keen on women!
  Its secretary Suhaimi Zainuddin said this after the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) informed the MRU that only the men’s and women’s seven-a-side competitions will be contested in Korat.
  However, rugby will be contested in Bangkok as there are no facilities for rugby in Korat.
  
  Laos, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand have active women’s rugby teams.
  
  "We have come up with a new strategy as previously we only focused on the men’s 15 and 7-a-side squads. We have to inform OCM by October whether or not we will field a women’s team, but a decision will be made after the men’s selections next week," said Suhaimi.
  

• "Putting together a seven-a-side team is not that difficult, and with 10 months of focused training, we are even capable winning a bronze medal."
  In Malaysia, women play touch footie, a less aggressive form of rugby.
  
  Suhaimi added it was understood that Thailand has decided to scrap the 15-a-side event, as the hosts were behind Singapore and Malaysia in the world rankings for the particular category.
  
  According to the latest rankings released by the International Rugby Board (IRB), Singapore are ranked 51st, Malaysia 66th with Thailand on 73.
  
  Suhaimi also added that since most of the South East Asian nations have picked up rugby, it would be a tough battle in Korat.
  
  *Malaysian Rugby...now that is cool!!
  
  
• RFUW Launches Female Referee Initiative
  *I can't find much info on this, it seems to be an international thing...would be cool to have in the US! I tried to get my Coaching Cert in January but the clinic was canceled due to inclement weather and plan on starting my Referee Certs soon too.
  
  The Rugby Football Union for Women is launching a new national campaign entitled Women into Refereeing II.
  
  The aim of the campaign is not only to help increase the number of female referees working in the game but also to look for the talented female referees of the future who have the potential to take to the national and international stage in both the men’s and women’s game.
  
  
• Last but not least...RUGBY IN GUAM!!!
  *I lived in Guam for a year...and would have DIED to play rugby there. It is such a beautiful island and way cheaper than a trip to Hawaii. Sweetness.
  

YEA!! If you would take the time to look at http://playrugby.shorturl.com you will see that some teams are UPDATING THEIR SCORES!!! I love it! Thank you so much for the participation and appreciation of what we are trying to do here.

Please remember to pass the site on to other teams so we can keep the love going. Keep the good work up!!!

And a funny for you on a Monday night...

A philosophy professor stood before his class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a large empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, rocks about 2 inches in diameter. He then asked the students if the jar was full? They agreed that it was.

So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The students laughed. The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled everything else. "Now," said the professor, "I want you to recognize that this is your life. "The rocks are the important things -- your family, your partner, your health, and your children -- things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car. The sand is everything else. The small stuff. "If you put the sand into the jar first, there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give a dinner party and fix the disposal. "Take care of the rocks first -- the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."

But then...

A rugby-playing student then took the jar which the other students and the professor agreed was full, and proceeded to pour in a glass of beer. Of course the beer filled the remaining spaces within the jar making the jar truly full.

Which proves: that no matter how full your life is, there is always room for a beer.

This came across the listserv this morning...no difference between a "rake" & a "stomp" anymore.

Perhaps our teammate Tiffany had something to do with this ruling? She was viciously stomped on the FACE AND HEAD during the Sweet 16 Tournament in South Carolina last year. I won't mention the team we were playing, but you know who you are. I believe you said it was an "accident?"

The TRU also wishes to make it clear to all member clubs that incidents of gratuitous violence, whether it be stamping on an opposing player's head or whether it be punching to the face of a defenseless player, will not be tolerated and the Disciplinary Committee will impose the maximum allowable punishment as outlined by USA Rugby.

Clubs that have multiple offenders in regard to these type of offenses will also be subject to disciplinary action. We expect club administrators and coaches to ensure that all of their players are aware of the consequences of such acts and they should educate the players as to what is robust play versus violent acts.

There were two acts of gratuitous violence on Jan 10th and as a result the TRU Disciplinary Committee after reviewing the referee's report on these red card incidents have decided to suspend the offenders from all rugby until June 16th 2007 .

Best Regards & Thanks
Dave Jenkins
13911 Aspen Cove Court,
Houston, Texas, 77077
Tel # ; 281-870-0456
Fax # : 281-870-0456

What is DSM? It's the first ONLINE rugby magazine! Based out of the UK, its a pretty cool idea with the benefit of all being online and completely FREE! Publications come out monthly with new rugby info!

dsmrugby.com

They even cover women's rugby in this magazine. In fact England's scrumhalf/winger (Nolli Waterman) will be writing a column in DSM every month. Hell yeahs!

The coolest part of the magazine has to be the included videos...including the 6 Best Last-Minute Drop Goals! (pg. 19 of 30). I can't wait to have my first drop goal in a game, I've attempted a few times but have never made it.

This month’s magazine features:

* Six Nations Guide - Adam Hathaway provides everything you need to know about the 2007 Six Nations.
* Nolli Waterman column - Nolli looks back at the World Cup and forward to the Six Nations.
* 6 of the Best Last-Minute Drop-Goals with video links
* Defence around the ruck - technical insight from Ben Kay.
* Mind the Gap - Alex Payne on the gap between the Guinness Premiership and National 1.
* Graham Henry - Interviewed by Adam Hathaway.
* Super 14 - Alex Payne looks ahead to this weekend's start of the Super 14.

Digg.com - I love this site.

Check out some my favs:

Photoshop Morphs of Animals
Amazing Folding Couch
Unlock Your Car W/ A Tennis Ball - Crazy I KNOW!!
Apple vs. Vista
Billboard causing Traffic Jams
More Photoshop Action

IRB 7's Official Site
IRB 7's Myspace

From usasevens.com:
The 2007 Women's International Sevens Tournament:

Featuring the best international women's rugby, the tournament will encompass two days and will conclude on the field at PETCO park.

China
Canada A
Canada B
USA A
USA B

Pool Competition - Friday Feb 9 - Robb field 10 AM - Finals - Sat Feb 10 - PETCO Park

Men's Tournament Pools:


From Goff: Music Lineup for USA 7s Festival

February 5, 2007, San Diego, Calif. – The IRB USA Sevens Event is not just about the world's best rugby competition. It's also a two day fan festival outside the stadium.

Fans can go back and forth from the stadium to the festival all day. The festival will feature something for fans of all ages. Features include a jumbotron screen (so you won't have to miss a minute of the rugby action inside the stadium) beer and wine gardens, food tents, sponsor booths, rides and games for kids, rugby merchandise, and fan contests. Admission to the festival is free to all ticket holders.

Saturday Feb 10
10am Full Revolution
11am Tey
Noon The Perils of Being
1pm Willie Ames
2pm Bradley Leighton
3pm Rip Off Johnny
4pm Urban Assault
5pm Mass Bluff

Sunday Feb 11
10am Crunchberry
11am Crunchberry
Noon Tomorrow's War
1pm Full Revolution
2pm Bayou Brothers
3pm Knoxx w/Young MC
4pm Mass Bluff
5pm Urban Assault

And my pick for top website of the week....drum roll please!

http://rugby.sportal.com

Check it out, highlights of rugby games that just happened. It seems to work best with Internet Explorer...EWW I know, but its ok.

AND WELCOME BACK JONNY WILKINSON...we have missed you.

Nice video about Jonny here.

GO COLTS...LOVE YA GOLD SWAN!

BIG THANK YOU to Heidi Whitman, Meg Pace and Meredith Bagley for the rugby clinic this weekend. The camp was a huge success with 32 girls participating from the University of Oklahoma, Texas State University and some of our very own Austin Valkyries.

The camp last 6 hours with a brief break for sandwiches and rest rooms, and was very successful in teaching the girls the greater concepts of tackling, rucking and ball movement. The camp concluded with a drill that encompassed everything and you could tell that confidence was high and ability was accelerated!

Thanks for coming to our camp ladies! It was a blast and look for more camps in the future!