Your Scrumhalf Connection - Women's Rugby Blog

One of my good friends Mark has recently joined one of the men’s rugby teams down here in Austin. He attended the Lonestar Dallas 7s Tournament of mud, mud and more mud along with the women’s team. As I watched him play in his first game I was amazed at his tenacity on defense!He left bodies all over that damn field…tackling guys with the ball, or right after they had passed the ball and doing it with such ferocity. It was amazing! He had never played rugby before, but with a history of wrestling and horse wrangling, he was a perfect fit. That is until it came time for offense! He was like a fish out of water! He tried valiantly to be in the right place and the right time, but as every new rugby rookie knows, there is not such place. You are either in the way, in front of the play or left behind!

As I lay in bed this morning I was struck by how this was the exact opposite for me when I started playing rugby. I was GREAT on offense; I have great field vision and love making the gaps. I had to work extra hard on defense and still do…I have to concentrate extra hard to make sure I am tackling and not watching. I tend to watch as I want to see what they will do with the situation instead of smacking them into the ground!

Are some players just blessed with the ability to be amazing on offense and defense or do we all have one strength? As we all know, offense is horribly important, but so is your defense! When you are backed up on your try line, NOTHING is more important than smart, swift and tactical defense. Coming up together, communicating your man…all of that is highly critical. And if you can get under the ball if they do manage to cross the line, you are a superstar in my eyes!

Just something I was thinking about this morning…have a great day!

This and more at http://rugbydirt.com

Its on a small scale, but this tool is AMAZING! I wonder how long it will last though, till someone sues...

Check out maps.google.com for a trial yourself, just click Street View (without entering an address) and click away!

Here are some of the funnier images found:
http://mashable.com/2007/05/31/top-15-google-street-view-sightings/


You can also do a 360 click and drag if you want to see what is behind you...and then there is zooming capabilities. This is a FUN tool!

So I've started blogging for Rugby Dirt, check it out:

Hey all,

Guess I should have introduced myself. I am Wendy Young (even though my pen name is David Leach...maybe they will fix that soon) and I have been playing rugby for almost 7 years now. Scary...7 years, feels like I just stepped on that pitch at the University of Oklahoma yesterday. I played 5 years in college for OU and then picked up and moved to Austin to play with the Austin Valkyries.

I have a rugby blog at http://westrugby.blogspot.com that covers all aspects of rugby, but mostly the women's end. There are a TON of us bloggers out there, since Goffon rugby and some of the larger, well known publications don't cover the women as much as they should. I mean when you have 40 articles on men's rugby and then 2 on women's...something isn't right.

I decided to blog for Rugby Dirt because it will be a different and new experience and can expand the blogging world. I will be posting on Rugby Dirt and my women's rugby blog so you may seem some duplication, but not always.

Anyways, wanted to blog about Dallas 7s this weekend, it was AWESOME! It was a muddy, muddy weekend, but who doesn't love playing rugby in the mud? This year I worked my butt off to try and revive the women's bracket at this tournament. In years past they have had a hard time getting teams to attend, but this year I was able to get TEN women's teams to attend.

It was FREAKIN' SWEET! We had two pools of great competition:
First Place: Texas A&M University
Second Place: Satiated Beavers A (Austin Valkyries)
Third Place: Houston (in a decisive boat race decision for the win!)
Baton Rouge
Philadelphia
Little Rock
Arkansas
Denton
Alamo City
Satiated Beavers B

Also this weekend was the revival of the Debutante Ball...and it included TWO original Debutantes from the Dallas team many years ago. We had about 24 participants in dresses and the referee was awesome. He was from Sweden and was a great addition to the tradition. The game ended in a tie, 10-10...thanks for the participation!

As for my side of things, I played on the Satiated Beavers A side I played scrumhalf mostly and had a good weekend. The legs and body were strong, taking me to 5 tries and a few conversions. Our team played very well together down to the final against A&M. With playing one game with the social team, I counted up that I played in EIGHT GAMES...and I was utterly exhausted after the last game. I have never played that many games before in one day...so I know my fitness is where it needs to be.

Next up for me is Bloodfest 7s in Austin, National All Star Championships (WEST 15s) in Blaine, Cape Fear 7s (WEST 7s) and National All Star Championships (WEST 7s) in Park City, UT. Wish me luck in all my adventures!

See this and more at http://westrugby.blogspot.com

Lone Star 7s
June 2, 2007

Send me your picture links from the weekend!! I am waiting for someone that took pictures of the debutante ball!

Traci Schmidtke from the Austin Valkyries sent these in: http://ou.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2137607&id=9611795
Sarah Anne from Denton posted these on her myspace site: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=51123715
Annie Stoddard from Texas A&M posted this link:
http://anniestoddard.myphotoalbum.com/view_album.php?set_albumName=album55

Satiated Beavers 2007 Recap

The 2007 Satiated Beavers began their summer campaign in impressive style Saturday at the Lone Star Classic 7's Tournament in Dallas, TX. Sending two squads into a highly competitive women's field -- 10 teams participated this year -- the "Beaver One" squad earned a 2nd place finish while the "Beaver All" squad showed consistent improvement throughout the day. The Beavers played beautiful 7's against a very fit Texas A&M Aggie team, fresh off their top-10 finish in collegiate nationals, in a hard-fought final.

Your Beaver Coaching Staff is most pleased with our newcomers' performances on the "Beaver All" social side, including rugby rookie Alexis and 7's/Beaver rookies Jecca, Shalynn, Mary & Jen DeGroot.

Veteran Valkyrie Angela Adams made her return to the pitch and tested the 7's waters for the first time, while Lisa "Mad Dog" Houy donned the Beaver orange on the competitive side. Joining Mad Dog Houy on the near-champion Beaver Ones were 7's rookie Rachel Kraft as well as a strong returning Beaver class of Ros, Tiff, 2-Shay, Wendy, Steph/Kitty, Karla, Bags & Heidi.
Immediately following the men's final, Wendy Young organized a much-loved Dallas tradition, the Debutante Ball. Outfits ranged from simply a tuxedo shirt to
bridesmaid and 8th grade school dresses. With a good-humored sir the deb's played 20 minutes of spirited 15's rugby, sort of, with a final score of 10-10.

We look forward to keeping the Deb Ball tradition alive, and to a successful Beaver season, on tour & here at home.
Thanks to all, Heidi & Bags

After a long weekend away from the email...there is tons of rugby in the inbox and across the web. Check out what I found interesting this week:

• Women's rugby: 'It's a lifestyle, not just a game'
  By Larry Claflin Jr., Staff writer
  Eagle-Tribune
  
  Those who think the rough-and-tumble sport of rugby is a man's game should attend a North Shore Women's Rugby practice or match. The team - based in Lynn and including several players from the Merrimack Valley in its ranks - will change your opinion.
  
  "I love rugby because you're supposed to hit people," Shannon Horn, 23, of Haverhill, said after a recent practice.
  
  Horn said she began playing soccer at 6 and became more aggressive in the sport as she got older. Rugby, she said, gave her a good outlet for aggression.
  
  
• Lonestar 7s Results (Women's)
  1st Place: Texas A&M University
  2nd Place: Satiated Beavers (Austin, TX)
  3rd Place: Houston
  Most Honored Woman: Kim Smith
  
  The Debutante Ball was a success as we had 24 lady ruggers in assorted dresses participate. The Austin Valkyries hope to continue this old tradition in the coming years. Dust off your boots ladies!!
  
  
• Rugby in Hungary
  by Gary Duffy
  
  On Friday I was lucky to be invited to coach The Aylesford Bulls touring women's Rugby team, on tour here in Hungary. On Friday we had a light training run and I did some league skills with the 30 player squad, then followed a wine tasting and banquet in a small countryside Village.
  
  
• http://www.myspace.com/jewelrybuff wrote:
  
  I have a young high school rugby player, Chris Claus who has just made the Texas Select Rugby Team. Yeah! He is the Allen HS team's first to make Select.
  His first tournament is June 14-17 in Denver and the family needs to raise the last $350 to offset expenses.
  If you can contribute to this young man's rugby efforts you can contact me (I'm the team sponsor) or Chris has his own myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/idiot22090
  
  Much Thanks
  Betty
  Rugby Mom

Check out these blogs and more here: http://www.rugbydirt.com/blogs/index.php

10th Annual Bloodfest 7s Westerns Super Regional Qualifier - 23 June 2007
Zilker Park, Austin, TX

GOT BLOOD?
GIVE IT!
Tournament promotes the Central Texas Blood & Tissue Center

Entry Costs: (Pay now to play later)
Super Qualifier Division $225 ($300 after 6/15/2007)
Open and Social Division $175 ($225 after 6/15/2007)
Women's Division $150 ($200 after 6/15/2007)

Pre-Tourney Party at Nasty's. Wear your rugby colors for drink specials.
Beware our infamous Pub Crawl! Many times the fun of a Pub Sit (see Nasty's, above). There will be over 200 ruggers helping you find the next bar.
Win money in the Original Rugby Olympics, or simply thrill at the pretty girls:
All Men's Brackets Guaranteed FOUR Games (each of regulation length)
Beat the heat, quench your thirst, and satisfy your hunger in our Shady Biergarten!
You need a place to stay. Right near the pub crawl you'll find the Courtyard by Marriott® Hotel Austin Downtown. The Bloodfest price is $119/night for up to four comfortable guests. Click here to reserve at that fantastic rate.
In 2006, 15 teams won hardware!
8:00am Registration (you must pay to play) Captains meeting for ALL brackets at 8:30am An additional meeting for the Qualifiers will be held after the captains meeting.
Entry Costs: (Pay now to play later)
Super Qualifier Division $225 ($300 after 6/15/2007)
Open and Social Division $175 ($225 after 6/15/2007)
Women's Division $150 ($200 after 6/15/2007)
Click a Paypal button above, or send a check to: Joel Richardson, Tournament Chairman, 2507 Woodmont Ave., Austin, TX 78703. Important: If you want to enter more than one team or make other arrangements--ask TJ.
Beautiful Zilker Park is conveniently located: 2100 Barton Springs Rd Austin, TX 78746	Google Map

More information: Huns Rugby Website

So I went to my first 7s practice of the season yesterday. I hadn't been attending because I was preparing for our warm up match in Kansas City, but can't stay away any longer! I LOVE IT!! I love the thinking, passing, patience and beauty of 7s. Last night we worked on our LONG LONG passes (with a few bounces...haha) and then the swing ling. We also worked on our super secret line out play...ok its not really a secret, I just wanted to say that.

We are also entering two teams into the Dallas tournament this weekend as we have had such solid numbers for practice. We have about 6 new girls and they all seem pretty excited and pumped!!

• Bloodfest 7's is only 3 weeks away. Spots are filling fast. Do not miss out on all the action and fun that is Bloodfest.
  
  
  - Guarantee 4 games
  - 4 brackets (Qualifier, Open, Social, Womens)
  - BIG pay in advance discounts and BIG Multi-team discounts
  - Original Rugby Olympics
  - Pub Crawl on 6th Street
  - Biergarten at the pitch
  - More, more, more
  
  - Bring a Check to Dallas 7's and we will throw in the Atilla Meal Deal for your team. Contact me by e-mail or at 512-632-0606
  
  TJ Costello
  Huns RFC/Bloodfest 7's Teams Coordinator
  http://www.hunsrugby.com
  

• Challenge Matches Completed
  #20 at #13 = Belmont Shore 86 at Austin Valkyries 0, April 21 (seed lost)
  #19 at #14 = Scottsdale 5 at ORSU 51, April 21 (seed preserved)
  #18 at #15 = Boston 10 at Kansas City Jazz 19, May 12 (seed preserved)
  #17 at #16 = Wisconsin 34 at Emerald City Mudhens 52, May 26 (seed preserved)
  
  PLAYOFFS: ALL POOLS
  October 27-28, 2007
  Burr Fields, Austin, TX
  Hosted By: Austin Rugby Club
  
  CHAMPIONSHIPS:
  November 9-11, 2007
  Seminole County Sports Training Center, Sanford, Fla.
  Hosted By: The Central Florida Sports Commission
  

• USA Rugby Senior & U-23 Women's All Star Championship - June 15-17
  National Sports Center, Blaine, MN
  
  
  Women’s U-23
  
  
  Friday, June 15
  9:30 am: Northeast v USA U19
  11:30 am: Pacific Coast v South
  1:30 pm: Midwest v MARFU
  3:30 pm: West v So Cal
  
  Sunday, June 17
  8:30 am: Tier B Consolation
  10:30 am: Tier B Championship
  12:30 pm: Tier A Consolation
  2:30 pm: Tier A Championship
  
  
  Senior Women
  
  

  Friday, June 15
  10:00 am: West v South
  12:00 pm: So Cal v TBD
  2:00 pm: Northeast v Pacific Coast
  4:00 pm: Midwest v MARFU
  
  Sunday, June 17
  9:00 am: Tier B Consolation
  11:00 am: Tier B Championship
  1:00: Tier A Consolation
  3:00 Tier A Championship
  
  
• Girls High School Rugby National Invitational Tournament
  2007 Cup Champion: Divine Savior Holy Angels
  2nd Place: Kent
  3rd Place: Vernon
  
  2007 Plate Champion: West Linn
  2nd Place: Canby
  
  
• Register for USA U19 Camp in June (from U19 Girls Rugby Blog)
  
  June 17-21, 2007
  Blaine, Minnesota
  
  EAGLE FLIGHT CAMP DETAILS:
  Who: Female athletes age 13-19
  What: The inaugural Under-19 USA Rugby player development camp.
  Why: This camp is designed to instruct players from all levels of skill and experience, including beginners, to play more effectively as an individual and as a member of a team.
  
  * Interact with USA National team players and coaches
  * Film study and individual analysis of play
  * Individual player evaluation and feedback
  * Position-specific coaching
  * Full on duty medical staff
  
  When: June 17-21, 2007
  (Athletes should arrive by 4 PM June 17 and may depart after 10 AM on the 21.)
  Where: National Sports Complex Blaine, MN
  Camp Staff:
  Head Coach: Bryn Chivers
  Assistant Coaches: Sue Oldenburg & Tasha Bishop
  Managers: Jeff Noe
  
  Transportation: Flight itineraries should be sent to u19usawomen@usarugby.org and transportation will be coordinated to/from the airport. All camp activities will occur within walking distance of the residence halls.
  Meals: All meals will be provided at the residence halls. Costs for each meal are included in the camp fee.
  Residence: Campers will be housed in residence halls at the National Sports Complex in Blaine, MN.
  Rates: These rates include camp related fees including instructions and meals
  $349 for those campers driving to Blaine who will be staying at the dorms
  $299 for those campers flying into MSP Airport and will be staying at the dorms
  $249 for those campers who will be commuting to camp daily and will not need to be accommodated in the dorms
  
  Contact Information: All questions or concerns should be directed to:
  u19usawomen@usarugby.org
  
  Registration Form: http://www.usarugby.org/media/EDocs/eaglecamp.pdf
  
  To register mail/fax to:
  U19 Women Eagles Flight Camp
  2500 Arapahoe Ave, Suite 200
  Boulder, CO 80302
  Fax: 303-539-0311
  u19usawomen@usarugby.org
  
  
• Jen's Gym, Old School Fitness
  
  I am an avid reader of her blog and wanted to pass it along...here is the latest email from her as well:
  
  Thanks for reading and looking! Crossfit is a load of fun and it's hard as hell. check out
  www.crossfitcentral.com in your area. It is awesome training for rugby. Tom who owns Crossfit DC is also a Rugby coach, So we get a lot of players in class. I would love to try it but I can't afford anymore head injuries!!!
  Jen

• Take Mockingbird Lane exit from I-75
• Travel West on Mockingbird (if it turns into a tow lane road right by SMU, you are going the wrong way)
• After passing White Rock Lake, Turn right at light on top of bridge onto Buckner
• Park will be on left at corner of Lake Highlands and Buckner
• NOTE: Don't park on the grass at the fields, you'll get towed.

Pre-order your National All Star Championships Tshirts for a savings of $3...

$18 at the Tournament
$15 Pre-Order (pick up at team check-in Thursday night)

Check out the .pdf here to pre-order....

Lone Star 7s
June 2, 2007
Lake Highlands Park Dallas, TX

We are getting closer and closer to the date, so I want to make sure I have the right teams attending. Fil (tournament director) wants to do brackets a few days before, so I'm saying please RESPOND by WED of next week if you are playing or not playing. I need a response either way!

So far I have heard personally from (women's teams):
Philly
Texas A&M
Texas Tech
Austin
Denton
Arkansas
Houston

These teams are possibles...let me know ASAP if you are attending.
Las Vegas
Baton Rouge
OU

Once again, NO ENTRY FEE for Women's Teams, but as a fundraiser for the Valks we are having the debutante ball after the men's final. $10 to play and MUST be wearing a dress of some sort.

Also, Austin is hosting Bloodfest 7s on June 23 in Austin. There will be a women's bracket. The Valkyries are having one team for sure and possibly a second.

I can't wait for these two tournaments as they always prove to be a TON of fun! The pub crawls on both of these events are legendary!

Looks like Dallas 7s is going to have some great competition this year...more than it has ever had before!