A Long Awaited Reunion!
We made our way to Nashville to spend the weekend with our brothers from the Music City on Friday, September 23. Last time we saw each other, dresses were getting torn off our sweaty bodies during our annual Prom Dress Match fundraiser in April 2011. This weekend was well overdue!
Naturally, we joined the Grizzlies at one of their local bars for the Meet and Greet that Friday night. There, veterans from both sides got to catch up while rookies witnessed the marriage between the teams and began to understand what rugby was truly about - brotherhood. After a short evening at Beyond the Edge, it was time to call it a night.
Saturday started with the Grizzlies and Royals marching along one another in Nashville for the AIDS Walk. With little time to prep, we met at the pitch where a women’s match was going on. Both teams practiced and got ready along the sideline, patiently awaiting the end of the match. The rookies got to see a match and learn some things prior to us taking the pitch. We had several minutes to warm up and get the team together.
It was time for the game, and within a few minutes the Royals scored their first try. The frustration from the try weighted Nashville, though with each scrum they pulled through and pushed our pack away from the ball. Our lineouts were strong as well as communication between players, and the backline ran the ball in every time! Though we played with a sub in the first half, the Royals were able to pull through with a win of 32 to 26, putting our record at 1-1 for the season. The scoring players were BJ, Jon, and Thomas. Special recognition goes to Billy and G for playing with us this weekend; we are glad to have you safe at home Billy! And thank you to Drew Gunn for whoring for us for part of the game; you are now an honorary “Groyal.”
After the match, Third Half was held at Stirrup where BJ, June, and Thomas were named Man of the Match. Congrats boys, it was well deserved. The afternoon continued as most rugby socials do with debauchery, rugby songs, and fun times had by all. The socials continued after dinner at Tribe and Play that evening as well as Blue Gene’s.
The next morning both teams met at Mad Donna’s for the Farewell Brunch, where the hair of the dog helped cure hangovers for the drive home. Thanks Grizzlies for a great rugby weekend!
