Fall 2009 D3 Wraps up Season with Two More Wins November 21, 2009 -- The D3 men's side finished their fall schedule with two strong wins. The Jesters notched comprehensive wins over the Pigs (26-12) on November 14, and Eugene (22-12) on November 21. This brings ORSU's season record in league play so far to 5-2, ranking second in PNRFU D3, behind undefeated Budd Bay. Jesters Finish Fall Season on a High November 14, 2009 -- ORSU's D2 men's side beat the Eastside Tsunami Saturday at Fuller's Farm, 15-7, to go into the winter break with a league record of 6 wins and 2 losses. ORSU scored two tries to wing Kapeli Mapapalangi, and No. 8 Mike Lewis, with Aaron Jones converting one try and adding a penalty goal. ORSU go into the season break in second place in the PNRFU South division, behind Snake River. D2 Men Win Again November 7, 2009 -- ORSU have improved their league record to 5-2, with a 26-20 victory over Bend on Saturday. Conditions in Bend were cold and blustery, but that didn't stop both sides from playing some good rugby, with 6 tries total scored on the day. ORSU's four tries went to locks Jason Haar and Adam Beck, center Dylan Vinzant and wing Taylor Glas-Hochstettler, with flanker John Morris taking the man of the match award. The D2 men's last match of the fall season is home versus the Tsunami this Saturday, kick-off at 2pm. Jesters Down 'Roos on the Road October 24, 2009 -- ORSU's D2 side beat Valley Saturday, giving the Kangaroos their first loss of the season and improving ORSU's league record to 3-2. Valley opened the scoring with a penalty in the 20th minute. Soon after, a great ORSU drive from a lineout, and a 50m dash down the left-hand touchline resulted in tries to hooker Chris Haslett and winger Kapeli Mapapalangi, respectively, and a 14-3 Jester lead. The second half scoring was restricted to a 55 minute try to captain Mike Lewis in the corner. ORSU showed a lot of character to hang on to their lead with great scrambling defense shown by all. Player of the day was awarded to the whole front row: Seth Bradshaw, Chris Haslett and Jason Fields. Both the D2 and D3 sides return to Fuller's Farm this Halloween weekend with matches against Del Ray RFC and the Valley Wallabies. Tough Match for ORSU Women in MN October 18, 2009 -- Injuries and player unavailability took their toll on the ORSU Women, as they suffered a big loss to the MN Valkyries. Although ORSU had a good deal of ball possession and threatened the Valkyrie red zone several times, the finish just wasn't there. A penalty kick out front and several penalty plays on the Valkyrie 5-meter line went unconverted, frustrating ORSU's ambitions. With fully half of the team playing in new positions due to the injuries (and incidental one-week red card suspension) that have decimated ORSU's backline this season, the Jesters struggled for cohesiveness and composure. The Valkyries played a very physical match with aplomb, supporting each other superbly and capitalizing on each ORSU error to run up 72 points in the match. While many experienced players filled unfamiliar positions and newer players stepped up to for their first starts for ORSU, there were some bright spots as players learned their new posts on the fly. ORSU will play its final league match of the season this weekend in Berkeley. First Loss for D2 Men October 11, 2009 -- The D2 men had their first loss of the season Sunday. Coming off a bye weekend, ORSU came out cold and failed to get into the match early as planned. ORSU was unable to get out of their own half for much of the first half, and went into halftime down by a try. Mistakes once again cost ORSU dearly in the second 40 minutes, where they were simply not composed enough to get themselves back into the match. A well deserved 39-15 victory to Snake River. ORSU's tries were scored by winger Travis Crossland, and locks Matt Pardy and Jason Haar. Player of the match was awarded to fly-half Kerry Covington. Disappointment in Card-Ridden ORSU Women's Match October 4, 2009 -- The ORSU Women received a stunning four yellow cards and one red card in Sunday's match versus the Twin Cities Amazons. None of the cards were for dangerous or malicious play, but rather for run-of-the-mill penalty infringements. The Amazons came out hard for a try and 5 points early in the match, and ORSU answered back with a series of phases culminating in a penalty close to the Amazon goal line for 3 points. The teams traded possession for a spell, with ORSU's backs struggling to keep the slippery ball in hand. Both teams incurred a couple of penalties each, but nothing notable. A kick and chase by ORSU initially looked like an offensive threat, but an unlucky bounce resulted in an ORSU knock, and the Amazons used the resulting advantage for another try and conversion. Just as it seemed ORSU's attack was beginning to find its rhythm, ORSU's center received a yellow card for not rolling away. ORSU ramped up its defense to compensate, but finished the half down a player and down 3-12. The second half brought renewed pressure from ORSU, who frustrated the Amazons on defense and controlled possession well. Both teams received another couple of penalties, with the Amazons converting one for another 3 points. Then, the referee gave a second yellow card to ORSU's center, again for not rolling away, despite her visible attempts to get out of the ruck. He then showed her a red card. In the ensuing minutes, ORSU's flyhalf went out with a serious injury knee, and ORSU's scrumhalf (who had not been penalized previously) was given a yellow card for being in an offside position even though she was not involved in the play. Down to 13 players, ORSU put up a valiant defensive effort and continued to push the ball forward on offense. The Amazons also picked up a yellow card for repeated infringements. A huge break by Beckett Royce looked like a try threat, but with only 2 other backs to support, the effort resulted in a turnover and subsequent Amazon overload try. The With 13, then back up to 14 players, ORSU continued to work hard in waning time, but was shocked by another yellow card in the final few minutes, to another player not previously penalized, for playing the ball in the ruck. The Amazons used the (again) 2 player advantage for a final try out wide, and a final score of 3-25. Hopeful Signs Despite ORSU Loss to Berkeley September 27, 2009 -- The ORSU Women's Premier team put it all out there against national champion Berkeley All-Blues, but came up short 10-44. Despite the loss, there were a number of positive indicators for ORSU, as it controlled possession well and kept the pressure on in the physical match. Berkeley took advantage of field position early on with a drop goal to open scoring at 0-3. However, ORSU countered soon after as captain Beckett Royce sliced through the Berkeley defense off of a lineout to take ORSU ahead 5-3. Despite consistent pressure from ORSU, Berkeley eventually broke through after about 20 minutes to bring the score to 5-10, which swelled to 5-27 by halftime. ORSU addded 5 more points in the second half from a thrilling run, grubber kick, and collection by an unstoppable Royce off of a scrum center. ORSU's spirited defensive and continued offensive pressure still couldn't totally shut down Berkeley's backline, who added another 3 tries with their electric speed out wide. Although the final scoreline was 10-44, ORSU walked away from the match to big cheers from the supportive crowd who showed their appreciation forthe continued improvement - and heart - that ORSU displayed in the match. Great Day at the Farm for ORSU September 26, 2009 -- Fuller's Farm saw two excellent wins for the ORSU men's D2 and D3 sides Saturday. A large home crowd came out under perfect conditions to witness 15 tries in total from the Jesters. After going into the halftime break down 0-5, the D3 side came out hard to beat Vancouver 17-5. Fitness and belief saw them score three unanswered tries in the second spell, taking a well deserved victory. Player of the match was awarded to Matt Pollet for an outstanding display at openside flanker. The ORSU men's D2 team put on a display of attacking skill in a 74-14 win over the Tacoma Nomads. Forward play was solid on defense and supportive on offense, allowing the backline a steady platform and space to explode. The back three connected and counter-attacked well to score a number of tries, led by wing Taylor Glas-Hochstettler with three. Player of the match went to fullback Jake Britt. Jesters Defeat Pigs September 19, 2009 -- ORSU's D2 men's side came away with a well deserved 17-15 victory Saturday, over crosstown rivals, the Pigs. Despite steady possession from ORSU, the Pigs took the lead early with an opportunistic intercept try. ORSU continued to apply steady offensive pressure, but missed two penalty kicks and knocked on a sure try. However, the Jesters rallied back with a try by hooker Chris Haslett, for a 7-7 scoreline at halftime. The second half saw increased intensity and physical play, with ORSU's forward pack controlling the game. Inside center Aaron Jones took a quick-tap penalty to score under the posts, also converting, to go ahead 14-7. ORSU continued to sustain pressure, dominating possession and turning over the ball in rucks. However, the opposition gained 3 points on a penalty kick, and later another 5 on an overlap try, to take the lead 15-14. But the opposition's inability to stop a storming attack by ORSU's forwards set up a shot at goal for Aaron Jones, who slotted it to take ORSU ahead 17-15. Fiery defense and strong teamwork saw ORSU through the remaining minutes for the win. Adam Beck was named ORSU Player of the Day. ORSU Women Fall to Valkyries September 13, 2009 -- The visiting Minnesota Valkyries came away with the win at ORSU's home ground this weekend, 33 to 12. The Valkyries came out strong, powering in two quick tries and capitalizing on mistakes by a lackluster ORSU defense. ORSU missed crucial opportunities on offense and the Valkyries continued to exploit ORSU errors to score two more unanswered tries by the end of the first half. With all conversions good, the halftime score was Valkyries 28, ORSU zero. However, ORSU's substitutions and adjustments at halftime made a difference. ORSU came out with a renewed fire and scored a try and conversion off a big run up the middle. Play became very physical and intense, with the Valkyries eventually scoring another 5 points off a lineout play at the ORSU 22, but missing the conversion. ORSU continued to pressure, displaying increased ball possession and offensive threat. After a number of quick rucking phases, ORSU again tore through the middle to score under the posts, however the conversion was no good. ORSU will next face the Berkeley All-Blues at home on Sunday, September 27. ORSU Men at Bend Cascade Classic September 12, 2009 -- The ORSU men traveled to Bend, OR for the annual Cascade Classic tournament. With player attendance a bit short for ORSU's two sides, this tournament was still the fun, social event that it always is. The D2 team came away with wins over Budd Bay and the Boise Lions, and lost to Bend in the final. The D3 team battled well but lost to the Missoula Maggots, Eugene, and OIT. Cheers to Bend for another great tournament! Twin Cities Squeaks by ORSU Women in Thrilling Opener September 6, 2009 -- The ORSU women lost narrowly to the Twin Cities Amazons in opening weekend play of the USA Rugby Women's Premier League (WPL). ORSU drew first blood with a try in the first five minutes; however, Twin Cities rumbled back to a halftime score of 15 (three tries)to ORSU's 10 (two tries). Both teams had multiple-try surges in the second half, with the Amazons ultimately holding off a fierce final drive by ORSU, to win 32-27. ORSU gets two bonus points (for scoring four tries and for a loss within seven points) and now sits at third in the Red Conference. Next weekend ORSU will play at home versus the Minnesota Valkyries, on Sunday, September 13th. Spring 2009 ORSU Teams Successful at Maggotfest May 3, 2009 -- The ORSU women defeated the Missoula Farside, the Washington Eastside women, and the select traveling side Gypsies to go unbeaten once again at Maggotfest in Missoula, Montana. ORSU earned Best Women's Team on the Pitch honors for the fourth year running. The ORSU men also had a good run, beating Billings, MT and the Dead Ants traveling side from Wellington, New Zealand, and tying the Howlers from Canada. Good times had by all to cap off a great spring season! Women Handle Mudhens Apr. 11, 2009 -- In a physical match, the ORSU women contained the Emerald City Mudhens 49-14 on Saturday. Much credit to the Mudhens, whose spirited, up-and-coming young team kept the pressure on ORSU all match. ORSU rose to the occasion and kept the tries coming, including several stand-out efforts by captain and USA Eagle Beckett Royce, and a powerful try from prop Stephani Mitchell. ORSU Ties Tsunami in Brawl-like Conditions Apr. 11, 2009 -- In keeping with the previous match-ups between ORSU and the Tsunami, this game featured a brutally physical match-up. However, many spectators felt that there was excessive foul play from the visitors, featuring numerous flying forearms, elbows, fists, and even an eye gouge. ORSU's Taylor Glas-Hochstettler started the scoring early with a beautiful chase-down of a kick. The Tsunami replied in kind, and ORSU answered back, pulling away with stellar two tries by Keone Tawata and showcasing stellar offensive play. ORSU looked set to win the match, but the opposition kept mauling and driving downfield to eventually tie the game at 19. The Tsunami received numberous penalties for foul play, yet did not receive a yellow card until late in the second half, after the ORSU captain drew his own yellow card for excessive protests to the referee regarding opposition foul play. Women Defeat Visiting Boston Apr. 4, 2009 -- The ORSU women stepped up to the challenge of the visiting BWRFC, scoring a number of tries while only allowing the visitors one. Boston's try came in the first half, on the heels of several penalties for ORSU for offside infringements around the breakdown. Boston played a spirited game and never stopped attacking, but ORSU was keen to play and did not let up on the pressure. The final score was 72 to ORSU, 5 to Boston. D2 Hack Away at Axemen Apr. 4, 2009 -- The weather Saturday held the long-awaited sunshine and moderate temperatures that we Portlanders have been yearning for. After some logistical difficulties ORSU's D2 men managed yet another one-point victory over long-time-close-call rivals, the Eastside Axemen. ORSU started slowly and found themselves down 12-nil in the first 10 minutes. The Axemen were quick to capitalize on ORSU's errors, and gaps in defense. After the initial stumbles, ORSU's play and adherence to their game plan improved. Travis Crossland scored a try under the posts in the first half, with Aaron Jones converting. Another try by the Axemen before halftime put the score at 19-7. After a positive halftime break the ORSU men rallied in both offense and defense. Replacement winger Jake Britt came on the pitch with an immediate impact. Coach Mike Lewis followed Britt on a stellar run, and scored the first points of the half putting the score at 19-12. The Axemen's pick-and-go offense was successfully thwarted by ORSU tackling...they only made it across the gain line a few more times in the match. One of their line breaks resulted in a try...the score was now set at 24-12. Back line speedsters Joey Herrle and Britt both scored unconverted tries while recently-returned Chris Sgro's "acrobatic" try was deemed a knock-on. With five minutes left in the match the scoreline still had the Axemen ahead 24-22. Two minutes later Jones had another opportunity to kick a penalty; he did so, and ORSU went ahead 25-24. After a few final minutes of keeping the ball in hand the final whistle blew, and once again ORSU hit the I-5 South for a ride home in victory. Gasmen Dylan Vinzant and Jake Britt were named as men of the match and proved to be speedsters at both running and boat racing! Time Runs Out on D3 Season Apr. 4, 2009 -- ORSU D3 ran out of time in its spirited comeback in the playoffs this weekend falling to Budd Bay 26-29 in overtime. After spotting the hosting side a 5-26 head start, the Jesters roared back in the last 20 minutes of regulation scoring and converting 3 tries while stonewalling the opposition. Improved play in the backs resulted in flyhalf Andy Kozak and inside center Eric Doering finding many openings in Budd Bay's back line. Overtime was a back-and-forth affair, which saw the Budd Bay slot a kick in the first period to score the final points of the day. The second overtime period has contained impressive play on both sides, with ORSU playing for the win and knocking on Budd Bay's try line repeatedly, but failing to convert any allowed tries. Women Having Successful Spring Apr.
1, 2009 -- The ORSU women's team is going well this spring, with wins
over the Mudhens, Budd Bay, and Kitsap. A number of rookies have gotten
the opportunity to test their rugby legs, and several old faces have
been seen in new positions. The women are building their numbers and
depth in anticipation of the USA Rugby Women's Premier League
competition this fall. ORSU will face visiting Boston WRFC this
Saturday at 12 pm, and the Mudhens will play Boston at 2 pm. Pardy Time in Tacoma Mar.
28, 2009 -- The D2 team travelled to Tacoma Saturday to play the
Nomads. It was a close game, in atrocious conditions, for the first
twenty minutes before ORSU started to pull away from a young Tacoma
side. Big Matt Pardy put in a stellar performance from lock, dotting
down three times on the day. Other tries went to Taylor
Glas-Hochstettler (2), Jason Fields and Dylan Vinzant, with Aaron Jones
adding 5 from 7 with the boot. Final score 45-10 ORSU. D3 Loses Muddy Melee Mar.
28, 2009 -- The D3 side lost to the league leading Sharks this last
weekend 22-0. The game was wet, windy and muddy with many restarts
reflecting the conditions. Play itself was spirited and hard hitting
with neither team backing down. The Sharks overall size and scrumming
advantage eventually proved to be the difference in the game. D3 is
now prepping for next weeks PNRFU play-offs with the likely first round
match up with the host, Budd Bay. Another League Win Mar.
21, 2009 -- ORSU's D2 men's side returned to Fuller's Farm Saturday for
a league match-up against the Valley Kangaroo's. Starting fast ORSU ran
in a couple of long range tries to center Dylan Vinzant to take an
early lead. Play then tightened up through the middle part of the
match, with ORSU unable to break a spirited Valley defense untill
mid-way through the second half. ORSU scored three more times with
tries going to fullback Taylor Glas-Hochstettler, halfback Talo
Fatuuaho and another to Vinzant to complete a fine hat-trick. Final
score ORSU 29 - Valley 7. ORSU Comes Up Short in Boise Mar.
14, 2009 -- In a crucial match-up Saturday, ORSU's D2 Men's side went
down to a powerful Snake River team in Boise, ID. Not many teams come
away from Boise with a win, and this weekend proved no exception. Snake
scored two tries to ORSU's one, winning a high percentage of
possession, which told in the end. ORSU's try went to Dylan Vinzant on
the left wing from a great pass from flyhalf Travis Crossland. Slow Start Stops D3 Mar.
14, 2009 -- ORSU started slowly in the rain and wind in Eugene falling
behind 17 - 0, then made a late second half push before succumbing 22 - 10. The game was a hard fought and physical slug fest
which saw the ball squirting out of many tackles. ORSU's first try was
scored by lock Zach Johnson who found space on the wing, lumbered into
the corner and birthed the ball down. The second try was scored by
winger Mathew Graville who also found space outside and outpaced the
defense. ORSU and Missoula Provide Thrills Under the Lights Mar.
12, 2009 -- A combined D2 and D3 ORSU side took on the Maggots of
Missoula, Montana in a friendly match under the lights on Thursday
night. The big, boisterous crowd was treated to a night of hard tackles
and thrilling runs from two of the Northwest's most dynamic teams. The
night match saw a large number of both D3 and D2 players getting game
time as the two ORSU teams ramped up for league matches on the coming
weekend. ORSU whipped the crowd up with spirited play and a couple of
exciting tries. However, Missoula took the match with their
hard-crashing runs and solid defense. The friendly was followed by a
bonfire and BBQ, with good cheer all around. ORSU D3 Upends Kitsap Mar.
7, 2009 -- The D3 traveled light in numbers and experience to their
match against Kitsap, but prevailed 7 - 0. It was Pardy Time when lock
and man of the match Matt Pardy powered over the line in the first half
for the only try scored on the day. The second half demonstrated heart
on both sides as play became increasingly physical and saw both
sides enduring extended goal line stands. Jesters Corral Roughriders Mar.
7, 2009 -- ORSU scored four tries to three Saturday against the Bend
Roughriders. Out for revenge for their Fall defeat to Bend, ORSU played
well, dominating possession and territory. Tries went to wing Dylan
Vinzant, prop Jason "Worm" Haar, center Joey Herrle and blindside flank
Keone Tawata. Aaron Jones had a good day with the boot, slotting 4
penaties and a conversion. Player of the Day went to Dylan
Vinzant. ORSU travel to Boise this weekend to battle Snake River in a
must win match in their bid to make the top two in the league and the
Pacific Coast playoffs. Tight Win Away Feb.
28, 2009 -- ORSU's D2 team traveled north to Bellingham, WA Saturday to
face Chuckanut Bay RFC. ORSU needed a win to keep their playoff
aspirations alive, but didn't start well, letting in two first half
tries to Chuckanut to go into halftime down 12-0. The second half was
all ORSU's though, with tries to Keone Tawata and Talo Fetuuaho, both
converted by Aaron Jones, to take the lead 14-12 with ten minutes left.
Then with time up on the Ref's watch, we only needed to kick the ball
dead to take the win, but center Joey Herrle had other plans, and ran
in a 50 meter solo effort to finish the day and take the win 19-12.
Player of the Day went to outstanding openside flank, Pat Murray. Visitors Escape with Win Feb. 21, 2009 -- In a fiercely contested match Saturday, ORSU dominated hometown rival Pigs in possession and territory, but was unable to to finish its chances. ORSU drew first blood with a try to Keone Tawata, but the conversion was no good. The opposition struck back with a try and were able to convert, adding a penalty kick late in the half. Second half saw the visitors pinned in their half with no real scoring chances, taking repeated poundings to their goal line. Unluckily, a final try eluded ORSU multiple times. With both teams top contenders in the D2 competition, this matchup is one to watch next time around. Heavy Clash Ends in Draw Feb.
14, 2009 -- ORSU played Budd Bay in a top of the table D3 clash
Saturday. A very hard hitting game was played in perfect conditions,
with both sides dotting down twice. ORSU's tries went to Ben Dubin at
halfback and Brett Brownscombe at inside center, with Dustin
King converting one and adding a penalty at the end to level the scores
at 15. Bob Reininga was awarded the man of the match for a
storming game off the back of the scrum. The D3 team plays away to
Vancouver this weekend in a much anticipated battle. Two W's to Start the Spring Feb.
7, 2009 -- Both men's sides won Saturday, taking both teams to second
in their respective leagues. The D3 team played the early match against
Eugene, and were very clinical in winning 27-5. Dustin King at
center and John Morris at openside were outstanding. The D2 had their
first win over the Tsunami 11-10 in a fiercely contested match, Chris
Haslett scored ORSU's only try, with Aaron Jones kicking two penalties,
the second to give ORSU a lead they wouldn't give up. Both teams have a
6-2 record. |
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