Miami Rugby Club

With a group of about 15 players, Miami made it to the Shield Semi-Finals losing to the Sharks. We had a tough time, losing to USF, which were a much improved team after we stomped’em in the Sunshine State games and Bahamas I, which showed us what being fit can do for a team.

If we are to go to Todd Miller 7’s this weekend, we need a good showing at practice and commitment by players. After Mac’s email and the commitment showed by the players who are coming to practice learning the game and traveling to these tourneys, it should make those who have taken the summer off want to come back and help us improve.

The 7’s season is coming to a close let’s end it on a positive note by making it to the finals. We lost Ethan during the second match after he took a knock to the knee, but he assured us he’ll do whatever it takes to make it back on the pitch.

We shared our camp with the FIU mens squad who put on a good performance despite having a tough day on the pitch, as well as the FIU Women’s team in their inaugurel 7’s tourney, who showed alot of heart which made up for their lack of experience. They scored twice against the well seasoned womens team from Miami who were the dominant women’s team in the tourney.

June 26 Todd Miller
July 10 Tampa 7’s
July 24 Beerfoot 7’s

Cheers,

Wade
Match-Secretary Miami RFC

Miami Rugby is alive and well in 7’s….at least after a win in the first game vs. Orlando! With a team of 7 forwards Heman, Trevor, Marcelo, Rafael, Salesi, Jesse, Tio, and 2 backs, Luigi and Adrian, Miami settled into the tournament under Miami Team Manager Rafael and his Assistant Jo and under the guidance of Interim Couch, Danny Sieh.

Team Manager Rafi and Asst. Jo, set up camp under a shaded park bench with a view of our pitch for the day. Rafi will be known as “Little G”…he fronted the tournament fee, and brought sandwiches, gatorade, water, ice, and fruits to satisfy the most discerning Miami RFC player.

Despite offers of assistance from 2 formidable Key West players (backs) to join our quest, the players decided to do it the Miami way…on our own with what we had. You could see the determination in their faces and the fitness training during the week pay off in the following match. But despite their best efforts, the young team from FAU were too fast and our backs could only chase’em down so many times. We suffered a loss to the eventual tournament winners.

Next came our cross state rivals, Naples…a young team with subs galore, Miami was spent after the first half and incurred their second and final loss. Selesi, despite some great individual efforts…a tap and go at the 50 for a try and a tap and go at the 50 with a hand off to brother Tio which eventually ended in a try, only had so much in his tank.

Miami left all they had on the field that day and there was a sense of satisfaction amongst the players for their efforts. You can only give your all and the outcome will determine itself…

On a note of camaraderie, Miami RFC was in support of the up and coming FIU women’s squad…we shared camp and strategies for the day and assisted them in their preparations for their 2nd entrance into the 7’s world of rugby. With coaches Luigi and Trevor going back and forth between games, they honed their “cupcakes” to perform the best that they could. And with great determination they went out onto the pitch and gave it their all. They suffered 2 setbacks with a broken wrist to their leader and Captain, Gena and a broken clavicle to Charlotte (see pic below). Despite the unlucky twist of fate, the girls marched on and finished their games with a record of 0-3, but came away with more experience and determination to improve their game.

played at home,

after the soccer kids finished we quickly set up the field and the game was on.
both teams showed strong numbers, Boca 30 guys and Miami had closed to 35.
going in to the game I was telling the guys we need to win by more then the six they beat us by earlier in the league.
Boca didn’t RESPECT US, they hadn’t lost all year 9 – 0 record rank 12 th nationally
not knowing any of this before kickoff. we were rank too 19 th 6 – 2 record both loses to Boca

we came out playing our game, kick down in to territory and play tough D. force them to make a mistake and make them pay. it paid off early Ruben scored for us first, Carlos made the kick. 7 – 0. we were killing them in the scrums.
to bad the ref couldn’t make a call. every scrum they would break from the scrums early.
not much in the way of offense both teams struggle to move the ball.
Boca’s offensive try came when john make a bad decision to pass with guys hanging on him was pick off for a try.
kicked missed. 7 – 5 we played 30 minutes inside their halve. Carlos added a kick 10 – 5

second halve was a good hitting game. back and forth we banged it out. Boca added two penalty kicks 10 – 11
again as we have done all year so far. we had chances and we don’t score. not that teams stop us we stop our selves.
we had breaks and some good attacking ball but, we’re losing to many balls at the break downs.
with about twenty left, at one of those many break downs we came away with one and move the ball quick to the out side and donkey ran it in for a try and the lead. Carlos made the kick 17 – 11
late into the game I was sweating it out, they had some chances to move the ball line outs they were gaining meters then their side line cost them. after a bad call by the ref Boca’s side start screaming at the ref and he penalizes the side line.
so, Dario kicks down it to territory and we win a line out driving mauls on. Boca players were exhausted. kevon comes away with the ball in the try zone trying to center it Boca get a hold of him and the ball. no try. five meter scrum Miami attacking.
again Boca breaks early or something, penalty, Carlos makes the kick at full time 20 – 11

Carlos was my, man of the match (10) points but, he didn’t come to the social instead he wanted to spend he night waiting in line at the airport so, he could go home to chili. ( still waiting)

kevon got the shirt award.

tough Naples match next week on the road, last years defend states champs.

great win for Miami, teams are watch us now.
KEEP WINNING
Mac

hi guys,

here’s the b side match report,

for a B side match we were able to invite FIU last weekend.
coach gabe, as some good talent in is young guys. they played very hard.
our guys answer some question Saturday. all the changes to the line up we’ve lost our timing.
we put out a young side in terms of playing levels.
back and forth the two sides battle it out.
no score at halve 0 – 0
the first score came from Juan a new guy we pick up from the crowd at the USA game.
Juan’s a solid tackler but, on the play he found a bouncing ball picked it up and dives for the try line.
kick good by Francisco. 7 – 0
the FIU kids wouldn’t lay down so, back and forth some more. on a sub change I put Brian in.
moving Juan to flanker were he belongs and Brian when to out center. it didn’t take long for brain’s pace to show.
we started moving the ball and it was Brian making the break and going the distance for a try, kick good 14 – 0
hard fought match
final

Mac

hi black n gold nation,

we had yet another big win over the tridents 33 – 0
the tridents are struggling badly. they have some good players on there team but, just aren’t playing well.
on the day we played a better game and we were more physical then they were.

I was choking on the penalties 8 in the first halve and 8 in the second halve.
on the whistle back ten then find out what happen.
we need to do a better job of putting our emotions in check once the game starts.
talking a yelling needs to stop too. simple communications and hard play will go farther.
follow your captain, he leads by example.

it was a great good day to play. good to see guys showing up early to the field.
we went with the big pack vs. tridents. they have some big guys as well.
we destroyed their pack, after 50 minutes they wanted no more. (uncontested)
should of just stop the game there. saw some really cheap shots on the field.

any way back to the scoring first to score was chase dragging a guy with him for 5 kick good 7 – 0.
then it was Dario adding to his scoring lead with a try 14 – 0
we were doing a great job taking balls against the head and giving ourselves scoring opportunities.
forcing them to make some bad mistakes in the line outs the help us keep them under pressure.
I think only a handful of time they made the gain line in attack off first phase.

next to score was Ruben enjoying his time at flanker. running well, finds space around the defense and score easy up the short side, good support. 21 – 0 Dario scores his second of the day with his leg shaking, hips wiggling, dumby selling mores for 5. the kick was good from my stand point but, the trident didn’t raise his flag so, the ref didn’t count it good.

halve time 26 – 0

a little disappointed about our effort in the second halve. trident didn’t want any more scrums so, they went uncontested.
so I put more flankers on the field then props and we scored less. guys listen we’re not a fast team but, you move the ball forward together not many teams are going to stop us. it’s when we try and pick up to much territory with the kick we start losing continuity. some guys are covering and some are taking the play off. there for we’re losing the pressure we had on.
good runners and poor tackling, teams are making the most of the counters against us.
remember ball in hand is good in side the forty don’t always look to kick when defense has us cover. looking for big play.
give the ball to a forward to set it or use our crashing centers. recycle and pressure them again and again.
if, we keep possession driving toward the goal line then they make a mistake we come away with three.
kicking the ball every option most times we’re losing possession. coming away with O.

finishing the scoring for us was cracka. when as the last time we had brothers score in the same game.
cement’s, William’s??

final 33 – 0

good win boys,
half way through the social the tridents handed over the MIAMI CUP to our captain john bankston.
that’s one goal for the season, be the best team in Miami.
next goal is a week away, Boca’s standing in our way, WIN THE DIVISION ONE FLORIDA CHAMPIONSHIP.
we need three more wins, Boca first, Naples, then ft Lauderdale.

the Boca game is in our back yard hope you can come out and support us.

Mac

Here we go with the B side match report vs. ft. Lauderdale 01/ 23/ 10.
starters for this match front row,
gonzalo, pukie, he-man,
seconds, Ron, mike,
flanks, Rafael, Franco, Cesar,
9, 10, Marco (c) n Francisco,
centers, Trevor, Michael,
wings, David, Miguel, fullback, Danny
Very proud, the way the young B side team took the field running. kind of half expected this after all the B side train against the A side live every Tuesday night. their level of play is higher then most teams they’ll play.

starting off with the scoring was Marco 5 – 0 kick failed.
isaias, on for injured Rafael scored next, kick good by Francisco, 12 – 0 halve time
In the second halve Michael scores showing some speed. 17 – 0 kick failed David our second row standing in for some of our injured backs playing wing scores.Good support play and hustle from the big lock. kick good by Michael 24 – 0.
Michael now on a roll showing he can do it all scores again, giving him 12 points for the afternoon. Nailing down the man of the match award. being a good sport letting Francisco kick, 31 – 0. ending score. very good scoring show put on by the so called B side.
He-man winner of the skirt dotting the ball down on the five meter line instead of the goal line, soooooo close.
the halves were only 25 minutes. good effort by the group.
both isaias n Michael will see action in the next game vs. tridents
still can improve fitness and simple play or pattern of play.
kicking can improve here too. 3 of 5 better then the first group on the day.
B side record 2 – 0

Mac

hi black n gold,
Saturday’s game was a good start to the second halve of the season.
remember we had gone four weeks without play so, the out come was ok. W 34 – 19
Miami’s starting line up for the day,
front row, alejandro, Gerardo, Sergio
seconds, were David, wade,
flanks, Marcelo, Ruben, john
backs, Brian, Dario, Carlos, cracka,
back three, chase, Danny, maxie,
The scoring took a few minutes (12) then we started clicking. Dario scored first, kick missed by Carlos, 5 – 0
Maxie then scored with good running for the corner. kick missed Carlos, 10 – 0
At this point we were really struggling to score. we were into the game twenty five minutes and we had play the whole halve in ft. Lauderdale territory. trying to hard or forcing the pass. already we had fail to score four different times.

Kicking possession away instead of drawing defender and passing to open guy or hitting the rucks hard and moving ball to space. to many BAD DECISIONS. still in control of game.

Third score came from big john , Brian MADE the kick 17 – 0
during play Dario had a good game seeing space and attacking over and over found the
goal line again, kick missed
22 – 5 halve time

Second halve, we made a few changes. seven guys came on
four pack players and three backs.
we came out and started well but, we died. Nuno made the best of his minutes with the only two scores for us in the second halve.
the one try came off his own little pop kick that he out ran the defender for the try. 27 – 5 kick missed, Carlos 0 for 4 . The next score was nuno again with good speed and support 34 – 5 Brian MADE KICK 2 for 2
after that it was all ft. Lauderdale with mainly pick and goes, and quick crash balls to runners off the break downs.

In the last twenty minutes of the game we didn’t score. didn’t use possession well, no support, and no continuity. They challenge our reserves and they smash us. we didn’t tackle well, we jump off sides a time or two. Hey we won the set pieces and we need to improve in some area.

they won the last twenty 14 – 0. good thing we had a good lead.
Dario man of the match two try’s and some more good kicking to gain territory,
dougy got the skirt award, bad tackle.
Looks like trident agree to let us play a B side game at there field, I believe the FIU

Halve way through the season 3 n 1 record, second place in Florida.

B Side Match report

Picture Gallery

Picture Gallery

This weekend was a good win for us with a 26 – 3 defeat over last year’s defending champs, Naples. Unfortunately we were unable to fully capitalize on all of our scoring opportunities and we left more than a few try’s on the field. Because our starting kicker, Carlos Jelves, was away from the team on vacation, we were also unable to up the score any further by putting the boot on the ball to get it between the posts. It was a hard fought match, we stuck to our strategy, and we’ll take it how we get it, for now though, it’s back to work. Naples is not the team we can just count out. This is not the last time we’re going hear from them, they will be back into contention before it’s all said and done with. We cannot let up! We must move forward and continue to improve our execution!!!

Our starting Front Row is in constant rotation. For the third consecutive game we have started with a completely new Front Three. Braden and He-Man got the start at the Props for their first League Play Starts of the ‘09-’10 Season. Both men played well in the first half during our set plays. Both men however, could raise their level of play and conditioning out in the open field when they’re let ‘loose’ from the tight five. Nonetheless, they played well. Job well done!

The game started out with both teams in search of good field position. It was a back & forth game of Ground & Pound that led to a Miami penalty kick for points… that we missed. Naples drew first blood with a beautiful kick off the toe of their Fly-Half. It was an impressive kick that defied the 30 meter distance and strong winds blowing across the field and perpendicular to the posts. 0-3. Unfortunately, that was “all she wrote” for Naples. Miami RFC apparently did not like the taste of that score because we shut them down after that!

Our Lineout Plays seem to be maturing as we saw some good defense from the sets and some nice steals from our Flanker, Bobby. Our Fullback, Sean was the first to score with some good, hard running coming from the support play. Again, we missed the kick for conversion! Score is now 5-3, Miami RFC. Our second nail in their coffin came at the hands of Cracka. His try came from about 15 meters out when he found a gap in their defense to exploit and trotted his way in for the next 5 point score. The half ended with Brian’s successful conversion on the score keeping us at a nice lead of 12-3 at the half.

Our Flyhalf Dario, kept us in the game with some good kicking for territory, however, some of the kicks were just plain horrible. We had players trying to kick with pressure on who were just not getting it done, although, we did get lucky a few times. We have done a decent job this year minimizing penalties, however, our opponents have done an even better job, I would even say a great job, capitalizing on the penalties we have given up. In the first two league games of the season we have given up 12 points to penalty kicks against us. We have to learn that penalties are points for the other team! We could have really pulled away in the second half, but we didn’t. Our offensive execution was lack luster and just downright poor. We gave up 10 turnovers at the break downs, and only our tackling saved us, a few times that is.

Cracka continued his mass production of points in the second half by picking apart the holes left by the defense. He broke a tackle and really drove it in for the next five point score. Brian made his conversion keeping us ahead 19-3. At this point of the game it seemed more like a Soccer match with the amount of kicking going on. It was just too much. Both teams ended up kicking the ball out of the 22’s and defending too much to make it seem like anyone even wanted to play hard nose rugby. The final score finally came when the Forwards took over to create a maul that would drive in the last score in the hands of Ruben for another 5 points. Dario converted the kick leaving the final score at 26-3.

Mac

That’s right we’re claiming victory. W 14 – 13

The test match of the summer, a international team from Wales, the welsh dragons came calling and the BLACK N GOLD answer back. we had planned on training for two week to prepare for this match. the weather let us get in one training session. The players are already in sevens mod, regardless we had a 15’s match to play and host.

Let’s move on to the match,

Line up
1 ) HE MAN SCHLAERTH
2 ) RUBEN GARCIA
3 ) SERGINIO CHADE
4 ) DAVID LOPEZ
5 ) IVAN IBARRA
6 ) GERARDO FERRARIS
7 ) SEBASTIAN SASTRE
8 ) GUNNY
9) DOUG NEARY
10 ) CARLOS JELVES
12 ) DARIO MARTARELLO
13 ) JOSE CABAN
11 ) DANNY HSIEH
14 ) MIGUEL LINDAY
15 ) LUIGI PISANI

The two sides kicked off at 7:30 with light rain falling. Even with about ten days of rain the field looked great. The local rugby whores were out looking for a game. The welsh team started the match with ten healthy borrowing three of our new guys to the BLACK A GOLD Patrick from UM, Colin from BOSTON U, Mitchell from CHILI. A couple of other guys from Miami found playing time.

Play was slow and full of mistakes. we had the better go of it in the scrums but, didn’t do much with the ball on offense. The welsh team scored first with a 35 meter drop goal that came off the foot of a trident. Tater two guys on the welsh team told me the kick was no good. anyway 0 – 3 half time break

Second half, we brought in some reserves. Pukie Lopez for Ruben, Gerardo moved up to loose head for he man and Anthony came on to flank. Carlos slid down and took 9 for dougy, Dario bumped down to 10 cracka came on at 12. Added more speed at 11, 14 with Chris and new guy Columbian Chris play on and the second half was better then the first.

We had chances but, couldn’t finish and the welsh did a better job of poching our ball at the break downs. We also made some great defense plays keeping the welsh team out of the try zone. Finally we scored with some hard noise running from gunny for 5. the conversion kick was waved off by the touch judges only to find out later the kick was good but, no point were awarded because of Dario.
5 – 3 my score.
The welsh team picked up the pace with some good off load passing moving some forty meters and scored a try. Thanks to the help of both Patrick and Colin of the BLACK N GOLD.
5 – 10
Then we answer with some kicking for territory and good defense. force some bad decisions on the welsh side. GOOD D, the ref called the welsh for not release in the tackle. penalty, toe the ball though the mark gave to gunny for his second try of the match. kick good 12 – 10 winning man of the match honors. round is a shape.

The welsh and ref Gavin were out to get us. With us kicking the ball in to touch clearly hitting people in the crowd (witch was around 200 FOLKS), the ref let’s the welsh team go quick, shouldn’t of happened. Anyway Chris our new Columbian winger makes the play of the game running from the far wing side chases down one of the fastest guys in Florida rugby making a break for the try zone
on the other side of the field a BIG WELL DONE.

NOW WERE PLAYING DOWN IN OUR HALF AND THE LINE JUDGES CALL DARIO AGAIN FOR OFF SIDES.

The welsh kick for three 12 – 13 time runs out
So, with all the doubt, WE’RE CLAIMING VICTORY.

I DON’T NO IF KICKS ARE GOOD ARE NOT. TWO TRY’S ONE

THE CLUB GAVE BRIAN HUSSEY AN AWARD FOR HIS HARD WORK AND ACHIEVEMENTS
PLAYING 9 FOR THE USA UNDER 20′S IN THE JUNIOR WORLD CUP.

THEN THE BLACK N GOLD CIRCLED UP FOR A MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR THE PASSING OF OUR OLDEST FAN. CRACKA’S GRANDMA, SHE WILL BE MISSED.

COACH MAC