The Ravenwood High School girls rugby team picked up right where they left off with Independence when they took on an enthusiastic group of Oakland High School girls. OHS had a few strong athletes but not enough experience or talent to make a difference in a game that was one-sided and with one-way traffic all night. 

The RHS girls continue their improvement on “going forward” and setting the ball back for quality possession. When they were forced to ground in the tackle, they became long and narrow and placed the ball at their feet. The support is typically there and off they go again.

Juli Hindman is taking on a new position as scrumhalf and working hard to be around the ball at all times. She distributed the ball well, as evidenced by the try scoring. Lauren McLean won nearly every hook, stealing several too. Her throws at the lineout were almost always straight. McLean’s possession skills are advanced and proved to be so very important to the overall success of this squad. The final score was RHS 69

-          OHS 0.

 

Scoring Statistics - 

First Half: Keri Knox, tries (2), conversions (2), Ebony Freeman, tries (2), Dianne Pamplona, tries (2), Judy Lomax, tries (1), Caitlin Boone, conversions (3). Second Half: Juli Hindman, tries (1), Keri Knox, tries (1), conversions (1), Kristen Tuttle, tries (1), Anna Darbashi, tries (1), Caitlin Boone, conversions (1).

 

The Ravenwood High School Rugby boys’ A team met up with their 2009 first round playoff opponent, a team that is known for their bruising style of forward play. In fact, this particular Oakland squad has a Division I Football signee playing with them in the forwards who will be going to an SEC program on a football scholarship. 

Oakland still had two very swift wingers and a fullback who could fly. However, the Ravenwood backs were very disruptive and it was rare they had a clean ball. 

The Oakland side came at Ravenwood hard in the first few minutes scoring early with a made conversion, RHS 0 – Oakland 7. 

This was the first time Ravenwood had to play from behind in a match and they responded well and countered with three scores before the end of the half. Unfortunately the Raptors’ kicks at post were unsuccessful and they left six points on the board leaving the Oakland squad within striking distance. The half time score was RHS 15 – Oakland 7.

Kevin Suckow was a sure tackler and was counted on to keep the ball in most situations of a tackle, as well as pass appropriately under pressure. Despite his build and size, he is a talented defender. His skill is a plus to the squad and along with his inside center, Mark Nesbitt, they shut down the opposing centers time and time again.

Matt Jordan is very new to the game, but you could not tell in this match, as his instincts took him into the try zone for the first.  His hands in the lineouts were a threat to win every ball.

 In Rugby, the conversion is worth 2 points, so their value is double that of American football. In the second half, Ravenwood scored an additional three tries and held out Oakland, despite their best efforts. The Raptors converted better in this half, with 2 of 3 conversions made. The final score was RHS 34 – Oakland 17.

 

Scoring statistics - 

First Half: Matt Jordan, tries (1), David Upton, tries (1), Jonathan Smith, tries (1)

Second Half: Michael Hennessy, tries (1), Erik Schall, tries (1), Kevin Suckow, tries (1), Jonathan Smith, conversions (2).