10-31-2011, 01:28 AM | #101 | ||||||||||||
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Osaka, Japan via Honolulu, Hawaii via Birmingham, Alabama
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Week 11 – Saturday – May 25th, 1996
Dragons win fifth straight, beat Beacons at home COLLEGE PARK, MD - It was a hard-fought game at Byrd Stadium, but the Capital City Dragons managed to continue their run of success. The Dragons managed to beat the visiting Boston Beacons (5-6) 20-15 in front of 13,534 fans - the largest crowd of the season for Capital City. The Dragons (5-6) became the first team in NARC history to win five straight games, this after becoming the first team to lose six straight. More importantly for Capital City, the big division win puts them well within reach of a playoff spot. This team is hot at the right time. "This is a dangerous team, when they're motivated," said Dragons head coach Gus Gardener. "We still have one more game to go. I'm not saying we're gonna win it, but we have a shot." The key to Capital City's surge is their defense. No team has scored more than 17 points on the Dragons since Week 6, their last loss. Capital City's #6 Lincoln Osburne had another big day on defense; no player was able to get by or get out of an Osburne tackle. Boston's left wing Felicien Covillon had two tries. Code:
Legends squeak by Knights PISCATAWAY, NJ - Is it possible that Rob Nielsen is this year's MVP? The Chicago Legends (5-6) left wing definitely has a great case. Nielsen did not make it to the in-touch area today, but his impact was certainly felt in Chicago's 20-18 upset of the New Jersey Knights. Nielsen seemingly played two positions today, left wing and fly half. Not only did he shred New Jersey's defense time and time again with some exquisite runs, but when the defense started keying in on him, Nielsen kept plays alive with some great offloads. Nielsen played some great defense as well; in terms of defense, Nielsen just may be the best left wing in the NARC, and it showed. "When you need him, he's there," said Chicago head coach Dave Waterman, whose team kept their playoff hopes alive with the big win. "I don't know about overall MVP, but he's our MVP for sure." The loss was inconsequential for New Jersey (8-3). With the division title wrapped up, the Knights already have home-field advantage and a first-round bye in the playoffs. Charles Munn made one of two conversions, and two of two penalties. Code:
Mashers escape with win over Stormers PALO ALTO, CA - In a battle of teams with nothing left to play for in the regular season, the Edmonton Mashers came out flat today against the Golden Gate Stormers, and they almost lost. Only a missed conversion kick allowed the Mashers to beat the Stormers 13-12. Edmonton (8-3) dominated on defense in the first half, but Golden Gate (2-9) came back in the second half. A try in the 72nd minute pulled Golden Gate to within one, with a 13-12 score. However, fly half Sandy Kemp, who had a terrible angle near the sideline, kicked the ball wide right on the conversion attempt, and the game ended 13-12. Golden Gate has now lost six straight games, matching the league record set by Capital City. When asked about a possible curse resulting from beating New Jersey in Week 5 (the last time the Stormers won), head coach Kyler Eccleston nearly shoved the reporter out of his way. "What a [expletive] stupid question," Eccleston yelled. "There's no [expletive] curse. What the [expletive] are you talking about? We play like [expletive], that's all there is to it." Edmonton's Jace Hunter scored a try, but missed two conversion kicks, although he made his only penalty attempt. Code:
Mission hang on to beat Sharks SAN DIEGO - The San Diego Mission came out of the locker room almost on fire, then beat back a comeback by the Los Angeles Sharks, as San Diego won this matchup 25-22 at Qualcomm Stadium. The win allowed San Diego (6-5) to clinch a playoff spot. Despite the loss, Los Angeles (6-5) gained a valuable bonus point for losing by only three points. That means that the Sharks' opponent next week, the Texas Harlequins, will need to get five standings points and hold L.A. to none in order to take the last playoff spot over L.A. "I feel good about our chances," Sharks left wing Sammy Reilly said. Meanwhile, the Mission celebrated making it to the playoffs. "This is what we worked hard for," said left wing Koby Riddle, who is 35 years old. "I don't have many years left in the game, so we gotta take these opportunities when they arise. We're going to the playoffs, baby!" Code:
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10-31-2011, 01:29 AM | #102 |
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Osaka, Japan via Honolulu, Hawaii via Birmingham, Alabama
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WEEK 11 PLAYER OF THE WEEK
It was a very close vote, as all three of these players were deserving of Player of the Week honors. The edge went to Osburne for his play, but with two points awarded for second place, Rob Nielsen takes the MVP lead with eight overall points. That's two more than New Jersey's Larry McGillicuddy and Noah Kidston as well as Osburne, and three more than Edmonton's Jace Hunter. With one game left in the regular season, Nielsen has a huge chance to win the first NARC MVP award. 1st place (3 pts in the MVP standings) – Capital City #6 Lincoln Osburne 2nd place (2 pts) – Chicago #11 Rob Nielsen 3rd place (1 pt) – Texas #11 Mason Letourneau NARC STANDINGS AFTER WEEK 11 Code:
What a playoff race this is turning out to be! Half of the six playoff teams will be decided in Week 12, as well as home field for the two first-round games. It is nothing short of amazing that the four teams battling for the two remaining spots in the Eastern Division are all tied at 26 points! If you want to know the head-to-head results (head-to-head is the first tiebreaker, with the second being point differential), here they are. Boston split its series with Chicago, Capital City, and Virginia, but they have the edge in point differential. Chicago split with Capital City and Virginia. Capital City beat Virginia in Week 9, and the second game will take place in Week 12. There is still a playoff race in the Western Division as well. If Texas beats Los Angeles in Week 12 AND gets the maximum five points, along with none for L.A., Texas will tie L.A. in points with 28. Thanks to a Week 3 win over the Sharks, Texas would get into the playoffs over the Sharks based on the first tiebreaker, head-to-head results. WEEK 12 GAMES Friday - May 31st San Diego at Golden Gate (CBS) Saturday - June 1st Edmonton at Chicago Texas at Los Angeles (CBS) New Jersey at Boston Capital City at Virginia
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10-31-2011, 05:56 AM | #103 |
High School Varsity
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Australia
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Edmonton just keep on doing that monster mash.
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Be not afeard. The isle is full of noises, sounds, and sweet airs, that give delight, and hurt not. Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments will hum about mine ears; and sometimes voices, That, if I then had wak'd after long sleep, will make me sleep again; and then, in dreaming, The clouds methought would open and show riches ready to drop upon me, that, when I wak'd, I cried to dream again. |
10-31-2011, 08:23 AM | #104 | |
Head Coach
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Colorado Springs
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Quote:
Why is this even a question? Rob Nielsen IS the MVP. This year, and every year. |
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11-01-2011, 02:38 AM | #105 | |||
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Osaka, Japan via Honolulu, Hawaii via Birmingham, Alabama
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Week 12 – Friday night – May 31st, 1996
Mission beat Stormers, clinch home field in playoff first round PALO ALTO, CA - Five different players scored tries for San Diego as the Mission took it to the hapless Golden Gate Stormers 36-12 on Friday night at Stanford Stadium. The player of the game for the Mission was fly half Richard Benner, who did not score a try but assisted in at least three of them. He also kicked four of his five conversions, as well as his only penalty attempt. San Diego's right wing Ben Winning had the opening try. The win was enough for San Diego to clinch home field for their first-round playoff game next week. Meanwhile, Golden Gate ends their season with a terrible seven-game losing streak, a string of results that have left some to wonder if Stormers head coach Kyler Eccleston will be out of a job soon. Code:
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11-01-2011, 02:41 AM | #106 | ||||||||||||
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Feb 2005
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Week 12 – Saturday – June 1st, 1996
Kidston scores three tries as Knights win big BOSTON - Right wing Noah Kidston put together a MVP-worthy three-try performance as his team, the New Jersey Knights, dominated the Boston Beacons 44-22 on Saturday at Harvard Stadium. The win gives New Jersey a lot of momentum as they go into a bye week for the first round of the playoffs. Meanwhile, Kidston may have won the MVP award over Chicago's Rob Nielsen based on his performance. "I don't really think about (the MVP), to be honest," Kidston, an Englishman, said after the game. "I just think about playing hard for Jersey. Other guys deserve it as much as I do." Other players were not as modest. "My goodness, Kidston is, in my opinion, the best wing in the NARC," said center Henry Grant. "Yeah, he's 31, but he looks like he hasn't lost a step. And (left wing Larry) McGillicuddy is just about at Kidston's level, and he's only 22! It's the best wing combination in the league. That's why we've been winning. "If Kidston doesn't win MVP," Grant continued, "something's wrong." McGillicuddy scored a try in the game, as did Knights fullback Nick Thomas. Meanwhile, fly half Charles Munn made four of six conversions and both of his penalties. In other news related to the game, some of the fans in Harvard Stadium were downright upset with the Beacons in the 79th minute, when, on a Knights penalty, fly half Durante Zetticci chose to go for a penalty kick, instead of a scrum in which Boston could have regained the ball and been in prime position to score a try. A fourth try would have given Boston a bonus point in the standings - one that could be vital in the race for a playoff spot. But Zetticci explained it this way after the game: "Their scrum is so big and strong, I knew the odds were against us. I thought it was better to get the three points and try to make our point differential as big as possible." Code:
Dragons edge Stars for sixth straight win, playoff spot NORFOLK, VA - After Week 6 of the season, when the Capital City Dragons were 0-6, Dragons head coach Gus Gardener seemed like the most inept head coach in the NARC. At that time, Dragons' management reportedly gave him an ultimatum: win in Week 7, or clean out your office. Gardener won that game... and he has won every game since. The feel-good story of NARC's first season continued to unfold with another Capital City win. Their hard-fought 20-17 victory over the Virginia Stars on the road was their sixth straight, extending their NARC record for consecutive wins. More importantly, with Boston's loss to New Jersey (the Boston game ended about 30 minutes before Capital City's win), the Dragons clinched a playoff spot. No person in the NARC is happier than Gus Gardener right now. After the win, Gardener made his way down from the coaches box to the field to celebrate with his team. The team that was 0-6 halfway through the season finished the season at 6-6. "What a team," Gardener said. "I've worked with the U.S. national team and with some clubs over in Ireland. This is the best moment of my professional coaching life. This is the best moment period, other than getting married and having kids." Meanwhile, it wasn't all despair for the Virginia Stars. The try scored by right wing Kuji Chagulia in the 73rd minute made it a three-point game, and the team prevented Capital City from scoring again for the rest of the game. This was important because that gave Virginia a bonus point in the standings for losing by seven or fewer points. Therefore, a Chicago loss to Edmonton later on in the day, with no bonus points, would mean that Virginia would join Capital City in the playoffs. Code:
Mashers come back big in second half, put away Legends CHICAGO - There were questions about the Edmonton Mashers' offense heading into their last regular-season game. The Mashers answered their critics with an explosion of offense in the second half of their road game against the Chicago Legends. Edmonton won 33-22, led by two tries each from left wing Joe Theriot and right wing Koby Brodzky. Fly half Jace Hunter was all over the field as well, setting up some nice drives as well as scoring a try and making four of five conversion attempts. Chicago left wing Rob Nielsen scored a try and played well, but this time he was unable to will his team to another victory. The Legends were not good enough to beat both New Jersey and Edmonton in consecutive weeks. The consequence: Chicago is out of the playoffs, and instead the Virginia Stars join New Jersey and Capital City from the Eastern Division. Nielsen left Soldier Field without speaking to reporters. Code:
Sharks win big over Texas, clinch playoff spot LOS ANGELES - A crowd of nearly 20,000 at Memorial Coliseum witnessed their team, the Los Angeles Sharks, win 33-7 over the visiting Texas Harlequins in a game with major playoff implications. L.A. needed to win or tie to clinch a playoff spot, and they did just that, thanks in part to two tries from veteran right wing Pete Sullivan. Texas needed to beat L.A. big and score four tries to clinch a playoff spot. Instead, they left L.A. with no standings points whatsoever, and their season is over. The Sharks will play at San Diego next week in the first round of the playoffs. Code:
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11-01-2011, 02:42 AM | #107 |
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Osaka, Japan via Honolulu, Hawaii via Birmingham, Alabama
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WEEK 12 PLAYER OF THE WEEK
1st place (3 pts in the MVP standings) – New Jersey #14 Noah Kidston 2nd place (2 pts) – Los Angeles #14 Pete Sullivan 3rd place (1 pt) – San Diego #10 Richard Benner 1996 NARC MVP Congratulations to New Jersey right wing Noah Kidston! With nine overall points, the veteran of English rugby union edged Chicago's Rob Nielsen by one point to take the first-ever NARC Most Valuable Player award. Here are the final Top 5 standings for MVP. Code:
FINAL REGULAR-SEASON NARC STANDINGS Code:
PLAYOFFS - FIRST ROUND GAMES Saturday, June 8th, 1996 Virginia at Capital City, (CBS) Los Angeles at San Diego, (CBS) The playoffs are set! Who will become the first-ever NARC champion?
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11-01-2011, 04:07 AM | #108 | |
Head Coach
Join Date: Dec 2009
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Quote:
Yeah! THAT'S IT! It's the COACH'S fault! Not MY fault at ALL! |
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11-01-2011, 07:35 AM | #109 |
Head Coach
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Colorado Springs
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We best be getting some stellar free agents.
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11-01-2011, 07:38 PM | #110 |
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Osaka, Japan via Honolulu, Hawaii via Birmingham, Alabama
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Pre-Playoff News
Second expansion franchise goes to Vancouver; new New York team to be called the Hoops
LOS ANGELES - The North American Rugby Conference announced that they have awarded the second of two new franchises for the 1997 season to an ownership group in Vancouver, British Columbia. Vancouver beat out Toronto for the franchise. "We are happy to announce that Vancouver will be joining the NARC family in 1997," commissioner Delmar Scrivens said in a press release. "Vancouver and British Columbia have a large rugby union fan base, and we are happy to be a part of that." Vancouver's candidacy for a franchise was made possible with a NARC rule change that allows a team's stadium surface to consist of a new type of synthetic grass called FieldTurf. FieldTurf is said to resemble real grass a lot more than AstroTurf, which will help curb some injuries. The Vancouver ownership has secured permission to use BC Place for their franchise, although there has been talk of building a rugby-specific stadium in the future. The Vancouver NARC team will split the cost of installing FieldTurf in the stadium with the Canadian Football League's B.C. Lions. Meanwhile, the first expansion team on Long Island, New York, have announced that the team will be called the New York Hoops. The nickname comes from the design of the team's uniforms - blue and white stripes or hoops. The design borrows from that of the Western Province rugby team in South Africa. New York Hoops majority owner Korstiaan de Villiers grew up in South Africa rooting for Western Province.
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11-01-2011, 07:47 PM | #111 | ||||||
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Osaka, Japan via Honolulu, Hawaii via Birmingham, Alabama
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Playoffs – First Round – Saturday - June 8th, 1996
Stars end Dragons' run, advance to division final COLLEGE PARK, MD - The Capital City Dragons came into the first round of the playoffs having won six straight games, and they had swept the season series with the Virginia Stars, their opponent on Saturday. Meanwhile, Virginia had not won a game since Week 7, and they barely made it into the playoffs. With the Dragons playing at home in front of their largest crowd of the year (19,340 fans) , it looked like a sure win for Capital City. But that's why you play the games on the field. A try in the 76th minute allowed Virginia to come back and defeat Capital City 18-13. The Stars will play at New Jersey in the Eastern Division Final next week. Capital City scored the first try of the game in the 9th minute, but Virginia added eight points of their own to make it 8-5 heading into the locker room. A Virginia penalty a minute into the second half made it 11-5, but then Capital City took the lead with a try (the conversion was missed) and a penalty goal. Virginia played aggressively from that point on, and it looked like Capital City's defense was up to the test. Two long Virginia drives ended short of the tryline with turnovers, the first on a fumble, and the second when a Stars player stepped on the touch line. The third big drive for Virginia, however, was the charm, as a great show of passing led to a Stars try in the 76th minute. The ensuing successful conversion kick made it a five-point game, 18-13, and that is how it ended. "We were due for a win, and I'm glad it came today," said Virginia head coach Wiremu Wilson. "The boys did well, especially on the road." Capital City, meanwhile, looked down but not completely disappointed with the end of their run. "Obviously we wanted to advance in the playoffs," Dragons head coach Gus Gardener said. "But we had a great year. People wrote us off after we started 0-6, and we made the playoffs. We took a lot of people by surprise. What we did this year is something we can build upon, and look out for us next year." Code:
Sharks shock Mission to advance SAN DIEGO - Around 27,000 fans showed up to San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium to watch the First Round matchup between the host Mission and the visiting Los Angeles Sharks. Before the season started, this was envisioned as the premier rivalry in the NARC, as both cities had strong traditions of amateur rugby. The two games the teams played in the regular season lived up to the hype - hard-fought, physical games, with San Diego coming out on top both times. So it was completely surprising on Saturday when San Diego played a terribly flat game, allowing Los Angeles to pull off a big 27-7 upset to advance to the Western Division Final at Edmonton. L.A. was led by young left wing Sammy Reilly, who scored three tries and was easily the player of the game. San Diego started on fire, scoring one try in the 8th minute, and nearly scoring another two minutes before that. It was 7-0 in favor of San Diego after 20 minutes. But from that point on, it was nearly all Sharks, as Los Angeles scored 27 unanswered points. Disgusted with the play of the team, San Diego fans could be seen leaving the stadium as early as 15 minutes before the final siren. "Horrible game for us," said Mission fly half Richard Benner. "We all share blame on this one. Yeah, they won, but... I just feel like we lost the game today. We could have played a lot better. We beat ourselves." Meanwhile, Los Angeles, who won four of their last five games before the playoffs, was quite jubilant at the road win. "To come into San Diego and beat the Mission is a great feeling," said Reilly. "It's hard to play here. The players tackle hard, the fans really get on your case. It was great to persevere through that and win today." Code:
PLAYOFFS - DIVISION FINALS (Saturday, June 15th, 1996) Virginia at New Jersey (CBS) Los Angeles at Edmonton (CBS) Both home teams are favored to win and advance to the first Rugby Bowl in Los Angeles. The first-ever 30,000-plus crowd in NARC history is expected to show up at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, while Rutgers Stadium should see at least 20,000.
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11-01-2011, 08:09 PM | #112 |
Pro Rookie
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Canada eh
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Time to show a record crowd that the first place finish wasn't a fluke. Come on Mashers.
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"I don't want to play golf. When I hit a ball, I want someone else to go chase it." - Rogers Hornsby |
11-01-2011, 08:25 PM | #113 |
Head Coach
Join Date: Dec 2009
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11-01-2011, 11:04 PM | #114 |
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Osaka, Japan via Honolulu, Hawaii via Birmingham, Alabama
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Whoever is running it, they need to make sure the people of New York don't confuse it with a basketball team.
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11-01-2011, 11:47 PM | #115 |
Head Coach
Join Date: Dec 2009
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You missed the joke. Obviously Hoops wouild run it.
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11-02-2011, 01:54 AM | #116 |
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Osaka, Japan via Honolulu, Hawaii via Birmingham, Alabama
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I could be the slowest person in the room, but.... yeah, I missed the joke.
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11-03-2011, 09:56 PM | #117 |
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Osaka, Japan via Honolulu, Hawaii via Birmingham, Alabama
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Pre-Division Finals News, 1996
Vancouver's new NARC team to be called the Blue Hawks
VANCOUVER - The ownership group of the new Vancouver franchise in the North American Rugby Conference have announced that the team's nickname will be the Blue Hawks. They also announced that the team colors will be some sort of blue and yellow. The group said that "Blue Hawks" is an homage to the University of British Columbia, which uses "Thunderbirds" for their athletic teams. The team will begin play in 1997, along with another new team, the New York Hoops.
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11-03-2011, 10:38 PM | #118 | ||||||
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Osaka, Japan via Honolulu, Hawaii via Birmingham, Alabama
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Playoffs – Division Finals – Saturday - June 15th, 1996
Knights easily eliminate Stars, advance to Rugby Bowl PISCATAWAY, NJ - Two players scored two tries each for the New Jersey Knights as they easily disposed of their opponents, the Virginia Stars, 34-8 in Saturday's Eastern Division Final. New Jersey will play in the first NARC Rugby Bowl. The two players to score two tries were scrum half Adrian Jones and fly half Charles Munn. Virginia left wing Diego Zito scored the only try for his team. The Knights played in front of 21,400 fans at Rutgers Stadium, and they were very vocal in their support on Saturday afternoon. Late in the second half, with the game out of hand, the fans began their now-familiar chant: "Leeu!" "Leeu!", which of course refers to the Knights' head coach, Graham Van Leeuwenhoek. The chants virtually continued until the final siren, when the noise of the crowd erupted, becoming loud enough to reach the upper reaches of the stadium. Leeuwenhoek, the stoic coach, quickly left the field after the game was over, but Knights players stayed and celebrated with fans. "We owe a lot to the fans," said right wing and 1996 MVP Noah Kidston. "They continued to come out here and support us, and helped us reach the heights that we are at now." Code:
Sharks shock Mashers to advance to Rugby Bowl EDMONTON, AB - A record NARC crowd of 32,780 people showed up to Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Alberta, to watch their home team, the Mashers, play the Los Angeles Sharks in the Western Division Final. Unfortunately for them, they went home greatly saddened, as the Mashers failed to make it to Rugby Bowl I. Los Angeles stunned everyone involved with the NARC with a convincing 29-15 win over Edmonton on Saturday. The Sharks will play the New Jersey Knights next week at their own stadium for the first NARC championship. L.A.'s left wing Sammy Reilly scored a try in the 7th minute, putting the first points on the scoreboard and quieting the large crowd. Edmonton made it 5-3 with a penalty goal, then took the lead 10-5 on scrum half Griffin Brander's try and subsequent conversion goal in the 26th minute. L.A.'s right wing Pete Sullivan scored a try to tie it up, and the halftime score was a tight 10-10. The Sharks opened up a big lead when Sullivan scored a try in the 56th, then Reilly also gained a second try in the 62nd. Like that, it was 22-10 Los Angeles, and the record crowd had become somewhat subdued. You can never count Edmonton out that early, though, and right wing Koby Brodzky made it into the tryline with a dominant run down the right side in the 71st minute, making it a seven-point game with nine minutes remaining. But then it came undone for Edmonton, as Los Angeles put together a long, energy-draining drive. Frequently using their forwards, the Sharks put together a sequence consisting mainly of players quickly picking the ball out of rucks and scrums, and immediately running forward, pounding the ball yard-by-yard, until their hook stuck the ball over the tryline in the 78th minute. That drive sucked the air out of the Mashers, and the game was effectively over. After the siren rang, L.A. players picked up head coach William Ready and paraded him around the Sharks sideline in celebration. Including their two playoff wins, the Sharks have now won six of their last seven games, and they look hot as they prepare for New Jersey. Meanwhile, Edmonton left the field, dejected after their upset loss. Head coach Roger Bagley was near tears in the post-game press conference. "It's all on me," he said. "We were not ready, and that falls on the coach. I disappointed the players, I disappointed the city of Edmonton, and I disappointed the country of Canada." Code:
RUGBY BOWL I (Saturday, June 22nd, 1996) Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum New Jersey Knights vs Los Angeles Sharks The first-ever Rugby Bowl will feature two teams that, surprisingly, have never played each other before. All ten teams played a schedule in which they did not play one team from the opposite division, and that was the case for Los Angeles and New Jersey. New Jersey features some of the best players in the NARC, including MVP right wing Noah Kidston. Other Knights with points in the MVP race includes left wing Larry McGillicuddy, fly half Charles Munn, inside center Henry Grant, and fullback Nick Thomas. Meanwhile, the only Los Angeles player with any points in the MVP standings was right wing Pete Sullivan, but the 36-year-old has had a nice run the last few weeks. The best player may be young left wing Sammy Reilly, who has scored a total of five tries in two playoff games. If the Knights think that they can walk over Los Angeles for the title, especially at Memorial Coliseum, then they will lose Rugby Bowl I. But if the Knights do what they always do, and if coach Graham Van Leeuwenhoek has them prepared like he usually does, the Knights will be the first NARC champions. We are going to predict a 34-17 New Jersey win.
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11-04-2011, 01:08 AM | #119 |
Pro Rookie
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Canada eh
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Son of a...
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"I don't want to play golf. When I hit a ball, I want someone else to go chase it." - Rogers Hornsby |
11-05-2011, 04:08 AM | #120 |
High School Varsity
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Australia
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We got mashed.
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Be not afeard. The isle is full of noises, sounds, and sweet airs, that give delight, and hurt not. Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments will hum about mine ears; and sometimes voices, That, if I then had wak'd after long sleep, will make me sleep again; and then, in dreaming, The clouds methought would open and show riches ready to drop upon me, that, when I wak'd, I cried to dream again. |
11-07-2011, 08:55 AM | #121 |
Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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Meanwhile, the Jersey steamroller continues.
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FBCB / FPB3 Mods |
11-07-2011, 11:52 PM | #122 | |||
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Osaka, Japan via Honolulu, Hawaii via Birmingham, Alabama
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Rugby Bowl I – Saturday - June 22nd, 1996
SHARKS CROWNED FIRST NARC CHAMPIONS Win over Knights seals amazing run LOS ANGELES - A great defensive performance helped lead the Los Angeles Sharks to a 22-14 win over the New Jersey Knights in the first NARC Rugby Bowl held in Memorial Coliseum. Rising young star left wing Sammy Reilly scored two tries for the Sharks. No team, other than perhaps the Virginia Stars, came into the first NARC postseason as far under the radar as the Los Angeles Sharks. A team with a great defense but a ho-hum offense, the Sharks did not create much buzz outside of Southern California during the 1996 season, despite finishing with a 7-5 regular-season record. Yet they tore through the playoffs, beating what were widely considered to be the three most talented teams in the NARC: San Diego, Edmonton, and New Jersey. In front of basically a home crowd of 31,680 fans at the Coliseum, the Sharks pulled off the biggest upset in the NARC's first year of existence. Los Angeles scored the first of three tries in the first minute with a great Reilly run down the left side. Another try and a penalty goal would see L.A. take a 15-0 lead before New Jersey scored their first points of the game two minutes before the half. Los Angeles would add another try in the 55th minute to make it 22-5, but then New Jersey started creating chances. Fly half Charles Munn kicked two penalty goals and a drop goal in the second half. But a staunch L.A. defense kept the Knights from crossing the try line, preserving the championship for the Sharks. The L.A. picked up head coach William Ready and carried him to midfield after the final siren. NARC commissioner Delmar Scrivens later joined the melee to present Ready with the Rugby Bowl trophy. "Nobody outside of Los Angeles gave us much attention this season," Ready said in a television interview. "But we believed that we could play with anybody, and we showed it in the playoffs. This team wanted the championship, and they wanted it badly." Code:
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11-08-2011, 12:34 AM | #123 |
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Osaka, Japan via Honolulu, Hawaii via Birmingham, Alabama
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The NARC amateur draft is scheduled for late July 1996. In real life, it will take place on Monday next week, so if you want to get a player in, sign up in this thread.
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11-08-2011, 12:46 AM | #124 |
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Osaka, Japan via Honolulu, Hawaii via Birmingham, Alabama
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TEAM ORDER FOR 1997 NARC AMATEUR DRAFT
1. New York Hoops (first pick won by coin toss over Vancouver) 2. Vancouver Blue Hawks 3. Golden Gate Stormers 4. Texas Harlequins 5. Chicago Legends 6. Boston Beacons 7. Capital City Dragons 8. San Diego Mission 9. Virginia Stars 10. Edmonton Mashers 11. New Jersey Knights 12. Los Angeles Sharks
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11-08-2011, 03:08 AM | #125 |
High School Varsity
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Australia
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Quite the upset, although home field advantage was definitely a boost.
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Be not afeard. The isle is full of noises, sounds, and sweet airs, that give delight, and hurt not. Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments will hum about mine ears; and sometimes voices, That, if I then had wak'd after long sleep, will make me sleep again; and then, in dreaming, The clouds methought would open and show riches ready to drop upon me, that, when I wak'd, I cried to dream again. |
11-08-2011, 05:41 PM | #126 |
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Osaka, Japan via Honolulu, Hawaii via Birmingham, Alabama
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Yeah, it certainly helped that L.A. was playing in their own stadium. There is a home field advantage factor in the sim. It's still a shocker, though, that the Sharks were able to beat New Jersey and go on that run.
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11-13-2011, 07:36 PM | #127 |
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Osaka, Japan via Honolulu, Hawaii via Birmingham, Alabama
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Sorry about the inactivity lately. (a), I've been very very busy in RL lately, and (b) with the little free time I do have, I've either been playing FM2011 or working on some tweaks in the rugby spreadsheet simulation. I was simming a few trades, and it upset me that, as things stood before, individual players didn't have an impact on the strength of a team. That has been changed now, as all the players have an attack and a defense rating.
Also, I'm seriously thinking of going to a more traditional dice-and-chart system for simming games. That would allow me the freedom to factor in a person's kicking ability as well as other things like injuries. Of course, with me having to play out every game, it would take longer to put up updates, and we wouldn't have the nifty play-by-play rundowns that we did in NARC's first season, but we would have somewhat more realistic results. I'm also looking at how to manually keep track of individual statistics (tries, conversions, kicking percentages, etc.). I'm not sure how much it would slow down the dynasty (it's pretty slow, anyway), but I'm willing to give it a go. Anyway, the draft for next season has been delayed while I work all of this out.
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11-14-2011, 10:01 PM | #128 |
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Osaka, Japan via Honolulu, Hawaii via Birmingham, Alabama
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Okay, the delay is over. Here are the changes that will be made to this dynasty.
* I have decided to sim the games manually using a tabletop-type system, as I mentioned before. This will allow me the flexibility to make tweaks and improve the quality of the dynasty without having to deal with complex spreadsheet formulas (I realize that I'm way out of my league with that). The spreadsheet won't completely go away, though: I will use it for dice rolls and the like. * All players now have an attack and a defense rating, with forwards weighted more towards defense and backs more towards attack. These ratings help determine the strength of a team. To thank my loyal readers, the FOFC players are the stars in the league; any FOFCer is better than any non-FOFC player, and overall the FOFCers are equal to each other. If you are curious about what your ratings are, and if you even want to change them, let me know. * Players who kick - right now, just the fly halves - also have a kicking rating, which will come into play in the game sim. FOFCers are generally better than other players, although not always. * There have been some improvements to the coaching system as well. Some coaches now have an offensive and/or defensive strategy that range from very conservative to very aggressive. This will be calculated into the sim. * As if it is not slow enough already ( ;p ), I will attempt to manually keep track of player statistics. In fact, after the draft, I will attempt to go back to the first season's results and calculate player statistics. There you go. The offseason is back on now!
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11-14-2011, 10:10 PM | #129 |
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Osaka, Japan via Honolulu, Hawaii via Birmingham, Alabama
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RETIREMENTS
A slew of players retired after the 1996 season. Among the notable players: San Diego's Brendan Muir, who scored the first points in NARC history. Two notable players in Rugby Bowl I - New Jersey's Henry Grant and Los Angeles' Pete Sullivan - called it quits, with Sullivan becoming the head coach of the New York Hoops. Edmonton's Mark James also retired to become the head coach of the Vancouver Blue Hawks. #10 Durante Zetticci, ITA (b. 1964) (BOS 1996) #11 Felicien Covillon, FRA (b. 1963) (BOS 1996) #15 Simone Endrizzi, ITA (b. 1955) (BOS 1996) #12 Henry Grant, USA (b. 1961) (NJ 1996) #13 Mark James, CAN (b. 1960) (EDM 1996) *Hired as coach of VAN #14 Pete Sullivan, USA (b. 1960) (LA 1996) *Hired as coach of NY #11 Koby Riddle, USA (b. 1961) (SD 1996) #13 Brendan Muir, AUS (b. 1963) (SD 1996) *scored first points (try) in league history #8 Max Gregory, ENG (b. 1964) (TX 1996) #9 Ansel Cuillerier, RSA (b. 1962) (TX 1996) TRADES BEFORE THE DRAFT The only notable trade involved Edmonton and Texas. The Mashers sent Canadian right wing Koby Brodzky to the Harlequins for a first-round pick in the upcoming draft (the number four pick). FREE AGENTS Only four (well-known) players were eligible for free agency this year, but they all decided to resign with their current teams. #13 Timotheus Langeler (re-signed with CHI) #9 Angus Warrington (re-signed with SD) #14 Ben Winning (re-signed with SD) #12 Corey Connor (re-signed with VA) NOTE: For ease, free agency works like this. When a player is 25-, 29-, or 33-years-old, or every two years after age 33, they are eligible for free agency after the season.
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11-14-2011, 10:43 PM | #130 |
Pro Rookie
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Canada eh
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Interesting changes and looking forward to them.
Also excited about a couple of first rounders in the ammo pack for the upcoming draft. Hopefully some immediate help coming Edmonton's way.
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11-15-2011, 05:55 PM | #131 | |
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Osaka, Japan via Honolulu, Hawaii via Birmingham, Alabama
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Quote:
Thanks for the comments, Travis. I'm crossing my fingers and hoping that everything works out with the sim process!
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11-15-2011, 06:10 PM | #132 |
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Osaka, Japan via Honolulu, Hawaii via Birmingham, Alabama
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NARC Amateur Player Draft - August 1996
The first NARC Amateur Player Draft was not the juggernaut that its counterpart in the National Football League is every year, but there was a buzz among the many team and league officials present at the Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles. Several youngsters - including many players from other countries that had not signed up for teams in Europe or in the Southern Hemisphere - were on hand to see if they could land with a team in one of the two rounds of the draft.
The New York Hoops had the first pick, and they chose Canadian number 8 Alex Donovan - a somewhat surprising pick, but one that Hoops coach Pete Sullivan said would help lay the foundation of the team both offensively and defensively. With the second pick, the Vancouver Blue Hawks chose American right wing Benton Breeze, considered to be the fastest player in the draft. Golden Gate chose Canadian flanker Sam King - a defensive beast - next. Another flanker, American David McCoy, was chosen by Edmonton in the number four spot. The Chicago Legends rounded out the top five by choosing the best fly half in the draft, American Ches O'Peake. Following are the complete first- and second-round picks. FIRST ROUND New York - #8 Alex Donovan, CAN (SirFozzie) Vancouver - #14 Benton Breeze, USA (Breeze) Golden Gate - #6 Sam King, CAN (Rawhide) Edmonton (from Texas) - #7 David McCoy, USA Chicago - #10 Ches O’Peake, USA (chesapeake) Boston - #12 Cooper McCourt, SCO Capital City - #4 Nicolas Dandonneau, FRA San Diego - #15 Reece Atkins, AUS Virginia - #7 Christiaan Crielaard, RSA Edmonton - #6 Myles Gray, RSA New Jersey - #7 Seine Kuilboer, RSA Los Angeles - #10 Taylor Bevan, USA SECOND ROUND New York - #10 Fitz Benoit, RSA Vancouver - #3 Jett Aplin, CAN Golden Gate - #4 Miron Groenewold, RSA Texas - #10 Alfonso Calabresi, ITA Chicago - #5 Jamie Gillespie, ENG Boston - #10 Astolpho Beaulieu, CAN Capital City - #8 Dustin Simoneau, AUS San Diego - #6 Michele Lombardo, ITA Virginia - #10 Roddy Kelly, IRL Edmonton - #13 Jordan Wallace, USA New Jersey - #6 Dominic Stokes, USA Los Angeles - #9 Finlay Herbert, NZL
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11-15-2011, 07:35 PM | #133 |
High School Varsity
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Australia
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Time to change allegiences then.......
Go Stormers!
__________________
Be not afeard. The isle is full of noises, sounds, and sweet airs, that give delight, and hurt not. Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments will hum about mine ears; and sometimes voices, That, if I then had wak'd after long sleep, will make me sleep again; and then, in dreaming, The clouds methought would open and show riches ready to drop upon me, that, when I wak'd, I cried to dream again. |
11-15-2011, 09:54 PM | #134 |
Head Coach
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Colorado Springs
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Welcome to Chicago, ches. Time to dominate. I got screwed out of the playoffs and my MVP award last year, this year's gonna be different.
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11-16-2011, 09:09 AM | #135 |
College Starter
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Arlington, VA
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The playoffs are now a lock, but I'm afraid you'll have to be content with splitting the MVP vote.
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11-16-2011, 09:13 AM | #136 |
Head Coach
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Colorado Springs
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Shaddap and block someone, rookie.
Last edited by Coffee Warlord : 11-16-2011 at 09:13 AM. |
11-16-2011, 10:13 PM | #137 |
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Osaka, Japan via Honolulu, Hawaii via Birmingham, Alabama
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Not sure if I can get an update in today. Some behind the scenes news, though: I have compiled individual tries/conversions/penalties from 1996 and will list the leaders when I get time, as well as FOFCer stats.
I hope to kick the 1997 season off on Monday or Tuesday next week. Just too busy in the RL this week.
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11-18-2011, 12:27 AM | #138 |
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Osaka, Japan via Honolulu, Hawaii via Birmingham, Alabama
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As promised, here are the FOFCer statistics from the 1996 NARC season, along with the best at scoring tries, conversions, etc. Enjoy. The new season starts next week!
TOP 10 TRY SCORERS 1. #11 Larry McGillicuddy, NJ (15) 2. #14 Noah Kidston, NJ (13) 3. #11 Mason Letourneau, TX (9) t4. #10 Jace Hunter, EDM (8) t4. #11 Joe Theriot, EDM (8) t4. #14 Koby Brodzky, EDM (8) t4. #11 Diego Zito, VA (8) t8. #14 Armaan Forbes, CC (7) t8. #13 Timotheus Langeler, CHI (7) t8. #14 Ben Winning, SD (7) t8. #14 Kuji Chagulia, VA (7) t8. #11 Felicien Covillon, BOS (7) t8. #11 Koby Riddle, SD (7) TOP 5 CONVERSIONS MADE 1. Charles Munn, NJ (35) 2. Richard Benner, SD (31) 3. Jace Hunter, EDM (28) 4. Durante Zetticci, BOS (25) 5. Rory Falk, CHI (23) TOP 5 CONVERSION PERCENTAGE 1. Rory Falk, CHI (74.2%) 2. Richard Benner, SD (73.8%) 3. James Drake, CC (66.7%) 4. Charles Munn, NJ (66.0%) 5. Franco Trentini, LA (65.6%) TOP 5 PENALTIES MADE 1. Charles Munn, NJ (18) t2. James Drake, CC (12) t2. Durante Zetticci, BOS (12) t4. Franco Trentini, LA (10) t4. Sandy Kemp, GG (10) TOP 5 PENALTY PERCENTAGE 1. Charles Munn, NJ (94.7%) 2. Durante Zetticci, BOS (75%) 3. Gavino Lombardo, VA (55.6%) 4. James Drake, CC (54.5%) 5. Sandy Kemp, GG (52.6%) FOFC STATS (I think I got everybody, but if I forgot you, please let me know.) #11 Rob Nielsen, CHI - 5 tries #10 Jace Hunter, EDM - 8 tries, 28/45 conversions (62%), 7/14 penalties (50%) #9 Alf Linster, GG - 2 tries #10 Sandy Kemp, GG - 0 tries, 13/26 conversions (50%), 10/19 penalties (53%) #10 Charles Munn, NJ - 3 tries, 35/53 conversions (66%), 18/19 penalties (95%) #11 Larry McGillicuddy, NJ - 15 tries #15 Nick Thomas, NJ - 1 try #14 Kuji Chagulia, VA - 7 tries
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11-18-2011, 12:29 AM | #139 |
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Osaka, Japan via Honolulu, Hawaii via Birmingham, Alabama
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Uniforms for Expansion Teams
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11-21-2011, 12:10 AM | #140 |
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Feb 2005
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1997 NARC Preview - Rugby America Magazine - March 8th, 1997
1997 NARC Preview
New Jersey to win their first title? It's back! The 1997 NARC season is ready to begin. Last year, the New Jersey Knights looked to be the class of the NARC, but they slipped up against the surprising Los Angeles Sharks, who took the first Rugby Bowl silverware. Could New Jersey be even more dangerous this season? That is what we at Rugby America feel, as we predict the Knights to take Rugby Bowl II at Rutgers Stadium. Following is the first of what we hope will be an annual NARC season preview. Teams are listed in order of where we think they will finish in the divisions. EASTERN DIVISION PREVIEW The New Jersey Knights look loaded and ready to repeat as division champs. Head coach Graham Van Leeuwenhoek's brand of ultra aggressive offense and laid-back, careful defense worked wonders in 1996... at least until the Rugby Bowl. However, with a year under their belt, this team figures to be much better. They have last year's MVP (right wing Noah Kidston), last year's top try scorer (left wing Larry McGillicuddy), plus several more key players, including fly half Charles Munn and fullback Nick Thomas. Who will finish second? Virginia returns all of their key players and looks to make another playoff run, but we are looking to the Chicago Legends to take a step up. Legends left wing Rob Nielsen played out of his mind most of the season, but the problem was that the team did not have a reliable fly half to make decisions and help distribute the ball. That changed with the drafting of talented #10 Ches O'Peake. The O'Peake-Nielsen tandem will be one to watch the next several seasons. The Virginia Stars kept their #12 Corey Connor, although he was eligible for free agency this past offseason. Virginia is deadly on the wings with speedsters #11 Diego Zito and #14 Kuji Chagulia. The Stars should finish ahead of the Capital City Dragons. Capital City will not surprise anybody this season, but surely last year's run has benefited this group of players. The Boston Beacons lost a lot of key players to retirement, and it remains to be seen whether or not they will be able to replace them. They are off to a good start after they picked #12 Cooper McCourt in the draft. He may already be one of the more powerful centers in the NARC, and he will pound it down the middle of the field often in Boston's conservative offense. That won't be enough to get the Beacons into the playoffs, though. Finally, the New York Hoops will run a very conservative offense under Pete Sullivan as they endure what should be a long debut season. However, watch out for Number 8 Alex Donovan. WESTERN DIVISION PREVIEW The Los Angeles Sharks had a pretty good run in last year's playoffs, and teams would be wise not to take the Sharks lightly in 1997. However, we are going to pick the Edmonton Mashers to finish ahead of them this year in the Western Division. Everybody is back except for Koby Brodzky, who was traded to Texas. That means they still have fly half Jace Hunter, who had a great season last year. Edmonton also beefed up their defense in the draft, and with the aggressive way Edmonton plays defense, watch out. Los Angeles lost right wing Pete Sullivan to retirement as Sullivan will coach New York. But they have an exciting young fly half in Taylor Bevan who will wreak havoc on opposing defenses. L.A.'s defense is probably second only to New Jersey's. The Golden Gate Stormers were the worst team last year, but we feel that they will play better rugby in 1997. They have to! They have a talented fly half in Sandy Kemp, a great scrum half in Alf Linster, and rookie flanker Sam King helps make the Stormers a dangerous team on defense and in the scrum. Head coach Kyler Eccleston said his team will play more aggressively this season. That could help them get into the playoffs, but it will be close. The San Diego Mission have a deadly, aggressive offense. But where is their defense? We see many holes for opponents to exploit. The Mission will win games only by outscoring their opponents. The same goes for the Texas Harlequins; they improved their offense but not their defense. Finally, like their counterparts in New York, the Vancouver Blue Hawks will have a long season, but the fans will at least enjoy the exploits of fast American right wing Benton Breeze. PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS Remember, after the division winners, the next best four teams will make the playoffs, regardless of division. With that in mind, let's look at our predictions. EASTERN 1. New Jersey 2. Chicago* 3. Virginia* 4. Capital City* 5. Boston 6. New York WESTERN 1. Edmonton 2. Los Angeles* 3. Golden Gate 4. San Diego 5. Texas 6. Vancouver PLAYOFFS FIRST ROUND Chicago def. Virginia Los Angeles def. Capital City SEMIFINALS New Jersey def Chicago Edmonton def Los Angeles RUGBY BOWL II (Piscataway, NJ) New Jersey def Edmonton
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11-21-2011, 12:13 AM | #141 |
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Osaka, Japan via Honolulu, Hawaii via Birmingham, Alabama
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I hope you don't mind me foregoing the posting of the entire season schedule. If you really want it, let me know and I will put it together. But for now, here is the Week 1 schedule:
WEEK 1 GAMES Friday night - March 14th, 1997 Los Angeles at New York (CBS) Saturday - March 15th, 1997 Capital City at Boston Texas at Virginia San Diego at Chicago (CBS) Edmonton at Golden Gate New Jersey at Vancouver
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U of Hawaii | U of Alabama | Montreal Impact | Montreal Canadiens | West Ham | West Indies cricket | Portland Trail Blazers Last edited by bbgunn : 11-21-2011 at 12:53 AM. |
11-21-2011, 12:35 AM | #142 |
Dark Cloud
Join Date: Apr 2001
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Ooh, Expansion teams. Gotta love that. Great year by Chuckie Munn. Hope this year gives Jersey the title we deserve!
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FBCB / FPB3 Mods |
11-21-2011, 12:52 AM | #143 |
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Osaka, Japan via Honolulu, Hawaii via Birmingham, Alabama
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Week 1 – Friday night – March 14th, 1997
Hoops shock NARC, pound defending champ Sharks
HEMPSTEAD, NY - A decent crowd of 14,600 people - nearly a sellout - was on hand to watch the first game in the New York Hoops' history as they faced the defending NARC champions Los Angeles Sharks. The Sharks were favored to teach the Hoops a lesson, but New York had other plans. In a truly stunning result, New York rookie Number 8 Alex Donovan scored three tries, and the Hoops' defense did the rest, as they defeated L.A. 29-7 on Friday night. "Unbelievable," said Hoops' head coach Pete Sullivan, who outcoached his former head coach, Los Angeles' William Ready. Sullivan helped lead the Sharks (0-1) to the NARC title just last year. "I do have some feelings for Coach Ready and many of the guys in L.A. But... this is a special win and I'm going to enjoy it." If we told you that the game would be won with stifling defense, you would think that Los Angeles would be the team on the winning team. But it was the expansion Hoops (1-0) that dominated, as Los Angeles only made it into enemy territory once in the second half. It was a truly amazing night for Hoops fans. FINAL SCORE: Los Angeles 7, New York 29 LOS ANGELES STATS TRIES: #13 Jordan 14' CONV: #10 Bevan 1/1 PEN: none INJURIES: #7 Bergamaschi (hand, 1 week) NEW YORK STATS TRIES: #8 Donovan 44' 70' 77', #11 Alexander 48' CONV: #10 Benoit 3/4 PEN: Benoit 1/1 INJURIES: #14 Smeekens (ankle, 8 weeks) HALFTIME SCORE: 7-3 Los Angeles
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11-21-2011, 12:53 AM | #144 |
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Osaka, Japan via Honolulu, Hawaii via Birmingham, Alabama
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Looks like I'll be quite busy the next couple of days, so look for more posts later this week.
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11-21-2011, 12:21 PM | #145 |
Pro Rookie
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Canada eh
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Looking forward to season 2.
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"I don't want to play golf. When I hit a ball, I want someone else to go chase it." - Rogers Hornsby |
11-22-2011, 01:31 AM | #146 |
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Osaka, Japan via Honolulu, Hawaii via Birmingham, Alabama
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Me too... especially now, as I have figured out how to put this new sim system into a spreadsheet for automatic output! I had some unexpected free time today, and I used it to research formulas and put something together. It looks good right now, and I'm ready to start using it for simming. This saves me a lot of time. The Week 1 Friday night result will stay as it is, but I will use the new spreadsheet from Week 1 Saturday on. Unfortunately, I will cut out the injuries, in order to save me some more time.
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11-23-2011, 10:01 PM | #147 |
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Osaka, Japan via Honolulu, Hawaii via Birmingham, Alabama
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Week 1 – Saturday – March 15th, 1997
Rookie McCourt scores record four tries in 44-5 Boston win
BOSTON - Less than a day after one rookie - New York's number 8 Alex Donovan - surprised many in the NARC with his performance, another rookie did him one better. The Boston Beacons' rookie inside center Cooper McCourt set a NARC record by scoring four tries in one game (his first NARC game!) as the Beacons drilled the Capital City Dragons (0-1) into the ground 44-5. Boston (1-0) scored a team record seven tries altogether. Not a bad way for the Beacons to debut their 1997 season. "What a performance," Boston coach Paddy Moriarty said of McCourt. "His runs were great, and he is a tough kid. He gives us a nice presence on the inside. Teams are going to have to keep an eye on him." Code:
*The OFFENSIVE PENALTY in the 62nd minute was not the only offensive penalty for Boston nor for the game. Rather, it means that a team had a good try-scoring opportunity nullified by an offensive penalty. Teams with more aggressive coaches on offense will score at a higher percentage, but have a number of try opportunities killed by penalties. Stars defeat Harlequins 25-10 with defense NORFOLK, VA - The Virginia Stars held the Texas Harlequins (0-1) to just one try as they defeated the visitors 25-10. Virginia's inside center Corey Connor - who re-signed with Virginia (1-0) in the offseason instead of going elsewhere - was named player of the game for his performances. Connor played a huge role in setting up two of Virginia's three tries, plus he played some great defense. Code:
O'Peake-Nielsen tandem dominate, Legends win 24-17 CHICAGO - Chicago Legends fans are excited after seeing the Legends' first game of 1997, and with good reason. It looks like the pairing of left wing Rob Nielsen - the 1996 MVP runner-up - and rookie fly half Ches O'Peake will be an exciting one to watch for the next few years. The duo almost single-handedly (double-handedly?) defeated the visiting San Diego Mission (0-1) 24-17 on a cold day at Soldier Field. Nielsen and O'Peake complimented each other very well, setting up each other as they scored tries. Nielsen had one, while O'Peake had two. O'Peake also had a perfect kicking day for Chicago (1-0), earning him player of the game honors. "I always said we had the best player in the league," Chicago coach Dave Waterman said of Nielsen. "Now I think I might have to change that and say we have the best two players in the league!" Code:
Mashers comeback falls short as Stormers win 17-16 PALO ALTO, CA - Golden Gate rookie flanker Sam King was named player of the game for his defensive play, as the Stormers upset the Edmonton Mashers 17-16 in the Bay Area. The Stormers (1-0) took a 17-0 lead into the locker room at halftime, the focus being on Sam King's tackling. In the second half, however, the Stormers almost let the game get away from them, giving Edmonton (0-1) three penalty kicks, all converted by fly half Jace Hunter. A try by Jordan Wallace in the 78th minute pulled Edmonton to within one, but they were not able to do anything else the rest of the game. Both kickers in the game - Hunter and Golden Gate's Sandy Kemp - were perfect on their conversions and penalties. Code:
Blue Hawks score five tries, shock Knights VANCOUVER - What is going on here? In Week 1 the two Rugby Bowl finalists from last year - Los Angeles and New Jersey - played the two expansion teams - New York and Vancouver, respectively - and both lost. In their franchise debut at B.C. Place in front of a 20,000-plus crowd, the Blue Hawks never trailed as they took an early lead, then withstood a Knights comeback attempt to win 31-23. Vancouver flanker Wilbert de Boom had two tries for the Blue Hawks, both within the first three minutes of the game. "We've been working hard all winter for this day, this moment," said Vancouver head coach Mark James, who was known as a tough player with the Edmonton Mashers last year. "We might be new here in the league, but we have guys who know how to play." Code:
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11-23-2011, 10:05 PM | #148 |
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Osaka, Japan via Honolulu, Hawaii via Birmingham, Alabama
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WEEK 1 PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Rookies dominated the Player of the Week voting for Week 1, with Cooper McCourt's four-try performance easily putting him ahead of the rest. 1st place (3 pts in the MVP standings) – Boston #12 Cooper McCourt 2nd place (2 pts) – New York #8 Alex Donovan 3rd place (1 pt) – Golden Gate #6 Sam King NARC STANDINGS AFTER WEEK 1 Code:
WEEK 2 GAMES The Friday night Chicago-Boston matchup is must-see TV. Meanwhile, it sounds unthinkable, but the loser of Saturday's Rugby Bowl I rematch at Memorial Coliseum will begin the year 0-2. Friday - March 21st, 1997 Chicago at Boston (CBS) Saturday - March 22nd, 1997 Texas at Capital City Vancouver at Virginia New York at Edmonton Golden Gate at San Diego New Jersey at Los Angeles (CBS)
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11-24-2011, 08:56 PM | #149 |
College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Osaka, Japan via Honolulu, Hawaii via Birmingham, Alabama
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Week 2 – Friday night – March 21st, 1997
Legends, Beacons play to first tie in NARC history
BOSTON - After trailing for much of the game, a drop kick by Boston's rookie fly half Astolpho Beaulieu in the 74th minute enabled the Beacons to tie the visiting Chicago Legends 21-21 on Friday night at Harvard Stadium. It was the first time in the short history of the North American Rugby Conference that two teams played to a tie. It was a close, hard-fought game all the way, but Boston (1-0-1) only led the game for three minutes in the first half, after a try by rookie sensation Cooper McCourt. Chicago (1-0-1) seemed to play better for most of the game, but allowed the Beacons to come back late. There was a bit of controversy after the game, when Legends scrum half Hunter Byrne said that there should have been a not releasing the ball foul on Boston in the ruck immediately before Beaulieu made his drop kick in the 74th minute. "A guy in a green and red uniform basically handed the ball off to their scrum half," Byrne said. "He didn't lay it on the grass or anything like that. There should have been a penalty on that." With the tie, Boston is now alone in first place in the Eastern Division with seven points, one ahead of Chicago. Boston is looking pretty good after two games. Chicago's Ches O'Peake went 3-for-3 on conversions, but missed his only penalty opportunity. Code:
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11-24-2011, 08:58 PM | #150 |
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Week 2 – Saturday – March 22nd, 1997
Harlequins pull away in second half, defeat Dragons 31-16
COLLEGE PARK, MD - Texas Harlequins' right wing Koby Brodzky - acquired in a trade from Edmonton in the offseason - scored his first try as a member of his new team, as Texas (1-1) defeated the Capital City Dragons (0-2) 31-16 on Saturday. Texas flanker Donald Scott had two of Texas' five tries. Code:
Blue Hawks now 2-0 after containing Stars 18-5 NORFOLK, VA - Vancouver rookie right wing Benton Breeze scored his first two tries as a NARC pro, as the Blue Hawks won 18-5 against the host Virginia Stars in an ugly game. Both teams had a lot of penalties, but Virginia especially had a load of them. After the Stars (1-1) took an early lead on the expansion Blue Hawks with a Nathan Sims score in the 11th minute, the team virtually disappeared in front of a crowd of 7,390 on a cold day in Norfolk. "This loss is on me," said Stars coach Wiremu Wilson. Code:
Mashers beat expansion Hoops 24-10 EDMONTON - Edmonton fly half Jace Hunter had a try and generally played will both offensively and defensively, helping the Mashers to a 24-10 win over the expansion New York Hoops. Hunter was named player of the game for his efforts. Edmonton (1-1) gives New York (1-1) their first loss ever, while at the same time bringing their record back up to .500. New York rookie number 8 Alex Donovan scored his team's only try, his fourth of the year. Code:
Stormers pound Mission 36-5 SAN DIEGO - Are the Golden Gate Stormers for real? After squeaking out a win over defending Western Division champs Edmonton in Week 1, the Stormers (2-0) really turned it on on the road against the San Diego Mission (0-2), winning 36-5. The player of the game was Stormers fly half Sandy Kemp, who scored two tries, went 4-for-5 on conversions, and made his only penalty attempt. Stormers left wing Nate Fereday also had two tries. Code:
Knights score 55 on Sharks, tying own record LOS ANGELES - Now these are the New Jersey Knights that we know and love. After playing uninspired against expansion Vancouver in Week 1, New Jersey had to face the Los Angeles Sharks at Memorial Coliseum in a rematch of Rugby Bowl I. Yes, revenge for that Rugby Bowl loss was a possibility, but surely nobody expected New Jersey to win 55-7 like they did. The Knights tied their own league record for most points in a game by one team. New Jersey spanked San Diego 55-21 in Week 8 last season. With three tries, the player of the game was Knights scrum half Adrian Jones. But it could have easily been teammate and fullback Nick Thomas. Thomas had two tries of his own, plus he made some great tackles. Defending MVP Noah Kidston had his first try of the year for the Knights (1-1), as did star left wing Larry McGillicuddy and fly half Charles Munn. Munn also made an amazing six of his eight conversion attempts. Meanwhile, L.A.'s star, left wing Sammy Reilly, scored the only try for the Sharks. At 0-2, what has happened to the defending champions? Only they and Capital City have no points in the standings. Statistically, L.A. has both the worst offense and defense in the league. The seat of head coach William Ready has to be getting quite warm. Code:
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