Some significant changes hit the Severn River teams this past fall. The Mid-Atlantic D2 North and South combined into one division, so the Severn River Women have faced some stiff competition earlier than in previous years. With the Northern teams added to their regular season schedule, they haven’t had to wait til playoffs to meet teams like Harrisburg on the pitch. Leadership within the women’s team has welcomed the more rigorous competition to the regular season. They believe it is making them more prepared for playoff matches, that in recent seasons past, seemed to catch the Honey Badgers a bit off-guard.

On the men’s side, they made the risky, but right, leadership decision to enter their Killer B’s side into D4 competition to accompany their D3 side. ‘To lose six of our previous starters; including a semi-pro player, maintain two full competitive teams and continually have 30+ guys at each training session was a remarkable achievement this fall’, said men’s team head coach, Dave Egar. The men are looking forward to an action-packed spring that will continue to help them grow not only as rugby players, but as excellent teammates, too.

Struggles and Victories:

The transition to club rugby from college rugby can be a tough one for players. Women’s Captain, Lenni Ferreira, however, is confident that the women are “used to the perpetual changes that come with playing club rugby” even with the “constant flow of people retiring, injuries, and new players.” Women’s Coach, Dolla Harmse, is eager for the Honey Badgers to “believe in themselves” and to remember that their greatest strength is their ability to “show up with 15 players and win with scores that reflect a 25 woman roster.”

The men’s teams had some major successes this fall with a huge win against perennial rival Rocky Gorge. Despite two unexpected losses to the Washington Irish and West Potomac, Club President, Brad McCarty is excited about the spring prospects with “ a lot of new guys coming into the fold and step up, including Daniel Wooddell, Max Bennett, and Murph Lill.”

Outlook for the Spring

With the spring season fast approaching and winter workouts well underway, the teams are ready to use their new strengths in the coming season. Early preparation that includes both trips to the weight room and the chalkboard are in the mix for the Severn Club. Women’s Coach, Kate Fitzgerald, knows that the Honey Badgers will face some challenges with new people in key positions, but expects them to adjust well as long as the team commits to increasing consistent numbers at practice (every coach’s biggest lament). The men are excited how the addition of Will Strydom to the coaching staff has impacted the already strong side. His vast knowledge and ability to complement Coach Dave’s style should bring even more players to the pitch and result in even better performances from the squad. All three teams have huge expectations for themselves and are eager to show the fans and alumni all of the effort they have put into continuing to build on the Severn River Rugby legacy.

STANDINGS:

Severn Women are in 3rd place in the D2 division after the fall season. They sit behind Doylestown who has played an additional match and Harrisburg; their only loss in the fall season.

D3 Severn Men are ranked 2nd behind Washington Irish.

D4 Severn Men are ranked 8th. Super proud to get some wins on the board for their first competitive season in D4.