Match Report: Severn River Women Take Down Norfolk
It seems that the Honey badgers always travel to Norfolk on the hottest, stickiest, humidiest (that’s a thing in the Chesapeake Bay area) day of the season. Whether fall or spring, these teams always find themselves sweating it out under the sun, and lately, the Honey badgers have come out on top.
The match started off with a quick score from prop, Kate “Todo” Todorovich in the second minute of the match. As the heat took a toll on the hardworking forwards, the backs started to take control. With nice ball control and some pop kicks, the Honey badgers found their stride early and didn’t see an answer to the scoring frenzy of the backs until the 36th minute when the Storm snuck in a try from their wing. By the end of the first half, Severn River lead Norfolk, 24-5.
The second half continued in a similar manner to the first. In a near repeat of the first try of the match, Todo started the second half with a score in the first five minutes. Norfolk couldn’t seem to find an answer to the organization of the Honey badger pack and struggled to maintain control of their scrums. A few yellow cards were bestowed upon Norfolk for high tackles, but luckily no one was seriously affected.
Throughout the match, the Severn River forwards used their quickness and their strength as a unit to dominate a much more formidable pack than they have seen this fall.
Severn River took the match 43-10.
Tries: McCarty-2, Marshall-2, Todorovich-2, Hartzell-1
Conversions: Romanchak 4 for 7
Match Report: Severn River DIII Men vs Frederick
After two matches in the MAC D3 Central, Severn River Men found themselves atop the table with 2 wins. Saturday, they headed west to visit their Triebel Cup comrade rivals Frederick. From the whistle the match didn’t disappoint, with both teams trying to find their feet, strong runs by Quinn and Aldo gave Severn River the edge. Then 5 minutes into the game, Eddie Boyer smashed his way past the gain line and sped his way 50 meters to touch down under the posts to put Severn up 0-7 after a conversion.
A tone was set, but Severn River didn’t keep the foot on the pedal, and a well placed kick brought Frederick back into the match. 7-7 after 15 minutes, and Frederick stole momentum. Sloppy Severn defense and a relentless Frederick attack, gave Frederick the lead at 20 minutes.
The lead would be short lived, however, as a resilient Severn River side sprung forth on the following kick off. Lawrence McClain inducing a heavy hit, causing a turn over and Mike Blimmel trucking down the field before Erik Dronberger eased through the retreating Frederick defense for a try. Another Dronberger conversion and the score was back even.
With halftime looming, Nick Stratchko came to the rescue with Severn River pinned inside their own 25 meter, as he stole Frederick’s line out. Strong rucks from Dustin, Brad and co, allowed Eddie to break the line and set up a pacing Colin Gottimer as he put on some nifty moves past Frederick’s defense before drawing the full back and passing to Mike Gibson on the wing. Gibson got on his horse and with a determined stride, out ran Frederick’s winger and put Severn River back on top as the half time whistle blew.
HT score: Frederick 14 – Severn River 21
With an inspired speech from Coach Will, the Severn River pack displayed their strength as Blimmel powered his way into the try zone. On the ensuing play, William Paul caught the kickoff and shrugged off three Frederick defenders then tip toed the sideline to gain 25 meters. Then Dronberger found a bit of space and after a hop, skip, jump and a spin through the Frederick defense, popped the ball to a hungry Lawrence, who wouldn’t be stopped as he stiff armed his way into the try zone.
The game should’ve been set after that with the score Frederick 14 – Severn River 33, but Frederick wouldn’t let Severn rest easy, scoring two quick tries and bringing the game to within 7. Excellent defense from Brad McCarty and Aldo allowed Severn River to get the ball back and seal the deal with two more tries from Aldo and Eddie. For some icing on the cake Dronberger added 3 points with a penalty kick.
FT score: Frederick 31 – Severn River 48
Tries: Eddie Boyer (2), Erik Dronberger, Mike Gibson, Mike Blimmel, Aldo Batubara, Lawrence McClain.
Conversions: Erik Dronberger - 5/7
Penalty Kicks: Erik Dronberger – 1/1
Severn River Men’s Rugby D3 remain at the top of the table with 15 points from 3 games, just a point ahead of Washington Irish both having played 3 matches and 5 points ahead of rivals Rocky Gorge who have a game in hand in third place.
This week: Severn River D3 is on a bye, while D4 travel to Loudon for the second match of the season this Saturday 9/28.
League Leader Notes
Points
Erik Dronberger – 51, Eddie Boyer – 25, Aldo Batubara – 20, Michael Blimmel – 20
Tries
Eddie Boyer – 5, Mike Blimmel – 4, Aldo Batubara – 4
Match Report: Severn Women vs NE Philly Irish
After a forfeit from Brandywine last week, the Honey Badgers finally got to open their fall season this past Saturday, on their home field. Severn was slightly unsettled entering the match, since they had yet to face newcomer, NE Philly Irish. Severns’ only knowledge of the team from previous years in the D2 North is that the Irish held their strength in their pack. Knowing they must set the tone early, the Severn forwards, led by Captain Lenni Ferreira, struck first and hard, 2 minutes in. The Honey Badgers forged on putting up 19 unanswered points until the Irish finally answered back with a try. The try resulted in an additional penalty try and yellow card awarded to Severn fullback, Kaitlyn Marshall. Severn suffered another blow at the 35 minute mark when Prop, Mikey Williams took a shot to the nose, but not before she was able to touch it down for a try. Williams’ first comment as blood streamed down her face was true to form: “Did I score?”
After a made penalty kick from scrum-half, Masha Romanchak, the Badgers ended the half, up 29-7.
Hannah “Scrappy” Whiteley wanted to make sure the Irish knew that Severn wasn’t done and touched one down to start the 2nd half. Severn continued to turn up the heat on NE Philly scoring tries and dominating rucks. Dr. Malie Lockhart was able to touch one down for the Badgers as well in her first matrix match with Severn. Although, NE Philly’s size and strength were a challenge for the Badgers early in the match, the Irish eventually ran out of gas and Severn took a 65-12, victory. With a matrix match under their belt, the Badgers are excited about the new additions to their roster this year including forwards, Erin Gallagher-Johnson and Molly Stocker, and wingers, Malie Lockhart and Zoi Wachtel.
The Honey Badgers face the Norfolk Storm in Norfolk, VA, next Saturday, 9/28.
Final Score: 65-12
Women of the Match:
7 Whiteley, Hannah (Scrappy)
9 Romanchak, Maria (Masha)
Tries:
Ferreira- 1
Marshall-1
Williams- 1
Whiteley-1
Hartzell-1
Lockhart- 1
McCarty- 2
Todorovich-1
Trouwborst-1
Conversions and Penalty Kicks: Bryan/Romanchak: 7 for 11
Roster:
1 Williams, Michalann (Mikey)
2 Bottorf, Samantha
3 Davidson, Shanna
4 Todorovich, Kathryn (Todo)
5 Ferreira, Lena (C)
6 Chafin, Ashely
7 Whiteley, Hannah (Scrappy)
8 Gallagher-Johnson, Erin
9 Romanchak, Maria (Masha)
10 Bryan, Charlee
11 Paul, Tiffany
12 Hartzell, Casey (C)
13 McCarty, Alyson
14 Lockhart, Marie (Malie)
15 Marshall, Kaitlyn
16 Priddy, Rachel (Sloth)
17 Trouwborst, Rayne
18 Wachtel, Zoi
19 Elia, Kierstin (Kiki)
20 Stocker, Molly
21 Hickok, Stephanie
Match Report: Severn River DIII Men vs BC
Match Report is sponsored by Fence & Deck Connection www.fenceanddeckconnection.com
The Severn River Men's D3 team traveled to Elkridge on Saturday looking to improve their record to 2-0 in their second league match of the Fall season. The men were facing a hungry Baltimore Chesapeake side who were looking to bounce back from last week's lopsided loss. It was a hot and humid one on the turf of Troy Field as both squads struggled to secure the slippery ball throughout the match.
Severn started the scoring off early with a beautiful maul by the pack and a line break by Collin Gotimer, leaving an offload to winger Logan Reece for a try. Erik "Punchy" Dronberger converts to put Severn up 7-0 in the first 5 minutes. BC put on a strong effort on defense causing a few penalties and turnovers while kicking deep for field position, stalling Severn's scoring efforts until the 20th minute. Great defense led to a loose ball scooped up by center Quinn Freeman who broke free and placed the ball for Harry Gotimer to pick and go for the try. BC marched down the field to set up a penalty kick to make it 12-3. After getting yellow carded for a high tackle Severn gave up a man-down try to narrow the lead to 12-10. But that didn't stop the big man Brad McCarty from breaking his dry (try) spell. Role reversal played its part as Logan Reece set a ruck for McCarty to pick and go into the try zone.
Entering the second half up 19-10 Severn put the hammer down and wouldn't let up another score. Zach Lammers found himself in great positioning all day. Rucking, covering kicks, and getting his 3rd try of the season after Punchy made a nice no look pass to start to scoring run. Steve Long came on and instantly made an impact with big hits, tough running, and setting up the scoring for his teammates. Mike Blimmel scored a try after the pack made a great push in the scrum. Eddie Boyer, the weapon that he is, came on and scored two tries to finish the match at 45-10.
Severn River travels to Frederick this Saturday 9/21.
League Leaders Notes:
Most Points: Dronberger (33)
Most Tries: Batubura, Lammers, Boyer (Tied at 3)
Final Score:
Severn River: 45 Baltimore-Chesapeake:10
Tries:
Eddie Boyer - 2, Logan Reece - 1, Harry Gotimer - 1, Brad McCarty - 1, Zach Lammers - 1, Mike Blimmel - 1
Conversions:
Dronberger - 5/7
Fall Season Preview
Maybe for people in some parts of the country September means cooler weather, apple picking, and leaf peeping. At American Legion Post 175, however, September means viciously humid nights at practice with Megalodon mosquitos on the attack, and hot Saturdays of high scores and cold beers.
With some familiar faces in the Captain and Coaching roles this season, it looks like both the Men’s and Women’s squads are looking to grow from years past, but bring their own sense of style and leadership to the program they are proud to call their own.
This year, the Men’s side of the club is putting up two teams, a Division III and a Division IV. With enough new interest as well as some Old Boys who aren’t afraid to run with the youngins, the Division IV team looks to be an excellent opportunity to develop new talent and provide ample playing time to grow with the game. Coach Dave Egar knows the pressure is on him to help the Men find their next level of commitment and skill on the pitch. By continuing their plan from last year of focusing on the basics, he is confident that the Men will continue to find success in both Divisions as long as they remain committed to the task at hand. Captain Colin Gottimer hopes to see as many people at practice as possible and continues his reputation for understatement adding, “we always play a little better when our rugby family is supporting us.” In other words get out to the pitch and celebrate the season with us!
The Women remain among the top teams in Division II in the MAC Conference and hope to move beyond the MAC Championships this year. By eliminating the North and South designations in the MAC Conference for this year, the women have the opportunity to compete against all of their competition before hopefully making it to the playoffs in the spring. Coach Dolla Harmse is eager to see what the women do with their strong veteran knowledge as well as the rookie energy the women added in the off-season. With only two home games this fall, Captains Leni Ferraria and Casey Hartzell ask the alumni to show-up en masse whenever possible. After a disappointing loss in the MAC Semi-Final last May, the women are looking for redemption this season and to break the “short sock curse” on their way to the MAC Final this year.
Players to Watch -
Men’s Division III - Dan Woodell (Scrumhalf), Quinn Freeman (Back), Nick Stratchko (Forward), Aldo Batubara (Forward)
Men’s Division IV - Derek Swayze (Forward) and Sam (Leone)
Women’s Division II - Kate Todorovich (Forward), Masha Romanchak (Back), and Erin Gallagher (Rookie to us…vet to the Game)
New Sponsor: Fence & Deck Connection
Severn River is pleased to announce it’s newest sponsor; Fence & Deck Connection. They have been proudly serving local communities in Maryland for over 28 years. We would like to personally thank company President, Jim Rubush, who as a wrestling coach has helped to shape some great Severn River rugby players.
Locations:
Millersville: 410-969-4444
Annapolis: 410-757-5511
New Sponsor: Black Eagle Defense
Severn River is pleased to welcome our newest sponsor, Black Eagle Defense. CEO, Andrew Gehman is a member of the Severn River Rugby community as both a player and leader. We are proud to have his company as a sponsor and look forward to seeing his business grow with the same competitive vigor that he has always demonstrated on the pitch. Congratulations, Gehman and thank you for your continued dedication to the club!
Rugby Weddings: the Ole' Ball & Chain
By: Pete Freeman and Katie Fitzgerald
Hey Rugger, how about coming out for a beer? Sure, but let me check with the ole’ ball and chain.
Severn River Rugby used to have a wedding tradition of locking a ball and chain on the ankle of the groom at rugby weddings during the reception. This tradition continued through the many…many rugby weddings of the 1980’s and 90’s. As the team got younger and the Poskos…(cough)…busier, the Medieval ankle jewelry didn’t find its way to as many weddings. BUT…we still have it!
The first B&C was made by Henry Posko and friend, John Ware for former SRRFC Loch, Dave Kiefer. Dave was marrying Henry’s future sister in law and they thought it would be a fitting reception joke. The ball and chain appeared on the lawn of the reception and when locked around Dave’s ankle Henry refused to give the family the key for the bride and groom dance, so Dave slung it over his shoulder leaving a permanent metal stain on his white tuxedo. That is also the day Dave had to buy said white rental tuxedo.
The next appearance of the B&C was at Henry’s wedding in 1980. Due to a rugby leg injury it would not fit around ankle so, Dave Kiefer carried it around behind Henry.
In 1982 at Jeff Smith’s wedding, Jeff’s father-in-law had purchased a plastic ball and chain as a joke only to be upstaged when Charlie Dayton appeared with the ‘real’ ball and chain in hand and managed to clamp it on Jeff’s ankle through his continuous laughter.
At Pete Freeman’s first wedding, the B&C made an expected appearance, but did take the in-laws by surprise. After a few dances and other hijinks Pete’s father in-law approached his daughter and declared, “This reception is going to hell in a hand basket”. The bride and groom just chuckled and kept dancing.
The ball & chain has stolen the show during many receptions, including Ralph Norton’s, Dr. Doom’s, Scott Brusnighan’s, Kurt Triatak’s, Roco Ed Stump’s, Phil Dumenil’s and many others.
Consider yourself lucky, Mike Bertoni.
Dave White has kept the tradition alive by constructing the last two B&C’s. We thank him for his craftsmanship.
The addition of a women’s team added a new category to rugby weddings: the intermarriage. Dee and Phil, Kristen and Curtis, Turner and Hooch, Jeanna and Kevin…and perhaps one or two more on the horizon..have only added to the atmosphere of the wedding season. The other guests at these weddings hardly stand a chance of finding the dance floor or a drink in a crowd like that. Whether in Vegas, the Shore, or the Elk’s Club with a party bus to DTA, the club always comes together in the best way to celebrate their own. Even if a teammate might have to save the best man from his own speech on occasion.
The women might not have anything quite so permanent as a Ball & Chain at their rugby wedding celebrations, but no one will forget the scrum downs and line-outs with Kristi, Steph, Selwa, Dee, Fitz, Kiki, and Megan. In true rugby togetherness, the groom’s friends see the lift and inevitably get their mate up their as well.
Whether it’s a true Ball & Chain, another tie made within the club, or sharing rugby moves with a newbie, we can’t wait for another summer of “I dos” and shenanigans at the altar.
Triebel Cup 2019: The Cup made it's way back home
The Triebel Cup continues to be a highlight for the entire Severn River and Frederick rugby families. It’s not often that people are able to come together to remember a brave rugger doing exactly what he would want us to do in his memory. Severn River may have come away with the Cup this year, but maintaining the friendly competition and tradition of this important event is what keeps players coming back year after year.
The U-19s had a tough day against a mixed Frederick, Poly, and North Bay team. Having five starters out of commission, they put the best side on the pitch and everyone played well. In the end, the young men came up short, 29-19, but were honored to be part of the day.
Man of the Match: Jake Mearman
The Severn Women don’t seem to lose a step regardless of who is able to make it on to the pitch. With a terrifying pack full of Xena Warrior Princesses, the forwards enjoyed playing with alumni and current members alike. With Jackie Melsopp back to her rucking ridiculousness and Mikey adding three tries of her own, the pack was a force to watch in awe and get the hell out of their way at the cup. The backs had a remarkable boost of energy from Old (don’t kill me) Girl, Devin “The Killer” Compo. With eight tries…that’s right EIGHT tries…saying she was unstoppable is redundant already but I’ll say it again anyway: UNSTOPPABLE. Aly McCarty got into the nitty gritty play of rugby, winning rucks, supporting the ball, and being all over the field as she supported both forwards and backs throughout the match. Seeing Jackie, Devin, Rebekah, Tina, Ruth, and Sloth all on the pitch, going step for step with the new college kids, Colleen and Emmy, made the current team both proud and eager to keep the Cup in the hands of Severn River. The 58-5 victory was a fun one for the Honey Badgers.
Forward of the Match: Jackie Melsopp
Back of the Match: Aly McCarty
The Severn men took part in the annual Treibel Cup competition against Frederick RFC this past Saturday, looking to erase some bad memories in the competition during recent years and recapture the cup for SRRFC. Severn got off to a quick 7-0 lead, due to some hard running from new open-side flanker Eddie Boyer. Frederick answered quickly, dotting down twice within the opening 20 minutes to take the game to 12-7. The teams traded blows for the next few minutes, Severn keeping it close but never regaining control in the first half. Severn's hopes were deflated as the clock wound down in the first period, being shown two yellow cards for separate high tackle offenses and having a try called back on a dubious forward pass call made by a Frederick touch judge all within a span of 7 minutes to end the first half. Undeterred, Severn came out of the gate swinging in the second, Boyer leading the way with two additional scores. Returning lock Lawrence McClain and Number 8 Nick Stratchko both found their way to the score sheet as well, with hard charging runs all day long finally paying dividends. Severn fielded a backline that was a mix of inexperienced and veteran presences, with inside center Harry Gotimer marshaling the two together for the exhibition for most of the day. Severn never led after that initial portion of play until their final breakthrough in the 77th minute, after stringing several phases together inside Frederick's 22, Prop Rich Maldonado found the line to finally put Severn back ahead by 2. Quinn Freeman converted the try and Severn held off for the remainder of the game ending in a 47-43 victory for the men. Given the numerous strong performances by many Severn forwards, Forward/Back of the match awards were eschewed on the day and the entire starting pack for Severn was given the honors.
The Old Boys match consisted of a solid effort from ruggers of all experience levels. From guys who were playing their first match (Spicoli, age 34, first match) to guys who can’t remember how many matches they’ve played, the game was fun and full of learning experiences for both sides. SR Old Boy, Dave White, masterfully chased a ball into touch while accepting a cheap blow to his lower back pushing him out of bounds. Keeping his poise, and his feet, he was able to bring both clubs together on the field in a wonderful display of sportsmanship and camaraderie. The match ended in a 5-15 loss for the Old Boys.
Severn Women’s guest player, Devin Compo accepted the Cup for Severn that day, since her 8 trys assured Severn the point differential to take the cup.
A big shout out to our referees, William Delsing and Jake Klaus, for wrangling the day. Thank you to Frederick Rugby for continuing this tradition with us and to the fans who continue to support both clubs!
SON OF A BEACH!!
Severn River traveled to Dewey Beach for Delmarva's, Son of A Beach tournament. Severn River started the day with a win against a tough corn fed Amish Assassins side. Then would immediately play a fresh New York Tallywackers team who put up a quick 28 points on Severn. Severn River wasn't deterred and fought back to bring the game within 10 points, but ultimately the back to back matches proved too much as fatigue set in and lost the game by 15. Severn River barely lost out on the top 4 finish, and would end up 6th place on the day. Great displays from Eddie, Big Wing Karl, and young buck, Quinn. Severn River will now start Sevens Season with the Rites of Spring tournament on 6/22/19, in Elkridge, MD