MATCH RECAP – KC BLUES vs. Kansas City RFC 4/13/19
The Kansas City Blues D1 side took on crosstown rival KCRFC this past weekend at Wyandotte County Park. The Blues went into the match with the goal of focusing on two elements; defense and communication. Let me be frank, it wasn't a pretty match. The Blues' attacking system relies upon good, clean rucks for the 9 to get quick ball to a "Pivot" or "Point" -man in order for our system to function efficiently. City clearly went into the match with the plan of mucking up the breakdown areas in order to slow down the Blues' attack and, for much of the match, it went as planned. Slow ball led to muddled organization of the Blues' system, which led to handling errors, which allowed City to harness in the Blues' speed on the outside. However, the Blues did have several individual attacking breaks. Cody Weber, Josh Spangler, Dalton Humphreys, Stephen Lomas, and Blake Baty all had tries on the day; a few of which came from following in support when the Blues chanced a break away run. Forward of the Match Jimmy Lillis has a great day on defense despite playing on a high ankle sprain and Back of the Match Sean Lennihan came off the bench and immediately made his presence known with a break away run and off-load to a streaking Blake Baty which led to a try. The Blues' final goal line defensive stand, which led for almost 10 phases with barely a meter to spare, was a good microcosm for the match as a whole. It wasn't pretty but ultimately the boys rallied around each other, showed their toughness, and simply would not bow to City. The Blues won the match 45-33 and retain the Club's dominance as the top team in the city. The Blues would like to give a special thanks to all the Old Boys who made time to come out to the match and support the Club, thank you!
Next Saturday, April 20th, D2 will be playing in a very special match for the club. The 3rd Annual Patrick Mercer Memorial Match against his Alma Mater, Pitt State, will be at 1:00 pm on Field 6 at Swope Park. Patrick Mercer was tragically taken from us on August 30, 2016 as he left training. This match serves as a good reminder to the boys who are still playing to enjoy every minute you get to spend on the rugby pitch with your mates and reminds all of us to tell those around us that we love them. We hope you will make it out to this match played in loving memory of Patrick "Cowboy" Mercer #10.
Kansas City Blues vs Kansas City RFC Roster
1 Brandon Hayes
2 Stephen Lomas
3 Ryan Scheidt
4 Jimmy Lillis
5 Kevin Schwartze
6 Danny Apgar
7 Cody Weber
8 Isaiah Jones
9 Jordan Rice
10 Blake Baty
11 Josh Spangler
12 Casey Cummings
13 Dalton Humphrey
14 Silas Johnson
15 Erik Hartley
Afa Tapusoa
Austin Hamm
John Knutsen
Connor Burke
Cole Tripp
Sean Lenihan
Riaan Bam
Mohammad Alkateeb