Due to Air Force wanting to play a lot of their squad through the match we were forced to up the length of the halves to 32.5 minutes (Magnum negotiated down from 40 minute halves). Fortunately for us we had two more Marshall players on the road to link up with us as we kicked off, Adrian a number 8 and Razz a scrum half.

It’s difficult to explain exactly how it was that we played so much better than Air Force – but we did. Defensively we were tight, at the ruck we dominated and at scrum time we pushed harder than they did. At the 13-minute mark Bryan our full back crossed for a great try converted by Kenny and that’s the ay the match stayed until the half, Frederick up by 7. Adrian came on just before the half allowing us to get Stax off the pitch (he was carrying a shoulder injury into the match), Chris moved to lock, I went over to flank and Adrian slotted in at #8. Razz also came on for Jake, allowing us to push our back line out by one putting Jeff at fly half and Kenny at outside center. Yes Air force changed up their team and came a us harder. Ten minutes into the half Kretzer crossed for a try taking us two scores clear and the pack just got stronger and stronger. We drove a scrum over the line, but the ball was held up then we drove a lineout to the line, out went the ball and slashing in over the line was young Razz our scrum half. Kenny slotted the conversion and just a couple of minutes later the match ended – Frederick 19, Air Force 2 0.

What a great Savannah experience. We took a small squad but teamed up with some quality players who just gelled and together we played some great, solid rugby. As well as the Marshall guys and Bryan from Suburbs it was great to have Jake Hood and John Webber back in Frederick green. A special mention has to go to Steve Strickland and Dan Hayes – both travelled hoping to be fit to play but back and hamstring injuries just didn’t clear up in time.