After a humiliating defeat at the hands of Baltimore last week, Frederick needed to dig deep and win this non-league match against local rivals Rocky Gorge. The day was perfect, the Baker Park pitch was in great condition and our supporting old boys were witness to a much-improved Frederick effort. Going into this match we knew that Rocky Gorge would give us strong competition in rucks and mauls. The visitors did not disappoint. On several occasions, after the hard ground had been made, Gorge either drove us off the ball or managed to turn over possession. Fortunately, the team defense was better than last week (though not yet up to scratch) and the pack continued to dominate at the scrum. The match got off to a great, fast start with Frederick pressuring the Gorge line, but one of the visitors unfortunately suffered a neck injury and the 15 minutes taken for the ambulance to take care of business took the wind out of our sails. Frederick was however, able to get on the board with Rob Smith scoring after a sustained period of pressure in the 22m. Kenny Orndoff converted. Almost immediately Rocky Gorge countered with a ball put out wide. Unfortunately the cover defense converged on the outside center leaving the wing free to score at the corner. Another period of positive play led to Rob breaking through the defense and he scampered a good 50m to score. At the half Frederick led 12 - 5 but had not really exerted dominance.

The second half was better. A well controlled pushover try came from a scrum - Rob was able to beat me to it (I think I may have to explain the unwritten rule that #8s actually have first refusal on those tries!) and with Kenny in great kicking form, we started to pull away at 19 - 5. Finally we managed to get a ball wide for young Scott Wade who just burned the outside defense to score a great try also converted by Kenny. Rocky Gorge were not ready to roll over however and scored a nice try, putting pressure on our line and diving on a loose ball to score. Frederick returned to the visitors end and a series of punches led to a score by new flanker Ben Hood that was also converted. As time ticked down, Rocky Gorge punished Frederick with a well-worked try from a lineout. Although we pressed the line one more time the score remained Frederick 33, Rocky Gorge 17 at full time. It was great to have Art “Bernie” Hall (I guess you had to be at Chad’s party to get that one) back on the field. Ben made a great start for the club. Everybody’s hero was Jamie Romano who started at center with no preparation and turned in a great performance. Tobin “Trooper” Triebel looked sharp, as did Mike “Iggy” Moloney.

In the second match Mike “Iggy” Moloney showed some outstanding speed to dot down two tries. His conversion attempts though, were just-a-little-bit-outside! HA! HA! Thankfully “New” Scott was on hand to demonstrate how these things are done as he slotted the conversion of Chad Ogden’s try. The pack did well with John “Web” Webber, Al Goetz and Josh Ditsky putting in some great drives around the field. The second row partnership of Mike Tucci and Irvin “Arizona Martin were strong in the lineouts, and the backrow of Chad Ogden, Alex “Lefty” Mooney and “Big” Ted Thompson put in some solid hits. In the backs, Ryan Jones and Saverio Roberto ran well and on the wings, Nick Dean got his second start and looked good on the right with “Sevens Supremo” Mike Saintcross on the left. “New” Scott looked very strong at full back. Although Rocky Gorge was able to outscore the home team 20 to 17, this was a strong effort and a good contest to watch.

Congratulations to the MVPs, Rob Smith and Chad Ogden. I just wanted to mention that last weeks MVPs were Scott Wade and Al Goetz (sorry - I forgot to acknowledge them in the last write-up). Al forgot to return his MVP mug so owes us a keg!!

Thanks to Jay “Bird” Reeder for setting up the posts and Mike “Tool-Time” Taylor for setting up the scaffolding. Thanks also to Pete Ireland for the video camera and to the injured Steve “Kaiser” Schleupner for filming the match. The Club also would like to acknowledge Vince Digioia of Digioia and Associates for purchasing the match ball. It was really good to see so many old boys at the field - thanks for your continued support!