Although this was not a game as such - it was well worth the effort for those players able to attend.

Due to the absence of front row forwards, new recruit “Big” Joe Cariola was thrown in the deep end at tight head taking on Navy’s first side loose head then Washington’s first side #1. After a bit of a struggle, Joe came through with honors - quite the baptism by fire. On the loose head for Frederick, newly elected pack leader Tom Spangler took charge and did very well (much to Teddy Thompson’s relief!). I think Tom’s favorite moments of the day were charging into Washington’s pack after they retaliated over Tobin’s spear tackle (you had to be there) and then chasing down their big Islander center from behind and whispering in his ear something about being run down by a prop. Tom also scored the winning try over Navy in the first session. Chad solidified things at hooker and had a very solid day featuring several poached balls at the tackle.

In the second row we started out with Tucci and Teddy but worked in Andrew Trask through the day. Tucci was the defensive leader at the rucks - performed very well in that role as well as at the set piece. Teddy played at second row and #8 - doing well in both slots and Andrew built upon his strong initial showing at the Atlantic Cup.

The back row we started with was myself at #6, Loren at #7 and Brian at #8. That had the balance that I’m looking for this season - a fast, aggressive open-side, a bigger #6 and a big eight man. Jim Disinger worked in at the flank and as mentioned earlier Teddy and Brian switched in at #8.

Tobin Triebel took over as scrum half and did a very good job - after the first 10-minutes he actually located his fly half and things started to get going! Obviously Tobin is really a flanker - just as Art is really a flanker not a fly half (even though he did a great job at the Atlantic Cup). As with Tom covering prop today - senior players stepping up to cover deficiencies is an important leadership role within Frederick Rugby - so thanks guys. Kenny, newly installed as captain, put in a captain-like performance - solid judgment - good variety of passes and kicks as well as dotting down twice.

In the centers we started out with Jamie and Magnum who stuffed any Navy attacks up the middle and had a good few runs themselves. Through the day we added Steve in at outside and that is an option that we hope to develop through the fall.

In the back three we started with Stan at full back with Scott on one wing and saw Matt Breda return to action on the wing after his strong showing in Saranac. Through the day we were able to bring in Jake Hood on the wing - great to have Jake back after a year’s break, and Brett Schrack was able to get more time in also building on his first outings at the Atlantic Cup. Last but not least we were able to Aaron on for the last session. Aaron hasn’t played rugby before but seems to have a natural rugby brain - it will be interesting to watch him progress through the fall.

Coaching from the sidelines on his birthday was Eric Kretzer - thanks Eric for your help and hope that you enjoyed your birthday crab feast!

To come to the Academy and put in solid performances against these two programs was very satisfying. Beating the Naval squads twice and tying with Washington was certainly a great return on the day. Thanks to all of the guys involved.