Wendy and The Girl braving the wind, rain and freezing temperatures to video tape the match.

The WPL welcomes its newest WPL team, the Glendale Raptors. D1 Club rugby welcomes the Minnesota Valkyries who will participate in the CR2 League.

Match Video

As always, if you appreciate the work we do here at YSC, consider supporting us with a donation!

Wendy Young

Editor of Your Scrumhalf Connection. Passionate Rugger since 2001.

Website - More Posts

Related posts:

1. WPL: Challenge Match 12/4/11 – Minnesota Valkyries vs Glendale Raptors / Match Details, Broadcast & Sybil’s Predictions UPDATE 12/5/11: Get the results and watch the archived video...
2. Watch the WPL Challenge Match! Minnesota Valkyries vs Glendale Raptors – 12/4/11 at 10am CST UPDATE 12/5/11: Get the results and watch the archived video...
3. WPL Match Report: Twin Cities Amazons @ New York, by Donna Ventura [VIDEO] View the complete 2011 WPL Schedule, Match Reports and Results here....

UPDATE 12/5/11: Get the results and watch the archived video here.

For more details on the challenge match, go here.

Broadcast Sponsor
Rugby Athletic is a growing rugby company who prides itself on service, relationships, original design, custom rugby uniforms & team equipment, event promotion and marketing for teams. We consider ourselves original and un-matched with team opportunities, options and prices. RA, thanks for your continue support of YSC!

Good news! We will be able to *LIVE broadcast this event! You can view the match here or on the YSC Rugby Ustream channel. As always we are doing this for free and so we would highly support any donation you could give!

NOTE: There are a few potential “complications” that we wanted to let you know ahead of time….

• 70% chance of rain. If that happens we might not be able to broadcast, much less even get tape. Might cause it to be a delayed broadcast.
• Internet; or lack thereof. We will be using a Mifi Hotspot and if the pipes are good, we will broadcast, if not it will be delayed broadcast.
• Our Ustream channel has commercials. Don’t like the ads? We would urge you to consider making a donation so we can upgrade to the Pro version. Thanks!

For more details on the challenge match, go here.

Wendy Young

Editor of Your Scrumhalf Connection. Passionate Rugger since 2001.

Website - More Posts

Related posts:

1. WPL: Challenge Match 12/4/11 – Minnesota Valkyries vs Glendale Raptors / Match Details, Broadcast & Sybil’s Predictions UPDATE 12/5/11: Get the results and watch the archived video...
2. WPL Challenge Match Results and Match [VIDEO] Minnesota and Glendale descended down on Austin yesterday in perhaps...
3. WPL Match Report: Minnesota Valkyries vs San Diego Surfers by JL “Trie” Triemstra [VIDEO] View the complete 2011 WPL Schedule, Match Reports and Results here....

At the 53rd Annual New York 7s Tournament this weekend the games were fast, furious and hotly contested! NY 7s is the largest and longest running sevens tournament in the United States. The New York Rugby Club has hosted The Tournament on the Saturday following Thanksgiving since 1959, and it traditionally marks the end of the Fall rugby season in the New York Metropolitan area. We had 130 teams in 2010 – the most in Tournament history! Thanks to Jessa Giordano for sending me the scores and results!

2011 NY 7s Results
Men’s Premier: Schuylkill River Exiles
Women’s Premier: New York Rugby Club
Men’s Club: CRQ Sevens
Men’s Social: Brome Lake Ducks
Women’s Social: Olde Love
Men’s Collegiate: Stony Brook
Women’s Collegiate: Falcons
Boys U19: NJ Blaze
Girls U19: Beaconsfield Red

Full Results

Wendy Young

Editor of Your Scrumhalf Connection. Passionate Rugger since 2001.

Website - More Posts

Related posts:

1. YSC Reporter Donna Ventura – San Diego Surfers vs New York Match Report & VIDEO [WPL] View the 2011 WPL Schedule and Results here. Match Video...
2. USA Rugby To Hold Collegiate Sevens National Championships from USA Rugby: BOULDER, Colo. — The USA Rugby Board...
3. WPL Match Report by JL “Trie” Triemstra: Valkyries 22 New York 39 – [VIDEO] View the complete 2011 WPL Schedule and Results here. by...

by Lance Pruett:

Washington, DC – Each November, for the past 14 years, the Embassy of New Zealand has partnered with the rugby program at Hyde Public Charter School (now known as Perry Street Prep) to put on a unique event, known as the Ambassador’s Shield.  On a pristine pitch on the campus of Trinity Washington University, matches begin at 9:30am and continue until the main event.  At 2:30pm, the collection of New Zealand ex-pats, known as the “Ambassador’s XV”, stride on to the field and perform a haka to prepare for their “battle” against a US Combined Services team.  Although the contender varies from year to year, the finale always provides a great match for those in attendance.

The event is unique in that the hillsides beside the pitch are lined, not only with those playing in the event, but with people who come solely as spectators.  Typically, several hundred people are present to watch the matches.  A rugby supplier is on hand to sell their wares, while people munch on New Zealand style pies filled with meat and vegetables.  After all the matches are played, the Embassy hosts a party where people drink Steinlager and eat, as one might expect at the New Zealand Embassy, lamb.  It is, quite simply, a great day for rugby.

The Ambassador’s Shield is a fundraiser, with the proceeds used to support the rugby program at Perry Street Prep.  The funds help the students, who often come from low-income families, take advantage of opportunities which may otherwise elude them.  Not only do the students benefit from being part of a team, and all that goes with that, certain players have achieved more.  Players from Perry Street Prep (Hyde), have gone on to; play on the USA 7’s team (PJ Komongnan), play on the Women’s U-19 National Team (Brittany Woodard), train at Auckland University of technology (Antoine Johnson et. al.).

Being a fundraising event, teams pay for the opportunity to play, which has an effect on the matches that are played each year.   The past several versions of the Ambassador’s Shield have seen little change in the participating teams.  The one exception is that this year, as last, the event lacks a women’s game.  Event organizer, Jason Frost, advised that the last women’s match that was scheduled failed to materialize, so the slot was opened to men’s teams, and quickly appropriated.  Every variety of men’s rugby is represented, Old-Boys (two matches), adult, high school, and youth.

The lack of a women’s match is particularly disappointing considering the following facts; the event is held on the campus of a women’s college, New Zealand have won the past four Women’s Rugby World Cups, Perry Street Prep fields a girls team.  Although it would be unfair if current participants were no longer invited in order to make room for a women’s match, I believe that it would be appropriate to make a good faith effort to secure a women’s match when an opening in the schedule is naturally attained.  The lack of a women’s match is the only blotch on what is otherwise a fantastic example of everything great about our sport.

http://www.ambassadorsshield.com/index.html

http://www.hyderugby.com/

LPruett

Related posts:

1. First IRB Rugby Women’s Sevens Event Announced from IRB: The IRB has underscored its commitment to delivering...

UPDATE 12/5/11: Get the results and watch the archived video here.

Welcome to the first ever WPL Challenge Match! According to the WPL Promotion and Relegation Policies the #1 (Chicago NS) and #2 (Glendale Raptors) D1 teams can challenge the #7 (DC Furies) and #8 (Minnesota Valkyries) WPL teams if they desire. I confirmed with Chicago NS that they will not be challenging the #7 team and so the only challenge match this year is between the Glendale Raptors and the Minnesota Valkyries.

The Raptors just finished second at the USA Rugby Division 1 Club Championships, losing to Chicago NS 5-13. The Minnesota Valkyries placed eigth at the USA Rugby Women’s Premier League Championships, losing to the DC Furies in a heart breaker of a match 17-22.

The challenge match is to be held in a “warm area” and a few teams put in bids. The “warm area” that was chosen was Austin, TX. Come watch this epic battle unfold in Austin, TX at the Huns Pitch on Dec 4, 2011 at 10:00am. The Hosts are Huns Rugby and Austin Valkyries.

Facebook Invite

Broadcast
Good news! We will be able to *LIVE broadcast this event! You can view the match here or on the YSC Rugby Ustream channel. As always we are doing this for free and so we would highly support any donation you could give!

There are a few potential “complications” that we wanted to let you know ahead of time….

• 70% chance of rain. If that happens we might not be able to broadcast, much less even get tape. Might cause it to be a delayed broadcast.
• Internet; or lack thereof. We will be using a Mifi Hotspot and if the pipes are good, we will broadcast, if not it will be delayed broadcast.
• Our Ustream channel has commercials. Don’t like the ads? We would urge you to consider making a donation so we can upgrade to the Pro version. Thanks!

Broadcast Sponsor
Rugby Athletic is a growing rugby company who prides itself on service, relationships, original design, custom rugby uniforms & team equipment, event promotion and marketing for teams. We consider ourselves original and un-matched with team opportunities, options and prices. RA, thanks for your continue support of YSC!

Predictions by Sybil
My track record for predictions is getting a bit better…still not quite where I would like it to be <my job occupation: Accountant – “numbers are my life”> but I can only go up right? This weekend the Glendale Raptors will face off with the Minnesota Valkyries for a spot in the Women’s Premier League. Lets start with a dissection of the Minnesota Valkyries.

The Valkyries were knocked out of Tier B last year at the WPL Championships by Berkeley (57-27) and this year they competed in the Red Conference with Twin Cities Amazons, San Diego Surfers and New York. In League Play they were unable to win a match and were outscored by their opponents by 296 points. To continue that trend, the Valkyries were beat twice at this year’s Championships in a nail biter, back-and-forth match against Keystone (43-38) and on day 2 in another close match, they lost to the DC Furies (22-17). This hasn’t always been the Valkyries style, but it looks like due to some retired players and new blood the team has struggled this year.

The Glendale Raptors (birds of prey, not dinosaurs!) have been on the opposite end of the spectrum, winning all year long starting with an undefeated run in CR2 League Play. The CR2 includes Chicago NS (29-8), Chicago, Austin Valkyries (32-12), St. Louis Sabres (Sabres forfeit), Black Ice (99-0) and Detroit (71-12). Perhaps the magic of the Mile High Training Facility at the base of the Mount Olympus, ahem, I mean Glendale, CO is working in their favor? Of course you can’t count out the star power they have acquired this year, including Jillion Potter, named the Most Valuable Player even though Glendale lost at the D1 Championships.

Now to the actual predictions, this one is really tough as I know the Valkyries aren’t going to make it easy. Last year, ORSU voluntarily stepped down from the WPL and the Valkyries could have done the same, but they must want to continue to compete in the WPL. Some might say that after Glendale lost the D1 Championship to Chicago NS… why are they challenging? Are they really ready for the WPL or are they just striking while the iron is hot?

I believe that the Valkyries are better prepared for this challenge match mentally and with their two VERY close losses at Championships, they will be hungry for a win. Glendale will be prepared as well and blessed by the Gods, but they will falter. Not to mention, both teams have been training/playing since August…that is a long season only to be extended for another month to prepare for this challenge match.

Prediction: Minnesota Valkyries by one try for the win!

EDITOR NOTE: Sybil is not affiliated with the YSC Team, she is only a Guest Blogger who is bringing some new perspectives to the site. If you have any thoughts or concerns, we would urge you to comment below or please contact her at sybil@scrumhalfconnection.com. Thanks!

Wendy Young

Editor of Your Scrumhalf Connection. Passionate Rugger since 2001.

Website - More Posts

Related posts:

1. Watch the WPL Challenge Match! Minnesota Valkyries vs Glendale Raptors – 12/4/11 at 10am CST UPDATE 12/5/11: Get the results and watch the archived video...
2. WPL Challenge Match Results and Match [VIDEO] Minnesota and Glendale descended down on Austin yesterday in perhaps...
3. YSC Reporter: JL “Trie” Triemstra – Minnesota Valkyries vs Twin City Amazons Match Report & VIDEO [WPL] View the 2011 WPL Schedule and Results here. Match Video by...

To view all the scores from the weekend, go here.

Day 2

WPL Championship – Berkeley All Blues vs Twin Cities Amazons

D1 Championship – Chicago NS vs Glendale Raptors

D2 Championship – Pittsburgh Angels vs Raleigh Venom

3rd/4th – Beantown vs San Diego Surfers

Day 1

Berkeley v San Diego Surfers

Minnesota Valkyries vs Keystone

Beantown vs. Twin City Amazons

New York v DC Furies

To view all the scores from the weekend, go here.

Wendy Young

Editor of Your Scrumhalf Connection. Passionate Rugger since 2001.

Website - More Posts

Related posts:

1. USA Rugby Women’s Club National Champions Crowned [VIDEOs] To view all the scores from the weekend, go here....
2. WPL Match Report by Marea Blue – Surfers vs Amazons [VIDEO] View the complete 2011 WPL Schedule and Results here. by Marea...
3. Top Teams Claim Semifinal Berths in Last Round of WPL Regular Season View the complete 2011 WPL Schedule, Match Reports and Results here...

To view all the scores from the weekend, go here.

from USA Rugby:

Boulder, Colo.– This past weekend three national champions were crowned as the Emirates Airline USA Rugby 2011 Women’s Club Championships took place in Virginia Beach, Va.. Teams from the Women’s Premier League and the Women’s Divisions I and II converged on Virginia Beach looking to come away with hardware. The Emirates Airline USA Rugby 2011 Women’s Club Championships crowned the Berkeley All-Blues, Chicago North Shore, and the Raleigh Venom as National Champions of their respective divisions.

• Raleigh Venom Shut Out Pittsburgh in Division II Final
• Chicago North Shore Over Come Glendale Raptors to Take Division I
• Berkeley All-Blues Claim WPL Championship with Win over Amazons
• Select matches can be viewed on USA Rugby’s UStream channel.

Women’s DII Club
The Raleigh Venom won the Emirates Airline USA Rugby Women’s Club Division II National Championship this past weekend. They shut out the Pittsburgh Angels in the Division II final which took place on Sunday morning. After a healthy win over Memphis in the quarterfinals and a very close but exciting match against Sacramento in the semis, Raleigh collided with Pittsburgh in the National Championship game. The match saw both teams committ numerous penalties and Raleigh seemed to be more than willing to utilize those opportunities as Pittsburgh failed to get points on the board through out the game. Raleigh’s defense prevented Pittsburgh from scoring while their attack was relentless in the second half. The final whistle gave Raleigh the title of Division II Women’s Club Champions with a strong shut out over Pittsburgh.

For a full game report on the Division II Final please visit the USA Rugby website here.

For a full replay of the Division II Final between Raleigh and Pittsburgh please visit USA Rugby’s UStream channel.

Women’s DI Club
The Emirates Airline USA Rugby Women’s Club Championships saw Chicago North Shore take the Division I Championship on Sunday morning. Chicago North Shore met the Glendale Raptors on Sunday afternoon to decide this year’s national champion. Both teams had entered into the weekend off of great performances in the regular season and in the previous rounds of playoffs. Pam Kosanke scored all of North Shore’s points as the Chicago club beat Glendale 13-5. She had a magnificent game as she collected a wonderful try from a chip kick, converted her own try, and slotted two penalty kicks. Glendale put up a full eighty minute fight however and managed to get one try in the match, coming from hard forward play that eventually released Tyra McGrady on the outisde.

For a full game report on the Division I National Championship please click here.

For a full replay of the Division I final between Chicago North Shore and Glendale please visit USA Rugby’s UStream Channel.

Women’s Premier League
On Sunday, the Berkeley All-Blues defeated the Twin Cities Amazons 17-8 in the Women’s Premier League National Championship game. After besting the San Diego Surfers in the semifinals on Friday November 11, the All-Blues were able to recover on Saturday and come out strong against a very good Twin Cities Amazons team. The encounter was as physical as they come, with both teams absolutely throwing everything they had at the opposition. Berkeley’s best defense was a great offense, consistently pressuring the women from the Twin Cities. Berkeley’s outside backs proved dangerous as they dotted down twice. While only one try was converted, the All-Blues managed to slot over a drop goal sealing their victory in the WPL Final.

For a full game report on the WPL National Championship please visit the USA Rugby webiste here.

For a full replay of the WPL Final between the All-Blues and Amazons please visit USA Rugby’s UStream Channel.

To view all the scores from the weekend, go here.

Wendy Young

Editor of Your Scrumhalf Connection. Passionate Rugger since 2001.

Website - More Posts

Related posts:

1. WPL, D1 & D2 Championship Videos [VIDEO] To view all the scores from the weekend, go here. Day...
2. 2011 EMIRATES AIRLINE USA RUGBY WPL, DI AND DII CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS – Virginia Beach, VA – November 11-13, 2011 2011 EMIRATES AIRLINE USA RUGBY WOMEN’S PREMIER LEAGUE, DI AND...

To view the D2 Championship Pools and Schedule, go here.

Media Contact:
Charise Hansen
info@memphiswomensrugby.com
(901) 246-6963

Local women’s rugby team, Memphis Flamingos, headed to first national championship tourney

(Memphis, Tenn.) — The Memphis Flamingos travel to Virginia Beach, Va. for the Women’s Division II Nationals Tournament Friday, Nov. 11 through Sunday, Nov. 13. The tournament appearance is the team’s first time since its formation in 2004. The Flamingos, made up of 30 women from the greater-Memphis area, finished the season undefeated, outscoring opponents 195-35 in nine games. The team clinched the USA South title Sunday, Oct. 9 with a 17-8 victory over New Orleans.

“Rugby is the quickest growing team sport in the U.S.,” notes Flamingos reserve prop Charise Hansen. “We have a chance to become national champions and make the city of Memphis proud.”

“Over the past seven years, we have fought to overcome injuries and even the death of a teammate,” she explained. “We are not just a team; we are a family.” Jennifer Hanna, who played inside center for the team, passed away Friday, May 22, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident outside Mobile, Ala.

The Flamingos will hold practices at Tobey Park from 6:30-9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3 and Monday, Nov. 7 before departing from Memphis International Airport Thursday, Nov. 10 for the three-day championship event.

For more information about the clinic or Memphis Women’s Rugby, contact Amy Rogan at (insert contact info), or visit www.memphiswomensrugby.com. For more information about the USA Rugby and the Women’s Division II National Tournament, visit http://tinyurl.com/USARugbyDII.

About the Memphis Women’s Rugby (Flamingos)
A 501(c)3 sports club, Memphis Women’s Rugby was founded in 2004 by a group of women looking to start a women’s teeam to Memphis. Current team members: Katie Abernathy. Abby Loebenberg, Alyson Allen, Jessica Magro, Sydney Bowers, Savannah Oliver, Taryn Causey, Melissa Prouty, Elizabeth Chancellor, Barbara Radebaugh, Cheryl Coulson, Amber Ragland, Jacque Davis, Stephanie Ragsdale, Jean Denniston, Amy Rogan, Jane Dewire, Hallie Rose, Jamie Dietsch, Katie Russo, Cerrin Eldridge, Whitney Tate, Jennifer Fox, Alison Vanelli, Claire Guerin, Adrianna Weber, Charise Hansen, Christina White, Torey Hunkus and Astrid Zellner. Coaches: Tim Brennan (Head Coach), Ralph Parks (Assistant) and Brooke Holland (Assistant).

To view the D2 Championship Pools and Schedule, go here.

Wendy Young

Editor of Your Scrumhalf Connection. Passionate Rugger since 2001.

Website - More Posts

Related posts:

1. Sacramento Amazons Earn Berth to USA Rugby D2 National Championship Tournament To view the D2 Championship Pools and Schedule, go here....
2. NATIONAL U19 ALL-STAR TOURNAMENT – NOV 19-20 AT FT. LAUDERALE, FL / SUMMARY from Laurie B.: The National U19 All Star Tournament, in...
3. High School National Championship Information Announced – Teams Urged to Apply from USA Rugby: BOULDER, Colo. — The 2012 USA Rugby...