ST.LOUIS, MO. --The Thunder Chickens demonstrated to one and all how much they have developed this season by defeating St. Louis University 26 – 22. This game was a battle as SLU was able to show their experience and skills from the start, while we struggled to get ourselves up to match intensity.
Principia gave up many fouls allowing SLU to gain momentum and territory, and ultimately a kick at the posts. Just six minutes into the game, we were down 0 – 3, and not yet showing the passion we needed to control the opponent. We kicked off to SLU and forced them to have a defensive ruck and kick to clear the ball from their territory. Good fortune took a liking to us and shone brightly as
Elee Holtermann caught the ball and slipped past every one of their tacklers on his way to our first try. Relief was increased as
Trevor Marunde made the conversion. 7 – 3.
The next twenty-three minutes were spent in relative disorder as we tried to establish our game plan, but were not able to express the determination and focus required. We dominated in the scrums and controlled the line outs well, but our open play was sloppy and our channel tackling was poor. This meant that what ball possession we did get was not used to positive effect, and when they had the ball they were able to drive down the field with relative ease. After another series of penalties we seemed unable to stop giving away, SLU powered over for their first try. The wind pushed the kick wide; leaving the score at 7 – 8. We did not respond with enough intensity to keep them back and we found ourselves defending again and again. SLU had a scrum on our five yard, and we drove them back and turned the scrum quickly. A very good move to turn the ball over; but unfortunately their # 8 was able to scoop the ball out of the scrum just in time and run it in for another try. With the kick we were down, 7 – 15.
The lads started to work much harder and establish some control of the game. With only a few minutes left in the half, Kenyan
Job Okello showed what experience can do with the ball. He took a pass from Trevor, passed it quickly to
Tyler Marunde who then switched running lines with Job, and popped the ball to him. Job was able to scamper down the touch line and score his first try as a Thunder Chicken. The wind claimed another kick, so the score stuck at 12 – 15. We now started to look like we were “in” the game. As we continued to work harder and harder we were winning rucks, retaining possession and moving the ball better. From one such ruck
Greg Freeman passed the ball to
Naveed Hosseinmardi who sprinted like a wing for nearly forty yards before a tackler was able to bring him down. Fortunately Job Okello had run a great supportive line putting himself right where Naveed could make a sure pass. Job darted in for our next try. Trevor made this kick, and the score moved into our favor again, just in time to end the half; 19 – 15.
The Thunder Chickens worked with increased precision and determination as the second half got under way. SLU attacked again and after we had a shoddy ruck, a chance opened up for them to score. The score slipped their way again: 19 – 22. The game gained intensity and the play became critical with such a small point differential. Tyler used his leadership to run many attacking plays, and after a great run breaking several tackles he was finally being tackled near their goal line.
Kendall Shoemake was going to ruck and contain the possession when he looked up and realized he could score. He called for the pass, and Tyler was just able to get it off in time; allowing Kendall to make the dash for the line. He scored under the posts making the kick easy for Trevor. We took the lead for the third time: 26 – 22.
The game was now well structured and played by Principia. We did not allow SLU to mount any real threats, but did not succeed in doing so ourselves. This was a very tense period as a try by either team would have changed the outcome. After many minutes of battling for territory and ball control a scrum was awarded to the Thunder Chickens. There was a lot of excitement as the referee had indicated that this would be the last play of the game. All we had to do was win our scrum and kick the ball out of bounds. Simple enough, but with the game in the balance, we had to manage SLU's intensity and execute the plan.
Jake Milner did just what he had to; get clean ball, and kick it into touch.
What a great way to end a season; win a win over a good and honorable opponent!!
The Thunder Chickens were treated to a WONDERFUL BBQ party by Jim and Susan Curry. The boys were treated to cake, drinks, snacks galore and all the treats of home. This was greatly appreciated by all, and Eric Odanga even ate some chocolate cake. There were many comments about 'stuffed' tummies on the way home. The team's gratitude will be with them for many years, as they reflect on the fun and joy of that party.
This season has been filled with challenges and opportunities to develop as a rugby team and as men. Today's game clearly showed how far we have come together. To play “not our best” rugby, and yet be able to score the points needed to guarantee us this win, goes to show how far we have come in just three months. Go Thunder Chickens !!!
