The Rat to Bear Arms...Rats Fire Back at the Rifles

It could have been the heavy loss at the hands of Burlington last week, or coach Carl Morris’ Tuesday practice sprint session, or perhaps the reconfiguration of last Thursday’s training session into Social Practice—all of which represent viable possibilities. Whatever the catalyst, though, the women of Charles River brought an agenda to the pitch against Springfield. Sporting a deep lineup and a lot of fire, the Lady Rats went barnstorming—accruing fifty-three points at their home Moakley Park on Saturday.

The Rats had it going on. They brought an uncompromising defense for most of the game, meeting Springfield at the gain line with force. Utilizing a consistently aggressive style of play, excellent communication and a quickness that separates them from most opposing forwards, the Ratpack charged at Springfield early in the game and maintained pressure throughout the match. Veteran Prop Jehanne Junguenet shined defensively for River. Junguenet pressured the visiting Rifles all afternoon, squelching their offense by initiating a united Charles River defensive line that consistently stifled any semblance of Springfield momentum. Junguenet had several influential individual efforts on the day as well, helping hold possession for River with numerous rucks and tackles. She was the Captains’ choice for Forward of the Game. Chrissy “C” Andronico also had a noteworthy match at 8-man, where she commanded a fiercely united Ratpack. Andronico positioned the ball with precision in scrum play for scrumhalf Erin Gillespie, who transitioned the ball smoothly out to the backs.

On the strength of smooth 8-9-10 flow, the svelte Rat backs had a chance to excel. The orange and green outran their Rifle counterparts both in tight space and through open field. River broke for run after run, finally able to showcase their brilliant speed under favorable field conditions. Utilizing passes to the outside, the Charles River centers and wings combined for four tries in the first half. Rookie Rat Amanda Miller persistently baffled the Springfield defensive line. The Rifles were unable to stop the explosive Outside Center, who dashed continuously through them en route to her first two career Charles River tries. Miller represented the Backs for a Star of the Game selection. With able flyhalf and kicker Alex Schmidt converting four of River’s six first-half tries, the Lady Rats had erected themselves a towering 38-7 lead at the break.

The depth of the Charles River Women’s squad became evident late in the game, as they maintained their intensity level and dominance with a reconstructed lineup. Rookie Laura Will, normally a speedy alternate wing for the Lady Rats, made her fullback debut. Whitney McCoy also subbed in for the orange and green, bringing her excellent defensive focus into the pack. Charles River punched in three more tries before the closing whistle, collecting a total of fifty-three points on the afternoon. It had been a strong effort, rife with camaraderie and intensity, flowing with communication and near-effortless transition. Coach Carl Morris, who had reworked the River pre-game warmup to extract the energy that would drive his team over Springfield, spoke very positively of CRWRFC’s performance. He emphasized the demonstrable improvement River has made over the first half of the season, while citing other areas to focus on as well. He hopes to do some fine tuning on an increasingly stingy defense this week.

River’s B-side has rolled over its opponents this season, and Saturday made no exception. The ladies of the second match took it to Springfield again, driving in five scores and making two wins for the Lady Rats under the sun at Moakley. River rucked and ran all afternoon, punishing a dwindling roster of Rifles already subsidized with replacement Rats. Charles River Vet Colleen Shea made herself a ubiquitous field presence during the afternoon. Earlier, Shea had subbed into the A-side at scrumhalf; she kept the pressure on Springfield in B-side play, while also making the conversion attempts on the many tries of River’s second game.

As before, River’s speed was evident. Streaks of orange dashed up the sidelines and through the middle as the Rats utilized fluid ball movement and vision toward the open field. Julia Messing had an especially impressive run, covering nearly two-thirds of the pitch after a series of passes that circulated out to the wing. Rookie Diana Ekman had the opportunity to showcase her gazelle-like stride though open field, while former Holy cross star Molly Desmond transitioned the ball out through the back line with fluid precision. Desmond sparked passes to the inside and outside, creating a pivot point for much of the back line play on the afternoon. Her sure hands earned her the B-side Bitch of the Pitch award from River Captains Alicia Evangelista and Jenn “JVK” Van Kuren. In the Ratpack, newcomer Leigh Ricci had a strong game as well, making multiple tackles to contain the Rifle offensive. Ricci also made several punch runs to gain yards for the Rats, providing an assist to another win for CRWRFC.

With all of the thirty-five-plus roster seeing action in the orange jerseys this weekend, the River Women demonstrated a piquant unity that is the envy of their opposition. As a team consistently marked by heart and grit, CRWRFC is building itself into a formidable opponent with each technical improvement. The Rats looks to roll their momentum into Worcester this weekend, for a 10am match (B-side) and 12pm A-side start against the Shamrocks.

Burly Girls Tip the Scoreboard

The Rats ran into a wall of “Burly Girls” at Moakley Park this past week. Though never deficient in effort, they lacked the size, strength and power that would buoy Burlington through another waterlogged Saturday match. The Green Mountainwomen pounded CRWRFC through the middle, and by the game’s close had amassed a plethora of points to River’s single score. Charles River’s speed and athleticism served them with several runs on the outside, though they were hard pressed to halt Burlington from stampeding through the middle of the pitch. The Rats struggled to contend in the rucks, and though they improved as minutes evaporated from the muddy match, they faced a three-score hole already by the half.

Bright spots became more frequent for the Lady Rats as time progressed. River, making it a point to spread offensive possession whenever possible, broke through several times on the periphery of the field. Winger Katy Wilks did yeoman work Saturday, completing full A and B-side games. She earned a backs’ Bitch of the Pitch selection from the captains for the acute speed and vision that helped her explode over Burlington territory on multiple occasions. Fullback Maegan Hoover also played a strong game for the Rat backs, collecting positive yardage for Charles River throughout the second half.

Though vastly outweighed and largely out-muscled, the Charles River Lady Rat pack held its own in scrum play, owing to experience, cohesion and technical prowess. Lisa “Natty” Natalicchio won Burlington’s Opponent Bitch of the Pitch nod. The contrast in pack size and style was not lost on the Burly ladies, who chose Nattalicchio after remarking what an impressive performance had been turned in by what their captain called “the smallest hooker [she had] ever seen.”

River scored late in the game on a spectacular individual effort by Anne “Wales” Beaumont. On a penalty awarded to Charles River, Beaumont took a quick tap inside the 22-meter marker, dashing through the retreating Burlington defense. Beaumont rolled off several tackle attempts as she approached the try line. She finished an impressive run with an equally impressive touch-down, executing a spin move away from a final defender while stretching down into the try zone. Beaumont collected the forwards’ Bitch of the Pitch honors on the day.

The Rats scratched again at the Burlington try line late in the game, but in the end were forced to settle for the one score in a heavy loss. Head coach Carl Morris, after the game, praised the hearts of the tiny Rats, who had maintained motivation and intensity despite a Burlington scorecard rolling like a stock ticker. Morris cited various improvements to be made, and vowed to remold River’s strategic focus during the week.

The CRWRFC B-side, by contrast, continued to roll. Multiple Lady Rats made their presences known to Burlington as they captured the game, outscoring the Burly B-side two tries to one. Veteran Andrea Polcaro began the honors as she scored her first career try on a short burst through the center. Polcaro touched the ball down to give Charles River a lead they would maintain for the game’s entirety.

CRWRFC newcomer Holly Leonard played a noteworthy match on the wing, combining her speed and agility with several pop kicks over approaching Burlington tacklers to advance the ball. In selecting Leonard as River’s star for the B-side game, captain Alicia Evangelista cited one highlight reel play in which Leonard kicked the ball over the encroaching Burlington line, and then quickly advanced to tackle the player who caught it. Nicole “Chaboozi” Bure too had another strong game for Charles River. Bure earned a selection from Burlington for her play, which included several forceful runs and hard tackles. Jess Ingram-Bee also continued to excel for the orange and green. Ingram-Bee touched down the second Rat try, while also completing several runs through tight space in Burlington’s defensive end. The petite Ingram-Bee invigorated her teammates as she made decisive tackles on much larger Burlington players. Afterwards, coaches Morris and Hal Baker continued to express positive opinions of River’s performances in second games this season.

The Lady Rats redeemed themselves at Charlestown’s Tavern on the Water, where the core of River’s Game Stars defeated Portland’s in head-to-head social competition. Charles River hopes to take their winning ways back to the turf this Saturday at Moakley Park, when the orange and green will host Springfield at 2:00pm.

Charles W. River

The ladies of Charles River built their first victory from the ground up this past Saturday, christening Moakley Park with the freshly-painted try lines they would later cross en route to a come-from-behind win against Portland, Maine. The match showcased a self-motivated surge that unified an initially frustrated collection of Lady Rats into a steamrolling ensemble of intensity, grit and skill that overpowered Portland before the game’s end.

Early in the first half, Portland recovered a loose ball in Charles River’s try zone after a violently gusty wind had foiled multiple River attempts to send the ball down field via kick. Portland steadfastly held the pressure on River, pushing them back into their own end. The visitors made it 10-0 when they successfully touched down another try despite several Charles River players trying to hold the ball up; and the Lady Rats found themselves down by two scores before the conclusion of a half hour of play.

The tipping scoreboard awakened something in the River ladies. As they returned to midfield to kick the ball back to a Portland team that commanded much of the match’s first third, veteran members of the Rat squad began a vociferous campaign for a turnaround bid. In one congruous effort, Charles River began a defensive insurgency that ground the forging Portland offensive to a halt. With River sprouting an assembled resistance, Portland was unable to score again and it remained 10-0 at the half.

A different pack of Lady Rats emerged in the second forty minutes, after words of focus and motivation from captains Alicia Evangelista and Jenn “JVK” VanKuren, and coaches Carl Morris and Hal Baker. With channeled indivisibility, River began to turn things around. The Rat forwards maintained possession, making several short, powerful runs. They orchestrated a fluid series of intra-pack offloads, while also maintaining ball control during breakdowns. River also held a series of spectacular line outs. The veteran trio of captain Alicia Evangelista, Chrissy “C” Andronico and Linda Morris seized numerous Portland throws, initiating key possession changes that helped turn the tide for River.

Though the grassroots of a Rat comeback began late in the first half, it started to manifest itself in points when center Jenny “JFo” Forshner punched in Charles River’s first try on a power run through multiple stunned Portland defenders. The Lady Rats, buoyed by their score, began to turn frustrations into triumphs. Stretches of River possession lengthened as communication and organization mounted for CRWRFC. On the strength of sharpened passes and strong rucks, the Rat pack and Rat backs worked together to drive onto Portland’s turf. Amanda Bernasconi made several crucial picks in forward play while she anchored a strong River scrum in her debut at 8-man. Bernasconi earned a Bitch of the Pitch nod after turning in a glittering effort befitting a seasoned #8.

River tied the game when CRWRFC powerhouse Chrissy ‘C” Andronico charged over Portland’s turf, touching down the ball in the left side of Portland’s try zone. River celebrated, then watched as flyhalf Alex Schmidt attempted the long conversion. In wind that had prevented either kicker from splitting the uprights all morning, Schmidt laced a hard liner that collided with the right post. River took back to the ground with the score 10-10.

Reading both the wind and the Portland defense, Schmidt made a series of play calls that led the Rat backs to break into a string of successful carries. Fullback Maegan Hoover, who had chased down all of Portland’s windswept kicks in the first half, twice broke to inside the visitors’ five meter line. Jess Ingram-Bee also proved slippery for Portland, bypassing several defenders during runs late in the game. By maintaining pressure, the Lady Rats crafted themselves an opportunity to take the match. While they backed the opponents into their own try zone, River swallowed a frantic Portland attempt to clear the ball with a kick. Madame President Lisa Natalicchio, River’s skilled Hooker, touched the ball down in the Portland zone, giving the Rats the lead for the first time. In a display of conversion-kicking prowess, Alex Schmidt captured the two points despite what Coach Carl Morris called a “fifteen point wind”. It would be the only kick that either team converted during the game. Schmidt earned the captains’ nod for backs’ Bitch of the Pitch after contributing numerous influential play calls, reads, passes, kicks, and instructions to her teammates during the match.

River would maintain possession and pressure through the final minutes, and, with the three unanswered second-half tries, and one conversion kick, they would take the win with a final score of 17-10. The Rats were keen to celebrate a spectacular effort and momentum shift that carried them to their first victory. The coaching staff and captains praised the heart of the Charles River ladies, who, despite initial struggles, had spurred themselves into the dominant unit that would earn the W.

Minutes later, the ladies of Chuck River and Portland reset for a B-side bout that rubber-stamped Saturday’s Rat reign. Catalyzing a new and skillful set of River ladies, Colleen Shea pulled double-duty to help lead River to a second victory after flanking the A-side pack. Shea made several hard tackles and strong runs for River before breaking into the Portland try zone for the Rat’s first score. Shea would also attempt the conversions for Charles River’s second game, resorting to dropkicks after a feisty wind kept the ball from resting on the tee.

The Lady Rats would put down another after Nicole “Chaboozi” Bure, also making a return appearance, tossed aside Portland defenders and broke free for a long run down field. Bure would be Portland’s Pick of the Game for Saturday, as the visitors cited their inability to contain the power forward during either match. Portland finally made the tackle well inside their 22-yard marker, but River’s Lupe Thun had been running in support of Bure. Thun scooped up the ball and covered the remaining distance, touching the ball down to bring the Lady Rats to ten points.

An inaugural CRWRFC try occurred for newcomer Diana Ekman, when the speedy wing received a pass on the edge of the Portland defense. The Ratpack and Rat backs had moved the ball well together all afternoon, and Ekman’s try represented no exception. A series of cerebral plays and well-timed transition, led by scrumhalf Steph Wooler, moved the ball fluidly out to Ekman, who over matched Portland though open space. Colleen Shea would place a dropkick through the uprights, bringing the afternoon to twin 17-10 tallies in favor of Charles River. Shea took home the captain’s honors for B-side play after her influential and well-rounded performance. Again impressed with a congealed squad of Lady Rats, captains and coaches applauded a second resolute effort from the team on the day.

River completed its hat trick of W’s as the orange and green hosted Portland for a post-game social at Charlestown’s Tavern on the Water. With the Boston skyline and the afternoon sun both glittering on the harbor, the Rats of the Game edged out the Maine ladies, coming from behind once again.

Charles River will host Burlington, Vermont, this Saturday the 17^th at their home Moakley Park. Kickoff time is scheduled for 2pm.

River Jumps In

Here's try-scorer and guest blogger Sarah "Bee" Wetherbee's take on this past weekend's CRWRFC rugby events!

A cosmic April fool’s joke had the clouds finally break over Boston after a calendrical turn to the Month of Showers this week. And with a scheduling twist that brought the Lady Rats away from their flooded home field beside Carson Beach, River met Seacoast on Saturday. The ladies of CRWRFC, on the strength of only a single full practice due to aforementioned weather woes, flowed with cohesion and communication befitting a team seasoned with many more training sessions. The Rats brought mid-season intensity, scrapping with a bigger Seacoast team for a try-for-try draw. The deciding tallies, though, came on a conversion kick that gave Seacoast seven points to Charles River’s five. That score would stand as the final.

Despite the point differential, River controlled much of the play throughout the game. An outsized but technically-impressive Ratpack, led by Captain Alicia Evangelista, drove very well, managing to maintain possession for long periods and to steal a couple of scrums from Seacoast. Chrissy “C” Andronico took home Bitch of the Pitch honors for the forwards for her impressive play, in which she set the tone for the series of hard hits, powerful runs and strong rucking that CRWRFC hopes to bring to the rest of its schedule.

Charles River’s try was representative of the team’s cohesive effort during the game. During a lengthy possession through several breakdowns, Charles River’s pack drove the ball down the field. In an excellent communicative effort, River transitioned the ball smoothly through the back line and out to winger Katy Wilks, who broke for a substantial gain. Wilks dished the ball off to Sarah “Bee” Wetherbee, who was running in support, as she was tackled with less than fifteen yards between her and the try zone. Wetherbee took the ball over the remaining turf, stretching over the line for the score as she was brought down.

Defensively, River held strong against the Seacoast attack for the majority of the match. The Rats battled back-and-forth near midfield for much of the second half. Fullback Maeghan Hoover dammed up the middle of the field, preventing any major Seacoast breakthroughs. Hoover later earned Bitch of the Pitch nod from Seacoast’s captains for her superlative efforts. Seacoast’s lone try came on a very lengthy breakaway run up the sideline by a speedy wing. The notable conversion kick that followed would put them on top for good.

It appears that the Lady Rats might have to make their own fortune in the Year of the Tiger—they had multiple near-tries late in the game, including two balls held up by Seacoast, one Chuck River lady sandwiched between the ball and the Seacoast upright at the try zone’s edge, and one instance where a Rat careened over the touch line by the corner flag before being able to touch the ball down. Unlucky. But those scrappy Rats will certainly be equal to the task moving ahead, and are look forward to earning their W’s in the coming weeks as they steamroll toward the NERFU tournament. Despite Saturday’s score, River’s ladies were all smiles after a resplendent team effort. Captains Evangelista and Jenn “JVK” VanKuren, as well as coaches Carl Morris and Hal Baker, spoke positively to their team about the season opener.

The Spring 2010 season brings enormous depth and potential to the Lady Rats’ squad, and a multitude of Charles River rookies, some new to rugby, sparkled alongside veteran rats with grayer whiskers of wisdom in B-side play. Though the match featured a resurgent set of Seacoast’s starters, the Lady Rats held them to a single try, and finished with a 5-0 score. River ladies with all levels of experience shared excellent tenacity and communication, creating a united front against a tough Seacoast team. Captains were particularly impressed by the play of newcomer Jess Ingram-Bee, who earned River B-side Bitch of the Pitch honors after having a hand in several key plays during the match. The captains and coaching staff again praised the team’s effort, which was, in all senses of the phrase, a team effort. Throughout the afternoon, the Lady Rats made a promising start to 2010.

River will host Portland this Saturday, April 10th, for a 2pm Home Opener kickoff at Moakley Field.

Saturday was a Rugby Day

CRWRFC's A-side kicked off their Spring season this past Saturday with a hard fought match against the Seacoast Women's Rugby Club. On a surprisingly summery day for the first weekend of the April, the Lady Rats kicked off to Seacoast at the Amesbury Sports Park. Keeping the play in their opponent's 50m, Charles River hammered at the try line, nudging many near tries. After a string of well placed and protected forward phases, the ball moved smoothly along the back line, with Sarah Wetherbee placing the ball down for the first score of the day, making it 5-0 for CWRFC. After the 2nd half began, play evened out moving back and forth across the 50. Seacoast managed a break away up the sideline to even the score, and a successful conversion kick put the score at 5-7 for the home team. Charles River held them off and charged back down the field with a handful more attacks just meters from the try line. When the final whistle blew the score was CRWRFC 5, Seacoast 7. Though the score wasn't in their favor, the Lady Rats left the field with their heads held high, proud of a successful first Spring outing and looking forward to the season ahead and the road to NERFUs.

The CRWRFC B-side also proved to be a force to be reckoned with. A fresh 15 took the field against Seacoast and fought hard to keep the home team to only one try, making the final score just 5-0 for Seacoast. With many players new to the game and most new to CRWRFC, the B-side showed the future looks bright for Charles River women.

It's the Time of the Season for Rugbyyyy

The storms of March left Boston water-logged and dreary. And while the Lady Rats were forced to seek shelter from the storm as the rain cancelled their first season practice this past Tuesday, Charles River held up in true Rat style, holding a team meeting followed by a dedicated and focused social practice at the Pub.

Tonight the women will take to the turf for their first outdoor practice of the Spring. The ladies' Spring practice schedule is as follows:

Tuesday/Thursday, 9:00-10:30pm, Madison Park field

With coach Carl Morris at the helm, CRWRFC hits the field tonight to prepare themselves for a challgenging Spring season ahead.

This Saturday, April 3, the Lady Rats trek up to Amesbury, NH to take on Seacoast Women's at the Amesbury Sports Park . Kick-off is announced for 4:00pm. Come support CRWRFC in their Spring opener on the road to NERFUs!!