Chicago Griffins 46 - Nashville Outlaws 3
CR3 Cross Over Play-Offs

The Outlaws traveled to Chicago this past weekend as the #4 seed in the South to take on Midwest #1 and national power Chicago Griffins. Chilly, a bit windy conditions and a small field set the stage for the showdown.

From the get go, Nashville was ready to play and applied immediate pressure at the kickoff and earned a penalty kick to take the lead. Gower slotted to give confidence to the boys from Music City. Unfortunately, that would be the last lead for Nashville. The Griffins gained their composure and showed why they are poised to make another run at the DI title. Hard running in the centers, and consistent/precise pass arounds kept the ball moving and us on our back foot. A few minutes after the Nashville penalty, the Griffins completed a lovely dummy then scissor with the outside center to streak
through and dot down under the posts.

That would be the last time they needed anything done inside as the Griffins consistently sucked in the backline defense then skipped it wide to their back 3 and raced passed us for multiple scores. Speed kills as they say. Nashville was also punished for poor kicking with deft counters that turned seemingly positive gains into retreating under the posts to wait for point kicks.

There were many positives in the game, however. Solid lineouts, sound rucking and recycling rambos, even a few line breaks from the backs. We just couldn't capitalize on any of them to get points.

So, we've seen the next level and must endeavor to recruit, train and work harder to reach that level. We'll enjoy a break, rest our injured, get refocused and take another shot at it next year. Thanks all for their dedication and work ethic throughout the season.

Gower
President, NRFC

Nashville, Atlanta Win in South - Florida Trip, see schedule
(abbreviated report for Goffonrugby.com)

Nashville beat Fort Lauderdale 54-5 victory. Things were tougher against the Miami Tridents on Sunday, who had tied Life a week ago and employed a hard-to-stop rolling maul.

Wing Dan Santini opened the scoring after a several-phase movement, and USA-capped flyhalf Cayo Nicolau slotted two penalty goals for an 11-0 lead. Miami had their moments, especially in the first half when they spend 15 minutes knocking on the door. But they missed three makeable kicks at goal. Still, early in the second half it was Miami that scored next, kicking for touch on a penalty and mauling over the line.

Directly from the restart, though, Nashville attacked again and exerted pressure in following up Nicolau's excellent tactical kicking. Eventually the ball was spun out wide and then back infield to inside center Derrick Wolfe who went in under the poles. Final score 18-7 Nashville. "We were able to put some defensive pressure on them and stayed in their end most of the game," said club president Chris Gower. "We have had the same backline together for a couple of weeks now and it's coming together."

So coming to an end is the new format South DI, and while the Florida teams have not won a game against their Northern neighbors, they have been competitive and have shown plenty of courage in moving up a division and competing.

"I think the format has been good," said Gower. "I think the Florida teams will only get better."

Life has sewn up 1st in the league and will host the Cincinnati Wolfhounds in CR3 playoffs April 3. The Renegades are second and will host Metropolis. Oddly, they host Metropolis this weekend also as the Minnesota team is making a quick Georgia tour to knock the snow off their boots.

February 11 Renegades (Matrix Game)
Nashville puts their foot forward as a contender in the South D1 Matrix by notching a 15-8 win over the Atlanta Renegades.

In usual fashion when these two teams meet, it was toe to toe and down to the final whistle. Nashville started off the scoring in the first ten minutes and momentum seemed to swing their way. Conversion missed. With the forwards setting the platform, Nashville put on heavy pressure and seemed to establish dominance. However, the Gades put forth a stout defense and their adept counter kicking continued to put Nashville on their heels. Atlanta was later rewarded for their pressure, regained possession, and was able to spin the ball wide and score from their backs. Conversion missed. Shortly before midpoint, Nashville was awarded a penalty and took an 8-5 lead into the half.

The second half produced more of the same as both teams battled for territory. In fact, the Gades continued to kick well for territory and get the ball out wide. Then, a penalty to Atlanta which was slotted to tie the score at 8-8. Nashville, sensing their season would slip away, worked hard to establish their forwards and maintain possession. In the last ten minutes, Nashville was able spread the ball wide and score with their backs to get the last try. Conversion made.

The next matrix match for the Renegades is Feb. 18th versus Ft. Lauderdale, while Nashville's next matrix game is March 4, versus the Miami Tridents.