Spring Season 2004 Wrap-up - NRFC falls short of summit...USA Rugby DII National Runners-Up


A long, hard successful season ended on a sour note yesterday in Pittsburgh as a determined Connecticut Yankees side defeated the boys from Music City 23-3, on a day that provided excellent playing conditions but little luck.

After dispatching Boca Raton for the third straight time, 13-7, on a rainy, slippery, hard fought game. Nashville looked to reach the Summit and hoist the trophy after failing two other attempts in the early 90's. But too many unforced errors in the set pieces and an inability to break the gain line kept Nashville from getting any go forward and establishing any sustained attack.

Nashville went up 3-0 early on a VanVuuren penalty kick, nearly punched in a try only to kick away possession, then spilled another opportunity inside the defenders' 5m. Then a long grubber the other way on a misshandled ball and two missed scoops allowed the Yanks a lucky dot down to take a 7-3 lead into the half.

More misfortune in the second half as Nashville gave up penalties in front of the posts to give the Yanks a 13-3 lead. Connecticut provided Nashville with plenty of good field position throughout the game after loads of penalties, but they were constant spoilers of the lineouts and completely negated our go-forward potential. Then, the back breaker with time running out. A long counter by their winger who cut inside at the 22, then threw the ball over his head to an oncoming supporter who beat a would-be tackler to the corner flag.

Nashville can take solace in a great season, however. Doing the hard work starting in January, gaining a rhythm in the mid-spring and reaching the finals of the National Championships is a testament to the will and determination of the entire club and the coaching staff. Nashville and the entire South rugby community can be proud of our efforts. I know I sure am.

So, now we lick our wounds and take a small break before preparing to break that last hurdle. With the solid core of the club and a view of the top from so close, I am confident in our chances.

Lastly, thanks so much to all our supporters and sponsors. Wives, kids, parents. We love you and thank you for your unwavering support. You must know how much we appreciate you and wish we could have brought home the goods. Special thanks to our financial contributors. All I can say is wow! Thank you.

Aubrey Preston, LLC
Jim and Linda Belli
David Bohan
Julian Fotre and family
The Gowers
LaNelva Ryan
Dr. James Shirley
The Lamberts
Dr. Lester Porter
Mike Rayburn
Smith Seckman Reid
Robby Williams
Valhalla Pumpernickel
Wynns Automotive
Richard Kamats
The Johnson Family
Club Canine of Nashville
Halford and Company
Dale L. Buchanan & Associates
The Cripps
TN SILC
Ms. Swallows
Ms. Scott
Dana Sommer

And the others I may have forgotten. Thanks.

Chris Gower
Proud President, NRFC

Spring 2004 Season: The NRFC defended its title to become the 2004 D II South Champions.

Update 4/17/04: Nashville Rugby Club has advanced to the Final Four of the 2004 USA Rugby DII National Championships and will face South rival Boca Raton for the right to play for the title in Pittsburgh, June 5-6. The other two entrants are Connecticut Yankees (#1 North East seed) and Haggis (#1 Pacific seed) out of Utah.

Nashville outlasted a scrappy, well-drilled Lancaster club 19-5 and ran out Red Mountain 48-5 to earn their spot.

Both games featured substandard first halves where Nashville struggled to get a proper rhythm but kept it close going into each stanza. Both second halves featured much more intense rucking and fluidity from the pack and solid finishing from the backs.

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