Once again we enjoyed outrageous success at the Fort Lauderdale Ruggerfest 2005 by sweeping the 35 and 45 brackets. We invaded Tradewinds Park with over 60 talented,competitive,contentious mates and took all six matches to seize the trophy in both divisions. We,also, had the best looking entourage of wives/babes and children. We won all the social venues,as well. The 35's closed the Elbow Room on Sun night and the 45's were victorios at the Blue Fish. This was verified by sightings on Tim,Steve,and Eileen still standing in front of the Blue Fish after leaving the Elbow. Joe Somerville was confirmed at some raggae bar,chicken fighting with the lady ruggers on his shoulders at 4am. We win! Finest group of humanity within living memory. This was trully a golden weekend and serves to remind us why we play this game called rugby.
Pictured in left image:Steve Walters,James Painter,John Carr,Colin Crawfford,Danny Lonergan,Steve Burgess,Greg Robinette,Terry Whelan,Mike Old,Lance Vandecastle,Chico,Tim Spruill,Cary Kennedy,Terry Lee,Tom West,Mike Puopolo,Mike Wright,Scott Norris,Chip Fenn Pictured in right image:Mark Beckmann,Matt Whelan,Jamie Forbes,Mala,Jon Campbell,Tim Sullivan,Marc Becker,John Via,Vince Granger,Keith Mclean,Jamie Wiles,Chris Porter,Bill Russell,Marcus,Perry Fri,Tony Brooks,Brian Fischer,Bill Gardner,Keith Cassidy,Al Lucas,Skip Yeager,Dave Hatwell,Larry Sweger,Joe Somerville,Paul Sheehy,Jamie Newnam

Success on and off the field was the result of having a special elite group of men with multiple talents. Let's first recognize Bill Gardner for once again demonstrating his singular focus on having the swiftess most talented group of 35's in our nation in one place and the same time. His relentless dedication to excellence and winning was clearly evident this weekend. Thank you,Bill. Mike Puopolo is the shining light behind much of our momentum in the last few years. Mike's sporting intensity to play great master rugby is without peer. The great thing about Mike is his sincere interest that everyone share in the competition and leadership and his gift for finding the best in all of us. The collaboration and coherency within The Cardinals is extradinary. We are special,our group is rare,and the results reflect that assertion.

Yet,our ability to assemble rests with the support of our families and significant friends. Thank you ladies,girfriends for understanding and special thanks to our beautiful and witty entourage that could be with us this weekend. It is not the same without you! Tommy,I luv ya for loving us! Yeah!,for Karen,Cindy,Bethany,Tommy,Eileen,Connie,Angela,Schylone,Christine.

More about the 45's: The intensity and will to win this weekend was palpable. They say rugby is only a game. This weekend we went to that rarified condition that words cannot provide full expression. Terry Whelan was our spirtual guide and motivator. Lance Vandecastle was our North Star. We entered that special zone where we were rugby players nothing more nothing less. You know what I mean. Rugby only a game? Hell no! We entered that paralax dimension where the best in our rugby character resides; it is only available when one is ready to give it all. We couldn't have done it without talent and heart,and Hennie epitomizes and represents the very best in all of us. His kicking,tackling,and scoring was impecable despite a nasty knock in the first match that clouded his head and ruined his shoulder for the weekend. Man of the Tourney to Hennie. Terry Lee was rock steady at full back. James Painter was an animal on defense and in support. Mike Old has the quickest hands in the lineout I have ever witnessed. Mike Puopolo danced and crashed. Steve Burgess mixed it up on every opportunity. Greg Robinette dragged bodies all over the place when he had the ball. Love to see Mike Herron tackle and move onto the ball. Scott Norris was our stud at center. Chip Fenn showed that old flair at winger and suicidal tackles that rocked our opponents into deep fear and dread. Danny Lonergan loves to ruck more than any other human on the planet. Lex MacCubbin is the smartest player within my living memory. I could gush on. Special recognition to JK,who could only participate on Sunday because of a death in the family, he hopped on the plane to support us and played in one match. Philly Whitemarsh version on our match. Chip Fenn,sons Bailey,and Patrick Lance Vandecastle in back,Hennie Vanzyl in front

More about the 35's Our side this weekend had epic speed,intelligence,and rugby character in huge quantities. The roster was dotted all over the place with former National capped players,mates from National Champion sides or finalists, regional select side honors in galore. We runned and gunned this weekend; offense everywhere on the field. We utilized the full width and depth of the pitch to take advantage of our speed. Rugby attractive? You betcha! We scored over 100 points in the first two matches. Virginia 54, Albany 7 Virginia 64, Boca Raton 0 Virginia 20, Tobacco Road 0 Special recognition to John Via for all the good work and support he provides for us not only as our steadfast lock but off the field as well. Bill Russell and Steve Yeager were both nicked up this weekend but still participated on the touchline with coaching and substitution chores. Thank you,fellas. Mala was a joy to watch with his speed and lightning change of direction. VG showed that fine long gallop and dummy pass for some nice scoring. Skippo was dangerous and mobile. Cass is just dominant and confident at 9. Chris Porter scorched up the middle of the pitch. Tim Sullivan is the toughest running center yet easiest to support of all our backs. Brian Fischer's tackling was devastating. Recall a fabulous backline movement started by Skippo to Sully to Fischer who breaks through-is tackled-recovers to his feet with the ball!-runs some more-looks everyone off to his right and then passes off to the left inside to a thundering Forbes who gives it back to Skippo who scores! Beautiful. Click HERE to see WMV FILE. Jon Campbell is fun to watch at fly with his sweeping runs,flick pass, and playmaking moves and chat going on all at the same time. Rich Beckmann ,our other fly, was poised, cagey and off speed/ never rushed or looked stressed. Defense could never figure out Beckmann. Jamie Newnam jacked them up on defense. Jamie Wiles is the smoothest running lock we have ever seen. Prince Hill could only particpate on sunday in one match but he still made his flight,thanks Prince, for the special effort. Marc Becker (on right) and Rich Beckmann(on left)

Al and Angela	Bill Gardner,Mala,Steve Yeager	Jamie Wiles and son,Billy
Bill and Schylone Russell	Joe Somerville and Mom	Danny Lonergan

Post Match Awards:

Terminator II------------------Keith Mclean for playing sick and wasted
MVP 45s------------------------Hennie VanZyl
MVP 35s------------------------Everyone!
Played on one leg--------------Terry Whelan
Unsung hero--------------------John Via
Automatic----------------------Joe Somerville
Slippery-----------------------Chico
Gives us all hope--------------Tom West
Our source for lightning-------Bill Gardner
Babe Magnet--------------------Al Lucas
Its all about the tackles------Brian Fischer
Owns the middle----------------Chris Porter
Rocks the defense--------------Tim Sullivan
Pyschic medium for Ellis-------James Painter
Quiet efficiency---------------Perry Fri
Pocket Prop--------------------Hatwell
Wins on/off the pitch----------Gafney
Best touchline fan-------------Tommy
Most important-----------------Everyone of us!

Mala to Tony Brooks to Prince Hill
Tim Spruill rumbles
Keith Cassidy brings it home
Hennie VanZyl scores
Nick Bell glides across
Mike Puopolo dots down
Postmatch variety
Terry Lee crosses the line/Mike Herron scores

Keith Mclean,John Via,Darden Couch	Nick Bell and Mom	Tom West
Brian Fischer and Christine	Chip Fenn with sons Patrick and Bailey	Jamie Wiles,Holly,Billy,and Cami

The site is still under contruction/your editor will be publishing more video stream and images and is in need of more emails and better photography from you. Please send me stuff.Thanks in advance CARY@RICHMONDRUGBY.NET

From Hartford Wanderers RFC

We found this guy sleeping in the Ft Lauderdale airport. The name on his kit bag was J Somerville, with your club name. He never woke up durig the photo shoot. We thought it inappropriate to T-bag him in the airport, but he had it coming. Please forward this to him. If this was our club, he would have to bring beer to training.
Cheers Eric Rentz Hartford Wanderers Rugby football Club.

Cary replies:

Hello Eric, Thank you for taking care of our mate in the FTL airport. Joe is one of our pampered stars and is ok with lavish attention. Glad ya did not T-bag him--Joe is capable of high levels of annoyance and cranky behaviour. We have published your photo and email at our post tourney website. http://www.richmondrugby.net/ftl_post_2005.html cheers, Cary

Ruggers, This years old boys over 35 final was a rematch of last years combatants, Virginia Cardinals vs Tobacco rd Legends. Last year the Cardinals squeezed out a 12-5 victory in a close match. This years match would be different. This is how the teams went through the brackets; va cards vs Albany Knicks 54-7, Va cards vs Barfs 64-0..... Tob rd vs White Plains 21-5, Tob rd vs Aspen 11-3.. Tobacco rd Legends had a little bit more difficult draw than the Va Cardinals and lost afew men along the way but the stage was set for a rematch of last years final and a chance for Tobacco rd to avenge last years close defeat. The Va Cardinals are loaded up with big talent, nearly the entire back line is made up of former Eagles players Malakai Delai, Prince Hill, Vince Granger, Larry Sweger, Paul Sheehy also Matt Welhan at flank, another former Eagle. The plan according to team manager Bill Gardner is to attack the backs Meanwhile Tobacco rd Legends Capt Jeff Hayes has a plan to keep the ball in the pack and out of the powerful Cardinal backfields hands. He hopes to get this done with the help of prop Tom Wilkinson, Dave and Ken Wright flank and 2nd row and Anthony Terona, hooker. His squad has suffered injuries coming through the brackets and only limited subs are available but Tobacco rd is ready to go to battle hoping to reverse last years results. Opening kickoff fielded by Cardinals man is hit in the air resulting penalty kick puts ball on Tobacco rd 22. Malakai Delai breaks through defense and chips over fullback and out of try zone, a couple of plays latter he breaks through backfield again and scores, conversion is missed. Tobacco rd was crashing the ball effectively but Virginia Cardinals defended well and with a strong wind at their backs the Cardinals used very good kicking to get great field position all of the first half, Tobacco rd made position the hard way crashing the ball up the pitch but as soon as the Cardinals got good position by kicking they unleashed their potent back attack and moved the ball across the pitch and Prince Hill scores in the corner, no convert 10-0 Virginia. After kickoff and good midfield scrum play over 45 old boy Rick McBride advanced ball to Virginia 22, eventually Virginia regained ball possession, out to the backs, around midfield a penalty was called, posibly a Cardinal back was exceeding the speed limit!! Virginia kicked inside the 10 meter area and 2 plays later winger scores in the corner 15-0, halftime. Tobacco rd Legends are holding on but are down more than 2 scores, there is no quit in any of them and they now have the big wind at their backs. After the opening kickoff everyone on the sideline is suprised to see Tobacco rd is still crashing the ball upfield rather than using the wind for position. We found out later that Tobacco rd was missing 2 key backs including their kicker/flyhalf so adjustments had to be made. Tobacco rds attacks were relentless but Virginia defended well and the all Eagles backfield made some sloppy passes against the wind, some of which were picked off by Tobacco rd but they couldnt convert any of these opportunities, Virginia would not let them back into the game. The second half was a series of great scrum battles and excellent defense by both sides. Late in the half a Virginia packman comes out with the ball and several touches later i believe it was Kieth Mclean who put the ball down for the best try of the game no convert 20-0 game over. Virginia was certainly the class of the field but Tobacco rd Legends never quit and played hard to the end despite being down in numbers. I am certain they will be back.

As I recall, there is some unfinished business in Saranac Lake. I intend to keep fit and be ready to give James a blow whether he needs it or not. (Memo to Lex: See how comfortable I am with my masculinity!) I love you all.

Steve Burgess

Wanted to drop you a quick note to thank you for all the work you and Billy did in putting the Cardinals tour together. I cannot express what a great time I had or what a great group of players you two were able to assemble. This group was not only talented but I have never seen a group blend together so well. I hope I was able to play well enough to be able to continue to be a part of this group in the future. Again, thanks and great job.

Cheers

Ed Gafney

Brian Fischer

Congratulations once again. You obviously put together another fantastic tour. Hatwell said he had an awesome time.
Dave King

A most belated Congratulations to you all. So disappointed I had to pull out at the last moment---that's life!! I am very proud of your winning, once again, yet more impressed with your play against good competition. All of you should be proud of yourselves, as a team, for playing so well. Thanks again for those who called me with the reports---most appreciated. The amazing thing to me is how the pushover try by Spruill against Ph-Wh went from 15 meters out to 85 meters out in just a few days!!!! Mike Puopolo is a fine leader, and is to be congratulated for all his efforts! Hope to see many of you soon. Kind regards.

Johnny Ellis

Mike Puopolo

I'm surprised you didn't remember it . . .
Bill Russell

----- Original Message ----- From: "Cary Kennedy" To: "Bill Russell" Sent: Tuesday, March 01, 2005 10:31 AM Subject: Re: Bill with his babe (first name?)

Hey Bill,

Your wife's first name? Seniliy has failed me here.

thanks, Cary

--- Bill Russell wrote:

Thanks bud.

Once again, thanks for all the hard work Cary. Pays off with 2 championships. Count me in for next year (hopefully without a bum knee).

Bill Russell

First of all, I had a minor adventure last weekend, went off to Ft. Lauderdale to play in a rugby tournament. I played with an "invitation only" team of over 35 guys from Virginia and we won the whole thing in convincing style (52-7; 60-0; 20-0 were our scores over the weekend). I continue to thank my old rugby coach from William and Mary (thank Cary) because he's been inviting me to play with these guys for a couple of years and I've been giving him "lip service" all this time. Little did I know he was inviting me to have the most fun an old fart can have playing rugby. The team is filled with some of the nicest guys you'll ever meet and they're darn good rugby players too. The best part of it was that my Mommy came out the first day to watch us play and its the first time she ever saw me play rugby and she seemed to really enjoy it. You hate to admit it, but even when you're 37 years old, you still want to impress your Mommy. Now Mommy stop reading... ...right... ...now!!!

Of course we made it a point to win the nightlife award as well (actually our 45 and older guys won that, we just helped them gloat about it until 3am every night - ha ha).

I did pay the price for my night time action which somehow included hitting the dance floor with women on our shoulders chicken fighting and later forcing some reggae bar to open back up for us so we could finish the night in style. I guess Florida is a little more loose when it comes to "last call".

So how did I pay the price?

Well I got dropped off at the airport around 7am (I think, I didn't get home until around 4am) and my flight wasn't until 10:30am - so while I was asleep, in the airport at my gate, the Hartford Wanderers (another rugby team) all gathered around me and took pictures around my comatose form and then sent the pictures to the Virigina Cardinals and Belmont Shore and thus in some future kangaroo court I will no doubt recieve punishment. I got lucky because the Hartford guys didn't do anything to me - I got home with my eyebrows unshaved...

So anyway...

...today was a special day and not because I just whipped my buddies butt in tennis (6-2 in the third); today I checked my mailbox (since I didn't check yesterday) and guess what everyone... ...remember how partying with Hef was the ultimate and I knew something bad was going to happen ...

...well I was wrong, my karma is soooooooooooo out of wack right now that I might get hit by lightning as I type this... I just got 3 residual checks from that Gladys Knight Superbowl commercial!!! I ain't rich, but I think my trip to New Zealand this summer has officially been paid for...

...First Class, Baby!!!

"Life's Been Good To Me So Far" - Joe Walsh