standing-Craig Wells,Chris Carrol,David Ries,Steve Laake,James Painter,Joe,Keith Mclean,Eric Brand,Dave Hatwell,Jaime Forbes,Burt Hale,Nate Mangan,John Watts,Brian Fischer,Larry Sweger/knelling Matt Szkotak,Rory Lewis,Skip Yeager,Keith Cassidy,Louis Tulio,Mike Puopolo,Joe Somerville,Ed Logue,Doug Lubking,Chris Petrakes,Vince Granger

The Virginia Cardinals flew into the toney beach resort of Stone Harbor June 16th to gaze upon a perfect venue,perfect sunny weather in the 80's. Rugby camelot. Absolutely fine hospitality at palatial beach home of Tom Chernack and opportunity to hobnot with the Canadians and Team America players on friday evening.

Special thanks to Keith "The Highlander" Mclean for coaching and leading us that day. Thank you Larry Sweger and Mike Puopolo for taking on the Captain chores.

Our match v The Classic East Coast side lead by Richard Thomas started strong with two early tries. We looked hot! Brilliant second try started with skip pass by Puopolo out to Fischer at 13 drifting defense dictated inside pass by Fischer back to Wellsie at inside for move to the corner and finished off by Lewis. It was vintage Cardinal Rugby at its best. After the second try we seemed to drift off focus showing brilliant periods of rugby but not sustaining the momentum to keep the Classic East Coast side from fighting their way back into the match. Despite our worries,we were very impressed with Louis Tulio's first appearance with the Cards at fullback showing pace and striking ability. Big tackles by James Painter,Craig Wells,and Brian Fischer. Chris Petrakes played savy and made some hard tackles. Nate Mangan had a nice run. Larry Sweger blew them away on some runs. Vince Granger looked impressive. VGs off pace running is hard to read and he found space and territory. Tony Fley,President for Team America, wanted to know more about VG as a possible candidate for Burmuda Classic. It was my sad duty to tell Fley that VG's birthdate is classified but possibly in mid-forties. Dave Ries looked dangerous until he twicked his knee. Tony Brooks was his violent self. Jaime Forbes worked his ass off.

Steve Laake

In the end, this match had the feeling of a practice game. Yeah,it was more like a scrimmage for us that will,at least, prepare us well for Saranac and Aspen. Our intensity and vision was in hibernation during periods of the second half of the scrimmage. We had the edge in talent and experience but did not use our vast rugby gifts to control the pace of the game and dictate the terms of engagment. Keith Mclean said it well,"we must adjust on the run" to blunt the moronic ref interpretations and the defensive intensity and rucking skills of the EAST Coast Boys. The Cardinals are capable of still winning matches with less than 30% of the possession but we could have been more patient,sought more territory,and exploited their average back three.

The post match party on the deck above the hotel with the magnificent beach that night was epic. Rugby royalty was there in Ray Cornbill,George Betzler,legendary Eagle coaches and Brian Vizzard, longtime Eagle captain of the early 90s. Fine chat,beer,and food.

Mike and Bethany relax on the Cape May Ferry

Paul Still,Bo Buck and Nick Bell

Brian and Janice

Doug with his family

Joe,Burt,Wellsie

Joe and Kathleen

Kathleen and Janice

Larry and Keith

Painter and Forbes listen to their marching orders

Puopolo gives Painter more rugby lessons

David Ries

Rory Lewis and Dan Kennedy

Vince Granger longs for his pirate ship

Vince Granger

Wellsie with the Canadian viking

HOME

Virginia Cardinal Rugby

We,The Virginia Cardinals Rugby Football Club, have been invited to participate in a premier rugby venue at the toney resort town of Stone Harbor on the Atlantic ocean in South Jersey June 16th. One day,one match,one party,one hotel. We can expect this fixture to be very special.

We will be playing in the curtain raiser prior to the Classic Canadian v Team America. Our younger players can consider themselves candidates for the roster to the Burmuda Classic in Nov,the elite master rugby venue in the world.

Opportunity for all of us to social together as a full team which is just about impossible with our other venues and hobnob with former Canadian and American national players.

Friday Night Pizza/Beer Social will be held at

Tom Cherenack's Home:

226 67th Street , Avalon, NJ 08202

Only 6pm until 9 pm

Good Day Virginia Cardinals,

"You are receiving this email today because you have expressed interest in this very special and unique master rugby venue. We are delighted and honored that you are prepared to support the Virginia Cardinals June 16th.

The best way for you to confirm your slot on the playing roster is to proceed with your hotel reservations at The Windrift Hotel 800-453-7438 immediately. Only twenty rooms are remaining! Your reservation room quote with double occupancy is $170/night,two night minimum if you book sat. One night minimum if you book only friday. Your deposit with the hotel, $100, is refundable with a $25 penalty up until 14 days before our date. Do this now! and confirm your action with Cary so you can get the redball by your name. Confirmed hotel reservations equals redball! Quad room occupancy is available but expect a higher room rate. Full breakfast is included in the room rate.

The Windrift is a first class hotel with full bar,full service restaurant,pool. Our pitch is beside the hotel! On the beach! Expect a fine social on Sat night. Family friendly. I am bringing Kathleen. Near Atlantic City.

The roster as it stands now is virtually closed in fairness to playtime needs for all our travelers. If you do not get the redball by your name,you risk being relegated to alternate status and your playtime may be at risk."

Call the Windrift now--800-453-7438 and then tell Cary.

Respectfully,

Cary Kennedy

757-532-1356

Letter below from Team America officer,Richard Thomas is germane.

We can expect this to be a fine rugby weekend. On the beach and close to Atlantic City for the risk takers.

We are looking for our best and brightest of the Cardinal group to participate,yet we can,also, anticipate that we will need many stalwarts to fill out the slots. Please indicate your interest with a reply to Cary.

The roster is virtually closed! Alternates,please call Cary! We have options. 757 532 1356

Roster:
1.Matt Szkotak
2.Tony Brooks,Joe Somerville
3.Dave Hatwell,Burt Hale
4.Eric Brand,
5.Steve Flynn,John Watts
6.Larry Sweger,Doug Lubking
7.James Painter
8.Jaime Forbes
9.Skip Yeager,Keith Cassidy
10.Mike Puopolo,Craig Wells
11.Brian Fischer,Rory Lewis
12.Steve Laake,Vince Granger
13.Chris Petrakes,Chris Carroll
14.Ed Logue,David Ries
15.Louis Tulio
Coach:Keith McLean
Alternates:
Blitz Antlitz
Rob Greenough
Nate Mangan
Keith Wright
Rob Christian
Pablo Perez
Jack Foley