Sideline tank tops were in abundance as Park battled the heat and their opponents in an earlier than usual pre-season warm up.
It was not an auspicious start to the game as Park gave up a try after only 3 minutes following a break down the Maoris’ left wing but parity was soon restored by Finnegan taking advantage of an overload to score the first of his four tries on the day.
Despite the hot weather, Park worked hard to develop their up-tempo, running style and created several chances through unselfish support lines – only the odd forward pass preventing even more opportunities.
New club captain, Laux, lead from the front, a constant menace at the breakdown all game and setting up McCann for Park’s second try with a steal at the ruck.
Called to start at the last minute, Heatley pressed his claims to the hooker spot with stellar work in the loose.
Further tries by Davis and Laux sandwiching a second from Fox Valley gave Park a 20 – 12 lead at halftime.
For much of the second half, neither team was able to add to the score until Finnegan completed his hat-trick in the final ten minutes.
With both sides being short of two full squads, a third half was agreed upon to allow each team to get essential pre-season minutes for their players. Many had already made their way into the game as substitutes in the first 80 minutes.
Park continued on in an impressive manner with Frisch opening the scoring with a 50 yard run that included at least 4 cutbacks and changes of direction.
Branham to Long proved to be a better choice than Long to Branham as the center-cum-backrow put away his Number 8 for a try under the posts before Finnegan grabbed his fourth of the day and Aiello scooped up a rolling ball for surely the shortest try of his career.
One more score was left on the table when Shaaban did not quite have the pace to out run the Maori wing from 40 yards.
On February 15th, Lincoln Park returned to Mexico for the first time since the 80s, this year to Guadalajara. The squad left a cold Chicago at 6am and they were soon on their way to sunnier climes.
With many first time tourists in our midst, the players were soon kept busy enforcing Tour Rules as many amongst us fell victim to such heinous crimes as drinking from our right hand and overtly pointing.
On arrival in Mexico, we made our way to “The Compound”. Recent tours have seen Lincoln Park eschew the usual hotels and stay in villa style accomodation, a decision made all the more appropriate following the past clothing order of “budgy-smugglers”. I would not say the all-over body tan was visible as the skin tone of many merely turned white from translucent.
The Compound
The first night provided us with our first taste of Mexican food as we travelled into the city for a team dinner and to celebrate the birthday of captain Boghani. It was here that we discovered the delights of tequila and Squirt.
Saturday was game day and we made our way to the Estadio De Rugby where we were welcomed by our terrific hosts, the Guadalajara Rhinos. In an exciting and close contest, played in temperatures approaching 90 degrees and at an altitude of over 5000 feet, Lincoln Park eked out a victory 38 – 29.
Estadio de Rugby
The after-match festivities proved our opponents to be wonderful hosts in the true traditions of rugby. Beer and conversation flowed and we were served the most delicious tacos. We also learned a couple of new celebrations that we may import back to our own post-match festivities here in Chicago.
Players from both sides swapped stories and t-shirts. A lesson learned the hard way was to accept a tequila pour from the opposing team President.
It is here that we must thank two of our LPRFC family members now residing in Guadalajara, Kyle and Kelsey Toombs for opening their home to 25 smelly ruggers to shower and clean up for a night out.
Presentation
The players from the Rhinos met us in town and together the two teams continued to foster our new friendship over a couple of quiet drinks (at least I think it was only 2). The people of the city were said to have seen an unusual number of dead ants underfoot.
Sunday gave us the opportunity to experience live Lucha Libre wrestling. With us occupying the first two rows, the good and bad were cheered and booed as they launched themselves off ropes and onto opponents.
Lucha Libre
As energy levels dropped, we made our way to the town of Tequila on Monday afternoon where we were given a tour of the Gran Orendain distillery to learn how the sweet drink we had been consuming for the past few days was created.
Monday night was a team night at the Compound as crimes and misdemeanours of the stay were judged in Kangaroo court (the details of which must remain under seal).
Tuesday we came home to the snow.
Given that we made new friends and we all made it home, this latest expedition can be considered a tremendous success.
Many thanks to all that made it a success. Kyle and Kelsey Toombs for opening their home and acting as our guides. The Rhinos for their hospitality. Our caterers at the Compound who provided us with a tasty and filling breakfast every day and personalised the water bottle and snacks for us. And finally, to Jordan Ehlert and Ryan Mullen for their planning
Join us once again to celebrate our achievements of the past year and recognize the performances of our players. This year the event will be held at Zia’s Lago Vista.
Once again, LPRFC will be participating in St. Baldrick’s – Buzzed for Babies event to raise money to conquer childhood cancer.
The event will be held Sunday, May 20th at Murphy’s Bleachers from 1-5. Last year we raised over $2,000 and Jahner has had a shaved head ever since.
The only requirements to participate are to show up and drink. We’ll take donations through the team page below, there will be 50/50 raffle tickets on sale, a silent auction, and you can shave your head if you like.
Here is the link to our team page, please share and donate:
On the seasonal Friends and Family Day, Park indulged their enthusiastic supporters with a try-laden performance. Credit too must be given to their opponents Wisconsin who contributed to a game of entertaining, attacking rugby on a hot spring day.
Due to the last minute cancellation of their scheduled second game opposition, Oconomowoc, Park made the choice to get all players available into the single game. This effectively meant wholesale changes at half-time, but by then Park’s starting XV had put up 43 points to no reply.
It was as good a start as Park could have wished with 3 tries in the opening 12 minutes. A 40-yard run from Schwartz began the day after just 2 minutes; a run that probably covered closer to double the official total as he cut back and forth across the field. Branham doubled the lead just 3 minutes later taking advantage of an overlap created wide on the left.
When Schwartz added his second score, this time from a measured 80 yards, Park were well on their way to victory. Park did have to weather some pressure from Wisconsin but when their opponents were finally driven back from Park’s line, Park once again resumed control.
Countering from a Wisconsin kick, Park attacked the left-hand side and Marunde took a Bean skip pass the distance for his try.
Two tries from the skipper, Brady, the second an interception run back under the posts put Park firmly in control and a Jahner try on the stroke of half-time pushed the scoreboard past 40.
In the early stages of the second half, Wisconsin struck back with two tries of their own before Park regained their momentum, now with a completely new team. A long run from Olander setup Aeillo on the short-side and Leyman added to his scoring run of late, this time with a more pedestrian stroll. However, the heat obviously did affect his speed as “the fastest prop you have ever seen” was caught from behind despite stepping his opposition fullback.
Wisconsin finished strongly with 4 tries in the final quarter but Park saw out the game for a convincing win.
Thanks to all who came to watch and support the club; your continued presence at our games is a huge motivational factor in our performances.
