With a patched up side, Park were overmatched by one of the Division’s top teams. With several players unavailable, it was always going to be a difficult matchup especially in the pack where Park were fortunate to find 8 able bodies.
The Riot came out of the blocks hard and scored 4 tries in the opening quarter before Park were able to use the kicking game a little more effectively to relieve some of the constant pressure.
There were bright spots even in such a lopsided score. The Mullen to Carey connection in the lineout was a constant source of possession with Carey also being a threat at many of the breakdowns. Heatley too provided a nuisance defensively from the unfamiliar position of No 8.
It was winger turned wing-forward Mechling whose workrate impressed the most, throwing his body into the fray against much bigger foes.
While always difficult for Park’s backs to get much frontfoot ball, on the occasions they did, they looked to attack wide with newcomer Hennessy proving to be a slippery runner and Prengaman scoring a try in the corner on his return to the side.
In the second half “Miles” Davis scored Park’s second try with an interception from 30 yards and the clock was turned back to circa 1998, the last time Wilson appeared in the No 8 jersey.
An improved second half performance was not enough to come back against their first league opponents, but a last gasp try by Husselbee ensured that Park at least came away with a bonus point.
Park’s forwards surged towards the Peoria line in a desperate attempt for the fourth try and but several offsides penalties kept out Park’s runs until Baldwin spun a long pass to Park’s midfield where the debutant stretched out to touch down.
On a hot and humid day, Park struggled in the early stages, too often giving their opponents the opportunity to attack from penalties for offside. The scrum too struggled as Peoria had great front-foot ball to work with.
The No 8. was the first to take advantage with a crashing run from 10 yards and Peoria soon added to that early score with a second try.
After the early setbacks, Park started to get back into match and Schwartz burst through under the posts from the twenty-two to pull Park back within 7 points. However, the two-try advantage was restored soon afterwards when a Park dropped pass was scooped up by the Peoria flyhalf.
With five minutes remaining in the half, Peoria scored again and Park were left with a deficit of 21 points at halftime; the Peoria kicker perfect on his conversion attempts.
The introduction of David at tighthead and a reshuffle of the pack steadied Park’s scrum and while not going forward , they were able to secure their own ball.
With better possession, Park were able to open up their offence. The backline started to probe the wider channels and only indecision thwarted good opportunities. Ehlert, Szafran and Burke were willing to attack from all areas of the field.
Fleming pulled back a try, eschewing his support out wide but neatly stepping inside the covering defence. A long break from Peoria’s scrum-half who was instrumental in setting up their attacks all game looked to have taken the wind out of any comeback but in the final 7 minutes, first Schwartz – rounding the wing on the far left – then Husselbee, gave Park the bonus point.
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.
