Lake County 26 LPRFC D4 45

by thepom02 | Sep 26, 2024 | Featured, Match Reports, News, Rugby

The hallowed turf of Gurnee became a battleground of rugby’s raw essence as LPRFC, locked horns with Lake County in a contest that swung like a pendulum on steroids.

From the opening whistle, Park’s Walther and LaFlore emerged as twin battering rams, demolishing Lake County’s defensive line with the subtlety of a rhino in a china shop. Walther, with the grace of a ballet dancer and the power of a freight train, pirouetted down the wing to draw first blood. LaFlore, not to be outdone, added his name to the scoresheet faster than you can say “hand in the ruck”.

In the engine room, props Harrison and Primdahl turned the middle of the park into their personal fiefdom. These behemoths, with necks thicker than most men’s thighs, pounded the turf with metronomic precision, softening up Lake County’s resolve like a tenderiser on a tough steak.

Karris and Clarke, seizing their moment, extended Park’s lead with the ruthlessness of Roman conquerors. At this point, one could have been forgiven for reaching for the whisky to toast an early victory. But oh, how the rugby gods love to toy with mortal expectations!

As if struck by some cosmic jape, the wheels came off Park’s chariot. With Smith making his offering to the porcelain gods on the sideline, Lake County’s numbers 4 and 10 – anonymous in name but Herculean in deed – dragged their side back from the brink. 28-26, and suddenly we had a game that would make the neutrals salivate and the partisans reach for their heart medication.

Enter Coach Sowa, a tactical savant with the keen eye of a chess grandmaster. In a move that would make Machiavelli nod in approval, he unleashed his cavalry – David, Wilson, and Spath – onto the battlefield. Kishore, who had been taking more hits than a punching bag in a heavyweight’s gym, gave way to Walsh. Walther, lungs heaving like bellows, made way for Carroll’s fresh pins.

The impact was immediate and devastating. DeLisa and Karris, with legs pumping like pistons and sidesteps that would shame a salsa dancer, carved through Lake County’s defence to dot down twice more.

Yet rugby, that fickle mistress, wasn’t done with her drama. Sisti, Park’s flanker extraordinaire, crumpled with a rolled ankle, his cries of anguish drowned out by the collective gasp of the home support. In a move that smacked of desperation (or genius, depending on your barstool of choice), the Georgian Suladze – a forward/back hybrid that would have taxonomists scratching their heads – was thrust into the fray, and the Caucasian conundrum punched through for a score that sealed the deal.

In the end, Lincoln Park emerged victorious from a match that had more twists than a pretzel factory. It was a game that reminded us why we love this sport – for its unpredictability, its brutality, and its moments of sublime skill. As the fans filed out, no doubt heading to the nearest pub to dissect every pass and tackle, one thing was clear: rugby was the true winner today.

Team: Primdahl, Lyons T, Harrison, Smith, Lyons Z, Church, Sisti, Swancy, Kishore, Rosenfeld, DeLisa, LaFlore, Clarke, Walther, Karris

Finishers: Dorn, Wilson, David, Barrett, Spath, Walsh, Suladze, Carroll

Try: Walther 1, LaFlore 1, Clarke 1, Karris 2, DeLisa 1, Suladze 1
Con: Clarke 4, Walsh 1

LPRFC D4 59 Kenosha 7

by thepom02 | Sep 16, 2024 | Featured, Match Reports, News, Rugby

In the grand theatre of Midwestern rugby, Lincoln Park D4 orchestrated a symphony of destruction, leaving Kenosha battered and bewildered in a 59-7 thrashing that will echo through the annals of the league for seasons to come.

At the heart of this ruthless display was the mercurial McCann, pulling the strings at fly-half with the grace of a virtuoso and the cunning of a card sharp. Spurred on by his own personal chorus line on the sidelines, McCann carved through Kenosha’s defence like a hot knife through butter, notching up a quartet of tries that left the opposition questioning their life choices.

But this was no one-man show. In the engine room, Swancy proved to be a second-row colossus, combining the light fingers of a master thief with the raw power of a charging rhino. His performance was a masterclass in the dark arts of forward play, leaving Kenosha’s pack looking like lost sheep in a wolf’s den.

The front row, often the unsung heroes of any rugby match, today sang louder than a Welsh male voice choir. Robb and Lyons slotted in with the seamless precision of a Swiss watch, while David – oh, David! – redefined the role of the modern prop. Watching him gallop across the turf before contact was like witnessing a wildebeest migration in miniature. One can only imagine the nightmares that will haunt Kenosha’s tacklers in the weeks to come.

And let us not forget the boot of Clarke, as reliable as death and taxes. His conversion rate of 7 from 9 ensured that each try was given its full due, turning what could have been merely a victory into an absolute rout.

As for Kenosha, they found themselves mere spectators to their own demise. Their defensive line, sliding to cover the outside channels with all the effectiveness of a chocolate teapot, left gaps that McCann exploited with gleeful abandon. Their solitary try stands as a lone candle in the face of a hurricane – admirable in its defiance, but ultimately futile.

In the end, this was more than a match; it was a statement. Lincoln Park D4 have thrown down the gauntlet, and as they bask in the afterglow of their second emphatic victory of the season, one can’t help but wonder: is this the birth of a dynasty, or merely a fleeting moment of brilliance? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – rugby in these parts will never be the same again.

Team: Robb, Lyons T, David, Foley, Swancy, Church, Sisti, Olander, Walsh E, McCann, DeLisa, Daley, Clarke, Walther, Rosenfeld

Finishers: Rowley, Carter, Patat, Brach, McDonough, Callovini, Niewinski, Clark

Try: McCann 4, Swancy 3, Daley 1, Walsh 1
Con: Clarke 7

LPRFC D4 43 Fox Valley D4 14

by thepom02 | Sep 9, 2024 | Featured, Match Reports, News, Rugby

In a display that would have had the rugby gods nodding in approval, Lincoln Park’s D4 side unleashed a performance against Fox Valley that was as swift as it was merciless. The match kicked off with a try that had barely given the spectators time to settle into their seats, as LaFlore etched his name into club folklore with possibly the fastest debut try in Lincoln Park’s history. A mere 30 seconds had elapsed when, following a bustling 50-yard run that left Fox Valley defenders grabbing at thin air, LaFlore demonstrated the opportunism of a seasoned poacher, scooping up an errant Fox Valley pass to dot down. It was a start that had ‘statement of intent’ written all over it in bold, capital letters.

But Park were far from done. Just five minutes later, they served up a try of such exquisite quality that it deserved to be hung in the Louvre. A counter-attack initiated by Karris down the right flank, which had more zip than a caffeinated cheetah, was swiftly recycled. The ball then zipped through hands with the precision of a Swiss watchmaker before finding Beniana, who bulldozed over with all the subtlety of a rhino in a china shop.

In midfield, Clarke, Sisti and Foley turned the area into a no-go zone for Fox Valley, their tackling so ferocious it should have come with a health warning. Fox Valley runners were chopped down with such regularity, one half expected to see lumberjacks applying for the positions.

However, the rugby gods have a way of reminding us of the game’s inherent dangers. A sobering moment came just before half-time when a Fox Valley player suffered a neck injury. The ever-vigilant ILBJ staff sprang into action with the efficiency of a well-oiled machine, and an ambulance was summoned. Our thoughts and best wishes go out for a full recovery, and it’s heartening to hear that he’s on the mend.

After the break, Park picked up where they left off, with Olander scoring a try so simple it could have been gift-wrapped. Picking up a fumbled ball a yard out under the posts, Olander probably expended more energy celebrating than actually scoring.

The introduction of fresh legs proved to be a masterstroke. Daley came off the bench like a man possessed, notching two tries from powerful runs and coming within a whisker of a hat-trick. Not to be outdone, Schoenes and Niewinski also got in on the act, crossing the whitewash on their respective wings with the eagerness of children racing for the last slice of cake.

In the end, Lincoln Park’s performance was as complete as it was dominant. If they can maintain this level of play, opposition teams might start checking the fixture list with the same trepidation one reserves for a dentist appointment. As for Fox Valley, they’ll be licking their wounds and hoping that the rugby gods show them more favor in their next outing. On this evidence, Lincoln Park’s D4 side isn’t just playing rugby – they’re redefining it.

Team: Wilson J, Walker, David, Lyons Z, Smith, Sisti, Beniana, Foley, Kishore, Rosenfeld, Callovini, LaFlore, Clarke, Olander, Karris

Finishers: Lyons T, Rowley, Robb, Patat, Daley, Schoenes, Huschen, Niewinski

Try: Daley 2, LaFlore 1, Beniana 1, Olander 1, Schones 1, Niewinski 1
Con: Clarke 3, Walker 1

LPRFC D4 begin with big win

by thepom02 | Sep 18, 2023 | Featured, Match Reports, News, Rugby

Match Report: Lincoln Park’s Dominant Victory Over Chicago Dragons

In a display of sheer dominance and precision, Lincoln Park Rugby Club left their mark on the pitch as they soundly defeated the Chicago Dragons with a resounding 50-3 victory. It was a match that showcased not only the defending champions’ unyielding spirit but also their depth, as several new faces made their mark in the emarald and banana.

Park’s Championship Defense Begins in Style

With the CARFU League Championship to defend, Lincoln Park entered the contest with an air of determination that was palpable. The roar from the home crowd set the stage for a memorable afternoon, and the team did not disappoint.

Callovini’s First-Half Brilliance

The early stages of the match saw Lincoln Park making their intentions clear. Two tries in quick succession, both from the clinical boot and agile feet of Dom Callovini, signaled their intent to dominate from the outset. The first half showcased Park’s meticulous execution, with Callovini’s contributions putting his side firmly in control.

Olander’s Hat-Trick Heroics

As the first half progressed, it was clear that the Dragons were struggling to contain the relentless Lincoln Park attack. Collin Olander, a name that is sure to be remembered, etched his mark on the match with a spectacular hat-trick. His blistering pace and uncanny ability to find the try line left the Dragons’ defense in tatters.

Jewell’s Double Delight

Bobby Jewell was another standout performer for Lincoln Park, contributing tries in both halves. His knack for being in the right place at the right time added to the Dragons’ woes, and his contributions were crucial in maintaining Lincoln Park’s momentum.

Huschen’s Interception

To complete the scoring, Dan Huschen demonstrated his defensive prowess with a game-ending interception. His alertness and anticipation turning into a Lincoln Park try, leaving no doubt about the outcome.

Pearman’s Precision

In the second half, Lincoln Park continued to assert their dominance, with great goal-kicking accuracy from Pearman, who also managed to cross the try line himself. His precise kicking added valuable points, further demoralizing the Dragons.

Lyons’ Lineout Mastery

In the set pieces, Zac Lyons was nothing short of dominant. His command of the lineout, both on their own ball and in stealing opposition throws, showcased the importance of this facet of the game. Lincoln Park’s set piece platform was a foundation for their success.

Room for Improvement

While Lincoln Park’s performance was nothing short of impressive, there was still room for reflection. A little more awareness and timing of passes might have created even more scoring opportunities, leaving fans to ponder the extent of their potential.

In the end, it was a statement victory from the defending champions, Lincoln Park Rugby Club. As they raised their hands in triumph and the crowd erupted in applause, one couldn’t help but wonder if this was the start of another championship-winning campaign. With such a commanding performance, they have certainly laid down the gauntlet for their rivals in the CARFU League.

D4 win CARFU Championship

by thepom02 | Oct 31, 2022 | Featured, Match Reports, News, Rugby

LPRFC D4 8 Silverbacks 5

Park had to dig deep into their reserves to defeat their divisional opponents after defeating the Silverbacks with a late come from behind rally last week.

This was an attrition game. Neither side yielded an inch. Every yard was fought hard, and breaks were few and far between.

Park suffered an early setback when Sampey went down to a dislocated ankle in only the 9th minute. A long delay waiting for the ambulance did nothing to lower the adrenaline pumping the the players.

Mainquist provided a physical presence in the early stages with some thumping tackles, while Panzica, despite his lack of size, was scything in his own tackle technique.

Thomas maintained Park’s offense structure and marshaled his back line and forwards, but the early going was mostly between the twenty-twos.

In the 28th minute, Jewell continued his fine scoring streak by finishing a well-worked team move by taking a wide pass out on the left.

Nicholas, Short, and McDonald gained valuable yards by simply maintaining possession up the middle, allowing their teammates to reorganize and regain momentum.

Park’s defense finally gave way to a powerful run from the Silverback’s No. 8 from the base of a short scrum.

The second half started off similarly.
Both teams worked hard to seize opportunities that were scarce. As new players entered the fray, no one took a step back. The tackling was fierce and frequently in groups of twos and threes. No player was left alone by his team.

A Thomas penalty in the 52nd minute gave Park a lead they would never relinquish.
Even when the scrum creaked, Park dug in their heels and fought until the end.
Twice, it appeared that they might have sealed the victory with a late try, but both times it was called back for a forward pass.

A goal line stance midway through the half was a game-changing moment.
The Silverbacks charged towards Park’s try line time and again, but Park repelled them. It was a moment of destiny.

Park had to negotiate one final scrum in the dying seconds, and just as it looked like the Silverbacks might get a steal, Lyons rescued the ball with his foot, and Thomas kicked it clear out of bounds for the win.

Team: Short (David), Nicholas (Rowley), McDonald, Maninquist (Patat), Foley (Lyons), Brown, Panzica (Stern), Jewell, Thomas, Olander, Rosenfeld, Barnett, Hoedeman, Sampey (Callovini), Carroll (Moran)

Try: Jewell 1
Pen: Thomas 1

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