LPRFC D4 43 Fox Valley D4 14

LPRFC D4 43 Fox Valley D4 14

by | 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 D2 48 Fox Valley D2 19

LPRFC D2 48 Fox Valley D2 19

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

In a display that would warm the cockles of any rugby purist’s heart, Lincoln Park’s D2 side put on a masterclass of forward dominance and backline flair against Fox Valley on a day when the wind threatened to be the 16th man. The cool conditions did little to dampen the fire in the bellies of Park’s engine room, with locks JJ Driscoll and Garrett Mulkerin delivering a performance that had their opponents wishing they’d stayed in bed.

Driscoll, in particular, seemed to have raided the bag of tricks usually reserved for fancy-dan backs. His slight of hand with out-the-back passes left Fox Valley defenders grasping at shadows, while his brief cameo as an impromptu scrum-half had him channelling his inner Aaron Smith with such conviction that one half expected to see the All Black maestro applauding from the sidelines.

But it was Cooley who stole the headlines, his hat-trick a dagger to Fox Valley’s hopes. The centre carved through the opposition defence with the precision of a surgeon and the bedside manner of a butcher, leaving a trail of broken tackles and bruised egos in his wake.

Park’s ability to use the width of the pitch was a marked improvement from their previous outing. Polansky and DeLisa on the wings were more involved than a pair of politicians at a free buffet, their involvement crucial in stretching the Fox Valley defence to breaking point.

In the midfield, Carso brought a level of composure that had been sorely missed, his steady hand guiding Park’s attack with the assurance of a seasoned conductor. Yet, for all their dominance, Park still managed to leave points begging, their lack of clinical efficiency at times as frustrating as a keyless lock.

Fox Valley, to their credit, refused to roll over and play dead. A brace of late tries brought them closer on the scoreboard, if not in the actual contest. It was a reminder to Park that in rugby, as in life, it’s not over until the final whistle blows.

In the end, Lincoln Park’s victory was as comprehensive as it was encouraging. If they can marry this level of forward dominance and backline creativity with a more ruthless finishing touch, they’ll be a force to be reckoned with in the D2 ranks. As for Fox Valley, they’ll lick their wounds and hope that the next time they face Park, the wind blows in their favour – because on this evidence, they’ll need all the help they can get.

Team: Modev, Rivera, Leyman, Driscoll, Mulkerin, Fehr, Anderson, Jahner, Aiello, Carso, DeLisa, Cooley, Husselbee, Polansky, Finnegan

Finishers: Melody, Mainquist, DeBacker, Church, Nolan, Chrisos, McCann, Scully

Try: Cooley 3, Jahner 1, Leyman 1, DeLisa 1, Rivera 1, Finnegan 1
Con: Jahner 4

Chicago Lions 36 LPRFC D2 10

by | Sep 8, 2024 | Featured, Match Reports, News, Rugby

In the sweltering heat of a Chicago summer, Lincoln Park and the Chicago Lions clashed in a contest that laid bare the harsh realities of rugby’s unforgiving nature. With the mercury pushing into the high 80s, Park blooded two debutants – Adam Cooley in the midfield and George Daley in the engine room – but it was their exit strategy, or lack thereof, that gifted the Lions an early advantage.

The Lions, ever the opportunists, pounced on Park’s territorial generosity, turning a botched clearance into a scrum and subsequent try. The scoreboard ticked over again when a Park handling error was ruthlessly punished, the Lions’ centre scooping up the loose ball to extend their lead.

Park’s riposte came through the bullish Rivera, who peeled off a maul with the subtlety of a freight train to barge over. Rivera’s carrying was a rare bright spot in an otherwise disjointed Park performance, his several strong runs a testament to his individual quality amidst the collective struggle.

Yet for all Rivera’s endeavour, Park’s lack of cohesion was their undoing. Handling errors plagued their attacking forays, while a litany of penalties at the breakdown – mostly for the cardinal sin of holding on – kept them pinned in their own half. The referee’s whistle became a soundtrack of frustration for the Park faithful.

The Lions’ dominance was further underlined by a penalty try just before the interval, though Park could take some solace from their scrum, which stood firm against the tide. The Lions, for their part, found their lineout to be less than a sure thing, offering Park a glimmer of hope in the set-piece battle.

As the second half unfolded, the Lions stretched their legs and their lead, dotting down twice more to put the result beyond doubt. Park, however, refused to go quietly into the night. DeLisa, with pace that would make a cheetah blush, scorched down the right touchline for a 40-yard try that served as a reminder of the latent talent in the Park ranks.

In the end, it was a day when the Lions roared and Park whimpered. For the debutants, Cooley and Daley, it was a baptism of fire that will either forge them into harder, sharper players or leave them questioning their life choices. As for Park, they’ll need to address their continuity issues and breakdown discipline if they hope to avoid similar maulings in the future. The Lions, meanwhile, will take this victory and look to build on a performance that, while not flawless, showed enough teeth to suggest they’ll be a force to be reckoned with this season.

LPRFC come up short in comeback attempt

LPRFC come up short in comeback attempt

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

Lincoln Park Rugby Club vs. South Side Irish: A Cross-Town Rivalry

In a clash that carried the weight of local bragging rights, the Lincoln Park Rugby Club faced off against their arch-rivals, the South Side Irish, in a highly anticipated match that had rugby fans buzzing with excitement. As is often the case, it became evident that this contest would be nothing short of an epic battle.

Slow Start for Lincoln Park

The opening minutes of the match saw a slow start for Lincoln Park, as they struggled to find their footing in the face of a determined South Side Irish side. The Irish, with a point to prove, capitalized on their early momentum and were quick to convert an early penalty into points. A well-executed try midway through the first half, following a Park turnover, further extended their lead, leaving Parm trailing.

Carso’s Heroics Ignite Lincoln Park

Just when it seemed like the first half was slipping away from Lincoln Park, a moment of brilliance turned the tide. Carso, the Lincoln Park play-maker, showcased his vision with a pinpoint kick-pass to Finnegan, stationed out wide on the wing. Finnegan’s finish and the resultant conversion pulled Lincoln Park back within three points.

Irish Respond with Authority

However, South Side Irish refused to be rattled. Their No. 8 displayed immense power with a strong run that added to their lead. Moments later, as Lincoln Park pressed forward desperately, the Irish flyhalf executed a breathtaking 90-meter scoop and break, leaving Park’s defense in his wake. As the halftime whistle blew, South Side Irish held a commanding 24-7 lead.

Lincoln Park’s Second Half Surge

The second half was an entirely different story. Lincoln Park dominated play, showing a renewed sense of determination and purpose. Tries by Rivera and Husselbee, sandwiching an Irish penalty, brought them within striking distance. The home crowd now more nervous.

Finnegan’s Second Try Ignites Hope

Just when it seemed like Lincoln Park’s resurgence might fall short, Finnegan struck again. A second try by the winger gave Park renewed hope, and suddenly, the match was hanging in the balance.

Irish Seal the Deal

However, the South Side Irish proved resilient. They weathered the storm and managed to complete the scoring with a late penalty, dashing Lincoln Park’s hopes of a miraculous comeback.

Throughout the match, Lincoln Park’s scrum remained a source of strength, while players like McDonald and Leyman injected fresh impetus into the second half. With a strong pack and a dangerous backline, Lincoln Park showed great promise, even in defeat.

In the end, the cross-town rivalry delivered a thrilling spectacle of rugby, with both teams leaving it all on the pitch. As the players shook hands and the fans applauded, the match between Lincoln Park Rugby Club and South Side Irish would be remembered as an intense battle that showcased the heart and spirit of the sport.

LPRFC Gain Hard Fought Win

LPRFC Gain Hard Fought Win

by | Sep 11, 2023 | Featured, Match Reports, News, Rugby

Lincoln Park Triumphs Over Condors with a 28-12 Victory

 

In a thrilling encounter that had fans on the edge of their seats, Lincoln Park emerged victorious against the Condors with a final score of 28-12. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, and it showcased the determination and skill of both teams.

First Half:

The first half was a closely contested affair, with Lincoln Park taking an early lead thanks to a brilliant try by Aaron Thomas after 28 minutes. Thomas displayed his exceptional speed and agility as he carved through the Condors’ defense to open the scoring; grabbing his own grubber through down the sideline. However, the Condors fought back valiantly, and their perseverance paid off with a try of their own, tying the score at 5-5. Corey Jahner added a penalty kick to extend Lincoln Park’s lead making it 8-5 in favor of Lincoln Park at halftime.

Wonderful Try by Liam Finnegan:

The highlight of the match undoubtedly came in the second half when Liam Finnegan scored a sensational try for Lincoln Park. It was a moment of pure magic as Lincoln Park broke from their own 22-meter line, executing a breathtaking move that started down the left wing and finished in the right corner. The ball passed through a dozen pairs of hands, showcasing the team’s exceptional teamwork and skill. Finnegan’s try left the crowd in awe and gave Lincoln Park a significant advantage.

Challenges with Ruck Speed:

Throughout the game, Lincoln Park enjoyed a possession advantage but struggled with the slow ruck speed, which made it difficult for them to press home their advantage. However, their solid defense and incredible tackling made up for this, with standout performances from players like Laux, Rivera, and Driscoll.

Thomas Shines on the Wing:

Aaron Thomas, who opened the scoring for Lincoln Park, proved to be a constant attacking threat on the wing. His speed and ability to find gaps in the Condors’ defense kept the opposition on their toes throughout the match.

Disciplined Approach:

What set Lincoln Park apart in this contest was their disciplined approach. They stuck to their game plan, even in the face of adversity, and executed it to perfection. This level of focus and commitment paid dividends, ultimately securing their victory.

Corey Jahner’s Dominance:

Corey Jahner was the top scorer of the match, contributing 18 points to Lincoln Park’s total. His accurate kicking, including penalty goals and conversions plus two tries, played a crucial role in ensuring Lincoln Park’s victory.

In the end, it was a fantastic display of rugby from both sides, with Lincoln Park’s precision and teamwork ultimately proving decisive. The match will be remembered not only for the victory but also for Liam Finnegan’s remarkable try, a moment of rugby brilliance that left spectators in sheer amazement.

With this win, Lincoln Park continues to build on their success and solidify their position as a force to be reckoned with in the world of rugby. The Condors fought valiantly, but today belonged to Lincoln Park, who showcased their prowess on the field in a memorable match that will be talked about for years to come.