LPRFC D4 36 Eau Claire Orcs 12

LPRFC D4 36 Eau Claire Orcs 12

Park’s Fellowship Vanquishes Orc Horde in Epic Battle on the Plains

In a display that would have made Gandalf himself stroke his beard in approval, Lincoln Park’s warriors carved out a victory against the Eau Claire Orcs with the precision of Elvish bladework and the raw power of Dwarvish mining.

Before the assembled masses had settled into their seats, McCann – channeling the swift-footed Legolas – plucked an errant pass from the mists like an arrow from his quiver, sprinting 40 yards as if pursued by the Nazgûl themselves. The conversion sailed true, and Park had drawn first blood.

The Orcs, true to their namesake, attempted to bludgeon their way back with all the subtlety of a cave troll in a pottery shop. But they reckoned without the defensive masterclass of Foley and Church, who emerged like twin Rohirrim, scything down runners with clinical efficiency. Their presence at the breakdown was reminiscent of Gimli and Legolas’s friendly competition, each trying to outdo the other in their count of successful turnovers.

Modev, clearly having feasted on lembas bread (or its modern equivalent – a Friday Chinese platter), displayed the endurance of an Ent, steamrolling through the opposition with metronomic consistency. His performance in the engine room would have earned approving nods from the forgemasters of Moria.

As the battle wore on, the dynamic duo of Daley and LaFlore – Park’s answer to the Riders of Rohan – thundered through gaps in the defensive line. Daley’s burst through the middle, finding Lee with a pass that had the precision of Galadriel’s foresight, led to a spectacular corner try that had the crowd rising like the beacons of Gondor.

Yet, despite the victory, one could sense that Lincoln Park D4 felt this was but a taste of what’s to come. Moments of inaccuracy in the enemy’s 22 denied them the ruthlessness that true champions possess. But as Tolkien himself might remind us, all great heroes are forged in the fires of challenge and adversity. And for Park, this performance hinted that even greater glories lie ahead if they can sharpen their swords and strike with precision when opportunities next arise.

But for now, as the sun sets on another Saturday battlefield, Park can raise their mead horns high. The Orcs return to their stronghold vanquished, while Park’s warriors live to fight another day, their quest for glory continuing.

Team: Cullen, Panzica, Modev, Lyons Z, Swancy, Church, Foley, Chrisos, Kishore, McCann, Lee, Daley, LaFlore, Walther, Rosenfeld

Finishers: Rottiers, Wilson J, Harrison, Smith, Olander, Karris, huschen, Carroll

Try: McCann 1, Lee 1, Church 1, Daley 1, LaFlore 1, Karris 1
Con: LaFlore 3

LPRFC D4 begin with big win

LPRFC D4 begin with big win

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.

D2 claim second place in division to complete the season

D2 claim second place in division to complete the season

LPRFC D2 31 Milwaukee Barbarians 24

Park earned a hard-fought victory in their final match of the season, which determined who finished second in the division to Green Bay.

Park dominated possession for much of the first half, but a failure to maintain possession inside their opponent’s twenty-two thwarted their confident build-up play.
Park looked as fluid as they have all season in the middle third of the field, with quick rucks providing a platform for the backs.
Half breaks were constantly created by the support lines.

In the 11th minute, Kirby bulldozed his way over wide on the left with patient picks sucking in the Barbarians defense.

Park didn’t score again until the 35th minute, often avoiding short lineouts.
Griffin, a physical presence in the back row all day, cut inside to finish a good move following a turnover after a long run down the left wing had edged the Barbarians ahead by a conversion.

This lead lasted just seconds. The Barbarians were first to the kickoff, tapping back to a supporting player who ran almost unopposed through the disorganised Park defence.

Park started the second period with the same confidence they had started the first, despite being down two points at halftime.
Due to a Carso injury midway through the first half, McCann took over at fly-half, but Daley in at center gave Park plenty of front foot ball.

Park’s next try came from wide on the right wing. Thomas, who appeared to be boxed in close to the touchline, gave his opposite number the tiniest of inside feints before a viscious cut took him clear down the wing for a 50-yard score

Laux extended Park’s lead six minutes later with a more routine strong drive, and Park’s lead became a little more comfortable.

The Barbarians fought their way back in the fourth quarter. A try at the 57-minute mark brought them within a try, and momentum was shifting in their favor. With only four minutes remaining, another try brought them within two points of Park, but a missed conversion kept Park ahead.

The Barbarinas fought hard for the victory and had one final break down their right wing, which Husselbee intercepted with a thumping tackle and then settled the match with a kick and chase in the final seconds.

Team: Melody, Rasmussen(Schwartz), Kirby, Moline (Driscoll), Leyman (Debacker), Griffin, Laux, Jahner, Aiello (Scully), Carso (Daley), Walther (Caccappolo), Husselbee, McCann, Thomas, Finnegan (Carey)

Try: Kirby 1, Griffin 1, Thomas 1, Laux 1, Husselbee 1
Con: Jahner 3

LPRFC D2 vs SS Irish Match Report

LPRFC D2 45 SS Irish 26

Against a much-improved and dangerous Irish side, Park played with a new-found pace to record their first win of the season.

With a reshuffled back-line – in part due to injury and unavailable players – Park found space in the wide channels time and again.

A try by Long, after a sustained period of pressure was quickly cancelled out when the Irish replied with a try. Park looked to use new wings Walsh and Murray at every opportunity and Carroll too was always willing to enter the line from his fullback position. Only two last gasp tackles, one by his own player prevented what would have been certain scores.

Schwartz, with a customary burst, scored under the posts and Murray giving chase to his own clever kick, pushed Park out to a two-try lead before the Irish responded with a second try just before half time.

Newcomer Cawley was a quiet leader of Park’s defensive organisation as their forwards had to absorb strong runs from the huge Irish pack and Waryjas especially, responded with a large tackle count.

Two scores Finnegan and one from Bean extended Park’s cushion early in the second period but yet again the Irish demonstrated their resiliency as they scored two of their own.

Park regained their composure and were not only able to run down the final minutes of the game but added to their total as Jahner took advantage of an Irish decision to not engage a five meter lineout, to turn and score.

Team: Leyman (Kowalski), Long (Shaaban), Waryjas (Heaton), Cawley, Jahner, Schwartz, Laux, Fleming, Garwood, Bean (Husselbee), Walsh, Weimer, McCann, Murray, Carroll (Finnegan)

Try: Finnegan 2, Murray 1, Bean 1, Jahner 1, Schwartz 1, Long 1
Con, Jahner 4

LPRFC D3 vs NWI Exiles Match Report

LPRFC D3 53 NWI Exiles 29

After a dominating first half where Park lead by 24 points before conceding a late try, and extending that lead to 34 – 5 early in the second period, Park suffered a second half scare before pulling away in the final quarter.

Finnegan opened the scoring after only 5 minutes following a stolen scrum and only three minutes later, Heatley and Togher combined to put away Carey.

Park’s forwards had to weather the running of much heavier opponents but looked to set up their speedy back when their own opportunities arose on offence.

It was Togher again who showed as provider, this time setting up Husselbee.

Knowing their best strategy was to play a fast game, Park extended the lead, with Olander taking a quick tap penalty and catching the Exiles unawares creating the try for the hard running Anderson.

Two early second half tries from Burke and Jewell looked to have put the game beyond doubt for Park but over the next 20 minutes, Park lost their way.

Four Exile tries brought the score to with five points and Park were on their heels. It was the captain Olander who restored the earlier confidence picking off a long pass on the Exile twenty-two and scoring under the posts.

Further score from Anderson and Burke in the waning moments eventually gave Park a comfortable win.

Team: Sowa (Primdahl), Mullen (Shaaban), Larios, Jewell, Togher, Heatley, Mechling, Carey (Eppert), Aiello, Olander, Frisch (Prengaman/Baldwin), Anderson, Husselbee (Huschen), Burke, Finnegan (Engle)

Try: Burke 2, Anderson 2, Finnegan 1, Carey 1, Jewell 1, Husselbee 1, Olander 1
Con: Anderson 3, Olander 1