Press Release April 20, 2009

 

The IFRFC's young team demonstrated spirit and stamina with a second place finish in the Dekalb, Illinois Rugby Tournament April 18, 2009.

IFRFC opened the tournament against the Eastern Illinois Woodsman.  Justin Liekweg slotting a penalty kick eight minutes into the match followed by a try and conversion.  IFRFC led 10 at the half.  Harm Jass and Dane Nolte each scored tries in the second half which were not converted.  Then J. Liekweg collected a second penalty kick late in the match to give IFRFC a 23 to 7 victory.

The second match took on the Peoria Pigs.  Harm Jass garnered his second try of the tournament. Conversion failed to give IFRFC a 5 to 0 lead at the half.  Todd Dillon kept the scoring going by a quick opening second half try.  Conversion failed for a 10 to 0 lead which held for the match.

The third match of the tournament by far was the toughest as IFRFC faced the nearby Rockford Ravens.  J. Liekweg continued his tournament scoring by a try at four minutes into the match.  Conversion failed.  Rockford quickly responded with a non-converted try and a try and conversion to lead 5 -12 at half time.  T. Dillon again opened the second half with a quick try but the conversion failed.  IFRFC trailed 10 - 12.  Rockford begin a series of long kicks hoping for a
mistake by IFRFC fullback Craig Pruisman who responded with excellent catches and returns
to keep IFRFC in the match.  A penalty kick was missed for the go ahead points but a second opportunity occurred with one minute remaining and was true for 3 points and the victory 13 - 12.

Fox Valley was IFRFC's semi-final opponent.  The number of matches was starting to show some physical fatique for both teams.  Nathan Hesnard got on the scoreboard for IFRFC with a try but the conversion failed.  Fox Valley responded including conversion to lead 5 - 7 at the half.
C. Pruisman again demonstrated his running ability with a try.  J. Liekweg converted.  IFRFC lead 12 - 7.  Prop Andy Potratz pulled the Fox Valley team along several times finally powering over the try line to give IFRFC a 17 - 7 win.

The Championship opponent was Palmer Chiropractic AB squad.  Palmer spent the day crushing all teams with their player caliber and rugby skills.  Palmer powered to 0 - 24 lead at half time and prevailed to win 0 - 36.

IFRFC's next match is at home on Sunday April 26 against Gopher College of Algona 1:30 P.M. at the Georgetown Pitch.  To follow is the All-Iowa Rugby Tournament in Iowa Falls May 2nd and 3rd.