VMI @ University of Richmond - September 15, 2006 - Richmond, Virginia

VMI traveled to the University of Richmond to play the Spyders on the same day as the Corp trip to U of R for the football game. We met U of R in last years Ed & Sandy Lee tournament and just snuck by them so we were expecting a tough time of it and the Carl Schmidt team didn't disappoint.

The game kicked off and after some good pressure from VMI we received a penalty which was kicked by Cadet Jordan at 6 minutes for a lead of 3 to Nil. The game settled down and U of R started to get into the game. Good opportunities by VMI were squandered with poor passing or our lack of ability to build phase after phase. In fact U of R rucking and scrimmaging was superior during this period. After 26 minutes U of R converted a sustained period of pressure on our goal line with a try. It was converted and VMI was down 7 to 3. Although there were some strong performances from some of our players such as Cadets Hill and Johnson in the forwards and Cadets Brode and Pechon in the backs it was all individual stuff and it failed to dent the enthusiasm of U of R.

Half time came and along with it a bollocking from the coach regarding our poor rucking and just general intensity. The chat had the desired result and the second half started with a hiss and a roar from VMI. With a renewed vigor VMI constantly harassed and tackled U of R into mistakes and after being awarded a penalty VMI kicked to the sideline to set up a 5 m lineout. The lineout's was the one area that VMI totally excelled at both on offense and defense. A perfectly thrown ball to the back of the lineout which was won by Cadet Life who handed of to a peeling Cadet Bryant. Rounding the back of the lineout with his 307 pound frame gaining speed with every step it was left to the opposing fly half and inside center to stop him on the goal line. It was an impossible ask and after knocking both opposing players into next week Cadet Bryant crashed over to score. The try was converted by Cadet Jordan for VMI to take the lead 10 to 7.

From the kickoff Cadet Johnson playing at No. 8 took the kickoff and made some very hard yards to get us back on the front foot. In fact Cadet Johnson played a monster of a game in the second time and time again getting us out of trouble by taking the ball forward on attack and defense in order for us to clear our line. At 61 minutes we were awarded a penalty that was converted by Cadet Jordan for VMI to lead 13 to 7. U of R now went on the offensive but VMI's defense repeatedly repelled them. Again we managed to get into U of Rs 22 m and were again awarded another penalty which Cadet Jordan once again converted in the 68 minute for a 16 to 7 lead for VMI.

This is were the scoring ended with VMI on top but it was quite the thrilling end with U of R attacking and VMI defending courageously. Although the A side played clearly beneath itself in the first half we played much better in the second and U of R had no answer to our lineout and our scrum starting to dominate. With a little more practice this team is going to make things happen.

The B side took the field with a lot of fresh faces against a well drilled U of R team and quickly found themselves down 17 to 5 at half time. With a few adjustments at halftime the fired up B side started to string together some forward charges good passes great lineout's and consistent scrums. The result was impressive to watch as VMI outscored U of R by 25 points to 7 to run away winners 30 to 24. For those alumni and parents on the sideline they got a very good demonstration of the coaches yelling with disappointment one minute only to be yelling with enthusiasm the next as the B side combined rookie errors with brilliant individual play. Although at times it was frustrating it was very pleasing to see these young guys go out and turn the game around and come away with a win and performances from Cadets Brister, Griffith Adams and Mello in the forwards was complimented by outstanding games from Cadet Day, Hingley, and Engelhart in the backs. This group will continue to improve and some will push hard for a place in the big game.

Cheers, Coach Howe

VMI @ Blue & Gray Classic - September 7 2006 - Manassas, Virginia

VMI kicked of its fall season with a trip to Northern Va to compete in the Blue Gray Classic. Due to the fact we would play 4 games it was a great opportunity to get all the regulars a run along with the B siders and new recruits. The first game against Clemson II was a run for most of our regular season players and we started on fire.

Clemson, a Div 1 powerhouse, was expecting a easy run, unfortunate for them, they got a very motivated VMI to convince them otherwise. VMI's forwards totally dominated the opposition at all phases of the game. Scrums were especially harsh as VMI's forward pack blew the Clemson scrum backwards like they were on skates. The dominance in the forwards gave VMI backs a lot of ball to work with and our backs responded in kind. Although the passing and running was a bit rusty, Cadet Jordan playing at fly half and then Cadet Hingley (the older one as his younger brother stared on the B side also) both scored try's beside the posts in the first half after very good buildup. Both were converted by Cadet Jordan for a lead of 14 points after 20 minutes. First half scoring was finished off by Lock Cadet Watts scoring a try from a drive from a lineout.

The second half bought more of the same for Clemson with the forwards getting beat of every ball. A try to Captain Cadet Russell was followed by a beautifully worked try to Cadet Menas after a charge from the back of the scrum by Cadet Johnson which set a quick ruck. The ball then came to the backs and with slick handling was finished by Cadet Menas beside the posts. The conversion ended the game with the score of VMI 31 Clemson II 0.

So with the first win under our belts the task was then handed to the young recruits to take on Mary Washington B side and keep the win streak alive. And Ohh they didn't disappoint. What the new players lacked in skill and knowledge they made up in good old fashion aggression and work ethic. Three players in the pack had never played a game but boy did they not disappoint. Our lineout's worked fabulously and our scrums totally manhandled MW. The first half finished with VMI leading 10 to 5 with tries to left wing Cadet Tharp and Captain/Loose head prop Cadet Adams. The second half started and a pitch battle ensued with VMI dominating the set pieces and MW throwing the ball around and trying to make head way with the ball. A breakaway try by scrum half Hague settled the contest with VMI running out winners 17 to 10. Special mention must be made of the 4 new players Brister (playing huge at lock) Carmen, the blindside wing forward, tackling like a pro and Griffith on the open side knocking a couple of MW players clean into next week. In fact, Griffith hit a couple of guys so hard I think the Fox Channel scouts want him to try out for the Ultimate Fighting Championship. On a lighter note the score would have been higher for VMI if tight head prop Zola hadn't, after taking the ball at the back of the maul from a lineout, and been driven through the MW team to emerge in the enzone not run across the dead ball line to put it done. Unfortunately none of our players thought to tackle him short so he would actually score a try rather than handing the ball to MW for a 22m dropout. Cadet Zola is going to be reminded of this little embarrassment for a long time to come.

The third game saw the veterans take the field against George Mason and they picked up were they left off. A tougher match ensued with George Mason having some useful players however the game was never in doubt and VMI finished out winning 17 to 10. Strong performances on offense and defense were put in by both centers Cadet Hingley and the new bolter Brode who not only runs like a freight train but also tackles like one. One unfortunate George Mason player found out first hand but credit should be given to that kid as he left the field under his own steam whereas if it had been this coach who had got hit by Cadet Brode they would have dug a hole were I laid and buried me right there. I'm sure that kids teeth are still rattling today. Cadets Hill and Watts were, again, impressive in the forwards.

So to the last game and the youngsters again, this time it was Catholic's A side. Wanting an opportunity to give the young guys a shot and more match experience, I sent them out against a much more seasoned Catholic team. Although the young guys fought hard the experience of the opposition was the difference. Catholic ran out winners 17 to 0. Strong performances from Captain Life and loose forward partner Brookes and our new resident enforcer Griffiths was very pleasing to see.

Although we failed to go unbeaten, I was thrilled with the level of commitment and our improved fitness level. This coach sees a very exciting season ahead so stay tuned for reports, or better yet, get out to the games and see these Cadets there going to be a fabulous bunch of rugby players.

Regards, Wayne Howe

VMI RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB 2006-2007