Rogues FInal game saturday

***image1***April 27 saw RAF Ramstein Rogues take on a very tough opponent when they played long-time rival Trier Rugby Football Club in an exciting and tense game which went to the wire.

The deciding points hung on the last play of the game – a penalty kick against the home side. The game provided Ramstein players and supporters, who were out in full strength, with a thrilling afternoon of rugby. The teams were evenly matched and despite play often tantalizingly close to the try line, neither side could gain advantage.

Halftime saw the score at a frustrating 0-0. Midway through the second half, a driving maul finally gave Ramstein the opportunity to grab points. Rico Colon seized the advantage and was able to get the ball into the try zone, which, with an easy conversion by U.S. Captain Eric Grace, put the home side into the lead, 7-0.

Solid play from the Ramstein defense and lightening fast chases frustrated several attempts by Trier to break away and score. Finally, after some heavy rucking and mauling, Trier was able to get the ball over the try line in the corner, but could not convert. In the final minutes of the game, Ramstein had a penalty awarded against them, which could have given Trier the game. But the visitors were unable to convert the final play into points and Ramstein was the final winner, with a score of 7-5.

With so many flashes of individual brilliance and good team work, it was hard to choose a single individual who contributed above their teammates to the game. Accolades went to the powerful and consistently solid play of Eturu ‘T’ Patane, USAREUR 30th Med. However, the final Man of the Match award went to Tom Smith, 86th AMXS, for outstanding scrum play and support.

The win on April 27 means Ramstein is in a three-way race for the Rheinland-Pfalz division championship. The outcome hangs in balance, and is dependent on the last league game of the season on Saturday.

Ramstein will continue to play in various league and tournament fixtures. For those wishing to play, practice is from 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at Pulaski Field, behind the Vogelweh Shoppette. For more information, contact ramsteinrogues@hotmail.com.