Chicago Griffins Rugby: Season of Destiny?

It was a freezing cold day in Chicago when the the Griffins came out looking strong and fierce.  They were determined and ready for their first USA Rugby Super League game of 2008 season.  During warm ups it was very quiet and you could already see the intensity and desire building up in the eyes of each player.  This was the beginning of something special. The 2007 season was the first season that Chicago Griffins were allowed in USA rugby super league and they fought their way into the semi finals.  They lost though to their arch crosstown rivals the Chicago lions and only lost the battle within the last few seconds by a penalty kick.  It was a great way to finish their first season in a new professional league but it left the Griffins wanting more.

The five minute whistle let everyone know that it was go time.  The team assembled and came together near their own try line.  Brendan Brown the Griffins captain screamed at the players, "This is our time, This is our field, This is our game.  We will not be defeated and we will not give a single point today.  Drive them into the ground, step on their necks and don't let them up. IS THAT UNDERSTOOD?!!!?"  The players were ready.  You could see the guys bouncing in the huddle just ready to put that first explosive hit on an opposing player.

The whistle to start the game blows and the men move into position to start the game.  This is what they have worked for at every gruelling conditioning practice, all the long runs,  every suicide in the gym, every tackle during practice, all winter long.

As the game started Chicago took advantage of having the wind at their backs and kicked the ball constantly into the corners pinning st. Louis in their half of the field for most of the first half.

Griffins center and Captain Brendan Brown opened the scoring by catching a great pass from Ryan Westaway after constant pressure against the bombers defensive line.  Griffins Lock, and ex St. Louis Bomber, Matt Kock scored a similar try at the 17 minute mark by supporting #8 Jon Tenconi's offload to put the Griffins up 14-0 with Muzza Roheske's kick conversions.  Chicago took advantage of a sloppy Bomber line out to once again camp out deep in St. Louis territory, and were rewarded when wing Pat Marek crashed over the line for another try.  The Bombers launched repeated attacks in the Chicago end, but were pushed back numerous times by a strong Griffins defensive line.

St. Louis finally got on the board when fullback Conail Boyd hoofed a successful penalty kick to bring the halftime score to 21-3 in favor of Chicago.

At the beginning of the second half St. Louis returned the favor with the wind at their backs pinning Chicago deep with kicks in the corners and then applying much defensive pressure.   During the second half the Griffins resorted to a few illegal tactics to snuff the constant Bomber attack, resulting in two yellow cards over the course of 25 minutes.  Doug Meyrose took the first yellow card, and Captain Brendan Brown took the second resulting in the Griffins playing two men down.  The Griffins defense was rock solid and they managed the time very well.  Chicago got the bonus point when Muzza Roheske scored his teams fourth try on the day at the 58 minute mark to go up 38-3.  Bomber Center TJ Ebner finished off a Simon Moate break at 71 minutes to close the gap to 28-8.  But to no avail the damage had been done and the Chicago Griffins claimed a well deserved 28-8 win.
  
The Chicago Griffins are currently are in first place in the white division with Charlotte in a close second.  The next USA Rugby Super League match will be against Boston RFC in Boston March 29th.