May 31-June1, 2003 - Attitash, NH

Bull Moose Tournament- recap by Liam Brady     

NSRFC ended a sublime rugby weekend in the White Mtns with two definitive wins after both playing well enough to win and bad enough to lose vs. Middlesex in the opener Saturday. This inaugral BullMoose Tourney was extremely well managed and blessed with great rugby weather both days. Sunny on Saturday, and cool and wet for hangover Sunday.

In the opening match vs. Middlesex, NS knocked advantages away, as the Steamer backline failed to capitalize on overlaps and breaks while the Barbarians did one Try better to claim the first match 14 - 7. The NS Try came off a penalty play when Ken Spinale fed Martin Mahoney a quick ball that Martin took at pace to stun the flatfooted Middlesex for five under the posts! Conversion by De Piero was good. The most disappointing moment occurred when last years' Captain, the courageous Cam Williams scooped up a loose ball and after winding his way 30 meters into enemy territory, sustained ligament damage to his knee. Our heartfelt wishes for his recovery. Alas, the first match slipped away, but the opportunies for a win were there.

The second match started with a quick Try by the College Select All Stars from a broken play that basically pissed off the Steamer side. The North Shore side responded with a series of forward charges that sent the youngsters sprawling ass-backwards on their heels, and culminated in a #8 Kenny Spinale loose ball Try that evened the match. A penalty kick by Rich De Pierro gave us a three point lead after a missed conversion from the first Try.

Our lads played hardnose "smart" rugby, this time, doing to them(successfully wheeling opponents to steal putins) and playing the crashball rucking support style that delivered beaucoup good ball for our talented backline who scored on multiple occassions throughout the remaining two matches.

Rookie winger Chad Horn took a pass near midfield and both motored and powered his way through three defenders for an inspiring score! Not wanting to be outdone, Zimbabwe's gift to NS, Trevor Mazarura left both sides watching as he hit light speed travelling some 100 meters(35 E-W & 65 N-S) to keep the momentum rolling. Rich De Piero added another penalty kick.
Final 21 - 7.

After the match, the referee thanked NS for the good sportsmanship and play of our team vs. the talented but disorganized and complaining college side. We played hard, smart, and with discipline and kept our mouths shut!  Hoooha!

Our final match was played on Sunday at 10AM vs. Central Maine who had added rogue Ironside players to bolster a sparse team.

This match saw several early breaks by the enemy that were stopped deep inside our 22. Settling down NS began to establish consistent possession, controlling lineouts, scrums and loose play. The backline began banging away with Martin taking inside breaks and Tebo crashing in support. The first NS Try came from a Matty Tebo cutback that split defenders and left the faithful roaring after a forty meter run that Matt touched down under the posts! Conversion by DePiero was good, 7 - 0 to end the first half.

For the second time this day rookie Chad fired thrusters and outraced the Maine backline for his second Try putting NS up 14 - 0.

Returning Steamer Scott Marcoullier capped off the scoring with another of his many strong runs and the final rang up at 19 - 0.

The frontrow of Tom Moloney -Reade Morrison- Dave Shannon played outstanding throughout the tourney, especially in light of a patched up 2nd row that consisted of Liam, Donovan, Vudu & J Dole, all contributing... the pack wheeled opponents continuously and forced turnovers gaining possessions... the NS lineouts also executed very well in three matches exceeding their share of takes

Capt. Chris, Cam, J. Dole, J Brewer & Matt Tebo all played flanker, and #8 Ken Spinale not only played our three matches but a fourth for a short Middlesex in their consolation final. The forwards repeatedly attacked the oppostion and rucked over in grand style preserving possession while allowing Gustavo the chance to serve up clean ball to the hungry and talented backline.

Gus Del Puerto had a great Tourney for NS as did the pack!

Martin continued to set the pace at standoff, both feeding the backline, making penetrating breaks, and playing solid defense. Rob Moran both ran hard and passed well from inside ctr.(games 1&2)and outside in game 3. Martin & Rob got the ball out to the rest of the backline consistently while still getting their breaks. Old Steamer friend Scott Marcoullier returned to display his firepower with his bursting style that made him the darling of NS last Spring season! Move back soon! Matt Tebo was a Sunday available only, and yet contributed mightily powering both at #12 and #7... #15 Rich De piero had a strong Tourney successfully countering kicks and booming the ball both to make touch and attack space. His complement of wings consisted of J. Brewer, Eric, Dylan, Chad, & Trevor! All of the wings played well, attacking, tackling, maintaining possession, and supporting. 

This was a highly enjoyable trip! Thanks to club members Jesse "Cameltoe" Wilson, Steve "Toes" Moloney, and the wives and girlfriends who added to the great time! Thanks to Vudu, Beth & Dave for seeing to Cam!