MIDdlesex barbarians bull moose champions!

The Middlesex Barbarians came home with the first place trophy of the 5th Anual Rugby on the Rockpile Tournament hosted by the Bull Moose Rugby Club. A lot was expected out of the Barbarian team that traveled up to North Conway after finishing in 2nd place at NRU's and 2nd place at NERFU's. The main goal for them was to bring home the first place cup and drink copious amounts of beer out of to celebrate their victory and the Barbarians did not disappoint on either account. They opened up the tournament against Manadnock on an overcast Saturday morning. The biggest hurdle for Middlesex was not coming out flat which has become the norm for this team and making sure they play to their fullest capabilities. Unfortunately despite not being threatened by the Manadnock attack they found themselves up by only 10 at the half time whistle. A few adjustments and personel challenges were made and Middlesex came out of half time as a more focused unit. Forwards and backs found themselves working together and were able to put down three more tries in the second half. Even more impressive was their defensive which very rarely allowed Manadnock back to the gain line let alone touch the ball down in the goal they were defending. The final tally for the game found Middlesex on the winning end 33-0.

In the second match on Saturday the Barbarians found themselves up against a familiar scrappy Central Maine team. Middlesex came into this game very confident in their chances to win this semi-final match up and once again their thoughts proved to be correct. Middlesex controlled the ball for most of the forty minute game but due to foolish mistakes, unlucky knock ons and questionable refereeing only managed to touch the ball down twice. But as in any tournament the main goal is to win and advance and that is what Middlesex did with a 10-0 victory.

Sundays championship matched up the Barbarians against the host team Bull Moose. The night before was a great night out at the bars for each team so both were racing to recover from the hang over in time for the game and were found recounting some interesting predictions over heard at the bars during warm ups. Apparently it was Middlesex who found the right combination of Red Bull, Gatorade and Advil for the game because from the start the game was never in doubt. Bull Moose did not have and answer for quick and experienced back line play of Middlesex and when the forwards were in support with them large chunks of field position were forcefully aquired by the Barbarians. Through out the game the backs and forwards linked up consistently and smoothly weaving around or sometimes through would be defenders. When half time had arrived there was only one more goal to be accomplished and that was to have zero points scored against the Middlesex squad for the tournament. Unfortunately this would be the one goal that slipped through their fingers as the opposition touched down a try on a long run and on a crafty interception. Never the less Middlesex found themselves tournament champions by a final tally of 60-12 and raised the championship cup, full of beer, over their heads for the first time in team history.

A special thank you to the Bull Moose Mens club for once again hosting a great tournament and Middlesex is eager to participate next year.
Middlesex Barbarians