Whites Clinch MRFU D-2 Title

November 3, 2007 - Sportport

The Bomber Whites dominated the Ramblers in a convincing 34-3 win, running in 6 tries to capture another MRFU championship. Centers Joe Mertz and Nick Godfrey were too much to handle on the day, leading the attack from the midfield. The Bomber backrow of Kyle Manley, Jim Hoffmann and Zach Giljum were omnipresent, setting the tone for the match.

The Ramblers kept things close early, but Mertz finally crossed at the 20 minute mark after a series of phases. Flanker Jim Hoffmann gathered in a blocked kick by Mertz to score his side's second try, quickly folllowed another Mertz try to give the Bombers a 17-0 lead at the break.

Bomber halfback Kevin Tucker had a terrific match and was rewarded with a try to start the second half after some punishing runs from the Bomber forwards. 18 year-old center Nick Godfrey was outstanding, powering through the Rambler defense and putting the ball well past the gainline with every run. Prop Tim Basler also consistently put the Ramblers on their heels with powerful runs, and flyhalf Justin Mastroianni put the resulting quality ball to good use. Wing Tim Stolarski finished off a nice loop by Mertz and fullback Jim Morrison to push the Bombers up 27-3. #8 Zach Giljum finished off the scoring, thanks to another punishing Bomber scrum. The 34-3 victory gave the Bombers a combined scoring total of 157-3 in 3 matches this fall with the Ramblers, and another MRFU championship.

Mizzou raced out to an early lead and held on late to take home a 32-15 win in an entertaining match at Sportport. Mizzou fullback Jeff Rehder and flanker Mike Peurrung played brilliantly. Reheder's kicking and counter-attacking was exceptional, and Peurrung beat everyone to the tackle to come away with a multitude of poached balls for his side.

Mizzou's Rehder carved through the Bomber defense for a 70 meter try to open the scoring. Center Scott Schmidt, formerly of Desmet and MRFU U-19 standout, finished off some good Mizzou passing to put his team up 12-0. Rehder and Bomber flyhalf Jim Morrison exchanged penalty kicks, before Mizzou wing Brian Bage showed some blazing speed to outrace everyone for a try and a 22-3 Mizzou halftime lead. Mizzou half back Billy Herbert and #8 Will Rein worked well together, providing good ball to a potent backline.

Mizzou wing Matt Skarin (Desmet and MRFU U-19s) showed good finishing ability by beating his opposite to open the second half scoring. Bomber #8 Sam Stahnke replied with a try from a powerful run to bring the score to 27-8. Mizzou replacement wing Aaron Lewis scampered in to finish his team's scoring. 18 year-old Bomber prop Jahhan Ashfaq scored his second try of the season to close out the scoring in favor of Mizzou 32-15.

The secondf half was delayed as Mizzou wing Brian Bage suffered a serious injury to his right arm while tackling. Bage is an outstanding young talent and the Bombers wish Brian a speedy recovery and a quick return to the pitch. Special thanks to Bomber team physio Erica Asher and referee Mike Rothermich for their handling of the situation.