Bomber Old Boy's Defend Ruggerfest Crown

Sunday, September 19, 2004

 
The Bombers Old Boys defended their 2003 championship at the Aspen Ruggerfest held September 16-19, 2004 by going 3-0 in pool play and defeating Minneapolis 13-0 in the Final. The Bomber Old Boy's competed in the 45+ division and played under the name "Missouri Black & Blue". A dozen quality players from the Kansas City Blues and elsewhere joined forces with the Bomber legends to produce a potent squad of about thirty players.

In Thursday pool play, the Bombers defeated the Colorado Old Boys 29-10 to start things off. Wing Gregg Ott started the scoring and a strong forward pack produced quality possession that allowed backs Timmy Lindeman and Mike Glass to slice through the defense on a regular basis. Flyhalf Ron "Golden Toe" Laszewski used the ball wisely all day.

Next, the Bombers scored early and often in a convincing 24-3 victory over the California Bald Eagles; an all-star collection of former greats. Forwards Jeff Title, Mark Sasser, and scrumhalf Jim Boggeman set the tone up front for the backs to run wild. The win clinched a spot in Sunday's Final.

Thursday's final pool game saw the Bombers squeak past a very good Boulder side 15-14 thanks to a pressure penalty kick from Rock (now known as "Sand") Naunheim at full time.

The Bombers squared off against undefeated Minneapolis in Sunday's Final. Minneapolis rarely crossed midfield as the BOB's dominated virtually every aspect of the match. Relentless pressure from the forwards produced a bevy of good ball for the backs as the Bombers shut out Minneapolis 13-0 to take home another title. The Bombers try scorers were Jim Boggeman and Skip Heffernon. Great tackling by Minneapolis kept the score respectable. Scrumhalf Jim "Weasel" Boggeman received the MVP award.

Many thanks go out to Dan Ward for a terrific job in organizing this event. The weekend included a Saturday BBQ from noon until 6 PM in the fifth floor banquet hall of the Mt. Chalet Hotel overlooking the rugby pitch at Wagner Park and some very nice kit. Legend Jim Dierker provided refreshments.

The Bomber Old Boys: Dean Hiller, Lenny Gall, Jeff Title, Mark "Dirt leg" Sasser, Dan Ward, Vic Miller, Roscoe Bryant, Jim Boggeman, Jeff Stack, Bob Jones, Ron Laszewski, Timmy Lindeman, Craig "Sand" Naunheim, Gregg Ott, Jerrie Anderson, Peter "Peaches" Simon, and Roger Tebbe. A few notable guest players were: Scotty Tripp, Willie Hanson and Chuck McKeon (KC Blues), Mike Glass and Rob Griffin (New Mexico), Skip Heffernon and Doug the wing (up north), Joe Ford (OMBAC), and Rich Galina (CA).

The Bomber Old Boys will attempt a three-peat at next year's Aspen Ruggerfest, September 15-18, 2005. If you'll be 44 years old next year and interested in playing, or just attending- contact Dan Ward at: dward58@earthlink.net.