St. Louis Bombers Rugby Football Club

The St. Louis Bombers concluded their Super League preseason buildup with a 75-18 demolition of the visiting Denver Highlanders. St. Louis wing Chris Welch notched a six-pack of tries to account for half of the Bomber's twelve try assault. The Bombers showed excellent support at the tackle, resulting in quickly recycled ball that was used wisely by the nerve center of halfback Bryan Lay and flyhalf Rene Monette.

Monette and Denver counterpart flyhalf Brad Nelson exchanged early penalty kicks before Bomber wing T.J. Ebner opened the try scoring with a patented burst down the touchline to put St. Louis up 8-3. St. Louis center Brian Meyer and fullback Conail Boyd then set the table for wing Chris Welch to run in three consecutive tries in a ten minute span, as Boyd and Meyer repeatedly broke the line and played perfect pin-and-pass.

Bomber captain John McBride plowed over from short range to push the lead to 32-3. Halfback Bryan Lay scooted pasted several Denver defenders to extend the score to 37-3. Chris Welch notched his fourth try of the day just before the halftime whistle to give St. Louis a 42-3 lead at the break.

Denver coach Steve Lewis tried to light a fire under his troops at halftime and the speech apparently worked, as Denver picked up their game to start the second spell. Denver lock Luke Lesnansky, having an excellent day in the lineouts and around the park, was rewarded with a try in the corner to bring the score to 42-11. But then Mr. Welch stepped inside his man and outraced the Denver cover defense to notch his fifth try of the day and give the momentum back to St. Louis, 47-11.

St. Louis kept the pressure on as center Russell Gall went over from 40 meters out to extend the lead to 54-11. Denver replied as prop Johnson went over from short range- 54-18. But the Bombers finished strong as Monette crossed the line after finishing what he started to push the St. Louis lead to 68-18. Fittingly, Welch closed the scoring with another long range scamper to grab his sixth try of the afternoon and close the books on a 75-18 victory. A six-pack for the Utah speedster who, ironically, doesn't drink alcohol.

Denver captain Clinton Camp kept his men from folding their tent, leading by example on a long and unusually warm, humid day. Highlander halfback Tim Guerra had a good afternoon despite the scoreline.

Prop Scott "Bowling Ball" Lay and flanker Josh Witten were strong around the pitch, while Phil Reed and Chad Tsitovich paired well at lock for the Bombers. Referee Calem Pender did an excellent job producing a flowing match, and was fair and consistent throughout.

Up next- St. Louis plays their inaugural Super League match Saturday, March 18 against OMBAC in San Diego, while Denver goes on the road to face Colorado Springs.

Kohlfeld Scorpions 29 Bomber Whites 17

Cape Girardeau's Kohlfeld Scorpions defeated the White side 29-17 in a back and forth match played at Sportport- the beautiful new home grounds of the St. Louis Bombers. Kohlfeld's Alan Kloss intercepted a pass for a try in the late stages to seal the victory for the visitors.

Bomber rookie wing Jim Zenson, playing in his first full match, scored two first half tries to pace his side. Kohlfeld added two tries of their own and a conversion to take a 12-10 halftime lead. The Whites manufactured the bulk of possession on the day, but Kohlfeld managed to score 5 tries in the match- each one coming opportunistically from Bomber mistakes. Kohlfeld has assembled some good talent this season and should notch quite a few more victories this spring. Bomber flanker Josh Rainey scored between the posts for his side's only second half try, converted by flyhalf Justin Mastrioanni.

Locks Lucas Murillo and Corey Gunnell performed well in the engine room, and loosies Andy entwistle and Dave Domian had very active matches. Halfback Scott Giljum's leadership and distribution helped keep his squad in the match until the very end.

Spotted in the stands were Bomber legends: Ken Brigden, John Kyle, Tom Butler, Terry Swap, Ron Skiljan Sr. and Jr., Sterling Hayden, Tom Scott, Alvin Blest, Jim Dunphy, Jonathan Grace, Jim Boggeman, Lennie Gall, Turtle Redel and many more. The Bomber women were also out in big numbers to support their club.

The club wishes to thank Harley Meyer for his hard work in providing and installing the new goalposts, which only added to the quality of the plush new pitch at Sportport. This new venue is a real treat for players and spectators. All supporters are encouraged to attend the next home matches- a triple header on March 25, 2006 as the Bombers play their first-ever home Super League match vs. Seattle- Old Puget Sound Beach. The Bomber women will also be on display as they host Palmer, and the White side will host past USA D-3 champions Pearl City, Iowa. Kickoff times: 12 noon Whites, 1:30pm Blacks and 3pm Women.