Twin Cities Amazons Rugby Club

Amazons 29 – Chicago Northshore 7

Saturday provided perfect rugby weather, as the Amazons took on a newly staffed Northshore team at the first round of the Midwest Championships. The Amazons came out swinging with focused intent on making the days match miserable on their opposition.  All eyes were firmly set on the try-line as we pounded in the first points of the day with a driving lineout touched down by Sandy Meredith—yup the ole girl still quick as a cat. Continuity was flowing through the Amazon hands and we saw several great passes to charging orange jerseys. Although penalties got us on defense. After a couple quick lessons in off-sides and leaving our feet, the Zons took it back--and on a quick tap, Reebok punched through the Chicago line for 5. Amazon lineouts were a force to be reckoned with, winning all and driving most, the Zons converted a second driving lineout with Tonnie touching it down. 17-7 at half.

Second half showed more high-flying acrobatics from our lineouts…so pretty…. The Amazon offense pounded their way up field. Chris Trucano lead the second half charge with a quick tap, bulldozing drive leaving Northshore bodies and her one cleat behind. Jenny “Mamma” Kruger jumped on the 'quick tap train' to run in the second Amazon try of the half.  Janet Christenson converted two tries marking the final score at 29-7.

Super Zon- Sara Bakker for her front row performance against a wily loosehead

Hulk-A-Zon –Tonnie Wulff for her 'attempt' to help out the kicker…(we aren’t talking about it)

Biggest Hit- Carrie Bauer for chopping down the 'Farrah Tree' with only slight ringing in her ears

Amazons 8 – Valkyries 15

First things first Janet (a.k.a J-Town MagicFoot Christenson) kicked a penalty conversion, putting the Zons up 3-0.  The Valks tried kicking…but the Amazon backs fielded everything they put in the air. Both teams were very aggressive (as always).  The Zons only allowed the Valks to get one head of steam that was brought down on the try-line putting them up 3-5.  Just before the end of the half Nic Petroff made, and took, a huge defensive hit stopping a two on one situation from the charging Valks. They used the next play to counter us taking a quick overload and chipped one over our back line to bring the score to 3-10.

With half time rejuvenation the Amazons put up a huge defensive effort in the second half. Maria Rye contained three defenders single-handedly to end a two-phase attempt by the maroon jerseys---as easy as: Tackle. Tackle. Poach.  “The Stevie” made an appearance on one ‘corn-row’ plowing hit that sparked a fury of Amazon momentum! The defensive Amazon machine didn’t stop, and held an eager cross-town offense for 10 minutes in our end resulting in a held up a try to dash the opposition’s hopes of a score. A couple penalties then put us back into our end and on our heals. The Zon forwards took control of the pace of the game and again began pounding away at the Valks defense leaving Bakker a clean pick off the base of the ruck for a dive in try, bringing it to 8-15.  The Amazons finished strong with a huge offensive effort towards another score, but were stopped 10m short by the final whistle.  As always a very intense match…See you in Austin.

SuperZon-Maria Rye for the “double tackle-poach combo platter”

Hulk-A-Zon –Rebecca “Reebok” Radtke for her hulk like encouragement

Biggest Hit- Stef Morseth-Helmer for the “Stevie” sized hit