Fort Sill renews historic rugby tourney

By Mr. James Brabenec (IMCOM)September 24, 2010

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1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Fort Sill Gunners lock forward Michael Stone sees a lot of beef inside as the Midwestern State Mustangs lock forwards, Nos. 4 and 5, converge to make a tackle. The Gunners prevailed 35-0 in their opening match of the Maj. Mike Girdlestone Tournament ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Jason Posey, Fort Sill Gunners No. 8 and player-coach lowers his shoulder and drives into a Midwestern State Mustangs defender during the Maj. Mike Girdlestone Tournament at Prichard Field here Sept. 18. The Gunners bested MSU 35-0 before falling to ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Three rugby teams took the pitch Sept. 18 in the renewal of the Maj. Mike Girdlestone Rugby Tournament, an event held annually from 1992-1997, at Prichard Field at Fort Sill, Okla.

The Girdlestone tournament was named after a British liaison officer who was stationed at Fort Sill in the early 1970s and helped form the Gunners rugby team.

The host team Gunners squared off against the Oklahoma City Crusaders and the Midwestern State University Mustangs from Wichita Falls, Texas. The Crusaders took home the replica 9-pound field artillery round trophy as they bested the Gunners 25-22 and the Mustangs 45-12 to win the tourney.

Teams faced off in 25-minute halves, but it was the low 90s heat that also took its toll on players as several succumbed to leg cramps. Teammates regularly shuttled in water to keep contestants hydrated.

The Gunners opened against the Mustangs winning 35-0. Michael Mucha capped the first scoring drive, taking a pitch from Jason Posey and running 35 meters before surging over three Mustangs and crossing the tryline near the goal posts.

Teamwork factored into the next Gunners tally as Posey began a series of four laterals. Jehnson Gomez took the first pitch, then passed to Jim Morrison, who in turn tossed to Noa Tupea who carried the ball over the tryline. Aaron Lang carried the next score following a turnover and a pass from Posey to up the score to 21-0. Tupea converted on all three two-point conversions.

"Aaron's try was a great example of the team play and great conditioning we displayed in our first match," said Posey, the Gunners coach. "It's always important to follow the ball carrier in case he needs to lateral the ball to another player, and the guys did that throughout both matches."

He added this support will serve the Gunners well as the team gears up for its regular season matches in the Texas Rugby Union's North Division.

The Gunners also received outstanding efforts from their left and right wingers, William Lewis and Willie Spence. Lewis returned a free kick 50 meters from near midfield outracing Mustang defenders to the tryline. Duncan Njuguna added the first of two, two-point conversions for a 28-0 lead.

They added another try in the second half as Spence scored when he broke away from a tight, defensive knot of Mustang players and turned on the jets to sprint 60 meters across the tryline. For Spence, life in the fast lane is business as usual. He specializes in track and field and won the 200-meter dash at the post track meet earlier this year.

"I was a little worried about our back play going into the tournament, because we have a lot of new players there," said Posey. "But, we've got a lot of natural athletes out there, and their speed along with Noa Tupea's experience should serve us well this season."

The Girdlestone tourney had four teams scheduled, but the club from Fort Worth pulled out leaving the other three. This may have factored into the outcome of the second match, because Fort Sill took the field after its initial win while the Crusaders were still fresh and untested. The Crusaders opened the match religiously executing passes down the line or countering the Gunners defensive schemes to build a 16-0 lead. Crusaders kicker John White figured in the scoring three times as he booted penalty kicks through the uprights each for three points.

Fort Sill countered with that traveling Jones once again. Grabbing a free kick deep in Gunners territory, left winger Anthony Calhoun flicked a switch into overdrive as he blew past Crusaders defenders for 50 meters and a score. Matt Moana then became a ramblin' man as he galloped 60 meters using a stiff arm to ward off one tackler and ran over a second to hit pay dirt. Lewis capped the scoring with another 50-meter jaunt following a turnover and pass from Marcus Cade.

The Girdlestone tournament brought together six former Gunners who were honored by all rugby players and fans following play. Those in attendance were Greg Phariss, Rick Hutchings, Don Hendricks, Lance Maguire and Kurt Meisenzahl. Bruce Burgamy, a former MWR sports employee and tournament director, and former rugby players Lenny Burger and Rod Puentes, who refereed were also on hand.

Nine players from the Fort Hood, Texas Phantom Warriors team made the journey here to get in some tackling and ball handling experience, the first the team has had after a 10-year absence from the sport.

Eric Miller, Warrior's coach, said the trip up was well worth the time and expense as it was great experience for the many new players the team has on its roster. He said his teammates enjoyed playing against another military team and learned a lot.

"We're glad Fort Sill hosted this tournament and appreciate this opportunity to play again," said Miller. "We look forward to returning the favor and inviting the Gunners down to our next tourney."