The Rowdies started Cup play where they left off in the Fall with two consecutive victories. On March 21 the Rowdies traveled to Cape Girardeau to face a Kohlfield Scorpions side they have not beaten in Cape in a number of years according to long time veteran Rowdie, Russ Ellis. However, this trip would turn out much different from those previous trips. The Rowdies drew first blood with a quick try but the Scorpions lashed right back with a try to tie the match. In the end the Rowdies would end their drought in Cape with a 26-12 victory and win their fourth straight Cup win. We would like to thank the Scorpions for hosting the social after a hard fought match.

This past weekend found the Rowdies at their home pitch in Belleville hosting an always strong Sunday Morning Rugby Club. After much rain during the morning the match kicked off at 3:00 p.m. without any rain but plenty of mud and fun on the pitch. The Rowdies started off quick and did not relent at any point during the match even when the rain started coming down in the second half. The final score of 50-0 did not reflect the competitiveness of the Sunday Morning side and we would like to thank them for battling the elements with us on Saturday.

This weekend the Rowdies will be taking a break from a Cup play and will be competing in the 61st annual Gateway Ruggerfest in St. Louis. The Rowdies will return to Cup play the following weekend with a much anticipated match with the St. Louis Royals.

Nick Kujawa
Rowdies Match Secretary

This past weekend the Rowdies made the trip to the home of the King and a highly touted Division II side, the Memphis Blues. The Rowdies traveled light (only one sub) however the character of this team shined brightly in the cloud darkened rainy sky of Memphis.

The first half saw the Blues score an early try and the Rowdies found themselves playing defense for most of the half with the exception of a late first half push by the pack inside the 10 meter line but the Blues did not relent and kept the Rowdies out of the try zone.

The second half was more balanced with both sides slogging away in the mud and struggling to touch one down. As the second half progressed the Rowdies gained more confidence and showed some true grit by scoring a try with time expired.

A great weekend was had by all and we would like to thank the Blues for hosting us and the fans for making the trip to Memphis.

This coming weekend finds the Rowdies traveling south to start Cup play in Cape Girardeau against the Kohlfield Scorpions.

Nick Kujawa
Rowdies Match Secretary

The Rowdies opened the Spring season by welcoming their old friends the Springfield Celts and the Topeka, Kansas Wizards who made their first trip to Belleville. Though both sides traveled with many inexperienced players they put on a ferocious fight on the pitch.

The first match pitted Springfield vs. Rowdies and it was packed with plenty of action with the Rowdies backline dominating with superior pace and ball movement. The first half ended with the Rowdies putting up 38 points. The second half was much of the same with multiple tries being scored by the Rowdies. However the match's final score of 57-0 did not reflect the fight the Celts put into the match.

The second match pitted the Topeka Wizards vs. Rowdies and the Rowdies began this match where they left off in the first match with a plethora of tries coming from both backs and packies. The Wizards fought hard and were able to push through a try in the second half. However, the Rowdies proved to be too much for the club from Kansas with a final score of 43-7.

It was great day of rugby and I believe all three sides enjoyed themselves both on pitch and off the pitch at the social. I would like to thank both clubs for making the trip to Belleville. I would also like to thank all the fans for coming out and supporting the club.

This coming weekend will find the Rowdies traveling south to play Memphis and Louisville.

Nick Kujawa
Rowdies Match Secretary