March 23, 2014, Murfreesboro, TN – The Tigers traveled to Murfreesboro on a bright but blustery day to take on the Moosemen of MTSU.  MTSU, the powerhouse of the SIRC north, was played very closely when they came to Memphis.  Though they have 5 SIRC Select Side players, we really thought we had a chance to take them.

Willie Lacey

Unfortunately, the Tigers had problems from the very beginning.  We had taken a week off for spring break and it was disappointing to see how rusty we had become.  Our halfback timing was off, and regardless of how much we tried, we could not get the ball to the speed on the wings.

We were hoping that the wider MTSU field might give the Tigers an advantage.  It was clear in our last meeting with MTSU that our backs were faster than theirs.  We just needed to give our wings a bit more room to work.  Unfortunately, the wider field is also more difficult to defend.  MTSU took advantage of the width… spread our defense, and scored easily in the first 20 minutes.  The Tigers defense stiffened, but the damage was done.  It is impossible to beat MTSU by spotting them 20 points.

Thomas Strickland

In the second half, we did get the ball to the wing once and it worked like we had tought. Willie Lacey sprinted in to take his first points of the season.   Later, Thomas Strickland went weak rom the ruck on a solo move that left three Moosemen grasping at the air.  He dashed in for his try that was converted by John Elmore.

The Tigers got better all game long, and by the end of the match were playing Tiger ball.  It was just frustrating that it took so long.  As they left the pitch, they were clearly disappointed by their performance.

MTSU had played KSU the day before and stated that the week they had off made a mess of that match.  They barely beat KSU.  Unfortunately for us, they used that match to knock off the rust and they played a much better game against us.

We took our sorrows to the social where we connected with the other team.  Many of the Tigers know the MTSU players from SIRC selections.  The Moosemen complimented the Tigers on how much the program had progressed in just two years.  They were clearly glad that this game was behind them.

The Tigers take on Georgia Tech on April 5 at home, 1:00pm at Halle Stadium.  This will be the last match for the Tigers this season.  We hope to have all Tiger fans out for this important match.

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Match: Sunday, March 23, 2014  in Murfreesboro, TN

Players are to meet at the Central Parking Lot at 7:00 am for our trip to Murfreesboro.  We will travel in one van and a few cars.

Kickoff: 1:00pm

Pitch: 2111 Ease Main Street Murfreesboro, TN

Referee:  Randall Johnson

Social: Immediately after the match.

Kennesaw State Rugby

The Tigers take on Kennesaw State University Saturday, March 8 at Halle Stadium.  Tickets are $5.00 available at the gate.  No charge for Middle School and High School rugby players.  Just mention your team and you are in free.

The weather should be great.  All ruggers and old boys are encouraged to come out and enjoy a great day of rugby.

Kickoff:  1:00

Pitch:  Halle Stadium 2616 Mt. Moriah Road   Memphis, TN

Referee:  Alastair Twaddle

Social: Ubee’s Restaurant

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Support the Tigers by using your Kroger Plus Card- Here’s how! 

You can also suport the Tigers by joining the Tiger Rugby 100 Club.  More details here! 

March 1, Memphis TN: The Tigers took on MTSU at Halle Stadium on the warmest day of the year.  Over 90 Tiger fans were drawn out on this beautiful day to watch the Tigers play.  Though the fans were  not happy with the final score, they were not disappointed with the play.  The Tigers put on a show that had the crowd to their feet several times during the match.

The Tigers dominated the first 20 minutes of the match and spent most of the tiem time under the MTSU goal posts. Josiah Shipley took the first points at the 13 minute mark to get the Tigers on the board first, scoring in the northeast corner.

MTSU scored two tries in the 21^st and 30^th minute and were able to convert.  Josiah took another try from a quick ruck at the 35^th minute.  John Elmore converted and the Tigers were only two points behind at the half.

In the sixteenth minute of the second half, scrum half Tezman Mosley chipped ahead to a speedy Thomas Strickland who kicked one more time and outraced the MTSU fullback to the try line.  John converts.  The Tigers take the lead 19-14.

Unfortunately, the Tigers made two mistakes late in the match to allow MTSU two quick tries.  MTSU center and select side player Jamie Phillips, intercepted a wide pass and raced untouched to the try line. Then the Tigers failed to properly cover the kickoff and allowed a successful MTSU counter through the defenses.   The Tigers did not have time to turn the match around.  MTSU won the match 33-19.

The Tigers played the most physical and most error free match they have played to date, but victory eluded us again.

After the match, we were blessed to meet Terry Nicholson, founder of the Wanderers, the first team to play in Memphis.  Terry taught coaches Steve Swatzyna and Tony Lubiani how to play the game when they were just in high school.

Josiah Shipley, Adam Hairston and Chris Lemons

Terry encouraged the Tigers, explaining that today’s match was some of the best rugby that he has ever seen in Memphis.  It was clear that Terry was very proud to see how far rugby had progressed from the humble beginnings over 40 years ago.  Joining with 40 other committed individuals, Terry joined the Tiger Rugby 100 Club to provide financial support for the Tigers.

The Memphis Tigers are blessed to have so many friends stand with them in support of their efforts.

Josiah Shipley was chosen Man of the Match for his tries and tough play.  Chris Lemons was honored as best forward for his tackling and ball acquisition at the lineouts.  He took all of his and most of theirs.

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Side:  1. Justice Houston, 2. Josiah Shipley, 3. Matt Hill, 4. Jonathan Bauer, 5. Chris Lemons, 6. Sam Kordab, 7. August Myers 8. Adam Hairston (captain) 9. Thomas Strickland 10. John Elmore 11. Tezman Mosley 12. T.J. Hardaway, 13. Donavon Thomas, 14. Anthony Smith, 15. Scott Smith 16. Cameron Walton,  17. Willie Lacey, 18. Bert Milam, 19. Kyle Baker, 20. Hector Marquez

Man of the Match:  Josiah Shipley

Best Forward:  Chris Lemons

Pitch:  Halle Stadium

Referee: Brad Cole

Assistant Referees:  Jonathan Brewi, Haley Sells

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Support the Tigers by using your Kroger Plus Card- Here’s how! 

You can also suport the Tigers by joining the Tiger Rugby 100 Club.  More details here!