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Tony DiMaio of the Rappahannock Rugby Club asks for tape to bandage a cut so he can get back into the team's game against West Potomac.
Rappahannock Rugby Club (left) and West Potomac players reach high for a line-out as the ball is put back into play from the sideline near Falmouth Waterfront Park. |
A CRISP BLUE SKY marks the afternoon of
A few men take the field and begin to toss the ball back and forth in an underhand throw. Others join in, taking turns and running down the ball after it is punted.
The team is gathering not for football or soccer. Two teams of 15 men have made their way to the field for a Saturday-afternoon game of rugby.
This fall marks the first official season of the Rappahannock Rugby Club in Fredericksburg. Part of the Potomac Rugby Union and USA Rugby, the team uses Falmouth Field near Falmouth Waterfront Park.
"Most places don't have a field this large or facilities this good," says Jeff Frankston, the match secretary for the team.
Getting the Fredericksburg-Stafford Park Authority's approval to use the field, or pitch, was a key to joining the Potomac Rugby Union. To become an official member, teams must have a field, a minimum of 15 men to play and provide a social for both teams after the game.
The first season will consist of nine games against teams from Washington, Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. This sunny Saturday, the team gathers to compete against the West Potomac Rugby Football Club.
Once 15 players from the Rappahannock club arrive, the team gathers for a quick warm-up, running a lap of the field and stretching. They make their final preparations of changing into their uniforms and taping old injuries, then group together to rally for the game.
The ages of the men who play on the Rappahannock Rugby Club range from 18 to 47. While most played in college, those new to rugby are invited to join, as well. There are hopes of beginning a women's team in the spring.
"We'll take anybody," club President Joey Pendergrast says of the growing squad. "If they can make the practices and the games, they're in."
"They see how much fun it is," Frankston says of those who join the club. "There's no cliques or anything like that. The game's a lot of fun."
"Rappahannock!" the huddled team yells. They grab one last drink of water and take the field against West Potomac.
Rugby is a fast, continuously moving game where the teams pass, kick and ground the ball to move it toward the goal and score points. Players carrying the ball are tackled as their teammates try to block opponents to give them room to run.
With two 40-minute halves making up the game, fitness can be a winning factor for a team--and a reason many of the men join in the first place.
"I'm not motivated enough to go to the gym and run by myself, but I'll do this to have fun and keep in shape," Pendergrast says.
A player is tackled to the ground, where he must release the ball, and a ruck begins to fight for possession. Feet wearing cleats fly around the players on the ground as teams rush to get the ball moving again, pushing against one another to get the ball out of the pack.
With no pads providing protection to the players, the game looks rough. Cuts and scrapes are common, but serious injuries are rare.
"I'd say there's more injuries in football," Frankston says. "Not only do you get tired from getting hit so hard, but you've got to get back up and do it again."
Such a physical game results in some heated moments. A rough shot or illegal contact gets a team irritated; a teammate missing a block causes frustration.
Along with angry clashes, there are plenty of cheers. As "Bucket" scores a point for the Rappahannock team or "Cisco" makes a long run down the field, teammates are there with quick support. One player's wife and baby are on the sideline cheering, and another's girlfriend takes pictures between yells of support.
"It's one of the few sports where you can go out, play really hard, be physical, then leave it on the field," Frankston says. "You go out and have a drink with the other team afterward."
Rappahannock tops West Potomac 34-20 for its second win of the season. Once the game is done, both teams head to a local bar for drinks and to announce their players of the game.
Any anger is left behind. Laughter, socializing and team bonding are the part of the game taken home from the pitch.
ON THE NET: fredrugby.com
