2011 Season Recap

June 5: Blake High School - Hopkins 
Finals MN HS Rugby Championship

Edina Hornets RFC vs Southside Barbarians RFC

The Stadium at Blake High School was set for the season grand finale, and the second meeting of the two top teams in Minnesota. A fitting end to a great run by both teams proved to be exciting and kept the spectators on the edge of their seats until the final moments of the match.

The Hornets moved the ball well, controlled their own scrums, and set up rucks like a well-oiled machine, owning the first half with one try, and two well-placed penalty kicks the score was run up 11 to 0 all but knocking the wind out of the Barbarians.

With a half-time talk that served to adjust more than just their attitude, the Barbarians assembled to receive the ball to begin the second half of the game.

The Hornets loaded on another penalty kick to add to their lead and despite the high number of Southside penalties, the attack of the bellicose Barbarians overcame the comfortable lead held by the Hornets. Answering the scoring debit with two trys, and one conversion (with eleven minutes left in regulated playing time), the Hornets held a two-point lead until the final moments of the match. A penalty assessed against the Hornets, allowed the Barbarians to tee-up a shot and split the uprights to secure the lead and end the game 14 to 15.

Final Score: Edina Hornets (14) Southside Barbarians (15)

This game will be a highlight for the Barbarians as they walk away from a season that brought young men together from six high schools, working their way forward, through adversities and worthy opponents, gaining respect and admiration from their friends, family and fans.

Great season, great final!

Cheers to all!

June 4: National Sport Center - Blaine 
Semi Finals MN HS Rugby Championship

South Metro Tigers RFC vs Southside Barbarians RFC

These two clubs paired off for the third time this season, but this game had more on-the-line than a win or a loss. Because, the rivalry between these two teams goes deep, it is always played with heart and plenty of raw talent.

The Barbarians scored twice before the Tigers squeezed in a score to tighten the race. Southside managed another try towards the end of the game and sealed the victory.

Congratulations to both teams for another season of qualifying play, and the entertainment for all of us that had the chance to witness the action on the pitch.


May 31: Richfield (Home Field) Qrt Finals MN HS Rugby

Duluth, North Shore RFC (visitors) vs. Southside, Barbarians RFC (home)

The North Shore ruggers blew into Minneapolis with a bus-load of players, coaches, fans and wind. Making the visiting team feel right-at-home.

The game began with solid play from both teams. Ball movement went back and forth along the pitch, for a good portion of the first half, until Southside found the momentum to take their first try against Duluth. From that point on, Southside slipped into a comfort zone and began building the score, taking the game away from their opponents.

The final score may have been lopsided, but the play by both teams was far from uneven. Duluth had some very good strength on their side, they should do well in the upcoming tournament. We wish them all the best.

U19: 0 - 53 Southside win

Note: Although the U17 team had a great season, they did not qualify for the playoffs. A special “thank you” goes to all the members of this team. Building on their success puts a silver lining for next year's season. You all deserve special recognition for your efforts, and we enjoyed watching your games very much.

P.S. All the other U17 teams are breathing a sigh of relief for the playoffs.

As Southside moves on to the Semi Finals, we must not forget, and will always appreciate the support of family/friends/fans, the officiating team, and the top notch socialists - providing the feast after the game.

May 26: Richfield (Home Field)

Minnetonka (visitors) vs. Southside (home)

This was the final test for the regular season. And what a great season this has been!

Working/playing together, building strength and skills, theses young men can take the next step (on or off the pitch) to a better future and share the glory of all their victories over some of the very best teams in Minnesota.

U17 ruggers took the pitch first, and the battle ensued, making for a great game to watch.

Scoring was kept to a minimum in the first half, with Minnetonka having the edge 7 to 5. The rest of the game belonged to Southside, but not without a valiant effort of a stingy defense presented by Minnetonka.

U17: 24 - 7 Southside win

The next match of the evening was frosting on the cake, for our U19 Southside Barbarians.

The size advantage went to Southside, so when the call from the sideline to "ruck-over-that" was made, (more often than not) it was done! Not-to-mention the movement of the ball, to the backs, looked stellar, decisive and effective. All that aside, Minnetonka kept their heads up and didn't back away from the game.

U19: 68 - 7 Southside win

(both scores are unofficial)

Rest-up, over the weekend, take time to remember those who served our country, and come back next week for the beginning of the State High School Tournament.

Good luck Barbarians!

A special shout to all the fans, parents and those softball fans who were curious enough to watch (wide-eyed) the great game of rugby, along with a hooray for the officials, and a warm hug to those that brought/served at the social.

May 20: Richfield (Home Field)

Every week Southside faces a new challenge, and Hopkins provided a very disciplined team, and quick backfield action, kept Southside on the alert to prevent this from being a repeat of last years match-up.

Both Barbarians U17 and U19 teams played their hearts-out, taking home another win on the season.

Thanks to the officials, Richfield Middle School, and the parents/fans that supported to players.

U17: 31 - 36 Southside win (forfeit to Hopkins)
U19: 15 - 18 Southside win

(both scores are unofficial)

May 13: Edina

Two excellent teams matched up for these games between the U17 and U19 rugby players.

Held at the Edina Pitch (Kuhlman Field) on a beautiful evening (with no rain).

Thanks go out to the Edina Hornets RFC for providing the pitch, the social and a overall great evening of rugby.

U17: 24 - 10 Southside win
U19: 31 - 16 Southside win

May 6: Shoreview

U17 started the evening on the lush pitch provided by Mounds View Rugby Club (and the North Oaks Community).

Mounds View (Mustangs) weren't quite able to match the Barbarians abilities, but did display great ball handling skills and knowledge of the game. Southside put their well-coached-skills all-out, with the results, that lead to another win. One note aside: only one conversion was missed in eight attempts (many launched closer to touch than the center of the posts)

U19 was a meeting of two very good teams, the Barbarians score first, and the Mustangs answered a little later. Trys weren't as liberal for Southside during this game, but the Barbarians showed-up to prove they could play with the best, showing a command for disrupting line-outs, taking away the advantage in the scrum, along with great team effort for the Pack and the Backs.

Thanks go out to the Mustangs for hosting the game, the officials for their top-notch refereeing skills, and all the fans who came to watch. The players were well provided for at the social, and a great night of rugby was played-out in the shadow of Kevin McHale's house.

U17: 61 - 0 Southside win
U19: 31 - 16 Southside win

April 29: Burnsville

Gonna skip the weather report, and go right to rugby:

Burnsville Bruisers hosted the Southside Barbarians in a contest that somewhat resembled a rugby game.

With a shorter than average length to the pitch, spectators should have seen less action out of the Barbarians backs, but that was not the case in this game. Speed and agility were leading factors to a backline that scored try after try.

Congratulations to the Bruisers as the first team to score a try (penalty) against Southside.

The game will be broadcast on Burnsville Cable TV ch14 Tuesday night at 7PM.

Southside 57 - Burnsville 10

April 26: Richfield (Home Field)

The following is written in absentia:

Reports have it that the pitch was a big'ol slip'n slide, Rogers team needed a few players (I wasn't the only one MIA) so the game played on, with a lopsided result, and no official score to report.

I lament to not have seen this fine team in action.

There was a try scored against the Barbarians (first one this year), but it was scored by one of our guys, (that we spotted them). Another highlight being an 8-man pick at mid-field to score, and a conversion by the same.

U17: A Bunch - A Little  Southside win

If you couldn't make it to the pitch and Richfield Middle School on this date, I'm sure your excuse was as good as mine.

Cheers go out to those that played, watched, officiated and supported our U17 ruggers.

April 22: Richfield (Home Field)

Good Friday? For some maybe, for others it was cool, overcast, and the mist was at a minimum, but the overcast sky, was holding back while both U17 teams warmed-up. And during the match, we had pea sized hail accumulating on the pitch and the players. This made for a second week in-a-row of crumby weather, not gonna complain though, at least we weren't out there to watch a soccer game.

The evening began with the U17 Southside Barbarians, hosting the Wayzata Panthers, taking the pitch. The Barbarians scored first, second, third and last. But Wayzata never gave up, if not for the goal-line-stance by the Barbarians (on more than one occasion) the Panthers would have made the score tighter. Very good game played by both teams, despite the rain, hail, and wind.

U19 Ruggers played second, and despite the lopsided score (and spotting the other team a few players) the game had some high-lights (both the front pack and the back line made plenty-o-play that will be remembered by the fans) . . . (more later, I gotta go eat) . . . okay, I'm back (and a restaurant review of http://www.senyai-senlek.com is: good food, if I must say so myself.) This team still has work to prove it belongs at the top, so keep working hard at practice, stay healthy, believe in your coaches, stay in school, and you may see more results like this:

U17: 22 - 0 Southside win
U19: 53 - 0 Southside win

Thanks to all the fans that showed up on a dark and stormy night, the social workers (mom's and dad's who provided/served up the grub), the officials, and Richfield Middle School.

April 15: Eagan Community Center

What would Minnesota High School Rugby be, if there wasn't at least one game day that added snow/rain/wind to the evening?

South Metro Tigers RFC vs Southside Barbarians RFC:

In the last few years this rivalry has been built into a top notch action, with the Tigers finishing third in State (last season) as their only loss came to the hands (and hearts) of the Barbarians in the semi-finals of tournament play.

The Tigers hosted both U19 and U17 on top of the mountain in Eagan and the effects of the wind, snow and rain didn't benefit either side of the ball.

When both games were played out, and the ice chips were flying sideways o're the pitch, the results were as follows.

U19: 22 - 0 Southside win
U17: 14 - 0 Southside win

Three cheers to South Metro for hosting the game, one for the fans, and one for the sir!

April 09: SJU H.S. Invitational

First: A special thanks to St. John's University for setting up this High School Showcase. And to all the friends and family that came to watch the boys begin to polish their skills for the new season.

The three games scheduled were against Duluth, St. Michael - Albertville, and South Metro.

It was great to see the seasoned veterans in action again, and exciting to watch the rookies getting a taste of the game.

Scores showed Southside strengths by holding the opposition out of the try zone in all three games! With the exception of South Metro being able to rack-up enough points with penalty kicks to take the game away from us.

We look forward to a great season.

Good luck gentlemen; stay strong, healthy and listen to your coaches.

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2010 Season Recap

April 10: SJU H.S. Invitational

Games Played against St. Michael/Albertville and Hopkins were very good and it looks like this may have been a great preview to this coming season of H.S. Rugby.

Both U17 and U19 teams participated and made their presence known.

Big thanks to St. John's University, the parents, and the fans that showed up.

It was a great day to play Rugby (and take a long walk through the woods.)

April 16: Eagan Community Center

U17: Southside needed somebody to play against and Robinsdale showed up. Southside suppressed the speed of the backfield and held Robinsdale to three trys in the first half and one in the second (plus a penalty field goal) while scoring two trys of their own.

Result: Robinsdale over Southside 25 - 12. (score not official)

U19: Played very well against Eastview, made some improvements in the early season, and showed other areas where polish is still needed.

Result: Southside over Eastview 54 - 0

Thanks to the officials, the fans and all the volunteers that brought food for the social afterwards. And a special thanks to Eastview for hosting, and Eagan Community Center for providing the Pitch.

April 23: Richfield (Home Field)

U17: Southside vs South Metro - Teams were well matched as Southside prevailed with a last second try and conversion.

Result: Southside over South Metro 22 - 20

U19: Southside vs South Metro - The back line for South Metro gave Southside more than it could handle, and resulted in a very disappointing loss to the home team.

Result: South Metro over Southside 22 - 5

Thanks to all the fans, friends and parents who showed up, Richfield Middle School for the game pitch.

April 30: Mankato State University & Western Allience

Southside needed to split their U17 and U19 teams this week and travel to different locations to get their games in.

U17: Southside vs Western Alliance (U19) - Western Alliance over Southside
(no score reported)

U19: Southside vs Sioux Falls, both teams had to travel for this match. (Game played at Mankato State University)

Result: Southside over Sioux Falls 89 - 0

(Sorry for the lack of details.)

May 7: Hopkins

Despite the cold wet conditions there was a Rugby game to be played.

U17: Hopkins made up for an preseason loss to Southside, with a very lopsided score, our boys played very well and never gave up.

U19: Hopkins needed to come from behind to make up for a twelve point deficit, that Southside was able to score in the first half, making three unanswered trys in the second half to beat our boys 15 to 12.

Thanks to Hopkins for hosting, the officials, the friends and family that showed up on a night that it should have snowed.

May 14: Edina

Remember when it was cold and rainy and cold? Friday evening had none of that.

Great games for both U17 and U19 (and both teams) very evenly matched.

U17: Southside played to a tie (14-14) in a very exciting game.

U19: Southside went back and forth trading scores with Edina throughout the game, holding on to a lead within the final minutes of the match.

Thanks to the Edina Hornets RFC for hosting the game and providing a very nice social afterwords. To the officials, for keeping things under control. And to the friends, family and fans that come out and watch.

May 21: Richfield (Home field)

Another great evening to play some Rugby!

East Metro (Bulldogs) and South Metro (Tigers) came for a visit to the home field of Southside RFC (Barbarians).

The U19 game was played first against East Metro, and for the first half, the Bulldogs were scrappy enough to score 12 of their own while keeping the Barbarians within reach (twenty-some points). At the half, adjustments were made by the Barbarians, and none of their trys were answered.

Result: Southside over East Metro 65 to 12 (score not official)

U17: This was more or less a grunge match. (These two teams met earlier in the year, and Southside overcame a deficit in the score to win in the last seconds of play.)

With pride on the line, the Barbarians again had to come form behind (twice) but held the lead for a much longer period of time, even with a valiant effort of the Tigers last drive.

Result: Southside over South Metro 21 to 15

Great social afterwards (thanks to all the food donations).

Thanks (as always) to the officials, fans, coaches and players. Special thanks to Richfield Middle School, for providing the Pitch.

May 27: Richfield (Home field)

U17: Playoff game - Southside vs St. Michael-Albertville

Result: Southside had to forfeit a victory (26 over 15) to SMA. (SS didn't have enough U17 players to field a team)

Thanks to Richfield Middle School for providing the home field this season, it's a great pitch, and it's been an honor to have played there this year.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to the social, to the officials, and the fans.

May 28: Burnsville

U19: Playoff game - Burnsville vs Southside

Burnsville came into this game undefeated and played well throughout the game to prove their season was every bit deserved. But Southside matched the skill of the home team, and took it up a notch.

With playoffs a week away the Barbarians outscored Burnsville 29 to 7.

Thanks to BRC for providing the pitch, and the social that followed.

The officials were top-notch, and the fans were . . . fantastic!

June 5: National Sport Center - Blaine

The day began with a chance of rain, and it did, not like last year, but enough to make any space under an umbrella, tarp or tent a very popular place to be.

U19 Southside Barbarians played first, against the undefeated South Metro Tigers. And the match-up between these two Minneapolis teams couldn't have been better.

The Barbarians struck first, and took a lead into the half. The Tigers made several runs to deflate their deficit, late in the game, but couldn't overcome the scoring of the Southsiders.

Great game by both teams who earned a birth in the semi final round of the Minnesota High School Rugby Club championship playoffs.

Result: Barbarians over the Tigers 31-19


U17: After watching their U19 mates secure a spot in the championship match, the U17 Barbarians had to prove themselves.

Accepting no less than a fifth place spot in their division, the Southside players took on "the other city team" - again, we played South Metro. And the result was another close fought match, but the Southside team advance, defeating the Tigers 10 to 5 (score not official) in the rain.

Advancing to the next round/opponent, Southside took on Plymouth and narrowly won with a score of 7 to 5, taking fifth place in the State, and lots of promise for quality rugby in years to come.

Congratulation to this U17 team, who always played top level matches, and gave opponents their best efforts, and their fans great games to watch.

Good luck in the future, and we look forward to see what you'll bring to the pitch next year.

June 6: National Sport Center - Blaine

The State Championship was on-the-line between the undefeated Minnetonka RFC and the Southside Barbarians RFC. While the Barbarians were thought (by most) to be the Underdogs, these two teams entered the Pitch with a single purpose . . .

Southside opened up a 12 to nothing lead, and answered each of the trys that Minnetonka scored. Making this the best test of the whole season.

Result: Southside over Minnetonka 29 to 19

Congratulations to both teams for making it to the Championship game, it was an exciting game to watch, we wish you all well in life, and in the game of Rugby.