Where’s the Game? Grand Prarie!

You thought I was going to say “Glencoe” or “Lake Highlands”, didn’t you.

Like most metroplex drivers, the City of Dallas can’t handle the rain or the moisture it leaves in its wake. Lots of last minute hustling by your club leadership has secured us another field to play on: the Maverick’s field in Grand Prarie.

2501 E. Main St., Grand Prairie, Texas

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• Players report: 1:30 PM
• A Game Kick off: 3:30 PM
• B’s, ROTtens, Deadwood immediately after A game.: 5 PM

Embrace your inner DARCness and make it happen!

Where’s Richie? Cairo!

A funny thing happened on the way to Cairo.

That's not good.

Check the Bhubesi Pride / Rugby In Africa for more on the story.

And Behold, the Lightness was brought forth by the DARCness!

DARC defeats U. St. Thomas: 22 – 12

DARC traveled to Houston Saturday and came back from 12 point deficit to score 4 tries and one conversion and defeat University of St. Thomas: 22-12.

UStT’s defense was tenacious through the whole game but DARC finally found the keys to defending against their strong attacks.

Tries: Tolar, Green, Glover, Harbor.
CK: Ducray

DARC is now 3-1.

Chris Bergstrom (8-Man, Center) sent in this brief report of the game from a player’s perspective.

It was a fantastic rugby day on the 14th of January in Houston against St Thomas. It was a slow start for DARC offensively, but our defense was superb. In the first half DARC and St Thomas exchange hits and possession quite often. The scrums were a bit unstable and St Thomas’ pack are big and strong. Mistakes made by DARC not rolling away after tackles gave St Thomas great field position for a score and conversion. DARC did not learn from our mistakes let the same events happen, but right before the half DARC drives down field and Karl takes a banger to the right for the score ending the half 12-5.

But the second half was all DARC. With substitutions and rearranging some positions, DARC finally gets the ball rolling. With DARC receiving we smash and bang our way down field. With good passing to the backs and great off loading DARC passes the ball to at least ten different players moving down field 40 meters and finally landing in Ryan Greens hands for a try.

On the next kick off DARC breaks tackles and moves down field, sets up a good ruck and dishes the ball out to the backs all the way to the speedy feet of Rashad and he side steps and breaks tackles for a 30 meter run for a score. Garreth with the conversion.

Again DARC receives the kick off and DARC takes it up the field with great off loads and passing. St Thomas by now is worn out and hurting as their players are laying on the pitch and limping off the field. DARC gets awarded a penalty and a set scrum. Drew takes an eight man pick for 20 meters down field. With little time left, Troy picks the ball after a great ruck by the forwards and darts to the sideline for a 30 meter run and a try.

It was a hard fought game but DARC prevails, final score 22-12. DARC looks forward to hosting the Woodlands on the 28th.

Thanks, Chris!

(Finally, I got a player to submit their own write up!)

Spread me on toast or couple me with cheese.

DARC plays University of St. Thomas Saturday

For the first time in a very long time, DARC travels south of Austin to meet University of St. Thomas on Saturday. Kick off is at 2 PM.

If you are in the area or choose to head down and support your favorite rugby club, we’ll be playing at Rice.

2000 Rice Blvd & Stadium Rd., Houston, TX 77030

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Where’s Richie? Turkey.

Having conquered England, pillaged France, ransacked Switzerland, invaded Italy via the Alps like Hannibal, and taking a rest in Greece, Richie has now entered Turkey. Former Asia Minor. Several times the seat of power in that area of the world, Holy Roman Empire, Ottoman Empire, etc.

With the Bhubesi Pride team, he’s taking the DARCness international. Two continents down, one to go!

Here’s the back of his head as they plan their entry into Egypt.

Richie In Turkey

Stay Tuned.

No sleep ’til Cape Town!

New Year, Same Game

Rugby season kicks in to higher gear now. 7 games left. 3 trips to Houston area. If we keep the practices up like Tuesdays, we’ll get better that much faster!

• January 14 to Houston to play the University of St. Thomas.
• January 28 host The Woodlands (and we’ll have a second side, right guys?)
• February 18 host Shreveport
• February 25 travel to Houston to play Bay Area
• March 10 host University of St. Thomas
• March 24 travel to the Woodlands
• March 31 host Frisco for the final game of the regular season.

Time to Do Work!

Susan Davis: In Memorium

Susan and Ron Davis

Susan Kelly Davis, wife of former DARC President Ron Davis, passed away recently in a tragic automobile accident. Susan and Ron were founding members of DARC. They were long time supporters of the Dallas Blues and were instrumental in the growth and success of DARC.

Ron and Susan relocated home to Australia several years ago to be closer to their sons and grandchildren. Susan had a dream of owning her own business and just this past year she and Ron had purchased a laundry facility in resort area in Australia. The business was off to a good start.

Susan was a nurturing influence to all of the lads that played for the club. Their house was always open and friendship easily extended. There were many pool parties at their home in Richardson, many pints drank, and many great memories made with Susan and Ron.

Donate to the Komen Foundation in Susan's Memory

In lieu of flowers Ron told me that Susan would prefer a donation to the Susan G. Komen foundation. DARC will make a donation on behalf of Susan to the foundation and are accepting additional donations via paypal to add to the gift. We would like to make this donation by January 10th. Your donation is tax deductible and goes to a great cause on behalf of a great woman.

Respectfully,
Jason Swick
DARC

Practice back at Holford this week!

We are back at Holford Park this week, practice starts at 7 P.M.

Stay focused and in shape over the break!

DARC defeats BARC: 15-5

In a tough defensive battle, DARC was able to defeat the previously undefeated Bay Area. DARC is now 2-1 in cup play.

DARC: 15 (2,1,1,0) – Bay Area: 5 (1,0,0,0)

Tries: Schoemaker, Green

CK: Ducray

PK: Ducray

The first try came about 30 minutes in. DARC won a scrum under pressure, Troy threw a diving pass to Gareth, pass to Phil who crashed, quick ruck and out wide again to Aaron, then Marc (I think) to Green who made a couple of steps but got stood up but offloaded to Aaron on the loop. Aaron stepped back, chipped then chased.

The second try was from some rucking on the near side about our own 25-30. I forgot who picked and passed but Brad Luyt was there and his long legs took him 60 m down the sideline, about to get taken out of bounds, he offloaded to Ryan who got past a defender to finish it and dot it down between the posts. (It’s possible Troy was in the middle there – I couldn’t see well and the details are fading from memory). Gareth converted.

Near full time, DARC had a penalty kick midfield about 30 m out and Gareth punched it through.

Big thanks to the whole side for the intense defense, and the players we couldn’t get on this day: Doug Portis, Marty Haest and old boys Steven Braxton and JT Hardin.

Next Game: January 14 vs. University of St. Thomas in Houston.

Next Home Game: January 28 vs Woodlands.

Practice continues!

DARC Home Opener vs Bay Area on Saturday

Lake Highlands, kick off at 2 PM.

Players to be at pitch kitted up 12:30.

Fans, supporters, family, friends of family, old boys, not-so-old but taking a break boys, and ladies . . .  let’s end 2011 with a lot of support for DARC’s first season back in Division II.

And then, to Stan’s Blue Note to have some Frankonia!