Jr Blackjacks compete in U19 7s

Las Vegas Invitational Tournaments
Feb. 11 2011 (Field #16 8am-5ish)
After a well fought 15 a-side game, the Jr. Blackjacks were back on the field again to play some more. This time it was 7s and again playing against kids older, bigger and sometime faster. The Jr. Blackjacks landed in pool B with some well establish teams. Jr. Blackjack’s first game kickoff off at 8am against Cherry Creek Rugby Club from Colorado. The game did not start till 9ish due to miscommunication of what field the U19 7s were to play at. After arriving at the correct field and a quick warm-up and a prayer, the Jr. Blackjacks were ready. The Blackjacks played well spinning the ball wide and attacking the wing. We made several breaks but had no support to finish. This was the Blackjacks first game at playing 7s so the supporting line was lacking. But a few quick words and adjustment the Blackjacks were back at attacking again. “One more pass” became the word of the day as we fell short of the try line due to not passing the ball one more time to the open player. Overall the Jr. Blackjacks played well and performed well against a well-trained and older opponent.
The Jr. Blackjacks then took on Valley Center Avengers Rugby Club. Blackjacks came out firing and score 2 beautiful tries to take the lead. But due to experience and fitness then Blackjacks fell short of another opportunity to win. Also there were some questionable tackling techniques by the opponent. The players began to gel as team and understand how to compete in 7s compare to 15s style rugby.
The Final game of the day was against Arizona Bobcats. Due to the lateness of all the games due to miscommunication on the event organization we found out 5 minutes before kickoff we are to play. So with no time to warm up and trying to name my starting 7s we took the field. Arizona scored first with some awesome display of quick hands and speed. We finally regroup and started to work our way down the field. But questionable call by the ref game the Arizona the ball and they beat us outside. After the game the Arizona coach came over and was impress with the how the kids played and want to schedule more game against us in the future. I told him we would love to play them soon.
After the final standing of the pools we found our self in the Bowl bracket and were schedule to play our fourth game of the day. But the team we were supposed to play, never showed up. So we made it to the Semi-final the next day. But we forfeited the game so that the players can go and watch the International teams play and enjoy the weekend. Was it a good choice? Yes, because on Saturday I saw the parents and the players enjoy the atmosphere, the games, fan festival and just everything about the USA 7s. I am just happy the kids played with heart and never gave in. I look forward to training and train the Jr. Blackjacks to be the team to beat next year in the LVI. “Respect, Responsibility, Rugby”

Jr. Blackjacks compete in the LVI and left as Champions!

Las Vegas Invitational Tournament (LVI)
Feb. 10 2011 (Field #3 330pm)
The Nursery Field located outside of the Sam Boyd Stadium was filled with rugby players from around the nation and world. All types of accent, color, sizes came to Las Vegas to participate in the most exciting game call rugby and to watch 16 International teams compete to who is king of Las Vegas 7s. The Las Vegas Rugby Academy (Jr. Blackjacks) players were also part of the crowd. A feeling of excitement and butterfly filled the air. Each player from the academy looked ready to what was awaiting them on the rugby pitch. The Jr. Blackjacks’ opponent was Edina Rugby Club from Minnesota and was entering their 13 year as a club. Before the match I had a brief meeting and introduction with the Edina Coaching staff. Edina club had a lot of experience players and been playing rugby for a lot longer than all of the LVRA players. I was concern with the size and age of the Edina rugby players compares to his LVRA players (average age is 13 and the oldest player was 16yrs old). After a quick meeting with the parents of the LVRA and all feeling fine with the kids playing, the coaches got the players dressed and ready to go.
The Jr. Blackjacks did their team warm up and split into forward and backs. Jr. Blackjacks captain Isaac K. lost the coin toss and Edina chose to receive the ball. I believe I was more nervous then players. But with a prayer and a loud “Vegas Rugby” the butterfly flew away and I was ready to see some rugby action. The kickoff was good with some good chase from the forwards. I was amazed at how the Jr. Blackjacks kept tackling and kept their defensive system strong. Each player calling “Ruck, Guard, Post” and point to who had what man. The Edina used their size to attack the smaller forwards. But to my surprise as well as Edina, the Jr. Blackjacks forwards reply back with hard hitting tackles and held their own. After 15 minutes of playing defense, Edina scored a try beating us out wide after failing to beat us in the middle. I was proud of how well the players played and how well they respond to every breakdown and no matter what the score was, they kept fighting. Edina found that the only way they were going to beat the Jr. Blackjacks was go wide and use their speed cause the Jr. Blackjacks defensive system in the middle was solid. This was a great improvement for the players as the week before they had a hard time defending. They score did not reflect how well the players played. This moment was one of my fondest and beats any other feeling I had in my rugby experience to see how much the players played with their hearts. At every breakdown we competed, at every scrum we pushed and every lineout we fought. Edina coaching staff and players had nothing but positive feedback. The head coach of Edina said he was shocked at how well the kids tackled and organized they were around the breakdown, in a few years the Jr. Blackjacks will be a team to reckon with.
No words can express the feeling I had after the game and how proud I was with each player and how they played with their hearts. Playing with heart cannot be taught or learn, that something you have to find by yourself and the Jr. Blackjacks had heart that day. After the game I got a lot of good comments from players, coaches, former international and international players who saw the kids play. They were amazed to see 12 years old compete against 17-18 years old. As a reward for the kids, Fox was there to interview Mele and get the kids on the 10pm news. It was awesome to see the kids on the news and I know they were on cloud nine when they saw it as well. I look forward for more games and training to enhance the player’s skills and hopefully see all compete in professional, elite and maybe International level. Rugby, we dare you to TRY!!