Game number two of the Indy Impala’s spring season kicked off against the South Side Irish at 1:00 pm on March 26. The impalas took the SSI field in freezing weather looking to avenge the last week loss to the Chicago Blaze. The opening kick off to the impalas was knocked on by SSI awarding the Impalas a 22 drop that later led to a 5 meter line out that was won by Joe Walker. Then after a set piece the ball was kicked out to the Impala’s fastest and #1 wing Clinton Meehan who took it for the first try of the day for Indy. The kick was no good from the far right side line, making it 5-0 Indy. After back and forth play from both teams SSI scored their first try and missed the extra point, making 5-5. Indy kicked off and SSI drove the ball to the middle of the field where they converted a Indy penalty into 3 points on an easy kick, making it 8-5 SSI. Indy won the ensuing kick off but quickly turned over the ball that led to another try by SSI; kick was good making it 12- 8 SSI. Both teams battled for possession leading to Bluff injuring his nose, blood sub, in enters Rodger. After a SSI scrum won by Indy the backs fumble the ball to the Irish leading to another easy try, kick good making it 19-8 SSI. In the past this could have meant trouble for the Indy team, but what SSI did was woke up a sleeping giant that had been waiting to run someone over all winter. Indy kick the ball and the ball fell into the hands of the giant himself Mike Peterson who rumbled down the field for a long run inside the 22, this lead to a penalty tap that M. Peterson easy took in for a try under the post, kick was good making it 19-15 SSI. This was a key moment in the game that showed the Impalas weren’t going down without a fight. Bluff reenters at flanker for Rodger. SSI kicked the ball off to Indy. After a couple lineouts won by Joe Walker, Indy turned the ball over and SSI ran it in for another try, kick no good making it 24-15 SSI. Indy’s kick to SSI led to a line out that Indy won leading to two crash balls by Geno that opened up a Scott Peterson try, kick was good making it 24-22 SSI.
Halftime
Indy’s kick to SSI led to a stolen ball by the Impalas. After a won scrum Scott Peterson scored his second try, kick good giving Indy a 29-24 lead. Pat Sawyers left with a blood sub with Stuckey coming in at second row. Pat soon reentered for Kenny Leffel who went out with an injury. After back and forth play from both sides, SSI almost drove in a try but Indy held the ball up and the try was saved. Subs entered with 15 minutes remaining in the game. Geno moved to inside center, watch out. Didn’t last long first pop ball from Scott led to bloody nose. Bluff reenters for Geno, Rodger moves to center. With the game still close, Clinton took it in his hands to put it away for good with a blazing long run for a try, kick was good putting Indy up 36-24. With tough play for the remaining 5 minutes the Indy Impalas left Chicago with a 36-24 win over the South Side Irish.
Back of the Game: Clinton Meehan
Forward of the Game: Mike Peterson
Written By: Geno Witchger
No mention of the social…that’s good.