This past weekend kicked off the beginning of the 2011 Spring season for the Impalas. Contending was a formidable opponent in the Chicago Blaze, a team that went 10-0 last Fall in Division II and are working toward a strong run at the Final 4 this year. The Blaze, a near mirror image of the Indy Impala team of 2009 as far as their current position and ambitions, has a schedule of Div. 1 teams prior to the tournament this May.
As with most Indy non-tournament seasons in the spring, it seemed to be a couple weeks too late in brushing off the dust, but although ending in a loss, there was plenty to be gained from the outing. There were many familiar faces, but with the implementation of a couple key new positions, it is clear that the future has a lot of potential. New starting prop, Peter Decoursey, showed tremendous improvement in his first start, and even after leaving 5 min into the second half with a shoulder injury, had proven enough to earn himself “Man of the Match” with his aggressive play in the set piece, and surprisingly good open field demonstrations. Altogether, the pack had an outstanding game in the scrums, and with Jon Koers leading the lineouts, they looked better than they have in years. The pack also welcomed back Flanker/Hooker, Zach Shutterly to the lineup, after a few year hiatus, who looked right at home with a great day of defense and ball maintenance.
The first half was a near stalemate ending in a 7-5 lead by the Blaze. Chicago committed an innumerable amount of penalties, but the Impalas just did not seem to have the cohesiveness to capitalize. Even though the sole try of the first half came from an extra effort from Jon Koers, Jerry Woodward and Mike Temple stemming off a drive from a penalty, there were many other opportunities that went unrewarded. But for the number of penalties consented by Chicago, there was an equal number of knocked balls for Indy. Turnovers and open field defense plagued the Impalas in the second half and proved to be the deciding factor as after taking an early lead of 12-7 in the 2nd half off a penalty try, the game quickly slipped away. Fortunately, Indy’s modus operandi of getting their backs to the try line and standing their ground has not seemed to be left behind in the winter break or this match could have got way out of hand. The Blaze were a very organized club with a strong link between their pack and backline, and were the perfect team to serve as a competitive reminder that, although the club is not competing for the Div. I title this spring, these matches require the same training, organization, and commitment from each player as if they were.
One final observation of opening day is one that certainly leaves a good taste for fans of Indy Rugby. With an inevitable “L” awaiting the win/loss column, and only a couple minutes remaining in a potential 33-12 disheartening defeat, the Impalas maintained their composure and determined themselves to score again before the final whistle. As if the last bit of dust was removed from the last reserve jersey, a simple, but efficient attack was manifested. Primed by a great kickoff and support, Indy was able to recover possession within the Blaze territory. With no time on the clock, the ball was moved through the backline to a well positioned second row, Dave Butz, who after pummeling an unsuspecting fullback, found support from winger Clinton Meeham and scrumhalf Mike Temple, creating an opportunity for Al Thompson to pick and jam it in for a try. Following 1 of Scott Peterson’s 2 conversions on the day, the game resulted in a 33-19 match that Indy could hold their heads up about.
In conclusion, a big a thanks to all the fans that came out to support the team and to Indy Parks for providing the club with a place to call home. It was a beautiful day to get the 2011 season off to a start. It would be nice to win them all, but sometimes a loss is the best way to start a great season.
Next Week: @ Chicago South Side Irish
