Cherry Creek Rugby

Cherry Creek Rugby Football Club Post Season

Cherry Creek Rugby Football Club entered the Rugby Colorado post season, as the Division II favorites, after finishing the season a perfect 8 wins and 0 losses.  With their sights set on the championship game on May 11th CC RFC had two stop the efforts of two opponents before making it to that game. 

The first game on April 30th, was held at Dick’s Sporting Goods park and featured a rematch with the number 8 seed, the Boulder Valley Lions.  In what did not appear to be the strongest outing by the boys, they did what they needed to do to walk away with a victory and advance to the semi finals.

The semi finals were held on May 7th at Dick’s field as well.  Again, the game, was a rematch of an early season match, this time against the Littleton Eagles.  Having played the Eagles before CC RFC knew the match would not be a pushover.  On a warm spring day, the two sides slugged it out, matching each other at the break down, and both sides playing stellar defense.  Though Creek jumped out to an early lead, with inside center, Danny Miklin, creating space and offloading a perfect pass to Eric Pettis, for the try, they found themselves down at half time and were trailing most of the second half.  With two minutes to go in the game, CC RFC was awarded a penalty inside the Littleton half, and using good game sense, made the right choice and elected to kick for points.  Fly-Half, Sam Mason, showed great composure and left any doubt as to weather the ball had gone thru the posts, and pushed Creek to a 15-14, lead.  Tough defense and the desire to win, came through and at the final whistle, Creek had won, and earned the chance to play for the Division II title. 

Wednesday, May 11, 2011, was the day for the finals to be played at Infinity Park in Glendale, CO., Creeks opponent would be PAC Rugby, returning finalists.  The weather was not cooperating and the conditions turned out to be brutal.  With mother nature not sure on what she wanted to do, there was heavy rain, snow and sleet, throughout the day.  This did not hinder the spirit of the boys as they all showed up ready to play.  Through a quick warm up, and words from all the coaches, including past coach, John Oberly, the boys took the field. 

Though conditions made for tough handling, Creek did not let that hinder them, and took an early score to draw first blood.  Both sides traded long runs, and physical breakdowns to go into half time with Creek leading 15-0.  Creek played some of the best defense at the end of the first half to prevent PAC from crossing the line.

The second half belonged to Creek, scoring four more tries, to clinch the clubs first State title.  All of the 23 man roster was able to play that night and it was a night to remember.  Shortly after the trophy was presented, senior Danny Miklin, was presented with the Rugby Colorado, Student Athlete of the Year award.

The coaching staff cannot express how proud of all the players we are.  We thank everyone of them for the experience this season has been.  From the middle of February trip to Las Vegas, to the cold rainy Wednesday in May, it has been a great road.  We all look forward to many more.

The stars of the championship match where awarded as follows:

 

1 star - Matt Klasco

2 stars - Jared Morgan, Sam Mason

3 stars - Eric Pettis, Ben Pinkelman

 

John Bogdanoff

Head Coach

Cherry Creek Rugby Football Club.

 

 

 

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CHERRY CREEK RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB vs COLORADO SPRINGS GRIZZLIES

On Saturday,  and on short notice, Cherry Creek accepted and invitation from the #3 nationally ranked, Colorado Springs Grizzlies, to play a friendly match.  Remembering the size and speed of the previous years squad, Cherry Creek, knew they would have their hands full. 

Colorado Springs are a well drilled, well coached side, and it showed as they held possession of the ball for a majority of the first quarter.  The boys did not roll over for the Grizzlies, and through tough tackling, and controlled phase play of their own, only allowed the Grizzlies to cross the goal line once. 

The Grizzlies continued to show why they are ranked so highly and continued to control possession.  Cherry Creek played some of their best defense of the year, with superb tackling from Ryan McManus, Ben Pinkelman, and Danny Miklin, leading the tackle count.  The final score of the scrimmage was 24-8, Colorado Springs, although the effort  and grit the team showed was superb. 

This was a great way to end the regular season, and begin the post season, by knowing we could hang in with the best in the state.  The boys and coaches will now turn their focus to the post season and winning the Division II championship. 

On Behalf of all the coaching staff, a big THANK YOU, to all the players, their families and friends for the great league season, and we are all looking forward to a better post season!!

 

The stars of the match where awarded as follows:

 

1 star - Ryan McManus

2 stars - Ben Pinkelman

3 stars - Hayden Teehan

 

John Bogdanoff

Head Coach

Cherry Creek Rugby Football Club.

 

 

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CHERRY CREEK RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB vs WESTSIDE WARRIORS 4/20/2011

Cherry Creek Rugby Football Club, finished the league season with an away match against the Westside Warriors.  This game would determine if the boys would finish the season undefeated.  The game started scrappy with many Creek mistakes leading to the Warriors leading at half time  5-7.  The boys gathered themselves at half time and turned the table, running in 3 unanswered scores.  They kept their perfect season in tack and now turn their attention to the Colorado state championships. 

The boys elected to finish the season in Division II and week look forward to an undefeated post season as well.

The stars of the match where awarded as follows:

 

1 star - Ben Pinkelman

2 stars - Andrew Yarbourough

3 stars - Hayden Teehan

 

John Bogdanoff

Head Coach

Cherry Creek Rugby Football Club.

 

 

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CHERRY CREEK RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB vs FORT COLLINS YOUTH RUGBY 04/16/2011

Cherry Creek Rugby Football Club, had its last home game of the on Saturday and the same place they began it, the Stutler Bowl, on the Cherry Creek High School campus.  For the seniors, this was their last home game, and it seemed fitting that they finished here.  The boys seemed to be their own worst enemies this day, and left many opportunities unfinished.  Collecting themselves, like they usually do, they were able to run in 6 trys to Ft. Collins 3, and keep their perfect season in tack.  It was great to see the seniors in their last game here, and they will be missed next year.

 

The stars of the match where awarded as follows:

 

1 star - Vinny Gordon

2 stars - Ben Pinkelman

3 stars - Adrian Hughes.

 

John Bogdanoff

Head Coach

Cherry Creek Rugby Football Club.

 

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CHERRY CREEK RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB vs GRAND JUNCTION/JUNIOR GENTS 04/09/2011

Cherry Creek Rugby Football Club took a long road trip, on a large bus to the Western slope to square off against the Junior Gents, in Grand Junction.  Thanks to Coach Steve  Davis, and Mary Ann Rapport, mother of Brian Rapport, the boys traveled in style on a Gray Line bus.  Many of us had worried looks on our faces as we passed thru several heavy rain storms, high winds, and chilly temperatures, to be greeted by rain in Grand Junction.

Luckily the skies cleared, and the match went on.  The Gents showed up to play, and in a tightly contested match play was about dead even at the half way point.  Shortly in to the second half, Superman, Ben Pinkelman, picked the ball up off the back of a scrum deep in our half, ran around the blind side, and slipped tackles, for an 80 meter run, that ended in the try of the year.  You could hear the chants of “ 3 stars” after this magnificent run. 

The Gents kept all of us on the edge of our seats through physical play, although, they were unable to over take the will of the Cherry Creek squad.  The boys walked away with a well deserved 15-12 victory, keeping them at the top of the table.

 

The stars of the match where awarded as follows:

 

1 star - Ryan McManus

2 stars - Adrian Hughes

3 stars - Ben Pinkelman

  

John Bogdanoff

Head Coach

Cherry Creek Rugby Football Club.

 

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CHERRY CREEK RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB vs BOULDER VALLEY LIONS  04/06/2011

Cherry Creek Rugby Football Club was paid a visit by defending Division II champions, the Boulder Valley Lions.  The boys were expecting a lot from the current champs, and in the first 10 minutes the Cherry  Creek had to scramble on defense to prevent them from crossing the try line.  Showing organization and patience Creek crept past the midfield through several phases of play, and were awarded a penalty.  Flyhalf, Sam Mason, slotted the first penalty kick to put us on the board.  Moments later, Cherry Creek was awarded another shot at goal, and again, Sam Mason, left little doubt as to whether or not it had gone over.

After taking the lead 6-0, Cherry Creek, quickly took the reigns and controlled all aspects of the game.  With stout defense, and brilliant phase play between the forwards and backs, all 15 players on the field contributed to numerous scoring opportunities.  After all was said and done, Creek came off the field with a very convincing 62-0 win.

 

The stars of the match where awarded as follows:

1 star - Adrian Hughes

2 stars - Ben Pinkelman

3 stars - Ryan McManus

 

John Bogdanoff

Head Coach

Cherry Creek Rugby Football Club.

 

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CHERRY CREEK RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB vs AURORA SARACENS  3/23/2011

On Wednesday Cherry Creek Rugby Football Club squared off in a friendly match with top of table
Division 1 side, the Aurora Saracens.  On a chilly breezy afternoon, Cherry Creek showed up and made
a statement, that  they would not take a step back from anyone.  Aurora spent a bit of the first quarter
camped out in Creeks half, before wing Preston Weems was set up for a long try scoring run.  A stunned
Aurora allowed two more scores for the visiting side, that came about from smooth back line play.  Flyhalf,
Sam Mason, Inside Center, Michael Sauvage, and Outside Center, Eric Pettis, showed great back line
skills to create room to score tries.

 

While the home side came out strong in the second half, and scored twice, great try line defense by Creek,
prevented Aurora from scoring again, and ultimately Aurora would fall to the visiting side by a scoreline of
Cherry Creek 40 - Aurora Saracens - 14. 

 

The boys will get a much deserved break for spring break, and then it is back to business with a game
against a strong Boulder side on April 6.

 

The stars of the match where awarded as follows:

 

1 star - Sam Mason

2 stars - Andy Parker

3 stars - Brian Rapport

 

 

John Bogdanoff

Head Coach

Cherry Creek Rugby Football Club.

 

 

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CHERRY CREEK RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB vs LITTLETON EAGLES  03/16/2011

Cherry Creek Rugby Football Club faced off with the Littleton Eagles on a warm and sunny Wednesday afternoon. 
In what the club anticipated to be the toughest opponent to date, Littleton showed they came to play.  Cherry
Creek started slowly, spending a considerable time in the Eagles half, and coming away with no score.  Through
tough running, tackling and all around physical play, Littleton was able to break Cherry Creeks try line first. 
Cherry Creek held off a strong Littleton side for the rest of the half and went into half time down seven points. 

Showing resiliance,  toughness, and tremendous spirit, Cherry Creek stormed out of the gate for the second
half.  Through strong running from #8, Ben Pinkelman, #22 Erik Pettis, and Flyhalf Sam Mason, inside center,
Danny Miklin was able to cross the try line to level the scores.  The boys then showed patience, and
commitment to winning by allowing Sam Mason to take and score two penalty kicks to move Cherry Creek to
the top of the scoreboard.  A blocked kick, allowing Ben Pinkelman to score in the final minutes sealed the
victory, allowing Cherry Creek to remain undefeated.

The coaches could not have been more proud of the teamwork, and spirit that was displayed by the team in
the second half and applaud their effort.

 

The stars of the match where awarded as follows:

1 star - Erik Pettis
2 stars - Ben Pinkelman
3 stars - Sam Mason
 

John Bogdanoff
Head Coach
Cherry Creek Rugby Football Club.

 

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CHERRY CREEK RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB vs CASTLE ROCK CRUSADERS  03/09/2011

Cherry Creek Rugby Football Club continued their season with a win against the Northside Vikings on Wednesday
night.   

On a windy afternoon, CCRFC cruised to a victory that showed the CCRFC back line, of Michael Sauvage, Sam
Mason, Eric Pettis, and Preston Weems, link several smooth passing movements with tries scored under the
posts.  Northside did all they could to hold off the Cherry Creek offense and eventually the whistle blew, and
Cherry Creek walked off the field with another win.  Final score was CCRFC - 74, Northside Vikings - O. 
Cherry Creek will be tested next week with what we anticipate to be a tough match with the newly revived
Littleton Eagles.

The stars of the match where awarded as follows:

1 star - Hayden Teehan
2 stars - Sam Mason
3 stars - Preston Weems
4 stars - Tyler Mayden and Alex Moscowitz - They again showed great sportsmanship by helping the opposition. 

John Bogdanoff
Head Coach
Cherry Creek Rugby Football Club.

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CHERRY CREEK DEFEATS RANCH RUGBY 03/05/2011

On a sunny, salubrious day before a nice home crowd, Cherry Creek ran away from Ranch Rugby with the final
score 56-10.  There was good ball control by the scrum (Capt. Jarrod Morgan, Hayden Teehan, Brian Rapport,
Zach Wappelhorst, Tyler Madden, Brad Knudsen, Jason Miklin and Vinnie Gordon)  and some nice runs by
Jacob Puent, Hayden Teehan, Tyler Madden and Chris Colon.  However, the real story of this rugby game was
the sportsmanship shown by the Cherry Creek players that offered to play for Ranch Rugby.  Such is the
tradition of playing rugby and Alex Moskowitz, Andrew Yarborough, Jacob Puent, Christian Jha, Asher Frank and
Andrew Cooper earn 4 STARS for their starting roles with Ranch Rugby.  Also, thank you to the many other Cherry
Creek players that participated in the game for Ranch Rugby. 

The stars of the match where awarded as follows:

1 star - Jarrod Morgan
2 star - Tyler Mayden
3 star - Hayden Teehan
4 stars - Alex Moskowitz, Andrew Yarborough, Jacob Puent, Christian Jha, Asher Frank, Andrew Cooper

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steve Davis, Assistant Coach

 

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Cherry Creek Rugby Football Club v Castle Rock Crusaders 03/02/2011

 

On Wednesday night, Cherry Creek Rugby Football Club opened their league season with a match against the
start-up club, the Castle Rock Crusaders.  The match took place under the lights at the Stutler Bowl on the
Cherry Creek High School campus. 

 

In front of friends and family, the match started in high fashion.  Cherry Creek’s, Jay Pathnak, started with
a high kick, that allowed 8-man, Ben Pinkelman, to lay a punishing tackle on the unsuspecting Castle Rock
player.  This start was followed up by a quick score by Cherry Creek in the first five minutes. 

 

While Castle Rock showed they came to play, with hard rucking and tackling, the Cherry Creeks offense was
too strong, scoring often and from anywhere on the field.  Cherry Creek's defense prevented Castle Rock
from crossing the goal line.  When the final whistle sounded, Cherry Creek, was proved victorious by scoring
62 points to Castle Rock’s 0.

 

The stars of the match where awarded as follows:

 

1 star - RJ Lego

2 stars - Danny Miklin

3 stars - Ben Pinkelman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 John Bogdanoff, Head Coach

 

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03/02/2011

Cherry Creek RFC's B-Side entertained the Chaparral Wolverine's B-Side in a spirited game played at the Stutler
Bowl.  Chaparral controlled the field position for the first half and both teams scored in a close contest.  Jace
Blackburn took a pass from Hayden Teehan and ran for the try in the first score of the evening for Cherry
Creek RFC.  In the second half, the Wolverines went ahead on two long runs however, Cherry Creek rallied
with excellent loose play in the rucks and mauls and outstanding individual runs by Andy Parker, Vinnie
Gordon and Sam Mason, who also kicked the conversions, to prevail 24-22.