Severn River Slays Savannah

Maybe we don't win every tournament we enter, but we do attempt to achieve legendary status wherever we roam. The 2018 Savannah Saint Patrick's Day Tournament was approached with no less sense of purpose. With fewer than the needed for the weekend, the men teamed up with Media from Media, PA while the women joined forces with some girls from Frederick, St. Mary's, and some other tournament whores looking for a home.

Both the Men's and the Women's Teams represented the club well on the pitch with impressive play by Taylor "Moses" Gavigan of the men's club with phenomenal rucking and steals at the breakdowns in both matches. On the women's side, Mikey, Lina, and Marshall were wrestled from their deep Cage Dancing induced slumbers to play their Sunday matches with heart, even if they may have lacked their traditional coordination at times. Captains Lenni Ferraria and Casey Hartzell stated that "having 100% attendance and participation in the Sunday game is [our] biggest accomplishment to date."

Saturday night became the main event for the club. Dressed in Hawaiian shirts, the Men and Women pre-gamed at the women's home for the weekend, a historic mansion on Perry Street. After a round of Flong, a flip cup/beer pong hipster mash-up game, won decidedly by the women, a boat race where the men were victorious, and some prom style stair photos, the club headed into the once peaceful, quaint city of Savannah. After stops at Wild Willy's to taste and ogle the wall of frozen beverages, cage dancing at Liquid, piano bars, and mistakenly discovering a costume party, it was back to the house with what was left of the tattered ruggers. After some rounds of SEGA, cold pizza, and a front porch Dr. Phil session where far too many feelings were flying, the night came to a close just before the sun tried to ruin the fun. The teams lost an hour of sleep that night to both the terror that is daylight savings time, as well as their own excellent decisions.

The women rallied for their 8:30am match and the men slept soundly through their quiet Sunday in true rugby whore fashion.

2017 - 2018 Banquet Re-Cap

            After some poopy circumstances (literally), we had to move the banquet from the basement of the American Legion to the Berrywood Community Clubhouse just down the road. Shuffling kegs, food, liquor, and decor from one side of Severna Park to the other, Rachel Priddy, Meredith McAlister, and Lauryn (McAlister) Bary did the early leg work to secure the new location. Dee Crovo, Phil Denton, and the first family (Brad and Aly McCarty) arrived early to set-up the bar and tables while the rest of us enjoyed what appeared to be a seamless transition. 

          As each team member arrived, they were greeted by Cinnamon, dutifully checking names off of the list and handing out poker chips to use at the tables. The deck space was a welcome change from banquets in the past, but some of the players grew nostalgic for the frat basement quality of the Legion. There was the normal standing in a circle, belting out a little David Allen Coe and Journey, and some inspired dance moves from nearly everyone, but arguably Casey's "sick cat" is one to look for next time. With a photo booth and game tables provided by B&B Casino Party Pros, food from Mission BBQ, a number of guest bartenders, deserving award winners, and an epic YAD award list of nominees, the night was one to remember. Or not remember.

YAD Award

        Severn River Rugby had a busy year on and off the field.  So to say they had an overflowing list of nominees for the YAD award, is an understatement.  Nominees included the Hesters, Harrison, Bram, Blimmel, Mick, Rich, Cinnamon, Jazz, Joe, and as always Jimmy Benson.  Their accomplishments included everything from getting married on a match day to being too intoxicated to function as a human being.  Other notable nominees included one who stiff armed founding member Henry Posko at the Alumni match and another who kicked down doors at a college party despite being 30+ years old.  Club members started to lose their voices from the number of times we yelled "You're a Dick!" into the peaceful January night of the family focused Berrywood neighborhood.

Despite the best efforts of others to steal the coveted trophy, there was a repeat recipient...

Sloth - for bringing the YAD award to the Anderson's family Thanksgiving Dinner.  When Jenn (Anderson) Fenzel's mom heard that Rachel "Sloth" Priddy was thoughtful enough to bring a centerpiece to share at Thanksgiving, she was speechless. Mama Anderson is no stranger to the team's antics, but even she was taken aback when Sloth arrived with the YAD trophy, decorated with fake daisies and christmas lights from a previous year.  Sloth ceremoniously placed the YAD in the center of the table while cousins, siblings, and grandchildren looked on from their formal china place settings. As the family continued to share what they were thankful for this year, Sloth added how much she appreciated being accepted by such a caring family and always being welcome in this home. Jenn's mom nodded approvingly seeming to forget the gigantic...well use your imagination...in the room, while the rest of the table tried to stifle their laughter.  

TEAM AWARDS:

Forward of the Year- Aldo Batubara

Unsung Hero - Brad McCarty

  Back of the Year - Karl Teague

Rookie of the Year - Mike Gibson

Back of the Year- Charlee “Charles” Bryan

   Forward of the Year-Michal “Mikey” Williams

Steel Tits-Dee Crovo

Rookie of the Year-Taylor “Ferd” Tracy

Unsung Hero- Lina Hargadon

Men's Fall Kickoff

Severn River Men are kicking off their Fall Season with a Friendly Away Match against former league competitor Delmarva. Delmarva transferred to the North this season and as a non-league opponent are a great first test as we prepare for our Fall 2017 campaign. 

Delmarva just took on former Severn River Coach and Alumni, John Burke as their head coach. John will have his work cut out for him as he stands to face off against the Severn River Coaching Staff of International Stars William Delsing, Dave Egar and Severn River alumni, Mike Posko. William a premiere level player and coach who moved to the US from from Klerksdorp, South Africa in 2005 serves at the helm for another year. William is joined once again by Associate Coach, Dave Egar who hails from Ireland and the club has been lucky to have for several years now. Severn River old boy, Mike Posko rounds out the staff as skills and development coach. 

First Year Captain Mike Blimmel hopes to step up to lead this men's team in the 2017-2018 campaign. With a rousing couple years at 8 man for Severn River out of college at Philadelphia U and high school before that at local powerhouse Archbishop Spalding High School, Blimmel hopes to provide a fresh, young group of players to the pool of seasoned veterans set to take the field this fall. 

We are excited to see what the Fall Season has in store. Come check out the first and only test of the pre-season, next Saturday August 26th at 10am. They play at Delmarva's pitch which is a short run from Annapolis at 31768 Legion Rd, Millsboro, DE 19966. We will return after the match for our Fall Kickoff Event, Beer Olympics. For more details or to join us, Click Here

Oh Captain, My Captain

A huge Congratulations to former Captain Mike Bertoni and his new wife Lea, on their marriage in Pennsylvania on August 28th. Severn River family was happy to be there to celebrate with you and we all wish you the best of luck in your travels, hoping one day they may lead you back here. 

OLYMPIC VIEWING PARTY

SAVE THE DATE FOR AN OLYMPIC 7's VIEWING PARTY! 
 

Matches for women are Saturday, Aug 6th thru Monday, Aug 8th.  

• Saturday, Aug 6th - prelim rounds
• Sunday, Aug 7 - prelim rounds and quarterfinals. 
• Monday, Aug 8th - final rounds
• Click Here for Full Women's Schedule

We still have not heard, but are hoping to hear our own Carmen Farmer's name when they announce the rosters. Likely they will announce this weekend, so stay tuned for that! 

Matches for the Men are Tuesday, Aug 9th thru Thurs, Aug 11th 

• Tuesday, Aug 9th - prelim rounds
• Wednesday, Aug 10th - prelim rounds and quarterfinals
• Thursday, Aug 11th - final rounds 
• Click Here for Full Men's Schedule

Men's matches are all played during the DAY. So, it may be best to arrange somewhere to record the matches and re-play for us...more details to come as we determine the when, where and such.