On October 7, 2006, at the Fort Worth RFC Cowtown Tournament, the Dallas Harlequin Gentlemen (over-35s) made its first foray into tournament competition against non-old boys’ teams.  Although the Gentlemen failed to secure the hardware, the tournament was a success.  It didn’t look as promising twenty minute before our first match as we had nine of our own players.  However, help came with the almost-late-arriving Gavin “Scooter” Michelle and Morph. 

The Gentlemen opened round robin play against a young and fit Texas Wesleyan University Law School rugby team.  Although the law students had a 6’-7” lineout jumper, the Steve Rollo of the Gentlemen dominated line out play taking nearly every throw.  The Gentlemen also dominated in the back line with some nifty moves by Morph, Graeme Thompson, and the late-arriving Mickey McGuire. The final score 31-0, with four converted tries and one penalty kick.  Man of the Match honors goes to Morph for his nifty running, tactical kicking and 5-for-5 kicking performance.    

In the second game, the Gentlemen played Arlington RFC, which fielded several huge backs.  While Arlington was able to keep the Gentlemen out of the try zone, the Gentlemen came away with a 6-0 victory on the foot of Morph.  Man of the Match honors go to Manny Garcia even though he unwisely took a quick tap on a penalty twenty meters in front of the post and then proceeded to run directly into the back of the opposing players who were trying their best to retreat. 

After two wins the Gentlemen were off to the finals!  After two games, the Gentlemen were praying for substitutes!  Having reached our unfit physical limitations, the Gentlemen waived off any warm up prior to the game against San Antonio fearing that any warm up would sap any remaining energy from their tired, aching, and cramping muscles.  Also, the Gentlemen began losing players to family responsibilities, such as children’s birthday parties and pre-homecoming pictures.  The Gentlemen controlled San Antonio in the forwards, but could not control San Antonio’s speedy winger who scored three tries, which made the difference in the 24-7 final score. 

In all a great day!  Many thanks to those who showed up and played.  Many thanks to Vern Francis and Mark Gale, who showed up to support the team. 

The next Gentlemen’s event will be a match against the Dallas Reds Old Boys on November 4th.  Keep your calendar open and get out for a run.