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The Saratoga Stampede entered into a new Division in NERFU for the 2nd time in 3 years. The jump from Division IV to Division III was no problem for the Stampede with returning players and strong club numbers. The transition from Division III to Division II came with very different circumstances, with the club losing 10 of its 22 A-Side players (mostly starting players). This loss was created by a perfect storm of Navy contracts, babies being born, injuries, and new businesses starting up. Saratoga was well aware of the growing pains of a new division and knew there would be a major hill to climb.

The season began with many new recruits playing rugby for the first time in their lives. Several proved to be quick learners, especially impressive for a complex sport such as rugby. However, the upgrade to Division II was a shocking experience for even the most seasoned team members. Having to create a roster with a combination of new talent and existing players challenged team chemistry and resilience from the start. The nature of the sport requires anticipation of your teammate from experience playing together. Knowing this, Saratoga prepared itself for a rebuilding year.

From the start, new players and returning club members practiced hard to get in sync and work to get through this growth cycle effectively. The first match against returning champions, Middlesex, began with the loss of a key backline player and co-captain in the first minutes of play. The game ended with a score of 98 to 7, favoring the returning champions at their home field. The next game proved to be a similar contest, with the remaining backline players forced to learn how to play with each other on the fly with limited time together against a well-prepared North Shore team. That game ended with a score of 91 to 10 in favor of North Shore.

The season had started opposite of what Saratoga had become accustomed to. This is typical in the transitional years for clubs but never easy to deal with. Saratoga played their first home game against Burlington with a strong start and showing some promise but came up short again, 56-0. Then Saratoga travelled to play undefeated Worcester. This game was a very physical match from the start, which was a great surprise to Worcester. The Stampede played hard but were plagued with key injuries about half way through the contest. Worcester won this match 36-0.

As the season wore on, Saratoga had a choice: To fight or lay down. In these times of great hardship in rebuilding years, the choice comes from within the culture and the players to choose their destiny. Saratoga hosted Old Gold at home. The Stampede saw the return of a few players who came back after travel and injuries kept them off the field. This game was a different contest and Saratoga was leading for most of the match. Ultimately, Old Gold squeaked out a very hard-fought victory in the last minutes of play to win 28-23. Saratoga would not be satisfied with a close game, even though they came a long way from the beginning of the season. This is where true character is forged and unity is formed.

The final home game at Saratoga was against Boston Irish RFC. The Irish have a reputation for physical play and a long standing club history in Division I, II, and Super League Rugby. This game was a hard-hitting affair with strong forward play on both sides. The backlines were constantly under pressure and the field was muddy, resulting in a messy match. Saratoga struck first with a pair of tries characterized by forward surges capitalized by an attacking backline. Several penalties later, the Stampede saw their lead dwindle until the game was 10-10. Saratoga scored the game-winning try in the final minute of play when the backline pierced through the Irish defense to take the game and their first Division II victory. Much effort went into this victory and the Irish did not give this up easily. The match was a true victory for the club from both an on-field and developmental standpoint.

Rugby is a sport that requires great sacrifices both personally and as a team. This sacrifice results in character development that is unseen in many facets of modern life. The men and women who choose to play rugby at Saratoga, play because it is in their nature to grow as individuals within a game that requires close team cohesion. This individual growth cannot occur without the players that make this possible and the coaching efforts of those involved in the club.

The players make up the physical characteristics of the club while the whole Saratoga community makes the team and the sport what it is for those who participate. Members range from 18 year old players to 45+ year old players who still like to challenge themselves and find out if they’ve still “got it” or just want to have fun. If rugby teaches you anything, it’s to never give up- no matter what happens; you do it for the people next to you and for the people around you. A true community sport.

The Stampede have one final game remaining in Portland, ME. This will be a long drive to take on one of the remaining undefeated teams in Division II. This game will not be taken lightly by Saratoga and will be the end to a tumultuous but promising season. There will be no playoffs this year for Saratoga but there will be momentum that is carried through to the Spring Season.

We thank all members past and present for making this club what it is and we wish you all the best on your futures. As we rebuild this club to greatness, we thank all of our Navy friends, college athletes, and local members for sharing in the rich experience that is rugby and look forward to many more members to join our community.

There are indoor events all winter with Saratoga Rugby that incorporate a light style of rugby known as “touch rugby,” which is non-tackle and a great way to stay in shape once a week. Anyone wishing to join the Saratoga Rugby Community by either playing or supporting this Club, please search the website for opportunities to participate in any of the volunteer events or scheduled practices by reaching out to any of the officers listed there. The site is: www.SaratogaRugby.org

The Saratoga Stampede began their debut in NERFU Division II on September 10th, in Amesbury, MA, home to one of the top 2 Division II teams from the previous season, Middlesex. The game began at 11:00am on a sunny Saturday on a turf field. The continuity of Middlesex proved to be a huge challenge to Saratoga, resulting in a lopsided affair. Both teams were eager to start their fall season on the right foot but Saratoga was welcomed into Division II by a very prepared and experienced Middlesex team.

Saratoga was plagued by a lack of cohesion between the forwards and backs. This issue was exacerbated by early Stampede injuries in key positions. Middlesex was ready to take advantage of any miscues, quickly spreading the field on attack, using the speed of their backline to great advantage. Line outs were evenly matched, as were most other set pieces.

The first half was a different game than the second half. The forward play of Saratoga was limited in the first half by Middlesex's backline being fast on attack and running to space. The second half saw a more forward-dominated game. The Stampede had several strong goal line stands and aggressive tackling at the rucks. The Stampede scored a try mid way through the second half with Aaron Noble breaking the line and touching it down. Doug McCluskey added the 2 points on the conversion kick. Although the deficit was far too much for Saratoga to overcome at half time, the Stampede fought their way back to a more competitive second half.

Being new to Division II, the game showed opportunities for improvement for the Stampede. There is no better learning experience than taking on one of the best teams in a new Division. Saratoga remains the underdog in the Division and will continue to develop and fight their way to be at the level that they are capable of.

Final Score:

Middlesex 98
Saratoga 7

Man of the Match: Jesse Hummer

The 2011 Spring Season has ended and Summer 7's has started. If you are interested in playing practices are Tuesday and Thursday from 6pm - 8pm at Shenantaha Park, on Eastline Road (Ballston Spa).

The 2011 Kickoff Meeting will be held Tuesday night March 1 at 7:30 at Trotters.

We will be distributing paperwork and schedules for the season. There are some new developments that we will be discussing so attendance is required for anyone planning to play in the spring.

Saratoga rugby will be practcing on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 - 8pm at Firemans Gove, in Ballston Lake (5 Main Street, Ballston Lake NY).

The spring season will be focused on 15's play in the NY/New England area. Check under schedule to see the planned matches.

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            The Saratoga Stampede Rugby Football Club was established at a pub in Saratoga, NY in November of 2005. With a full 2006 schedule, a General Membership Meeting was held on January 16th, yielding a turn-out of 35 interested ruggers of mixed experience (many years to none). The first spring practice was held on March 21, 2006, in preparation for the April 1st intrasquad Garnet & Gold Game. Saratoga Rugby played its first game on April 8, 2006 @ Rutland RFC, tied its first home game against Albany Law RFC on April 23rd, 2006 and notched its first win vs. Saranac RFC on May 20, 2006. Its first home victory came against Rutland on September 9, 2006.

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