The Flamingo’s first match of the spring season was played today at Greenbriar Park in Fort Collins against the defending ERRFU Div II champion, Denver Harlequins. The first half started strong for the Flamingos, as they kept pressure on the Quins, getting within meters of the try line three times in the first ten minutes. However with a missed tackle which seemed to be epidemic for the Flamingos, the Quins scored on a long run.
This was repeated several times during the first half, with the Flamingos consistantly maintaining possesion over several cycles, and then with mistakes and missed tackles, allowing the Harlequins to score again and again. Late in the first half after several “discussions” between Flamingo and Harlequin players, a Quin player made the mistake of starting a discussion in front of the referee, and was subsequently red carded. And the half ended with the score 31-3 in favor of the Harlequins.
In the second half, with a one man advantage, the Flamingos still failed to break through and score, however also held the Quins tryless in this half. The final score was Flamimingos 3, Harlequins 34.
Both the Harlequins (Jesters) and the Flamingos had a fairly deep bench, so the B side game consisted of mostly fresh legs. This match was quite a bit closer, with the Flamingos taking a 2 try early lead, but scoring was for the most part back and forth. In the last 5 minutes, with the Flamingos up by 2 points, the Jesters where able to put a penalty kick through, placing themselves up by 1. Soon after the kick, however the same problem that plagued the Flamingo’s A side struck. A missed tackle and long run put the score at 28-20. With very little time left, a demoralized Flamingo side allowed another long drive ending the match at 33-20 in favor of the Jesters.
The Flamingo’s Man of the Match for the A game was Sean Hadaway, and for the B side was Steve Rimmer.
On another note, Congratulations and best wishes to Larry Smith and his family on the adoption of their baby boy!!!