In their first league match since their run at the Western Champoinships, the NoCo Flamingos fell to the Glendale Raptors. The Glendale side, containing many upper-level players, defeated the NoCo squad in a tightly contested match in Windsor, CO during the Rocky Mountain Irish Festival on 8/27. The final sore was 36-39. Although the Flamingos were trailing for a majority of the game, the foot of Mike Staab kept the score relatively close with a solid showing of exceptional range. Staab connected on 6 penalty conversions, one from 54 meters, to acquire the title of Man of the Match. The Flamingos took the lead going int the 76th minute on a converted try, but allowed a late try themselves with only two minutes left in regulation. The following conversion by the Raptors and tough defense for the remaining ticks granted them the victory and a solid start to their 2011/12 league campaign. Although the Flamingos suffered their first defeat of the competition year, they were encouraged by the tough play by everyone who donned the pink and black. The Flamingo effort netted them one point in overall league standings for a loss of less than seven points. The Flamingos next league showdown will be against the Colorado Springs Grizzlies on 9/24 in Fort Collins.
