AHO spring season started 16 days ago and with Mother Nature’s bitter humor forced AHO to play its first 5 games all away.  At the end of the tour, AHO finds themselves 2-3, out of luck to call the Carolina's League theirs, but not out of a chance for playoff berth. The three loses came hard and it is a testament that you play how you practice since AHO's only grass experiences have come during game time. However the club has prevailed and looking to clinch 2nd place just behind a strong NC State side.

The first game of the tour came against UNC. The once upon a time home game turned into a game at UNC. AHO came into this game having won the SOCON but had spent its weeks before training on a basketball court and it was noticeable.  From the start AHO was plagued with penalties and with UNC's dimensionally challenged field, their fly half gave them easy points.  The first half ended with AHO in an uncomfortable position, down 14-6.  The second half started a little different and AHO began to remember how to play rugby. Ryan Murphy scored a try off a blind side pic.  The conversion was missed bring the score to 14-11.  On the ensuing kickoff AHO was again penalized and UNC capitalized, again taking a bigger lead, 17-11. Ten minutes left, AHO began to really start play and off another scrum deep in UNC's 22, Benjamin Llewellyn scored a try in the corner after supporting another Ryan Murphy weak side pic bringing the score to 17-16.  However AHO would again shoot themselves in the foot and caused another penalty minutes later taking the score to 20-16 where the game would shortly after end.

The second game came the Tuesday after in Columbia, SC against USC.   The games started well for AHO and for the first five minutes stayed inside the USC 22m line.  Somehow the USC inside center found an easy hole, took advantage of a missed tackle and got out for a 70m run putting it under the posts, taking the score 7-0 quickly.  From there on out, USC hardly touched the ball.  Within a few minutes after their try, Daniel Kelley put up 3 points for AHO bringing the score to 7-3, USC.  Unfortunately, moments later the infamous “AHO X-Factor” struck and the field lights turned off.  This would not be the only time this would happen, in fact it seemed to occur every 10 minutes or so.  AHO spent around 60 minutes in the USC half but their defense was able to keep AHO out.  Once again AHO lost a nail bitter with the final play occurring within USC’s 5m and was lost trying to score by their fly half, Benjamin Llewellyn.  AHO is now 0-2 in the Carolinas league and finds themselves in an uncomfortable position. 

The third game came only 4 days later against their rival ECU.  Although ECU has been struggling this semester, they still possessed some talented players and could not be underestimated.    The game started slow but the first points came in a hustle play by AHO’s lock, Brett Ezarsky, dove on a dropped ball in the try line.  The conversion was missed taking the score to 5-0.  Not long after, points were added again by AHO when kicker Daniel Kelley gave us 3 more points, now 8-0.  Just before half, rookie prop Matt (Leroy) Markofski scored off a great pick and go 5 ms out to take it to 15-0.  The second half started scary for AHO when the kickoff was turned over quickly and ECU’s fullback, aka fastest man in the world, found a great hole in the middle of the field and broke towards the corner.  He put down the try and the conversion was missed, score now 15-5.  From then on AHO took over and although ECU used their back line well, were unable to stop the assault from the AHO forwards and 8man Ryan Murphy put down the final points 22-5.  This was the 3^rd game 8 days, the next coming the day after against NC State.

The 4^th game in 9 days came against a strong and dominant team in Raleigh, NC State.  From the start AHO looked solid and with some hard running by flanker Travis Connor, Brett Ezarsky was once again there to score another hustle pick and go off the fringes of NC States defensive line.  The conversion was missed taking the score to 5-0.  Moments later AHO was awarded a penalty just outside the 22m and kicker Daniel Kelley gave AHO 3 more point, 8-0 is the score.  Just before the end of the first half, AHO started playing poorly and in the confusion within their 5m line, made a bad pass which was lost and fallen on by a NC State player, taking the score to 8-7 just at the end of the first half.  The second half started much like the first with AHO working hard and keeping NC States forwards at bay.  Although the NC State back line was able to move the ball well, the cover defense of AHO kept NC State out of the try line.  Half way through the half, Daniel Kelley gave AHO 3 more points and hopeful sealing the game, 11-7.  However in the final minute of the game, a miss communication in the line out and placement of AHO’s kicker resulted in an unfortunate kick that went straight into NC States inside Center’s hand, he passed it out wide and took advantage of AHO’s position near the lineout.  The try was scored in the 79^th minute and shortly after the kickoff the whistle blew.  Again AHO found themselves just short of a win and walking off the field wondering how we lost it again.

The Last game in the 16 day tour came against Clemson.  The once upon a time home game turned to AHO’s another home game in Charlotte.  From the start the game was very sloppy on both sides with numerous knock ons resulting in around 12 scrums in the first half.  Yet from those scrums, AHO scrum half was able to break free of the side and dumby through to score the first points for AHO, the conversion was missed taking the score to 5-0.  Shortly after, kicker Daniel Kelley put AHO further ahead, 8-0 and took the lead into half.  At the start of the second half, AHO started playing like a team and began to move the ball much better.  Clemson was still having problems with their hands and this kept them from getting into a rhythm.  Once again their frustration led to penalties and Daniel Kelley penalized them with 3 more points, score now 11-0.  Half way through the second half, AHO put up two quick tries from Daniel Kelley and Brett Ezarsky which sealed the game.  The score was now 23-0 and the game seemed to be about over.  Just before the end, Ryan Murphy took a great pop from the fly half JD Dorsey to break the line just outside of the try and put the ball under the posts.  The conversion was made and brought the final score to 30-0.

AHO is now looking toward Wake Forest for a chance at a playoff berth and to end their season at 3-3.  The game time and location is still unknown.  Stay tuned for the final update.

Winter Bowl Write-Up

With mother nature giving the Carolina's league another run for its
money, the men of AHO were forced to put safety above passion and
cancel their long await game against USC. It has been rescheduled for
Tuesday, Feb 16 at 7pm.

However AHO did not allow the overwhelming snow and ice deter them
from turning a flop weekend into a chance for heritage play. So 14
brave souls risked their automobiles and frostbiten extremities to
play one of the slowest coldest and most unreffed rugby spectacles
Boone has ever seen.

The game consisted of The AHO Eskimos vs Appalachian's KGB Comrades.
The Eskimos drafted a young talented fast team with minimal forward
support while the KGB was built from strength and ended with speed.
Because of the nature of the field, 8-9 inches of snow and ice, speed
meant nothing which allowed Lock Brett Ezarsky and 8-man Ryan Murphy
to use their widely known stop and punch stiff arm to help the KGB
control much of the day. However, the Eskimos did put up strong
defense but their offense lacked some communication skills and often
found themselves making passes not capable with winter gloves on.  The
final score came from the KGB's franchise outside center Drew Zabor
when he broke two tackles and dove over to end the day.

We would like to thank our three fans and our ref, John-David Dorsey,
without some of his surprise tackles the KGB might of fallen to a very
formidable Eskimos side. Our next game is this weekend against UNC out
at State Farm Fields. Exact kickoff time will be update due to Ray's
prediction of 11 more inches.

KGB Comrades
Timothy  (Captain)
Brett Ezarsky
Ryan Murphy
Bubba Mc
Benjamin Llewellyn
Drew Zabor

AHO Eskimos
Ryan O'Connor   (Captain)
Alex MacRae
Chris Shannon
Mike Wargo
Randy Akerman
Daniel Kelley
Dave.

Special Guest Referee

John-David Dorsey

For the second week in a row, a motley side of AHO players descended upon the Palmetto State to take on the College of Charleston Cougars. For once the AHO boys arrived to the pitch early only to be forced to wait for an hour for the opposing team to arrive. While waiting the players applied war paint for the first time in recent memory as they prepared to do battle.

Plagued by a lack of back players, three pack players were awarded the honor of playing with the backs: junior “Sometimes Nervous” Nick Kehagias (second row turned inside center), sophomore Seth “Harry Potter” Saunders (flanker turned fullback), and sophomore Trevor “Elf Crackers” Strandh (hooker turned wing). All exceeded expectations by not knocking the ball on or missing tackles. As well as position changes, AHO saw the addition of D-Money, a C of C wing who also exceeded expectations by not knocking the ball on and running hard.

The first 20 minutes of this beach side brawl, was played in C of C territory, resulting in a try by junior scrumhalf Matt “The Anti-Closer” Harrell. C of C fought back and converted a penalty kick, making the score 5-3. Undaunted, the Gentlemen of AHO continued to fight, but the lack of conditioning and a solid kicker, as well as with the help of a seedy line judge and the fastest props known to man, C of C came back and won a nail-biter: many, many points to 5 or 10.

This marked the last game that Prop/8-man/B-side Fullback Alexander “Chops” Berg, Prop Christopher “FUB” Colburn, and Flanker/Head-Hunter Matthew Espy will play for AHO. Thank you for the last 5 years. Espy will stay in Boone next semester to help coach AHO in the new Carolina’s League and to enjoy long walks in the brisk mountain air.

Written by Matt Harrell

At 75 degrees at the one o’clock kick off, the temperature in Columbia, SC was much higher than the 30 degrees AHO left that morning on their mountaintop. Unused to such high temperatures and a lack of starters (9 players in Charlotte, NC playing for North Carolina All Stars and one out with a disease), the young AHO team, led by captain, 6th year senior flanker Matt Espy and coach Uncle Delf, fought tooth and nail keeping the game close until the second half.

AHO dominated with their signature crash defense, only giving up scoring runs off of turnovers. The pack was particularly dominate in the scrums, literally running over the opposing team as they won the ball. Great kicking by Daniel “Golden Leg” Kelley and a final try by “Old Man” Espy kept the score a respectable 20-8 in favor of USC.

Several B-side players made their A-side debuts , including “Nervous” Nick at wing, “Zygote” Bill at wing, “Professor” Mike at inside center, “Polar” Max at Prop, “Sober” Sam Crabtree at second row, and Bubba Polack at prop. All did well and learned what it means to represent AHO both on and off the pitch.

Written by Matt Harrell

Members of AHO that made the NC Allstar Team

Ben Llewellyn

Drew Zabor

Zach Newcomer

John David Dorsey

Randy Akerman

Brett Ezarsky

Travis Connor

Congratulations guys

This past weekend AHO host the AHO Alumni in our annual alumni game. It was a close match after 2 shortened periods. Starting the 3^rd period the score was 14-13 in favor of AHO, when the younger boys came alive and put the game out of reach with two quick trys.

Final Score- AHO 28 Old Boys 13

Thanks to everyone that came out, we had a great time.

Special thanks to Sean Stanford for Refereeing

AHO Results

Saturday

AHO 39, UNCC 0

AHO 14, Elon 0

AHO 33, College of Charleston 0

Sunday

Semi Finals

AHO 9, USC 6

Finals

AHO 16, Clemson 0

AHO played solid defensive rugby all weekend only surrendering 2 penalty kicks. USC gave AHO its closest match of the weekend taking the game into overtime and eventually being settled in sudden death. Several rookies were asked to step up due to injuries, all played very well. AHO heads into the final month of the fall season undefeated. Next up for the men of AHO is the annual Alumni Match Oct 11.

Rucktoberfest Pictures

RUCKTOBERFEST

October 3^rd and 4^th

Games will be held at state farm fields on the 3^rd from 9am till 5pm, And the 4^th from 9am till 3pm.

Come support your fellow mountaineers as they strive to become back to back Rucktoberfest champions!

Also Starting 9pm oct. 3^rd there will be a social event held at Parthenon with live band and dj.

AHO traveled down to Clemson University on September 18^th  and played another Carolina’s League rival Friday night under the lights.  AHO was coming off a big win against ECU two weeks before and was looking to continue their winning streak.  AHO received the kickoff and for the beginning part of the half controlled the play.  However, AHO frustration and lack of discipline around the rucks forced the scores to remain level until final a hole was found.  Fly-half Benjamin Llewellyn found a hole on the blind side and broke free.  Luckily for him, outside-center Drew Zabor was in great support, receiving the ball at half field and sprinted away to the try line.  Unfortunately for Zabor, the Clemson fullback had not giving up on the play and came in hard, getting Zabor only by his neck and ripping him out of bounds just inside the 5-meter line.  The referee awarded AHO a penalty try and a yellow card to the Clemson fullback for a high tackle.  Daniel Kelley converted and brought AHO into the lead 7-0.  Not long after, Kelley once again helped AHO by converting a penalty kick just outside the twenty-two, score 10-0.  With less than ten minutes in the second half, AHO discipline problems began to frustrate the ref and within three minutes of each other, two AHO players found themselves in the sin bin.  Clemson took advantage of the two missing flankers and used their great maul to drive over the outnumbered forward pack and bring the score to 10-5 just before half.  The beginning of the second half AHO was still down two men and Clemson began moving the ball well. Even with AHO’s shortage of men, Clemson was unable to break the back line to gain any ground and AHO forwards began to spoil all Clemson line-outs.  Finally the sides were brought back to 15on15, AHO started playing their type of rugby.  With about 20 min left in the game, AHO took advantage of a poor kick by Clemson and Kelley once again put AHO on the board.  Kelley received the kick deep and was able to counter attack along the AHO sideline, beating one player then kicked and chased to put the ball down in the try zone and giving AHO the should be winning try.  Kelley also converted bring the score to 17-5.  However the game was far from done.  AHO seemed to begin to feel the game was theirs, and Clemson started playing hard.  They pushed AHO into their half where they stayed for the last 15 min of the game.  With ever AHO advance, resulted in penalties and Clemson pinned it deep again.  Finally cards came and within the last 5 min, three AHO players were in the sin bin at the same time.  After minutes of goal-line stances and scrum after scrum, Clemson scored their final try and ended the game on that note.  The final score was 17-12 AHO.  AHO is now getting ready for RUCKTOBERFEST, where they will see Clemson ECU USC and others from the newly founded Carolina’s League.

(Top: AHO uses Jackson Park's finest fitness facilities to stretch out before a match)

AHO Rugby had a great day on the pitch last Saturday, scoring wins against Colombia, Asheville Old Boys, and NC State. The championship game against Southern Pines turned out to be a great game. It took 2 ten-minute halfs, 2 five-minute overtimes, and a sudden death period to settle the match. Unfortunately, AHO lost by 5; but overall the team had a successful trip to Asheville. The team is hoping that summer 7's sucess will translate into a great fall season.

Rucktoberfest will be October 3-4. The world famous tournament will be expanded this year to include a full B-side tournament, and a high school showchase. Several teams have already committed to coming and it is shaping up to be one of the premier tournaments in the Southeast.

Pictured above- Seniors who have played their last ever Spring game for AHO which qualifies for USA Rugby National Title Competition.(from left to right)- Fullback Zach "amish" Newcomer, Wing Alex "Flounder" Craig, Prop Chris "Fub" Colburn, Second Row Brian "B-Nuts" White, Prop Matthew Wilder Clark, Hooker Donald Nelson, Prop Alexander "Chops" Berg, Flanker Matt Espy, Second Row Sean "fetus" Stanford.

3/28-Tuscaloosa, Alabama- The morning after one of the world famous Alabama Thunderstorms, AHO took the pitch against Southern Florida on a field that some would call a pond, and others might call a perfect rugby pitch. AHO fell behind early when South Flroida notched two tries to take an early 12-0 lead. AHO came back when sophomore flanker Brian "Seahorse" Reynolds went airborne to block a clearing kick from USF's flyhalf, Reynolds proceeded to recover the ball in the tryzone to make it 12-7 USF. USF who clearly had the first pack all season that could come close to matching AHO's pack kept pushing and made the score 19-7 at the end of the half. Realizing their season was in jeopardy AHO came on the offensive the entire second half with Seahorse scoring his second try of the match roughly fifteen minutes in and Daniel Kelley converting the kick to make it 19-14 USF. The last twenty minutes AHO controlled the ball within the USF 22-metre area the entire time but because of a very solid USF defense and multiple knocks and even a try by 8-man Ryan Murphy being held up, AHO was unable to score the winning try. Because of the weather conditions AHO was unable to use their speedy backline and the entire 80 minutes was a fat boys pack game in which AHO faced its toughest competition of the season. As mentioned above AHO said goodbye to 9 players who have played their last matrix season, among them, Espy, Nelson, Stanford, White, Clark, and Craig have played their last game for AHO ever. AHO finishes the spring season 9-1 with a championship in the 1st Annual SoCon Tournament and an undefeated Matrix season. AHO would also like to give special thanks to all the parents, alumni, Rugger Huggers, and fans who helped supported AHO on their way to the South Finals.

On another note, with Old Boys leaving many new boys move into officer roles for the 2009-2010 season.

President-Ben Llewellyn- flyhalf and back captain, Ben served this season as the treasurer and we know as president he will continue to bring change we can believe in.

Vice President-Matt Harrell-wing, Matthew served this season as a successful match secretary scheduling many tough matches for AHO and will now look to move his campaign into the vice presidential position.

Treasurer-Brett Ezarsky-flanker, from stealing lineouts to saving money Brett makes his first appearance as an AHO officer.

Match Secretary-Travis Connor-inside center, this hard hitting rookie will look to bring AHO a very tough 2009-2010 schedule to get them ready for another run at a national title.

Website/Alumni/Sponsorship-Randy Akerman-second row, rookie Akerman will look to make an impact on and off the field next season by planning the 2009 Alumni Match and keeping the website updated after every AHO victory.

Social Chair- John-David Dorsey- flyhalf/center, Young Dorsey will look to keep AHO's off the field relations strong by keeping AHO involved in all off the pitch campus events and promotions.

- AHO before the game in their new yellow jerseys.

-Wing Daniel Kelley (front) and Flyhalf Ben Llewellyn (back) both jump to try to keep a kick inbounds.

-Hooker Donald Nelson drives with the ball, as Alex MacRae and Drew Zabor ruck, and Scrumhalf Chris Shannon prepares to pass the ball out.

Mar-21, Boone, NC- In AHO's first playoff match since 2007, the boys made quick work against a solid Alabama side to advance to the Final Four of the South on March 28 and 29 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Alabama learned Wednesday they would be traveling to Boone to play AHO and many left their spring break destinations, after learning Western kentucky could not make the trip. AHO Got the scoring started early after spending the first ten minutes in Alabama territory when flyhalf Ben Llewellyn passed all the way out to winger Alex "Flounder" Craig" who ran for a 20-metre score. Fullback Zach Newcomer added the point after to make it 7-0 AHO. Moments later it appeared as if AHO had made it 12-0 when 8-man Ryan Murphy touched a ball down on the try line, but it was ruled just short of the try line and Alabama touched down for a 22 metre drop. AHO's pack kept controlling the ball however with mauls and retaining possession, and second row Brian White was rewarded with a try from about 5 meters out. The conversion was failed and AHO held a 12-0 lead. In the closing minutes of the first half the Alabama fullback attempted to boot the ball away and it was amazingly caught from ten feet away by Wing Daniel Kelley who ran in for the try. Unluckily for AHO the touch judge ruled he had stepped out of bounds and AHO went into the half up 12-0. The second half was more of the same as AHO's pack continued to control the game leading to a try by Ryan Murphy about 10 mintues in, and a successful conversion by Daniel Kelley to make it 19-0. Minutes later flyhalf Llewellyn booted a high pooch kick towards the try zone to catch the Alabama fullback off guard. The move paid off as Outside Center Drew Zabor beat the fullback in a foot race, diving onto the ball in the try zone. A successful conversion by Kelley made it 26-0 AHO. Late in the match Alabama scored their only points on the day when after being awarded a penalty their outside center made a very long and impressive penalty kick to end the scoring at 26-3 in favor of AHO.

AHO wore their brand new yellow adidas jerseys and played at State Farm Fields for the first time this season. Special Thanks to all the parents and fans who made it out to the game, and to the parents who donated money to help the club be able to fund their travel in the upcoming weeks. AHO now moves on to the Final Four of the South in Tuscaloosa Alabama this weekend where they will play South Florida with the winner playing on Sunday agaianst the winner of ECU versus Georgia Tech. Both teams that play in the finals on Sunday will advance to Florida in April to play in the USA Rugby National Championships.

Starting 22

1. Wilder Clark

2. Donald nelson

3. Alex Berg

4. Alex MacRae

5. Brian White

6. Brett Ezarsky

7. Matt Espy

8. Ryan Murphy

9. Chris Shannon

10. Ben Llewellyn

11. Daniel Kelley

12. Travis Connor

13. Drew Zabor

14. Alex Craig

15. Zach Newcomer

16. Matt Harrell

17. Josh Smith

18. Sean Stanford

19. Nick Bruce

20. Matthew Joiner

21. Brian Reynolds

22. John David Dorsey

6-Mar.- AHO Men's Rugby after winning their matrix in Conference C by going undefeated will play the University of Alabama Crimson Tide in the D2 USA Rugby South Quarterfinals on Saturday March 21st, with the winner traveling to the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL the following weekend to compete in the Final Four of the South. Alabama ended up tied for second in Conference A with Western Kentucky but since they lost the head to head with WKU they were originally unable to advance. However, due to recent news of Western Kentucky not having enough players healthy, they are unable to particpate in the match this weekend. This gives Alabama the second seed in Conference A meaning they will travel to Boone on March 21st to play AHO (17-3. 8-0). This will be AHO's first home playoff game in two years, after being ineligible last season. In 2007 AHO defeated the University of South Carolina in a home playoff game by a score of 25-19. In other news, Conference C runner-up East Carolina will travel to play Ole Miss who gained the Conference A#1 seed by beating Western Kentucky.

Second Row Alex MacRae reaches for a lineout as Prop Alex "Chops" Berg anticipates the outcome.

The 2009 Conference C Matrix Champions

21-Feb.- After having their home game moved to Charlotte because of field issues, AHO Men's Rugby defeated Wake Forest 40-11 to clinch their matrix and clinch a home playoff game in Boone on March 21st against the yet to be determined Conference A #2 seed. With the win AHO (8-0 in the spring and 17-3 all season, ranked #6 nationally) finished their matrix undefeated and eliminated a tough Wake Forest team from playoff competition.

AHO started off strong going up 14-0 in the first 5 minutes with tries by 8-man Ryan Stewart Murpky and Wing Alex Craig. The last twenty minutes of the first half AHO was on the defensive as Wake began to control the game, but a tough AHO defense managed to keep Wake out of the try zone. AHO went into the half up 14-6 after Wake converted on two penalty kicks. The second half started with AHO coming out strong as Murphy put in his second try of the match and Wing Daniel Kelley converted a long run into a try putting AHO up 28-6. Penalties and mistakes which plagued AHO all game led to Wake scoring a try and coming within 28-11. However with AHO knowing this was a must win game to secure a playoff berth they kept their focus and scored two more tries in the last ten minutes to seal the game. The late tries were scored by Matt Espy and a penalty try was awarded to Mike Wargo after he was high tackled in the tryzone.

AHO will not know who they play in their first playoff game until next weekend but their success this season is owed to the coaching of Delf King and to an AHO defense which allowed two tries in three matrix games and five tries all spring. AHO will be in action this weekend at home in the stadium against the #25 ranked West Virginia Mountaineers in the 1st Annual "Mountaineer Cup".

In the second game B-HO continued thier successful year by winning against the Wake B-side led by great play at flyhalf from sophomore Matt Harrell. Prop Alex Berg and Second Row Sean Stanford played fullback and wing in a form of a Power Backline Strategy. Currently there is no word from Flyhalf Ben Llewellyn as to whether this strategy will be implemented into the A-side games.

AHO would also like to thank all the alumni and parents who made the trip to support AHO in Charlotte.

Flanker Matt Espy runs through ECU's Flyhalf and Fullback as Second Row Brian White prepares to ruck.

Flyhalf Ben Llewellyn Touches down the first try of the game for AHO.

Ryan Stewart Murphy gives a stiffarm to an ECU winger.

14-FEB- The spring season continued over the weekend with App State’s second matrix game against ECU.  Last years game saw ECU winning late and AHO was determined to make sure the same results did not occur.  From the first kickoff AHO came out hitting, recycling the ball, and pushing towards the try line.  Unfortunately, a mistake by AHO at the ruck gave the ECU winger a chance at daylight and he took full advantage of it sprinting for a 70 meter try.  This stunned AHO and it showed for the next few minutes with ECU’s fullback kicking a penalty and bring the score 10-0 half way through the first half.  But AHO would not let down and pushed down the field to have a try scored by flyhalf, Benjamin Llewellyn, seconds later and bring AHO back into the game.  The conversion was made by Zach Newcomer to bring the score to 10-7, Pirates.  But AHO was not done with the half yet.  Minutes later, AHO pushed back down into the Pirates 22, and found themselves on the try line for minutes.  Finally the pressure was too much and ECU caused a penalty, which was taken quickly and spun out to winger Alex Craig for a one on one with ECU’s try scoring wing.  The wing was no match for Craig, and he put the ball down in the corner of the try to bring App. State ahead.  Newcomer missed the conversion from the corner and App went into the half up 12-10. 

 The second half started with one of the most malicious hits seen in the game resulting in a yellow card to ECU’s flanker.  From then on it seemed that ECU would never get into a solid rhythm.  With pressure from our flankers, the ECU flyhalf felt pressure every time he touched the ball and after awhile he seemed to not want it.  This became a huge problem for many of the Pirates as knock-on after knock-on seemed to keep ECU in their own half.  However, ECU’s speedy back line found small holes but was always greeted with AHO’s cover defense and for the first 30 minutes of the second half, saw the ball in ECU’s half.  But shortly after, the ECU’s centers broke the line and took the ball into Apps 22.  App caused two penalties with in 5 minutes but ECU was unable to convert on the kicks, one being 15 meters directly in front of the posts.  From the 22 drop out, ECU never needed to touch the ball again.  ECU’s back three had a hard time dealing with a long 22 drop and App had a scrum 15 meters out.  Moments later, Captain Matt Espy found the try line and Newcomer converted on the conversion to bring the score 19-10.  ECU tried to gather a comeback but found no room to run and the game ended shortly after that. 

App states forwards did a phenomenal job in the scrums and lineout, winning roughly 80% of ECU’s lineouts.  It seems that Coach King’s new lineout structure is killing other teams since NC State saw 90% of their lineout stolen as well.  Also, Ryan Stewart Murphy, Mathew Joiner, and Donald Nelson found themselves with lots of room to run and ECU could not find an answer for them the entire game.  Along with the forwards, the backs had one of the best defensive games ever seen with rookies Drew Zabor and Travis Connor shutting down the thought to be best back line in the south.  Overall every AHO player came out strong and ultimately left ECU confused at the final whistle.  Next week ECU faces a must win against NC State and AHO will see Wake Forest in Boone, Saturday February 21^st. A win by AHO will clinch 1st place in their matrix.

In the second game B-HO fought hard losing a close battle to the ECU b-side. Rookies Eric Norvel and Ryan O'Connor each had impressive runs and sophomore Matt Harrell touched down an early try.   

Ryan Murphy dives into the try zone scoring one of his two tries on the day.

Flyhalf Ben Llewellyn

7-Feb- AHO Rugby moved to (6-0) on the season and (1-0) in their division 2 matrix when they defeated NC State 21-0 this past Saturday. Ryan Murphy scored both tries and Zach "amish" Newcomer added one point after and three penalty kicks to lead AHO offensively. On the defensive side the pack held strong never letting the strong NC State pack score or control the ball for too long. Flanker Brett Ezarsky was near-flawless in lineouts stealing nearly every defensive lineout of the game.  In the second game B-HO played hard and won their first match of the season. AHO is now tied with ECU for first place in Conference C of their matrix. The ECU Pirates will be traveling up to Boone this Saturday to play AHO in a game with large Matrix implications. Game time and location will be posted on the website and forum as it becomes available.

Senior Flanker Matt Espy Holds the Trophy at the Championship Ceremony.

AHO RUGBY 2009 SOUTHERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS

25-Jan- AHO Rugby began its spring season with a victory over College of Charleston 18-13 in the Southern Conference Rugby Tournament to win the 1st Annual Tournament. AHO begins its season with a record of 5-0 after going undefeated in the tournament. In the first game, AHO defeated Furman 19-5 with rookie inside center John David Dorsey scoring his first ever try. Furman had beaten AHO in their last two meetings so it was very important to avenge those losses. In the second game on day one AHO played a mixture of AHO B siders and College of Charleston B siders and came away victorious 50-0. Rookie Outside Center Drew Zabor recorded 3 tries and rookie wing Matt Genay recorded two tries and his AHO Zulu. In the final game of day one AHO was matched up against tournament host Georgia Southern. AHO came out strong on the way to a 20-5 win. Dorsey and wing Matt Harrell notched crucial tries in a victory that allowed AHO to advance to the semi-finals on day two. The semi-finals on day two saw AHO control a young and up and coming Davidson team 50-0, Senior Flanker Matt Espy led the team with two tries. In the finals AHO was pitted against a College of Charleston team who went to triple overtime with Georgia Southern in the other semi-final. AHO had some penalties cost them and fell behind 3-0 early. A second effort by second row Brain "B-Nuts" White on the goaline gave AHO  a 5-3 lead. AHO fell behind 13-8 late in the second half, and with many mental mistakes it looked as if they would run out of time. However with less than five minutes left and only 13 players on the field because of two yellow cards, flyhalf Ben Llewellyn moved to 8-man and managed to get the ball out to Ryan Murphy who got serious and touched the ball down to tie the game. Wanting to avoid overtime, AHO took the next kickoff and marched down the field when Scrummie Zach "Amish" Newcomer took the ball in to seal the game 18-13 and the title of SOCON Champions. AHO would like to thank Georgia Southern for hosting the 1st annual tourney, and looks forward to next years tournament. AHO will travel to Raleigh February 7th to play NC State in their first matrix game. AHO would also like to thank "Coach" Delf King who made the trip down and was instrumental on the sidelines helping AHO to victory.

AHO will participate in the first annual Southern Conference Tournament this weekend

From Left: Mike Devivo, John Bortins, and Joey Mullin all graduated and were honored at AHO's end of semester banquet last fall.

21-Jan. At the end of fall semester AHO honored three graduates who finished their AHO career. Flanker/Prop/Hooker Mike De Vivo spent 4 years with AHO and will always be remembered for his questionable ying yang tattoo. Inside Center John Bortins ends his career after two and a half years with the team, earning the starting inside center spot his last season and a half.Bortins also somehow learned how to kick really well his last year on AHO, a feat surprising to many. Flyhalf/Inside Center Joey "Bullseye" Mullin, although battling injuries late in his career spent all four and a half years of his college career with AHO. Not only starring on the field with his patented "juke" and stellar tackling,  he also ran many off-field activities and organized Rucktoberfest, qualifying him as a potential AHO Legend. Also at the banquet winger Alex "Flounder" Craig was recognized for scoring the most tries first semester with 6, and fullback Zach "Amish Newcomer was recognized for leading the team in points with 65. In the main event of the night second row Alex "Bert" Macrae avenged a previous loss by defeating rookie second row Randy "Savage" in the semi-annual game of AHO Spoons.

AHO starts it season off  this weekend the 24th and 25th in Statesboro, Georgia. The team will take part in the 1st Annual SOCON Tournament and will face tough competition including host Georgia Southern.

Rookie winger Daniel "Donkey Kong" Kelley runs the ball against Georgia Tech as flanker Matt Espy follows in support. Kelley scored his Zulu try earlier in the day against the University of Georgia

(above) Inside Center Joey "Bullseye" Mullin ended his AHO career with a bang...literally, as he cut his head open in his final AHO game. Fellow senior and Center John "GC" Bortins also played his last AHO game, ironically he was also injured in his final game.

Nov 22- AHO traveled to The University of Georgia to end their season in a three team tournament against Georgia and Georgia Tech.

In the morning match AHO started out quick with rookie outside center Drew Zabor taking a long run and passing to fellow rookie, wing Daniel Kelley who scored his Zulu try, and after making the kick put AHO up 7-0. Georgia came back and made a penalty kick to come within 7-3. On the final play of the first half AHO took advantage of a Georgia lineout. After flanker first jumper Brett Ezarsky had been stealing all the balls to first jumper, the Bulldogs tried to throw deep. Senior second row Sean Stanford stole the ball and ran all the way down to within ten meters of the Bulldogs try line. After a few series AHO was able to punch it in when senior prop Chris “Fub” Colburn scored his Zulu try to make it 14-3 going into the half. AHO never looked back in the second half as they again were able control the ball nearly the entire time. Junior 8man Ryan Murphy put the game away with his first try of the day putting AHO up 21-3, the eventual final score.

In the second match AHO again controlled the ball both in the first and second half, not allowing Georgia Tech to advance into AHO territory more than once. AHO won the match 40-0 with tries coming from Ryan Murphy, winger Matt Harrell, scrummie Zach “Amish” Newcomer and fly half Ben Llewellyn. Rookie wing Daniel Kelley added three point after tries and two penalty kicks. Newcomer also added a point after try and a penalty kick. Perhaps the most important part of the match came with AHO up 30-0 when Matt “I want to be selfish” Espy took a penalty from 5 meters out and made AHO’s first drop goal in over a year.

Other Notes: The B-side all stars also added another victory beating the UGA b-side. Inside centers Joey “Bullseye” Mullin and John “GC” Bortins both played in their final games for AHO. Flyhalf Ben Llewellyn again dominated field position with his excellent kicking. Special thanks also go to Ben’s parents for supplying fruit, water, and candy bars for the pregame. Zach “Amish” Newcomer who normally plays fullback also stepped up and played scrumhalf in both games in absence of Chris Shannon. In a post never put on the home page AHO also traveled to Danville, VA in late October for the North Carolina State Tournament. Penalties and sloppy play caused AHO to lose their opening match 10-9 against NC State which prevented them from advancing. In their two consolation matches AHO had their way with UNC-Charlotte and Guilford with the highlight being Nick “Bruschi” Bruce getting his Zulu on the Slowest-Longest run in rugby history.

AHO now looks forward to the semi-annual banquet on December 9^th, and serious training for next semesters matrix after finishing the fall season 9-3.

The team strikes a victory pose after they're first Rucktoberfest victory since 2003.

AHO 8-man Ryan Murphy makes a crushing tackle against Elon.

Oct. 11-12- For the first time since 2003 AHO Men's Rugby won its annual tournament Rucktoberfest, hosted in Boone,NC. AHO went 4-1 in its 5 games of the tournament.

   In game 1 AHO defeated Western Carolina in convincing fashion 38-0. Tries were scored by flyhalf Ben Llewellyn, Hooker Donald Nelson, and fullback Zach "amish" Newcomer. Newcomer also added two extra points and three penalty kicks. The other three tries were scored by two new Zulu Warriors, , wing Matt Harrell, and rookie outside center Drew "Dubie" Zabor who played in place of injured Joey Mullin.

In game 2 AHO defeated a UNCC team that was much improved from last season by the score of 10-3. Wing Alex "Flounder" Craig score the lone try, with Newcomer adding a extra point and penalty kick.

In Game 3 AHO suffered its only loss of the tournament to Elon 10-7. AHO fell behind early and never caught up with the lone try coming from Zulu Warrior Mike "I can't believe I'm from Ohio" Wargo and an extra point from Newcomer.

On Sunday, despite the loss to Elon on day one, AHO advanced to the semi-finals against NC State with the winner playing in the finals against the Coastal Carolina/Elon winner. AHO fell behind early 3-0 and went into halftime trailing 3-0. At the start of the second half however AHO came out with a new demeanor and capitalized when scrumhalf Chris "Rookie" Shannon notched his first try of the season. Newcomer later added a penalty kick to go up 8-3. In the play of the match while NC State was moving the ball down the field, rookie Drew "Dubie" Zabor intercepted a pass and went full speed into the try zone needing to only outrun the NC State fullback. This put AHO up 13-3, the final score that sent AHO into the finals.

In the finals on Sunday AHO was given a rematch against Elon who beat Coastal Carolina. AHO found a boy with a golden toe in rookie Daniel Kelley who put two long penalty kicks up in the first half to give AHO a 6-3 lead. Sensing the possibility of winning Rucktoberfest AHO turned it on in the second half with tries from Tournament MVP Donald Nelson and rookie Drew "Dubie" Zabor who got his third try of the tourney. Kelley went on to add two extra points and one more penalty kick to give AHO a 23-3 lead and its first Rucktoberfest Championship since 2003.

The B-side all stars also stole the show in their part of the tourney losing a close game against NC State 15-5 and then beating Georgia Tech for the first ever B-side allstars victory.

Some say the victory came from AHO's good luck charm, The AHO Sledge Hammer. AHO now will look forward to the North Carolina State Tournament on October 25th and 26th where they will play NC State with the winner advancing to the semifinals to play the winner of UNCC and UNC-Chapel Hill.

Oct. 5- after losing to the Old Boys last year AHO came out firing with Alex "Flounder" Craig putting up two tries in the first ten minutes. The Old Boys side that had a little mix of AHO B side players fought back and tied it 12 with a try from Greg Schwartz but after that AHO turned it up. AHO went on to score 3 or 4 more tries while holding the Old Boys to nothing. Overall it was a great match with good Old Boy showings from Joe English, Corey Council, Aaron Kraft. Chris "I need a lawyer" Keeling, Mike Chase, Addison, and Paul Tuorto to name a few. Also a few OLD boys from the original AHO teams were there as always to root for the Alums. AHO now prepares for Rucktoberfest which will be this Saturday and Sunday all day at State Farm Fields.

The "Ghosts of AHO Scrumhalfs Past", Greg Schwartz(2005) and Joe "English" Aldridge(2008) enjoy a hug after the match.

AHO scrum vs. College of Charleston

Sep. 20- In an event deemed the "AHO Formal" because of the many teammate girlfriends who made the trip to cheer on the team, the AHO boys didn't disappoint winning 24-7 at the College of Charleston. AHO started off sluggish getting a lot of first half penalties and giving up a 3-0 lead when Charleston scored their only tri of the game. However right before half time flyhalf Ben Llewellyn toed a penalty kick and ran half the distance of the field before doing a short grubber kick that was recovered by scrumhalf Zach Newcomer in the tri zone to give AHO a 10-7 lead at half. Newcomer who normally plays fullback, was moved to scrumhalf because of the absence of scrumhalf Chris Shannon. AHO came out re-energized in the second half and shortly into it  8-man Ryan Murphy after getting tackled, got up and re-picked up the ball and took it into the tri zone to make it AHO 17-7. Murphy later added another tri give AHO a 24-7 victory.

           The B-side ALL STARS also dominated in a 10 on 10 match. Among the highlights were Mike Wargo's stiff arm that led to a 50 metre run for a tri. Rookie Drew Zabor also added a few tries for the B-side in a very lopsided game.

Starting lineup

1. Wilder Clark

2. Donald Nelson

3. Alex Berg- subbed in second half for Joyner

4. Alex Mccrae

5. Nick Bruce

6. Brett Ezarsky

7. Sean Stanford- subbed at halftime for Bubbles

8. Ryan Murphy

9. Zach Newcomer

10. Ben Llewellyn

11. Mike Wargo - subbed at halftime for Twigs

12. John (where did i learn to kick like that?) Bortins

13. Joey Mullin- subbed in second half for Drew Zabor

14. Matt Harrell

15. Alex Craig

Sep. 12- Clemson, SC- Playing under the lights on Friday night, AHO opened their fall semester against the Division 1 Clemson Tigers. AHO came out strong in the first half with the A-side dominating Clemson for 40 minutes, having the ball in Clemson territory almost the entire half. A penalty kick from fullback Zach Newcomer made it 3-0 early. Later on a play in which he was high tackled but still managed to get up and score the try, inside center John Bortins made it 8-0 with his first try of the season. Newcomer added the kick to make it 10-0. With AHO's defense holding strong the team went into the half up 10-0. With almost 35 players making the trip, many new players were subbed in at the beginning of the second half and saw they're first action of the season. While they all played hard, Clemson put up some points in the second half and at the end AHO fell 13-10.

The B-side was played following the first game. The B-side controlled the whole game and ended up winning 30-12.

Starting A-side

1. Wilder Clark

2. Donald Nelson

3. Alex berg

4. Alex McCrae

5. Brett Ezarsky

6. Delph

7. Matt Espy

8. Ryan Murphy

9. Chris Shannon

10. Ben Llewellyn

11. Alex craig

12. John Bortins

13. Joey Mullin

14. Zach Newcomer

15. Matt Harrell

 AHO Rugby will begin practice this Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday the 26-28 at Duck Pond Field at 5pm everyday playing touch and recruiting new players. Next week practice will resume at its normal spot, State Farm Fields, all new players who came by the contact table or met someone this weekend are encouraged to come out to Duck Pond this week. AHO's first game will be September 6th when they travel for the second year in a row to Manassas, VA for the Blue Gray Classic.

July 4-5- Several AHO Ruggers made the trip down to Wilmington, NC this past weekend to take part in the annual Cape Fear Rugby 7's Tournament. The tournament, held annually, is host to some of the south east's best 7's teams, and even some international teams. The team went 2-2 with victories over Cherry Point and The Lexington Blackstones. The losses came against a team from Charlotte, NC and a two point loss to Purple Haze, a team out of Raleigh, NC.

Joey Mullin Prepares to feed the ball into the 3-man scrum of Brett Ezarky, Ryan Murphy, and Joe Aldridge

The Gentlemen of AHO 7's side.

          This years Alumni Match will be held Sunday October 5th, the homecoming football game will be on Saturday the 4th, all alumni are encouraged to plan now to be able to attend this weekend long festivity.

          Also The 9th Annual Rucktoberfest will be held on Saturday October 11th, with the Championship rounds held on Sunday October 12th . The Social will be on Saturday. More information will be available as the time comes, for any teams interested in particpating in the South's Top Tournament contact our match secretary Matt Harrell (harrellmd@appstate.edu)

2007 Alumni Match Picture

(4/30)- Joe "English" Aldridge and Grayson "Pig Pen" Guyer ascended to the rank of AHO Alumni at the Annual Spring Banquet. Joe, the scrumhalf, has played 5 years of AHO RUGBY and has been one of the most commitment players AHO has ever seen. Grayson was a one year hooker and two year medic, using his medical expertise to help wounded players.

(pictured here from left with their awards are Grayson Guyer, Brett Ezarsky, Matt Espy, Ryan Murphy, and Joe Aldridge)

The night also saw numerous awards given out to some of AHO's best this season. Winners were:

Pack MVP: Matt Espy

Back MVP: Joe Aldridge

Most Improved Player: Ryan Murphy

Rookie of The year and Most Eligibile Bachelor: Brett Ezarsky

Also in the semi-annual AHO Spoons tournament Mike "Ernie" Wargo avenged his crushing loss in the fall by defeating fellow Ohioan Alex "Bert" Mcrae in what may have been the highlight of the night.

(AHO Spoons, Mike Wargo on the right was victorious.)

Traveling to play a former coach, Aubin Hooker, AHO Men's Rugby traveled to Coastal Carolina with only half a team to play the final game of the season. Borrowing Coastal players and featuring first rugby games from Flanker Matt Espy's younger brother Kennan and ASU wrestler Brandon Brothers they managed to field a team and have a solid day of rugby. Matt Harrell made his first start at scrumhalf and the only downfalls of the game were a concussion for Matt Espy and a knee injury for Center Matt Suttoni. AHO concludes its season with wins against UNCC, Fort Bragg, NC State, UNC-Wilmington, Belmont, and UNCC a second time. Their only losses came against Wake Forest and ECU. A full season report will be coming out shortly.

Flanker Matt Espy (Pre-Concussion) brings down a Coastal Carolina second row while Nick "Bruschi" Bruce looks on.

Mike Wargo, one of AHO's newest officers

The AHO Mens Rugby team recently voted on its officers for the 2008-2009 season, after much confusion due to the butterfly ballots the results are in:

• President: Matt Espy
• Vice President/ Sponsorships: Wilder Clark
• Match Secretary: Matt Harrell
• Treasurer: Ben Llewellyn
• Alumni Affairs/Website Design: Sean Stanford
• Alumni/ Website Apprentice: Mike Wargo
• Social Chair: Ryan Murphy

Flanker Matt Espy in previous action delivers one of his many crushing blows


Flyhalf Ben Llewlelyn running the ball in last seasons matrix

Boone, NC
On November 3rd, Senior Flanker Matt Espy and Sophomore Fly Half Ben Llewellyn traveled to Columbus, Georgia to represent North Carolina on the All South Team. Matt, who is in his 4th year with AHO has played flanker and inside center for the team. Australian Native Llewellyn has been a solid flyhalf in his second year for AHO.

Scrumhalf Joe Aldridge, who played alongside his father
Neil in Charlotte in his fathers last rugby match

Boone, NC
After the cancellation of the NC State Tournament the Men of AHO finished their fall season with three victories and one loss in the final month. On October 20th the team defeated the Raleigh Vipers C-side. The team then suffered its only loss of the final month traveling to Chapel Hill on November 3rd to play UNC, without a few key memebers due to the All South Tournament. On November 10th AHO traveled to Charlotte to play the Charlotte Socialites. In the first half Senior Scrumhalf Joe Aldridge and the pack played alongside Joe's brothers, family friends, and father Neil Aldridge who was playing in his last ever rugby match. The team came out ahead after the first half. In the second half in what was the highlight of the match, after a long run scrumhalf Aldridge passed to Chase Casadonte for an AHO score. Also seeing time for AHO was alum Aaron Craft who is currently living in a nice apartment complex with his WIFE, Debbie. AHO finished off the season on November 17th with a trip to Elon, NC to play the university team. Bringing only 13 players and adding two Elon subs to get a full side AHO was still able to come away with a victory to close out their season

AHO veteran Corey Council and current player
Mike Chase during the Alumni Match

Boone, NC (October 7th)
In the 2nd consecutive Alumni Match, the Old Boys prevailed scoring a late try to win on October 8th of homecoming weekend. AHO got a try from sophomore Ryan Emerson and kicks from sophomore and fellow wing Zach "Amish" Newcomer. The game clinching try for the Old Boys was scored by Anthony "African" Kearey from about 5 meters out. The turn out was great with the alumni coming one person short of filling a full side, while also having a good crowd of Old Boys cheering on the sideline. Playing on the Alumni side were AHO veterans, Patrick Kearey "African", Thad Teague, Matt Penley, Jay, Max Webb, Tim Driscoll, Darren Betbeder "Dutchman", Max Webb, Greb Beavers, James Wilkes, Chris Keeling, Sean McMullen, Corey Council and Will Elder. It was a great weekend and one hell of a turnout for the match compared to last year.

Donald Nelson in previous action runs the ball with
fellow flanker Matt Espy supporting

Boone, NC (September 29th and 30th)
AHO Mens rugby ran through the competition on the first day of the tournament beating Coastal Carolina, Western Carolina, and a forfeit against the ECU B-side, with tries coming from Donald Nelson, Joe Aldridge, and Zach Newcomer among others. On the second day of the tourney however penalties cost AHO against Furman, as Furman was able to punch in a last second tri to win 13-10 and advance to the finals. Furman ended up losing to the tournament champions ECU. AHO now looks to work on discipline as they prepare for the Alumni Match and State Tournament at the end of October.