Charleston Outlaws RFC

SPRING PRACTICE BEGINS THU, JAN 6th 2011 

Happy New Year and best wishes for 2011 to everyone at the club. We will begin spring practice this coming Thursday over at Hampton Park beginning 7pm sharp then every Tuesday 6:30pm and Thursday at 7pm going forward. We need ALL players to come out not only to make the practices worthwhile for everyone but more importantly, so that everyone is up to speed on some of the new ideas and tactics we are wanting to incorporate this season.

We have much work to be done - the mark of a good team is to begin the season as we finished the last - on top and un-beaten. Both Dave and I are excited about the new year. The hard work begins Thursday.

Looking forward to seeing everyone.

Posted By: Taffy!

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Outlaws Gain National Recognition Going into 2011 

Men's Club DII Top 25, Dec. 29, 2010

We cheated. Instead of stepping out bravely and naming a preseason DII Men’s Club Top 25, we waited until most teams were halfway done with their season before producing a ranking. Nonetheless, there aren’t too many surprises. Most of the teams we have listed came down from DI since last season, did well in DII or are traditionally competitive. (read more here)

Posted By: By RUGBYMag.com staff

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Practice Tonight - 1/11 

Guys, thanks again to Bill Bell, we will be practicing tonight at the Citadel all weather football field on the Citadel Campus - please make a point of thanking him tonight.

On entering the campus follow the one-way sign past the parade ground and then bear right at end of road, follow the direction of the field lights the parking lot will be in front of you.

No excuses we need all players out.

Posted By: Taffy

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Practice This Week 

Practice for the week of 1/25-1/27 has been moved to the all-weather field at the Citadel.

Posted By: Webmaster

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Outlaws Begin the Spring Season 

The Charleston Outlaws begin their Spring season this Saturday with a road game against Hilton Head. The coaches have set high expectations for this season and with a few weeks of hard training behind us expect to do well against this tough Division 3 opponents.

My inside sources tell me HH have acquired the services of a ''crafty English'' backs coach, so we will expect a tough game with a few Red Rose surprises!

Posted By: Taffy!

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Outlaws Victorious in Opening Games 

This Coming Saturday the Outlaws Travel to Greenville for Their First Spring Matrix Match.

For the legions of our ''Worldwide'' readers you will know that we welcomed the return of the season with an eagerly anticipated warm up game against Hilton Head. Practice the week prior, was less than perfect since no lights were available and we had to practice in the dark, very much like the way we played. In a scrappy game that witnessed the referee being far more technical than was called for, the Outlaws showed minimal flashes of form that bodes well for the future. The final score of 29-10 was perhaps not a true reflection of the performance, but as we have always maintained, ''an ugly win is better than a pretty loss''.

The second game provided many of our new players with a chance to shine and shine they did, with a comprehensive victory 36-0. With 30 plus players out at practice, competition is fierce so all bodes well for the upcoming season.

Posted By: Taffy

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WAKE UP CALL IN GREENVILLE  

WAKE UP CALL IN GREENVILLE

''It' been coming for a while'' commented Outlaw head coach Taffy Greenslade as Greenville snaps a 5 months unbeaten streak for the men from Charleston.

With tries begging and an awful kicking performance the Outlaws deserved nothing. A vastly improved Griffin's stuck to their game plan and with a huge pack kept the game tight to the bitter end. Take nothing away from the win, it was deserved. Do the Outlaws have the resolve to bounce back this week against in-state rivals Columbia in Columbia? Watch this space....

The Killer Bee's played a stellar game and won comfortably by 30 points. New players, new energy and keeping to the game plan a competitive Griffin's side were out paced by the Outlaws backs who scored some wonderful tries.

Posted By: Taffy

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Chucktown Takes Down Columbia! 

From having lost last week Charleston needed to awake from its slumber. Too much had been taken for granted and a lesson was learned. Practice was physical and demanding and a new attitude was needed.

The warm up in Columbia was also stern with no tolerance for lax behaviour. This was a must win game and everyone was aware of its importance. From the kick off Charleston suffered from early anxiety and made numerous mistakes by trying to force things. It took 20 minutes to settle down and get into the game plan. While we were ahead at the half we needed to score first at the start of the second half.

It took only 5 minutes in the second half for Columbia to score, they smelled blood and wanted the game as much as Charleston did. This was where our physical and demanding practices kicked in, from that point on Charleston was relentless and came out eventual winners 42 to 10. At practice we had also worked on reducing the penalty count against us and conceded only three, eliminating the opportunities for kickers. The game was won by a fine display of rugby which will hopefully get us back on track for future games. Meanwhile, practices will continue to be harder making the games easier.

Posted By: Diamond-Dave Hawkins

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Killer B's Shine Against Myrtle! 

On Saturday there was no A side game but the B side had a hastily arranged game against Myrtle Beach. On arriving at their field we had 19 players, most of which were backs, with only a few forwards. In true Charleston spirit we pulled backs into the forwards and taught them the very basics of scrummaging and lineout jumping before the game started.

The game plan was simple, they had big forwards so we had to run it at every occasion. The words before the game was go out and have fun. So fun was what was had with a fine example of what running, supporting and ball handling can do. Most of the guys played out of position but they never missed a beat, defeating Myrtle Beach 57 to 5. The man of the match award went to the entire team for a well constructed concerted effort. Johnny Bryant played his first game as Captain and led from the front, he was more than ably supported by the rest of the team who displayed typical Charleston character by never quitting. Great effort by everyone who was there, well done guys.

Posted By: Disco-Dave Hawkins!

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Homecoming Weekend!!! 

This coming Saturday, Feb 26th, will see the arrival of Charlotte, in Charleston, to take on your Outlaw rugby team. Another stern test is expected and Charleston is, again, in a must win situation. All players are expected at practice if our game plan is to be implemented. Kick off is at 1PM and the game will be played Daniel Island! (Directions)

There is no cost for admission, but we ask that Outlaw fans please donate to some of our partner charities, Pet Helpers and Carolina Youth Development Center. There will be volunteers at the game with donation buckets.

See you there!

Posted By: Dave the Dancing Bear!

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Outlaws WIN BIG against Charlotte! 

The Charleston Outlaws played their best Matrix game by far this season with a comprehensive 78 - 0 win against a spirited Charlotte side, and in front of our largest crowd.

Playing a high tempo open and expansive game, the Outlaws pack dominated their opponents from the opening scrum to set the platform for the backs who were faster, stronger and more clinical in their finishing, scoring 7 tries.

The Outlaws now travel to Cape Fear on Saturday, where they are expecting a much tougher game.

The Killer B's provided Charlotte with a bunch of players to even up the sides in what became a highly entertaining game finally won by the Charlotte/Outlaws side 29 - 25.

Thanks to everyone who came out to support the club on what was a perfect day of rugby.

Posted By: Taffy

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Outlaws Win Against a Physical Fear Side 53-10 

''You are only as good as your last performance'' rang true for the Outlaws as they played what was their most physical game of the season. Against a spirited Fear side the game was close until 10 minutes into the second half, when the Outlaws finally began to dominate the game with some excellent kicking into open spaces and some straight running by both backs and forwards alike resulting in many tries.

The Outlaws have it seems recovered from the debacle that was the Greenville loss, and are beginning to look a lot like their old selves. Next up for the team are the Raleigh Vipers a powerhouse Division One side who will be coming to play Charleston on March 19th - should be a cracker of a match with the Killer B's also hosting the Vipers. Kickoff 1PM Location TBD.

Posted By: Laffy Taffy!

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Outlaws Host D1 Powerhouse Raliegh 

Charleston Outlaws to Host Division One Powerhouse Raleigh Vipers
Saturday March 19th 1 PM KO - Charleston Battery Practice Field

This coming weekend your Charleston Outlaws will host two games against the Raleigh Vipers. The Vipers who play in Division One (the Outlaws play in Division Two) will certainly provide the Outlaws with their most physical challenge to date. The weather forecast calls for ''clear blue sky's'', the rugby forecast calls for ''an awesome day of rugby''. Please, come on out, make a day of it and support your Outlaws!

BIG party to follow at the Brick Pub Downtown on East Bay Street across from the Customs House - all fans are WELCOME!

Posted By: Taffy!

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Final Matrix Game  

Outlaws to Play Final matrix Game at Home to Cape Fear
Saturday, April 2nd 20011 - KO 1PM
Charleston Battery Practice Field, Daniel Island

Outlaws Suffer Tough Losses to the Raleigh Vipers
On a perfect day for rugby, the Charleston Outlaws entertained Division One Raleigh Vipers for what hopefully will become an annual fixture between each club. As both clubs prepare for the play-offs, the game provided a perfect opportunity for established and fringe players to state a claim for first team squad.

In the first game Raleigh ran out winners 34 - 9 with a display of effective attacking rugby that mirrored the style of rugby the Outlaws play. The second match was a much tighter affair with the Outlaws going down 17-15. On a day when the Outlaws wished the score had been different, rugby was the winner.

Posted By: Taffy

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Outlaws Win Big 

Under a clear blue sky and windy conditions the Outlaws shanked a light-traveling Cape Fear squad 96-0, as nearly 200 supporters witnessed Charleston score at will at the Daniel Island pitch. The ball made it out wide often on offense as the home side was able to go through numerous phases and do as they pleased. An improved defensive line stifled all of Fear's attacks and Chris Sigmund of Charleston was nearly perfect kicking on a blustery day.

The second game was a 10 v. 10 match up with mainly Charleston players and a motley from Fort Sumter and elsewhere. The Outlaws notched a second victory of the day 48-14. A great set of games to end the regular season, as the momentum gained will be needed in the next two weeks before the post season.

The Outlaws would like to thank all of their fans, family, sponsors, training staff, and many other people who put in countless hours behind the scenes, for a winning season.

Posted By: Rowdy Rowdy Rada

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Outlaws Beat Cape Fear 96-0 in last Matrix Game of the Season 

The coaches, wanted a performance first and a victory second. They achieved both in an attacking display that said a great deal about the hard work that has been put in since our defeat to Raleigh two weeks earlier. We needed this springboard for what will be our hardest game of he season on April 16th away to the reigning National Champions Tampa Krewe in the playoffs. If you are interested in traveling to Tampa with us to support your Outlaws, please email webmaster@charlestonrugby.com

Posted By: Taffy

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Outlaws Come Up Short Against National Champions Tampa Krewe! 

South Quarters 33-23

The dream of a run at the national championship is replaced with the reality that our season is over for yet another year and our high expectations ended at the first attempt. While the defeat hurts, the frustration and anger of not being able to win the match when in reality we controlled the majority of the game, hurts even more.

We take no solace from the both head coach of Krewe and his players commenting over and over again last Saturday night that the Outlaws are the toughest team they have played in more than 2 years. While in one sense it is a compliment - there are no prizes for coming second!

For the effort that was put in by both the players that took the field and the players who were in the squad against Krewe, I am eternally grateful. The effort was amazing, we never gave up and to come back from being 33 - 9 down to 33-23 was a monumental effort. In the end, our lapse of concentration in the first 15 minutes of the second half cost us the match and from that point forward we played catch up. At times we played some amazing rugby. Our defense was physical, intense and brutal. We dominated their pack in phases and attacked their underbelly - at times Krewe were reduced to disorganization and committed penalty after penalty. Gramps was on fire with the kicking boots, slotting them over from the half way line and beyond.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who traveled to Tampa, especially those guys in the squad who never got onto the field of play. To our sponsors, family, loved ones and fans all around the globe, your support this season has been amazing and long may it continue.

Both Dave and I are truly sorry that the season had to end last Saturday, we are both gutted. However, we are both honored and humbled to be your coaches. This club of ours is truly special to both Dave and I and while we sometimes come across as two grumpy old Welsh bastards - it's because we honestly care about each and every one of you and want to win so bad that it kills us when we lose or under-perform. Sometimes we wonder if you all realize how special this club is - and what it means not just in terms of being a rugby club, but a club you can call home and a club where you will always be welcome and never left out. We need to embrace it, build upon it and fully unleash the amazing amount of talent we have in the 2011-2012 season.

7's season is about to start, please keep checking the site for details as well as to mark your calendars for the Charleston Outlaws memorial 7's tournament - more details to follow.

Cheers and have a great summer.

Posted By: Taffy

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9th Annual Rugby Memorial Day 7’s 

The Charleston Outlaws Rugby Club will be hosting the 9th annual Memorial Day 7’s May 28th at The Battery practice fields on Seven Farms road on Daniel Island (directions). Games between men’s and women’s teams will begin at 10:00AM and run till 4:00PM. There will also be a High School game between Wando and School of the Arts at 2:00PM. Teams from Georgia to Maryland will be competing. Food and beverages will be available for sale. Please come out and support Rugby in Charleston! Visit HERE for more details.

Posted By: Butch "Back Ten" Setser

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