Thanks to Michael Vasquez for this match summary.

Saturday, April 10, 2004 Burnsville, Minnesota

Metropolis Red

The first side started off with quick phase pick and goes, which quickly led to the Lions defense being on their heels for Terry Helmer's score via pass from Lucky early in the first half. Terry went on to score the next two tries on a quick tap and an impressive tackle breaking run. Noper finished off the scoring for Metropolis in the half with a quick pick from a few meters out. The Lions did a good job picking off a few Metropolis passes and creating turnovers in the loose that led to a few long scores by their scrum half and backs.

Score at half: 26-17

In the second half General started off the scoring for Metropolis with a 10 meter run that went right to left where couple stiff arms put him in for a try. Andy "Stockton" Renner entered the game part way into the 2nd half and scored off a line out pick as well as giving McDowell a slick no look (admittedly lucky) pass that led to a try. The Lions picked up their game in the 2nd half, creating more turnovers on defense, and again scoring a couple very long tries. The Metropolis game plan of pick and goes and lots of tight forward running seemed to get the best of the Lions as the game went on though, tiring out the Lions (most of which came to Minneapolis that morning). Davey and Kohlbeck, as usual, added a couple tries in the half as well.

Final score: Metropolis 59 - 38 Chicago

Scoring: Terry (3), Noper, General, McDowell, Davey, Renner, Kohlbeck

Kicking: Wamsley 7/9 converted.

Metropolis Blue

The B side game had a mix of Old Boys, such as Auggie and Dougie, and true rookies with Steve "that goes to law school with Noper" playing 2nd row in his first match. Using a similar game plan as the first side, the 2nd's ran multiple phase pick and goes, 4 or 5 in a row before swinging it out to the backs. The more experienced Lions side kept most of their defenders out of the rucks, giving the 2nd's little choice sometimes but to continue playing crash ball off the forwards much of the half. The hard running by the forwards eventually led to Dougie's 20 meter spurt out a ruck untouched from score. Late in the 2nd half, with Metropolis on their own 5 meter line and the Lions back to receive the kick, the Metro backline ran it out, with Wade breaking two tackles and unloading the ball to John Hromdka who risked cardiac arrest and took the ball 80 meters for a try to the put the game away (he broke several attempted tackles by the grass on the field).

Also notable was the solid forward play on pick and goes, especially Jake Emerick and the solid tackling by Auggie and Wade.

Final Score: Metropolis 29 - 17 Chicago

Scoring: Slim "Massive head wound" Shady, Wade, Dougie, John Hromdka

Kicking: Vasquez 3/4, 1/1 penalty