BARBOS TOP METROPOLIS TO MAKE IT 3 STRAIGHT WINS
Before the opening whistle, the Denver Barbarians honored recently passed legends Gay Guthrie, Tommy Smith and Paul Hoskins. Stories were exchanged, hugs were doled out, and the Barbo community showed strong in attendance and support. We are so lucky as a club to have a community that loves and cares for each other long after the boots are hung up and the playing days are over. It was clear what these three men meant to their peers. They were beloved and will be remembered for decades to come.
During this opening ceremony, today’s Denver Barbarians warmed up in their end of the try zone as they geared up for what would be their biggest test of the spring campaign. Minnesota’s most historic club Metropolis RFC made the van drop down to Denver to seek some out of state competition. From the opening whistle, both teams were frothing for a physical exchange.
The Barbos forward pack showed it’s utility early. Alex “Early Bird” Wormer showed he’s not to be slept on as he took advantage of multiple quick lineouts that lead to an early Barbo try. “White” Logan White said “I’m not that bland!” as he maneuvered his way through open play and almost set a RMR record for first half ruck arrivals. Meanwhile, the other half of the pack kept it tough and grimey. Jacob “Exxon” Valdez was NOT leaking oil as he punched his way through the iceberg Metropolis defense. Mitch Andrews (Northern Colorado’s most trusted chef / lock) burned low and slow like he was a BBQ pit master. Michael “Peggy” Oliver (you’ll have to ask him about his nickname) knows only one direction when he carries: straight and forward.
The standouts in the backline were some of the usual suspects. Barbo stalwart “El Toddo” Oswaldo had his banditos howling and yipping like urban coyotes. Julian “Juju” DeRaffele took a bounty of gold coast to coast, scoring two tries. Luke “The Snuke” Woodward did his best Oak Tree impression in defense, and Barbo debutant Henry “Smack It” Hackett got his large frame up and down the pitch all afternoon. The only stain on this great Saturday was losing Austin Moyer to the IR with a broken hand.
When the dust settled in the end, the Men in Green & White won 43-35, making it three straight wins for the Spring. They will face their toughest test this weekend with an away trip to Aspen playing the reigning Rocky Mountain Champs on their home turf. The match will be at Willits Field in Basalt, Saturday at 2pm.
A special thank you to everyone who came out Saturday to support the team and honor our fallen brothers.
As always, Bleed Green
