Quad Rugby/Story - Cant Beat the Heat

UNITED STATES QUAD RUGBY ASSOCIATION

February 2007

Can’t Beat the Heat

Some of rugby’s best teams from the west side of the country came to Arizona for the Heat Rave, February 2-4. The talent level was high as every team in attendance had a legitimate shot at qualifying for Division I Nationals. The community support was awesome as most games were watched by good-sized crowds and those who came were treated to some great games.

The best games of the first day featured Portland still trying to figure out how to use all of its speed. The up and down Pounders were both as they were two-point winners versus up and coming U of A and two-point losers versus Denver. Losing by two was the theme for the boys from Tucson as they fell two goals short to every team they played. The close losses, though, proved that the U of A team will be one to watch if they make DI.

Portland showed its potential in an exciting game against the defending national champion Phoenix Heat. The host Heat cruised to a five-point halftime lead and seemed to on its way to an easy win, but Portland kept coming and Phoenix kept making unforced errors in what was its worst played game of the season. The champs ended up sweating out a one-point overtime win that saw four turnovers in the game’s last ten seconds.

The tournament’s championship game was another one-point thriller with Phoenix facing Denver. The Harlequins had beat the Heat in their first meeting this season but had been crushed by Phoenix in their last two meetings. The game was tight throughout but eventually the hometown Heat won the game and first place.

Thank you so much to all the volunteers and sponsors who enabled this tournament to be such a success. Special thanks go to Lane and everyone at MASD, ABIL, Leeden, the David Reese family and tournament director Scott Hogsett.

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