Green Horde Reaching Out to Help Hospitalized Cleveland Kids

The holidays just ended but there is time to give to those who really need it. There are a vast number of children who are in the Cleveland Clinic’s Children’s Ward who were not as fortunate as the rest of us this holiday season. Claddagh and the Green Horde want to help them out, and they need all the help they can get!

On January 18, 2012 items will be collected at Claddagh in Lyndhurst for the team to distribute to the children that Friday.

Whoever comes in on that Wednesday from 5:30pm until closing and brings a toy with them we will give them 15% off their total food bill.

The hospital is looking for a number of items, including:

• For Infant/Toddler: 
  

  This is just one bag of toys ready to be donated to the children at the Cleveland Clinic.

  • Musical toys
  • Light up toys
  • Stacking toys
  • Mobiles (must be plastic, no cloth parts)
  • Activity gyms
  • Glider/Rocking Chairs (all wood, no fabric)
  • Lullaby and soft music tapes and CDs
  • Crib Mirrors
  • Texture balls
  • Shape sorters
  • Rattles/Teethers
  • Bumbo seats

• For Preschool Age Kids:
  • Little Tike and Fisher Price “Little People” (structures, cars, planes, furniture, people and animals)
  • Sound books
  • Play food and dishes
  • Toy musical instruments
  • Wooden Puzzles
  • Pop-up books
  • Light up and Musical Toys
  • Trains (compatible with Brio Tracks)
  • Go Fish
  • Old Maid
  • Memory Games
  • Doctor Play Kits

• For School-Age/Adolescent Kids:
  • Etch-A-Sketches
  • Sports balls/cards
  • Athletic clothing/tickets/memorabilia
  • Advanced arts and crafts kits (latch hook, stitching, bead kits, wood crafts, etc.)
  • Nerf basketballs
  • Lotion/Aromatherapy
  • New fingernail polish

• Electronics:
  • CDs – Popular/current artists
    

    Bags of toys waiting to be distributed to kids at the Cleveland Clinic

  • Portable/personal CD players
  • Small boomboxes (w/ CD and tape players)
  • Portable DVD players
  • DVDs
  • Laptops
  • I Touch or I Pad

• Games:
  • Guess Who
  • Yahtzee
  • Apples to Apples
  • Clue Jr.
  • Uno
  • Puzzles (100 piece and smaller)
  • Boggle
  • Boggle Jr.
  • Connect Four
  • Sorry
  • Scattergories
  • Scattergories, Jr.
  • Scrabble
  • Scrabble Jr.
  • Rack-O
  • Phase 10
  • Skip-bo
  • Monopoly
  • Monopoly, Jr.
  • Hangman
  • Trouble
  • Operation
  • Dice
  • Sudoku books
  • Word search books
  • Crossword books
• Art & Craft Supplies:
• • Coloring books
  • Colored sand
  • Sand Art kits
  • Clothespins
  • Magnetic tape
  • Sun catchers and sun catcher paint
  • Foam art
  • Velvet (fuzzy) posters
  • Sticker scenes
  • Crayons
  • Washable Markers
  • Stickers
  • Beads & elastic string
  • Play-dough
  • Individual craft kits
  • Model kits
  • Bead/jewelry kits
  • Science kits
  • Sketch pads
  • Finger paint paper
  • Pom poms
  • Glue dots
  • Coloring posters
  • Tissue paper
  • Paint brushes (skinny and wide handles)
  • Chalk
  • Notebooks/Journals
  • Scrapbooking supplies
  • Felt
  • Craft Glue
  • Paint-by-number
  • Glitter Glue pens
  • Glue Sticks
  • Feathers
  • Construction paper
  • Tacky (craft) glue
  • Jewelry-making kits
  • Watercolor paints
  • Model Magic- white
  • Pipe cleaners
  • Kids Scissors
  • Ziploc bags (snack, sandwich, quart, gallon)

• Additional items to consider are:(The items below are used for distraction and therapeutic purposes by Child Life Specialists during tests and procedures.)
  • Play medical kits
  • “I Spy” books
  • Touchable Bubbles
  • Bubbles
  • Kaleidoscopes
  • Party blowers
  • Water tubes
  • Pinwheels
  • Glitter Wands
  • Sound & music books
  • Music cds – relaxation
  • Light-up Spinners

• Any small dollar store-type items that would be used to give patients as a reward after procedures, completing sticker charts, etc.:
  • Fun pads
  •  Hair accessories
  •  Note pads
  •  Hot wheels
  •  Stickers
  •  Key chains
  •  Temporary tattoos
  •  Pencils
  •  Rings/bracelets

 

And the winner is…

ESRFC logo

On Saturday December 3, 2011 the Cleveland ESRFC family descended upon Claddagh Irish Pub in Lyndhurst’s ever-classy Legacy Village for its annual awards banquet.

The restaurant and bar played host to over 50 East side players, family and general supporters who all but took over two entire sections of the venue.

Those in attendance socialized and were treated to a slideshow that featured shots from games that had taken place earlier in the year, including the Rock n Roll 7s Tournament. Photos were graciously provided by Hannah Derrickson and Harry Visser. A video is available as well. Claddagh provided those gathered with food and spirits – Guinness on tap and tickets for just about anything behind the bar – for the night. When everybody decided to calm down and sit down the business of the night began.

President, Mike Ciccolini, Vice President George Jeney and Mark Match Secretary Viviani presented the winners with their awards, as voted by their teammates:

• Rookie of the Year – Gary Springer
• Most Improved – John Bowens
• Most Valuable Member – Mark Derrickson (for the 10th time)
• Most Valuable Player – Billy Regam

The team is proud to have these people as members of our club and honored to know and play with them – and all our members past and present.

Thank you to Claddagh and the all our supporters. We look forward to seeing you all out during our coming year.

 

Field of Play: A Matter of Standards

ESRFC logo

It’s probably very safe to assume that very few rugby players in the Midwest, especially in the lower divisions, have played on a regulation rugby pitch. This is to be expected because there are very few rugby complexes in the US or sports complexes equipped to hold a rugby pitch to begin with.

There is, though, a big difference between a field that is a little too short or a tad too thin. There is even a case to be made for fields that are not the most level or well manicured patches of earth in existence. These allowances have their limits, though.

Land is not cheap, especially in this climate of worthless 40IKs and $5.00 gallons of gas (All rights to that saying reserved for Roger Mazzarella), but if teams are going to invest the money they have in a location they should at least find themselves a decent piece of land. Neglecting to do so is a detriment to the game in a number of facets and irresponsible.

First, if a field is not level to an extreme degree it is hazardous to the well-being of players who are going to be competing on it. Take, for instance, the line-out. If one team is on a higher patch of land than the other they are at a clear advantage; but more than that, if the jumper comes down funny on the unlevel turf at the very least that’s a hurt ankle. At worst, the downed player could get trampled. Also, if a player is running the ball and does not see a sudden drop in elevation he or she could bring their weight down ont their wrong and severely injure their foot.*

Second, finding a field that is somewhat out in the open is important to have as well. If the only field that is available is in a fenced-in area then that is fine. There is a big difference between setting a field inside a park and shoving it onto a plot of land sized for use by children. The issue comes into play here when the fence interferes with play. There’s a field in Pennsylvania where the fence surrounding the pitch juts out into one of the try zones. Not only does this make for an awkward try zone considering the field’s boundaries extend past the point of the fence, but it is a serious health hazard to the players competing on the field. hay bales in front of a metal post can only do so much.

Also, shoving a field into a park surrounded by busy city streets creates a dangerous atmosphere. Not only is there the possibility of debris on the field, but when every kick goes into the street it puts players in danger of getting hit by cars. Nobody wants to lose a rookie that way.

Once a team finds a field, outfitting it with the proper amenities is a must. This doesn’t mean a team needs to shell out thousands of dollars for the finest of IRB USA Rugbyregulation goal posts, flags, cones and pads, but it also doesn’t mean to half-ass your field set-up. Times are tough and wallets are notoriously light but there are cheap and effective alternatives available at most stores.

Need flags to mark the lines? Dicks Sporting Goods has sets for sale online. Need cones? They’ve got that too. Field paint can be found at just about any paint shop.

Cones, flags and paint are cheap and easy fixes, though. Goal posts are bigger more complicated issues. There is virtually no way to purchase a cheap set, so teams often turn to creating their own. Everything from PVC pipe to metal pipes have been used to construct uprights and crossbars on rugby fields. Those, if done right and with care, will more than do the trick. The key is that is should be done right. This means care should be taken to ensure that:

1. the pipes are straight
2. the pipes are the proper height
3. the crossbars should be level with one another
4. the goal posts are proper dimensions
5. the crossbars are straight
6. the goal posts are sturdy

The goal posts are the most important part of a club having a legitimate field and, on the same token, a legitimate team. This is because these elements of the pitch play a pivotal and direct role in scoring points during a game. Plus, if the posts are not as strong as they would be they could fall down and seriously hurt the players and referee on the pitch.

Having, essentially, a bullshit, half-assed rugby pitch is a detriment to everybody involved with the sport. It sends the message to outsiders that a crap field with goal posts that have caution tape for crossbars is passable by our standards. It shows incoming rookies that are new to the sport that they have just gotten involved with a program and a sport that has low standards and expectations from its players. It shows people who the ruggers at that pitch doesn’t take themselves, their club or their sport seriously.

Midwest Rugby Union

Perhaps it would help to have people inspect fields clubs play on. Perhaps referees could do note it as they officiate a match. It would add more responsibilities to the already big job that comes with being an official, but it would only be a benefit to the sport of rugby as a whole. Standards help people have an idea of what level they need to reach. Setting standards higher, even at the lower divisions, will raise the bar for everybody and give the sport, its clubs and its players a newer, better look.

*I know that rugby is a rough sport and that every player that signs up for it does so knowing the inherent risks involved, but why take any chances and create more opportunities for injuries to happen?

 

Green Horde comes up trumps against Rovers, short against Erie

ESRFC logo

Last week the Eastern Suburbs Rugby Football Club played, arguably, one of the most important games of the season outside of Midwest. They took on their cross-town rivals, the Cleveland Rovers. All week, emotions ran high and supporters came out in force to support the starting 15. With the practice field filling up the days leading up to practice, the Green Horde was able to put together a game plan to all but assure a victory.

When Saturday rolled around the Green horde family showed in force, crowding the sidelines of the field constructed in Forest Hills Park in Cleveland Heights. Not to be outdone in the realm of sideline support, the Rovers brought out the best the West side had to offer to support their side.

The game went back and forth for the entire 80 minutes. Both teams took shots at the other’s defenses, trying anything and everything they could to put up points. Despite the Green Horde’s kicker having a rough day and the referee letting the Rovers turn a bad take on a penalty and a knocked ball into a try, the Green Horde brought home a 20 – 17 victory. The  complete write-up can be seen here.

The Green Horde was spurred on to victory against the Rovers, carrie don the back of inspired plays by Mark Viviani, Billy Regan and the team’s Captain Mike Belanich. Unfortunately, the flashes of brilliance brought on by these men wasn’t enough to propel the Green Horde to victory as they headed across state lines to attempt a clean sweep of  their Pennsylvania competition.

The best word to describe the bulk of play from the Cleveland side is: uncharacteristic. Normally spot-on tacklers were running high and getting palmed off like rank amateurs. Cool heads erupted as trash talk from the opposition squad came to a head with cheap play outlandish calls made by the referee.

Still, the usual flashes of brilliance were there as the East side squad’s heroes came to the team’s rescue only to have Mike Belianich’s try not be counted because the referee was out of position. At the end of the day the ESRFC suffered a controversial and crushing loss that resulted in them surrendering first place to Akron, who toppled th Rovers that same weekend.

This weekend’s match against newcomers Steel Valley will be the true measure of how greatly the loss to Erie has affected the Green Horde. If they are intent upon rebounding, it will show in their play and most likely result in an unpleasant Saturday for the Youngstown team. Should they come out with lack-luster play and their heads hung low, the result could be very different.

The game kicks off at 1:00pm at Forest Hill Park in Cleveland Heights.

 

ESRFC Puts Hurt on Two PA Squads

South Pitt Hooligans logo

ESRFC logo

The Green Horde faced, and successfully put down, two tough Pennsylvania teams in the past two weeks – and as always they did so in dominating fashion.

First, the ESRFC crossed the border – and a bridge or two – into enemy territory to tak on the South Pitt Hooligans. The two teams faced off against one another at the home pitch of the Pittsburgh Harlequins, the city’s only Division I mens rugby club.

The two teams were competitive against one another the entire match. When one side would score the other would fire back. There were a number of occasions where the South Pitt squad would show flashes of brilliance against their out-of-town competitors and force the Green Horde to stay on their toes. The two team’s packs bashed into each other, trying to wear each other and make breaks for most of the game but once the Green horde moved its more mobile pack members into the back line the tide turned decisively in the favor of the Cleveland side. From that point forward if Cleveland’s centers weren’t doing damage to the South Pitt line it was one of the wing forwards or their squirrely hooker, Mark Viviani.

Final score: ESRFC – 32, South Pitt – 18

Note: Thanks to the Pitt City guys for allowing some of the Green Horde members to stay at their social after stumbling upon Rugger’s Bar uninvited.

 The story when the Green Horde hosted the Westmoreland Highlanders on Sept. 24. This game was one of goods and bads.

GOODS:

1. The Green Horde got to play on an actual good field. Due to lingering field issues, the ESRFC hosted the Highlanders at GaReat Sports Complex out in Geneva. Fortunately, the visitors were not shaken by the last-minute and constant changes to the day’s venue. Even for those who are too delicate to play on turf, it was nice to play on a field that had the proper dimensions to field two full rugby sides and was actually level.
2. The Green Horde notched up a ridiculous score of 102 – 7. Technically, since George Jeney - who was on loan to the Highlanders – scored the opponent’s only try, the Green Horde socked away a total of 107 points on the day. The huge score line ensured that almost everybody was able to get in on the act of scoring. Mike Ciccolini and newcomer Pat Barrett got hat tricks on the day, breaking the Westmoreland line at will. Mike Belanich led off the scoring for the Cleveland pack on the ground while Adam Wheaton took kicks, only missing two the entire day.
3. Everybody got a chance to play. Sometimes getting rookies and dedicated elders playing time is difficult. This day that was not an issue. Some – George Jeney, Thiago Borges, Steve Anthony, Harry Visser to name a few – split time for the bad guys to help fill in their side. Every rookie in attendance got significant time on the clock and their contributions were greatly appreciated.
4. The Highlanders played and partied well. Despite the day not going their way on the field and having a far drive, the Highlanders made the drive to Downtown Willoughby and had some refreshments with the Green Horde following the game. The social was a win for everybody involved.

BAD:

1. The ESRFC only got the points for the forfeit. Unfortunately, the Highlanders came with such depleted numbers that they did not meet minimum requirements to field a team do they had to forfeit.