Tokyo Crusaders vs Fevers RFC

By Ryuji Matsuzawa One couldn’t ask for a better day to play rugby as the Cru arrived in Mitaka for a friendly versus the Fevers – mild temperature, a rare Saturday game and the Captain’s stag party scheduled for the evening. Having played the Fevers previously, we knew that despite their old age (they make Tooley look like a school boy) the game would not be a walk through the park. They like to use their experience to their advantage and are solid with their set pieces. This day was no different and the Fevers put us to task when it came to scrums and lineouts. Not to make excuses, but it did not help when many in the Cru pack were playing out of position. Where we lacked in the set pieces, the backs came to save the day with several runs of end-to-end action from the trio of speedsters: Dominique ( 1st try of the day in the opening minute of the game + 2 more on the day ), Pierre ( also a hat trick ), and Brett ( completely broke a few defender’s ankles for 2 tries and Man-of-the-match). Also, a try a piece from forwards Seth and Brendan for a final score of 50 – 15. A few other notable events from the game as follows: Gareth Lim getting on out in the wing in the second third and nearly had his first try, but bungled it as the ball must have bounced awkwardly off of one his many body armor pieces as he tried to ground the ball. Matt Callaway and his father Clive stepping out on the pitch together – second Father/Son combo to play for the Cru this year. Matt did a great job at scrum half ( Evan’d better watch his back! ) and a very noticeable lack of the C-bomb being dropped for a change. With a good win under our belt, off to Hamamatsucho we went for a Booze Cruise and shenanigans for Trav’s stag. A lot of beers were consumed. Thanks to great organization by Derek and Gen, we were able to come away relatively unscathed and managed to offend only a few civilians, along with a booming rendition of “You’ve lost that lovin’ feeling…..” to two passing ladies just after disembarking. I think Frank managed to keep his clothes on as well for a change!