Another Form Of Organized Violence

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Just after leaving the gentle combat we've seen the last two days, I rounded a turn in Forest Park and found this. Since I was feeling lazy, I parked at the edge of the field, put the big telephoto on my camera and just shot through the open window. Easy.

I did not know there was organized women's rugby. I've known a few men who play the sport. They usually put stickers on the backs of their cars that say things like "Give Blood - Play Rugby." Oh, and drink large quantities of beer, too.

Can't say what these women do after the match but they were fierce out on the pitch. The top photo looks like the blue team's sprinter is making a dash for the goal but is about to get flattened by a much bigger opponent.

It's been said that men should get more in touch with their feminine side. Evidently, the opposite is also true.

Might post some more of this on Friday but I've got some new Arch stuff for tomorrow.

Scrum

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Back at the St. Louis Ramblers rugby game. I believe this collision is called a scrum. When required (and I can't tell you when that is) the teams bend down and press mightily into one another. Someone rolls the ball down the center between them. The the players push, claw and scrape one another, trying to kick the ball back to one of their runners, who swings out and dashes toward the goal line. The tall green and white player near the center has the ball, but look at the expression of madness on the face of the black and red man rushing at him, hands thrown apart in readiness to tear his opponent's head off.

Below: just how wet was that field?

Downtown St. Louis 365 wonders about all those American flags at the baseball stadium when Albert Pujols is Dominican.

Violent, Sloppy And They Think It's Fun

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Last Saturday I came upon a rugby game in Forest Park, taking place during the interminable rain. The field was soaked. My knowledge or rugby is poor but the father of one of the players explained some of it to me. It seemed violent, at times chaotic, but the players clearly enjoyed it. The team in the green and white jerseys are the St. Louis Ramblers, around since 1932. The opponents are a team from nearby Scott Air Force Base.

The craziness going on here has something to do with throwing the ball in-bounds. The teams try to hoist one of their members up (by the shorts!) to deflect the ball in their favor. I don't get it.

We will have a bit more of this tomorrow.

Downtown St. Louis 365 proposes what you should do with your day.