For the first time after Phillippes injury, the team stepped onto the field against the Condors at the Blaze’s field in Lemont, IL.

The first thing we recognized was that we were not alone as Lance, team captain, brought both the  Blaze and their opposition together before their Midwest playoff game to pray for Phillippes recovery. It was an emotional moment for all those in attendance.

The Condors, while still in the process of rebuilding their club, provided strong opposition for this match but were eventually worn down by the forward pack and strong defense.

The eventually score being a win to the Harlequins 25-5. Our back line continued to display an improved flow and cohesion that was exciting to watch.

At this time of year, it is common for Top 10 lists to appear, well, everywhere. Since you've probably had your fill of these in the newspaper, on TV or on the web, we thought we'd simplify the issue for you in terms of Division I rugby. 

Here then is our "Top One" list. Simply the most exciting rugby match played this year in the Mid-west. Both teams were in the hunt for a playoff spot, and the match was deceided in the final minutes. Simply exhilarating.

You're welcome, and Merry Christmas :)

As Metropolis rugby  club's bus  turned right onto I94 to head straight home, I hope they recognized that they had been in a quality game. It would have been a pleasure  to have shown metropolis  our graciousness  and hospitality in defeat, had they decided to attend the aftermatch. They  did have  a long drive home , one that  must have felt better due to their efforts in the final minute of the game.

Metropolis  with this win will move into second place in the west and are still in the hunt for that Midwest 2^nd seed  for the nationals.

The game began perfectly for Metro  and they lead after a quick try in the 3^rd minute  and   began to apply large pressure on the harlequins defense. 5 minutes  in the crowd was rewarded when the home team finally had any opportunity to penetrate into the metros half and were rewarded with a penalty within 10 meters of the tryline. The quins opted as they did last week to take the scrum and push it in. phillepe leka went over for the try and even the game.

Wisconsin and Minnesota are fierce competitors in the game of rugby and today the top-sides from each state battled for a playoff berth in Division I USA rugby action. Wisconsin was represented by the only Division I rugby club in the state, the Milwaukee West Side Harlequins and Division I debutantes.

Metropolis, Minnesota's sole Division I club, travelled from Minneapolis to the Harlequins for the encounter

Metropolis got out to a quick 7-point lead with a converted try in the opening minutes, but the Harlequins turned up the pressure, leveling the score at the 18-minute mark.