Important Links: Complete Match Summary Match Photos Event Photos

The inaugural Mayor's Cup Rugby Challenge Match has been played and was a resounding success.  Resounding in everything but the final score, anyway. We lost the match 76-0. 

We hit them hard and the two packs were pretty well matched.  After about 20 minutes they decided they couldn't go through us so they began to go around us and that's when the inequities shown through.  Their open field running was superb, as was their ability to kick for position and pressure us on defense.  In the end they had lots of praise for how physical our boys were and how they absolutely refused to give up right until the final whistle.  Dundee put together a very experienced team that by most accounts would compete well against any top US side.  It was a tough match for our guys but to a man they wouldn't have traded it for the world. 

For a more complete accounting visit the primary Dundee RFC's website at:  http://www.dundeehsfprugby.org.uk/
And for some good photos check out the website of the club's photographer:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/photorich/

The better story is really that the inaugural Mayor's Cup Challenge Match was a huge success in the eyes of both teams and both cities.  Dundee held wonderful civic ceremony in council chambers that was well received and well covered by the local press. Speeches were made, gifts were exchanged and the official cup, donated by the City of Alexandria, was introduced.  The Mayor's Cup was set on display beside the legendary Calcutta Cup (won by Scotland this past spring) to the admiration of the crowd, which included the Lord Provost of Dundee, John Letford and famed Scottish player, David Leslie - whose name is on the Calcutta Cup.  If we can deliver half of this here next spring we will be well on our way to meeting our goal of showcasing rugby for Alexandria's youth.

The match was well attended despite a steady rain that fell through  much of the first half and it was covered well in the local media - picked up by both the local and national papers and by Scottish TV.   The Scots were absolutely fabulous hosts and looked after our every need.  It's going to be hard to match their hospitality when they come here in May as they've set a pretty high bar.

Thanks to everyone who helped make this first event a reality either through volunteering, buying a raffle ticket or donating to the cause.  A special thanks goes to our primary sponsors - Remploy Frontline, Jen Walker of McEnearny Associates, O'Connell's Restaurant, and W.D. Euille & Associates - without whom this event would not have been possible.  Thanks also to Lindsay Lexus, Mr. John Lyons and Dr. John Via for their generous contributions and to everyone who believed in us and our mission.  It was truly a team effort and we look forward to more of the same in the months to come as we prepare to host our friends from Dundee next spring and put on a real show for the kids.

Cheers!

The Mayor's Cup organizing committee with the mayors Front Row: Bert Todd, Alexandria Rugby; John Letford, Lord Provost, Dundee; Bill Euille, Mayor, Alexandria; Gavin Garden, Dundee High. Back Row: Owen Malone, Alexandria Rugby; Dave Adam, Morgan Academy; Ally Geddes, Morgan Academy.