MIFI- 3, Moscow Dragons, 3
8.11.2009.
Sadovniki, 4 (metro Kolomenskaya). Kick-off 13:00

It was not the best of times, it was not the worst of times. Anyway, on that gloomy, almost rainy, morning of the Moscow fall, the almighty Dragons gathered once again to keep the beast roaring.

Holding the oriflame on this not so memorable occasion were: Kostya (Javier), student Sashsa (Kostya), Oleg Bukalov (Danila), Damián, Big Piotr, student Kostya, Volodya, Alex, Johny, Rem, Anton, Alexey, Oli, Serguey (Firdaus), Max. Lots of trench spirit - frontal individual attacks buried in the mud due to the poor condition of the field and to a determined defense by the opponents -, and little good rugby. Dependable performance by the back line with good catches of high balls, clear dominance in the scrums and line outs (with Damian flying high up where he had never been before), and disputed rucks, with no clear superiority. Lots of scrums due to slippery ball, and almost no single attack in which we could create a clear superiority. In one of the few times our try line was under threat, MIFI scored his penalty goal, with only ten minutes to go. Only on the brink of the end and disaster did we also get  a penalty at about 30 metres from the posts. Max, showing a commendable cool blood scored it, turning a disappointing defeat into a disappointing draw. Now, there are some bleak winter weekends to lick our paw and to let the rage of the Dragon brew its blood so that his roar can be heard lower and more threatening in next match.

Dog of the day: Damien. When MIFI coach entered the field to claim that one of the almighty dragons was not registered, the former French president indulged himself in a mundane debate with him, more in the style of a rainy afternoon chat in a teashop than of a serious rugby match.

Gay moment of the day: In the changing room: “ He who pays his member fee will be awarded a free night with Damien”. Thank God nobody was tempted by the offer.