From the beginning of the tournament most games went as they would have been predicted.  Mid-day Saturday saw the closest action of the whole tournament with TNT squeaking out a victory over St. Louis 38-37 after several lead changes during the game.  The crew from St. Louis just couldn’t seem to handle the pressure in the 4th quarter and blew a 2-point lead.  Although the squad from TNT finished the tournament in 2nd place they appeared to be a shadow of their former selves in the wake of Wayne Romero’s retirement and Eddie Crouch leaving to play for Lakeshore Demolition.  Travis Smith (3.5) of TNT was selected for the All Tournament Team.

The second closest game was a 4-point match between the Jackson Jags and Indy Quad Squad.  The Jags gave a go of it keeping the game close throughout, but the Quad Squad having the advantage of a deeper bench prevailed with a 44-40 win.  Quad Squad member James Ezell (2.0) was selected for the All Tournament Team.  Ironman of the tournament Wiley Clark (2.5) of the Jags played every minute of the tournament and was voted the Sportsman of the tournament for his efforts.

Chicago proved that they were the team to beat- with addition of international phenom Fabien Lavoie (3.0) from Canada the Bears zoomed around everyone on the court.  The closest game the Bears had was a 17-point margin over the St. Louis Rugby Rams.  Even when Lavoie was double teamed the Bears showed that they have other weapons on the court enabling them to score at will.  Lavoie (3.0), Brad Schramel (1.5) and Nick Fonner (1.0) garnered All Tournament Team honors.   

St. Louis finished the tournament in 3rd place with wins over Jackson and Indy.  Kerri Morgan (2.5) and Clayton Braun (0.5) made the All Tournament team for the Rams.  This was Braun’s first All Tournament award and he hasn’t even been playing rugby for 1 year yet, as he gains more experience he will be the thorn in his opponent’s side.  

The St. Louis Rugby Rams would like to thank all the teams that participated in the tournament as well as tournament sponsors West St. Louis County Jaycees, Fred VanGorp, Steve Henry, Rickman Innovations, DeSalvo Consulting, Enabling Mobility Center, Playoffs Sports Bar & Grill, DeSoto Christian Church, Mike Norris, Knight Family, Lucido Family, Tucker Family, Pat Rawie and South County Tech HS. 

The Rams would also like to thank all who have sent their support and prayers following the unexpected passing of team member Jason DeSalvo who passed away Tuesday, October 31 at the age of 31.  The Rams will be honoring their fallen teammate with a patch on their jerseys inscribed with J-DAWG- as Jason was affectionately known- and his number 8.