Ducks open Spring 2023 with tough loss

Prime Time

Murmurs of “there’s still snow on the ground”, or “gee it’s cold”, or “gorsh it wouldn’t be so bad if it wasn’t for that darn wind” were rolling around the field at noon on April Fool’s day, in Iowa Falls. The Ducks were to get dressed bleacher-side leaning into the nor-westerly gale, while Iowa Falls robed up in their cozy and heated clubhouse. Warm ups ensued, Ducks won the toss and kickoff occurred at 1pm with the wind to the Ducks’ backs.

Strategies became apparent as the Ducks prioritized burying Iowa Falls in their half through some deep kicking, and Iowa Falls utilized a larger pack as battering rams, keeping it tight. Strong winds, strong scrums and consistent pressure saw Iowa Falls only escape their territory a few times in the first half. Mercer opened scoring by executing a perfect inside-line off an offload from Parko at first receiver. Conversion by Horne.

Much to the surprise of absolutely everybody onlooking, an almost invisible James Gadient found himself in space after an intercept between the 22 and 40 meter line, shimmying all the way to the tryline. Horne converts, half time.

Most of the second half looked like a physical slug-fest, trading blows throughout the midfield. Mercer opened second half scoring, working out wide and finding space outside of John Polk’s magnetism at outside center.

Soon enough, Iowa Falls made good meters through breaking tackles and some extra whistles for three consecutive tries spread throughout most of the half. Mercer, after scoring a try in the dying minute, found himself robbed of a hat-trick and the Ducks robbed of victory, as a yellow-card was given from an encounter 25 meters away from the try.

Final score, 19-21, Iowa Falls.

Some notable mentions were Sam Caswell in his first ever game, Truc Nguyen from WDSM Wombats for heading up to help, JJ (Summer ‘22 Duck) for helping out, Cody “Concrete” Connolly for running touch and Jimmy Hogan for the most memorable yellow card story one may ever hear. Three yellow cards to the Ducks is also notable, perhaps a modern record for the club.

Tries-

Will Mercer x2

James Gadient x1

Conversions-

Joel x2