It has been nearly three years since rugby has ventured on the fields of Lawrence Township Recreation Park.
Although many of the local players have hung up their boots and recruitment of new players in a rural community is challenging, a handful of Clearfield players can be seen in action this Saturday at 2 p.m. in the park where the Happy Valley Men’s Club will host their spring season opener versus Old Gaelic, a Carlisle-based men’s club.
Jud Millar, president of HVRC, stated, “This is a great opportunity for our club to keep the rugby spirit alive in Clearfield. JPR Williams, Thad Diehl, Rob Reams and Rob Swales have strong ties to Clearfield and have been a part of Happy Valley rugby for multiple seasons. The club has discussed helping Clearfield host an event or two and this seemed to be a perfect opportunity.”r.
HVRC (5-3) are looking to start the season on the right foot as they have two weeks to prepare for the first round of Mid-Atlantic Region Football Union (MARFU) playoffs against Eastern Pennsylvania RFU Champions, Harrisburg (8-0-1 ). The winner of the Harrisburg match will then move on to the MARFU championship and an opportunity to advance to the USA Rugby’s Elite 8 in Columbia, South Carolina.
The public is welcome and encouraged to attend this free event. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. Diehl, a 2007 team captain expressed, “I’m glad to have a chance to play in Clearfield again … and to catch up with some old friends that are sure to be in attendance.”
The public may have the chance to experience Penn State Women’s Rugby Club host their first round collegiate divisional playoff game versus James Madison University in Clearfield Saturday at 11:30 a.m. Penn State Collegiate Men’s B Side will play Old Gaelic’s B side at 3:30 p.m.
To learn more, view the 2007 Spring Schedule or to become a part of Happy Valley Rugby, visit the Web site.