They came. They saw Van Halen. They conquered the American rugby club with which they share a name.
The Monmouth Rugby Football Club of Monmouthshire, Wales, crushed the Monmouth Rugby Football Club of Shrewsbury Avenue 47-15 at Thompson Park in Lincroft Saturday.
“It was a lot to a little,” said Red Bank coach Brian Difiore, “and we were on the little side.”
The visitors mark their new territory.
But as much as it was about bragging rights, the game — er, match — was the culmination of a the first-ever all-Monmouth day, one that would end at the Red Bank clubhouse on Shrewsbury Avenue with a good deal of camaraderie and a great deal of beer.
For the visitors, who arrived early last week and left for home Sunday, “it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Andy Pook, a Welsh rugger who’s a police sergeant back home.
He and his teammates heaped praise on their Red Bank hosts, the hotel (the 73-man squad stayed at the Oyster Point), and Donovan’s, where, just because they could, some of the ruggers dressed up in costumes: hippies, Elvii and cast members of ‘Grease,’ among them.
“It’s been an excellent time,” said Pook.
The Welshmen, in stripes, make nice with the Americans post-match.
While Monmouth Rugby Club appreciates your interest and reporting of our recent hosting of our counterparts from Wales, your selection of pictures was amateurish and unprofessional, a disservice to both our club and the sport in general. We deserve better, and so do your viewers.
Sure now, Mr. Lyons, you can't be blaming the Red Bank Green crew for making the public aware of your club's embarrassing, "amateurish and unprofessional" behavior (your words). If you are ashamed of your lads doing a little "grazing" in the meadow, hold them accountable, not Red Bank Green. You see, RBG has not done you, your club OR your sport any "disservice" at all because it owes you none. They are not your public relations firm.
I see from the pictures that the culprits were the no.08's I will be sure to speak to them asap
OMG!!!! Are those men peeing??? really who gives an F.
I went down and it was a great event, really why not focus on the positive and stop being children.
Pardone,
The picture is amateurish. Read the article and look at the pictures. What the hell does it have to do with the article? Imagine an article about Mayor Menna and his parking policy with a picture of the Mayor walking into the little boys room. This pictures is meant to have shock value, but has no journalistic relevance to the subject. This would not pass the test for any professional editor and you are smart enough to know that Pardone.
I really feel bad for Mr. Lyons, Mike and PK. Do you guys really have no sense of humor? Did you not bother reading the caption to the "amateurish" picture in question? That's what it has to do with the article, Mike. It may not rise to the level your highly refined standards demand of humor, but it's called an attempt at levity. Hell, if I found as much gravitas in everything as you seem to, I'd wonder what deep Freudian reasoning keeps you from reading and repeating a simple word like "Padrone"
Hey…I do have a sense of humor. My sense of sarcasm is lost in print. It is a stupid picture and the fact that we are even discussing it is absurd.
It is the worst form of "yellow journalism" and we should move on.
ah he said yellow…………. Huhuhuhuh ……..cool.
Monmouth Day was magnificent as both the hosts and visitors had a fantastic time. I was so inspired I played 20 minutes of old Boy rugby after a 22 year retirement. A former SJU rugger who played against Monmouth NJ and also met the real Rob Howley at the 99 World Cup, I tore my knee on my 30th Bday. I had to play with the Welsh guys because I wanted to win. I am still sore a week later but I survived.
Rugby is the greatest game you will ever play. All are welcome including my Kathy, who is autistic and always welcomed at at the Wilde Rover by the Monmouth team. Sure, Watts said I just fell on a guy but hey, it was a tackle!
What a day and many thanks to Frank Fischer and Brian Cardew for putting this day together along with many others.
Cheers,
Rob Howley
I would just like to say what a great time Monmouth (Wales)had during our stay in Red Bank. Every one we talked to in shops, diners and of course, bars! made us feel very welcome.
Monmouth (NJ) are a credit to American rugby and the work they put into decorating their bar/clubhouse was superb.
So let's not argue over a silly photo but remember what a great time we all had during the match and back at the clubhouse later.
Thank you Monmouth and the people of Red Bank.
Thank you Monmouth NJ rugby club for a great hosting the other week & Redbank for a warm & friendly welcome - we had a ball!
From all the Tour party from Monmouth Rugby Club Wales UK