Lenox Head Trojans vs Byron Bay

Lenox head(green) Byron Bay(blue) lined up before the game.

After learning about the game of rugby and having our own small rugby practice 2 days before, today it was time to watch an actual Rugby match! We were lucky enough to be in town when Lenox head was playing their arch rivals Byron Bay, another small town about 30 minutes away. 

We walked from our lodge down to the rugby field and took our seats in either the pavilion overlooking the field or down on the field. Despite the rainy forecast, we were fortunate that it was a beautiful sunny day the day of the rugby game. We were all excited for the match to start, as most of us haven't watched a full  rugby game before. Also, after talking to some of the Lennox head rugby players at their practice before we knew that we were in for a good match. There's nothing like a good rivalry! 

In rugby, the 2nd grades (B team or 2nd team)of each team play a match first. Lennox head was able to win this game handily putting Byron Bay away with 3 consecutive scores late in the game. This was a great start and only helped Lennox head to carry the momentum into the 2nd game. For those unaware Rugny is played in 2 45 minute halves with runnning time, similar to soccer. Of course, rugby is most similar to American football when compared to other American sports. The biggest difference between the 2 I would say is in rugby there are no forward passes and that after a tackle the game keeps going. Watching a game live you can appreciate the endurance of these athletes and skill it takes to play for 90 minutes. Lennox head played very well  and led by some younger players were able to win the 2nd game as well. 

After, going after each other for 90 minutes it was amazing to see the respect the teams had for each other following the game. After the game, we headed to the pavilion above the field. After every rugby game the two teams come here and both formally thank the opposing team comending them on their efforts and the coaches for  each of the teams give out what is basically the MVPs of the game for their own team, while the other applaudes and hollers. The commrardery was great to see and is really unlike any sport in the US. In the US there is definetly a sense of brotherhood  and respect within teams but in Australia after the game everyone is truly part of one rugby family. If you don't believe me you can ask one of us about the boat races! 

-Mike