Portland, Ore. - For the first time in over two decades, a select side for the Oregon men’s rugby club players held tryouts and fielded a team this past weekend.

Naming themselves the Oregon Loggers, players from eight different clubs hosted the Bayside Sharks from British Columbia on January 19 in Portland. 

“This was a true representative side with clubs from all over Oregon. The match was meant to be a celebration of rugby and tribute to the quality players in Oregon,” said Head Coach Cleve Larson.

The Loggers controlled the match from the kickoff, beating the Canadian tourists 24-5. Bayside were surprised by the physicality and determination of the hosts in the first 20 minutes, giving up three tries and a yellow card. With only two training sessions, the Loggers looked poised and drilled.

“They boys played remarkably well together considering the short preparation time,” explained Forwards Coach Mike Lewis. “The forwards were strong, and delivered clean ball all match to a very talented backline. These guys can’t wait to play together again.”

All the coaches agreed how valuable it was for rival clubs to work together. “With four DII men’s clubs in Portland, it gets real competitive and contentious, both on and off the field,” explained Team Manager Royle Johnson.  “One of our main goals was to mend some fences, and we did.  In the end we’re all rugby guys with so much in common.”

Bayside is planning to visit again next January for a rematch with the Oregon Loggers in preparation for the tough BC Premier League schedule.

“Next December and January we will train together more, and hopefully schedule additional matches during this pre-season window,” said Johnson. “Our hope is to find another opponent or two this June between the sevens and fifteens season. “ 

Head Coach                                                        Cleve Larson (Portland)
Associate Head Coach, Forwards              Mike Lewis (ORSU)
Associate Head Coach, Backs                      Lisona Roebeck (Sturgeon)
Defense Coach                                                 Craig Martin (ORSU)
Scrum Coach                                                      Daniel Simental ( Battle Ground HS)
Manager                                                              Royle Johnson ( Portland)

Man of the match, forwards                       Matt Pardy, ORSU
Man of the match, backs             Zeke Camusio, Portland

Referee                                                 Jonathan Pasque

Oregon lineup
1. Jason Fields (ORSU)
2. Joe Boyd (Salem)
3. Enrique Lopez (ORSU)*
4. Matt Pardy (ORSU)
5. Brendan Hobbs, Lock (ORSU)
6. Oscar Palu (Sturgeon)
7. Matthew Beraldo (Battleground)
8. Leumai Tauilliil (Sturgeon)
9. Malakai Unga (Tsunami)
10. Talo Fetuuaho (ORSU)
11. Jack Polataivao (Sturgeon)
12. Mark Riley (ORSU)
13. Zeke Camusio (Portland)
14. Eric Brown (Sturgeon)
15. George Huntzicker, Fullback (Portland)

16. Tim Boyd, Prop (Portland)
17. Josh Bernstein, Hooker (ORSU)
18. Michael Estis, Prop (Eugene)
19. Tysen Gray, Flanker (Portland)
20. Josh Duchene, Scrum-half (Portland)
21. Gordo Izquierdo, Fly-half (Portland)
22. Casey Rogalette, Wing (Battleground)
23. Jake Jones, Full Back (Corvallis)

Cam McDonnell, Lock (Portland)  Selected but unavailable
Eli Goodwin, Hooker (Corvallis) Selected but unavailable

*Captain