Conditions were near perfect for this long anticipated "Brown Jug" match against the Pigs. The temp was 45 degrees, sunny with very little wind. The field could have been better but we have seen worse... The game started off with the Pigs controlling the ball. The Feeder played defensive in their half for the first twenty minutes of the game and eventually one of the Pigs backs made it thru the Feeders Berlin Wall for the first score of the game. The kick was good making the score 0 - 7. The New Zealand ref didn't give the Feeders any breaks and definitely helped the Pigs control the ball by calling a disproportionate amount of penalties on the Feeders. The second score of the half would be a kick off of a penalty by the Pigs. The score was now 0 - 10 This is where the tide would start to turn, but maybe too little too late. Feeders would eventually punch a try in thru a series of mauls and pick and go's from the Pack. Bob Schinke, with good support, pushed a try in from 8 meters out. A tough kick was then missed.

The score going into the half was 5 - 10 with the Feeders gaining momentum. The second half would prove to be a back and forth battle with both teams having long break aways which would then be stuffed by some tough defensive work. The Pigs would score next off a long run and several quick phases. The score was now 5 - 17 with 20 minutes left to go in the game. A sense of urgency came across the Feeders and they controlled the ball for the final 20 minutes of the game. The Feeders pack would punch in another try with 14 minutes left to go in the Game. Bob Schinke was able to take it quick off a penalty 5 meters out pushed one in. Kick was up and good making the score 12 - 17. The final minutes of the game the Feeders continue to control the ball moving into and keeping the ball in the Pigs territory. Credit given to the pigs for a great defensive effort. The Feeders made their move too late. The final score of the game was 12 - 17. There was some confusion about how much time was left in the game. Checking my watch and comparing against two other peoples gave the Feeders anywhere from 2 - 3 minutes left in the match. Congrats to the pigs. Winning this match gave them the MN DIII championship and the rights to the brown jug for another year. If the Feeders would have one we would have taken the championship, but in losing and not getting our bonus points for scoring four tries it may have kicked us out of the playoff picture. I believe "too little too late" will be the story of our 2009 season. There is still a chance for the Feeders to make the playoffs depending on how the match ends up with Metropolis and Faribault next week. Go Faribault!

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