Rugby Chronicles 1
Before the game. I didn't miss the opportunity to have a photo of myself with the rugby ball bearing the Philippine Rugby Football Union Logo. (I might not have a chance later.)
Okay, the rule said I they'd appreciate to see some rules or rugby trivia here. But 01 July 2011 was my first day of rugby. So, I'd just have to beg for your indulgence and let you wait for those specific things about rugby in the following entries. This one will be particular about my first experience with rugby. And as what they said, you can't always forget your first time.
So I'll start at the very beginning. I actually had to leave the office an hour earlier so that I can reach Ultra on time. And I was actually not sure why I did it in the first place. (Actually, I have to confess. I want to have the chance to meet them but I didn't know I'd go this far. Hahaha). I don't actually have that rugby built. As I remembered Chino Trinidad said on a report, they were barrel-sized boys. So, I was already having this idea that I'll be soaked in the mud while everyone was over me. And I was grasping for my last breath to keep me alive.
So I rushed the MRT (in the middle of the rush hour) to reach Pasig. Man, it was like I was already in a rugby match. Everyone was pushing left and right. And since I have this gigantic bag, I was fighting for my life as early as the travel going to Ultra. But hey, I survived. So I made my way to Ultra.
I know I was late. I already found the boys playing here. And as I said, no beginners that day but me.
They were already playing when I arrived. I knew I was late. But more unfortunately, I saw no beginner on the field. I tried to ask and it was confirmed, there was no one there to join the beginners' session but me. But fortunately Kuya Jomari was so helpful (I just developed this habit of calling everyone "Kuya". That doesn't mean that they're older than me.) So he patiently taught me how to throw the ball. Frankly, it was hard for me. Aside from some very rare occasions of playing football when I was young, balls aren't actually my sports.
I know how to swim, play chess and I do some calisthenics. If you'd ask me to perform some rhythmic gymnastics, that would be easier. I'm more of the solitary person. So even the sports I play are quite solitary as well. But now, this is really something else. Now, I have to learn to play with somebody. Handling the ball alone was not easy. For all these years, I struggled to learn basketball. And unfortunately, the only things I learned were how to throw the ball and how to dribble. And now, I always have the tendency to use the same techniques in rugby. Rule number 1 : hold the ball with two hands. Then throw it with two hands as well. Funny, I was always tempted to throw it like basketball. With a force coming from the hind hand.
So I felt it took me forever just to learn how to throw the ball. Then it was passing time. Another moment of forever. (I really felt I was so bad a student. hehehe) Rule number 2 : You can't pass the ball forward. Only to the sides and to the back. And since I have these long legs, I always forget that I have to run a little slower. But actually, this is the first lesson I learned from rugby. Self control. Think that you have team mates. You have to support the one who has the ball. The world does not centre upon you. I'd say at that moment, I have to change so many things about the way I play a game.
Then the preliminary sessions must come to an end. I'm the only student so no matter how much I try study slowly so that I learn it well, I'd eventually have to end up and join the group. But then again, there was no other beginner except me. So, I contented myself in watching the other boys who were playing the other game. If I remember it right, I think I was called "tug ball". (Please don't crucify me if I made a mistake. It's my first time. XD) It was far from what I was doing. So I think, maybe next session, some people will be beginners like me and we will play "touch ball" together.
But I don't know what's written on my face that people always love to baptise me with fire. Well, technically he asked me if I wanted to play now. And it was as if I forgot to bring the word "no" that day. Well, I did not come there to watch in the first place. Though I was really off there to make this blog entry, I was there to experience the game. So, I didn't have much time to think anymore. I found myself next in line and they were practicing how to toss. They threw the ball at me and I ran.
The next thing was simple. It was warm-up. I'd say I still felt some stretches but it was more of a play to me. I walk long hours and I don't get tired so what would a simple warm-up mean.
Then it was time to do some tugging. Now, the game got real dirty. We're supposed to tug someone down so that someone can get the ball from them. That means we have to fall on the muddy ground. (And stupid me, I wore a white shirt.) Anyway, I found someone almost the same size so we could practice tugging together. So, I prepared myself to swim in the mud. Unfortunately, I overacted. I run as if it was the end of the world and my partner wasn't able to tug me down.
Then he told me, ‘You were supposed to fall down'.
Well, I wanted to answer him back and say, ‘You were supposed to apply more force to bring me down'. But I had to keep my tact. Hey, I did not come there to act. I did come there to play seriously. And if that means that I had to experience some pain that night, I would not mind. I did experience some pain though. The mud kept scraping my knees. I it was a bit swollen but not that much.
Then it was time to apply the technique in real game. We were in group of seven and they taught us what to do next when the one who has the ball is tugged. Yup! How to get the ball and pass it to another. But the matters got more exciting. I was trying to get some photos but there was a great flash from the heavens. Since I had no one to take my photo while I'm playing, the heavens had to take my photo. There was a flash of lightning and suddenly the rain poured. Then I just found myself playing under the rain.
Drenched in the rain but we went on with the game. Rain or shine, we'll play Rugby.
At first, I didn't know if I should be happy or what. I did not bring an extra pair shoes. So that means that I will have to go home with my wet and muddy shoes. Forget that I wore white so, surely my mother would kill me when she realises a muddy shirt that was once white. But later, I realised that I should be thankful. At least, the ground was softer when I was tugged. The only pain that I experienced is the mud scrapes at my knees. However, I'm not sure if it was because they knew that I was a beginner that they didn't want to tug me so often.
Okay, it was time for some serious game. They only needed seven players and I was the eighth. So, they asked me to watch first. But I couldn't help it. I really wanted to play. I was really enjoying it. So, I had to play in the next games or so. Luckily, they allowed me just when it is about to end. I had the chance to join the group again when it was just ten minutes till closing. It was nice that I had that chance to play again.
But then again, so stupid of me. I enjoyed too much what we were doing that I wanted to see it done over and over again. So now, I realised that I forgot one of the most important things about rugby. I forgot to ask how do we get to have the scores. So, needless to say. I did not earn my first score on my first game.
Of course, at the end of the game I was so drenched myself.
Actually, that challenged me. I could not play a game without having a score. So, by then I decided. I'd have to go back and earn my first score. It wouldn't matter for how long that would take but I have to earn that first score. So, that means see you again in the next games. That time, I'll be prepared. But just until my playing isn't yet for competition level (as if I'd even go that far. Hahaha) I just cheer for the matches of the Philippine Volcanoes. Of course, whether I win the contest or not, I'll surely meet them sooner or later.
But what's more is that I'll sure try to bring this game closer to the hearts of the young. I'm not an officer of a school's alumni association for nothing. (hehehe) I'd really be glad to see that more and more sports are being played by the Filipino youth. In that case, we have more choices and more chances of world recognition.
