With this year being the third year the Turkey Bowl was held, it felt like a real tradition for those involved. The competition, an hour of American football followed by an hour of touch rugby, was played between people from the American embassy and the Murphy’s Misfits rugby club. It was a great way to celebrate the American Thanksgiving holiday, with a little exercise before indulging in another tradition – too much turkey.

Despite the cool weather, 17 to 20 players turned out for each side and there was even a small group of supporters cheering on from the sidelines. The recent snow had left the ground a little muddy but that did not dampen the competition.

The American football was played first and it looked like the embassy team was going to dominate completely. Their quarterback showed he knew what he was doing and passed for two very quick touchdowns. The Misfits shuffled their players and managed to score two touchdowns of their own. However, the embassy team scored again and took the lead. With the clock ticking down, the Misfits had possession of the ball but were intercepted on the goal line in the dying seconds of the game, ending the match three touchdowns to two to the embassy team.

Then the second half, the touch rubgy, and the Misfits were eager to make up for their defeat in the first half. However, things started badly for them as the embassy team showed they had greatly improved their rugby skills from previous years and scored the first try. Despite this and managing to move the ball well on several occasions, the ball handling skills of the Misfits and the pace at which they played the game proved too much for the embassy team. The game ended seven tries to one to the Misfits.

The sport over, the day ended with a few beers, celebrating being able to run around outside for an afternoon before the winter really set in.

This was the last scheduled game for the Misfits before the winter break. The Misfits are holding their annual general meeting and year-end party on December 1 and will be celebrating their fifth anniversary.