After a hard week of preparation at 4165 S Hazel Ct (Sheridan HS Football stadium) on both Monday and Wednesday night 7:30 - 9:30, the Barbos suited up against the recently founded club, the Denver Misfits. After the dust (and turf pellets) settled, your Denver Barbarians walked away victorious 51-14.The day opened up with a group of dedicated players who showed up early to the Glendale turf to begin what would turn out to be an amazing BBQ and fan atmosphere.

With captain, fly-half, and community leader Charles Ajarrista on ice (quite literally, as he suffered a fractured nose in Aspen during Ruggerfest), the Barbos relied on Devin Martling, son of Barbo old boy favorite Lenny Martling, to steer the ship and wear the #10 jersey for the Green and White. As Ajarrista delivered on the grill flipping patties and turning dogs, Martling did the same on the field. Martling led the team on offense, distributing the ball amongst centers Alex Schultz and Brendan Shea, in addition to spreading it wide through wingers Todd Oswald and Dante Brown. The 2018 Championship M.V.P. Gabe Bram was very active in the fullback role, attacking the fringes all day. While the backs had plenty of field to play in, it was the forward pack who delivered early and late in the game. Jason “Tubbs” Christensen dotted down twice through the Barbo’s rolling maul and through his go forward ball. Jacob Drew Berlin, Eric “Blow the Horn” Bloedorn, and Mr. Reliable Leland Beatley all scored through the strength of the forward pack as they continued to put the Misfits under pressure in the second half. Michael Lawrenson sacrificed life, limb and digit in a huge defensive effort, holding up two Misfit mauls and turning the ball back to the Denver Barbarians.

The real story of the night was the amazing BarboFam culture under the gazebo as the Barbos continued to put up tries all night. With 100+ fans in the stands, the Barbo Nation cheered with bells, as old boys sang songs of nostalgic times past. As Charles Ajarrista continued to sling burgers and dogs to any willing fan, the Green and White won the day through the club culture. The post match social was held at Three Dogs Tavern (3390 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211) and the team watched Georgia vs. Uruguay in the 2019 Rugby World Cup hosted in Japan.