Mid March in Colorado can have it’s weather challenges. After the Barbos faced multiple training sessions in freezing conditions, they put their stamp on a successful weekend down in the desert defeating Phoenix RFC 99-5 and Tempe RFC 66-10. The weekend saw a barrage of scoring from the men in Green & White, as the Barbos look to continue their win streak heading towards the 2022 playoffs.

When the team landed Thursday morning, the spirits were high… and how could they not be, the lads were just beginning their first team tour of 2022!

Below are some audio interviews from various players on Thursday morning, leading up to the game against Phoenix that night.

After the early morning flights, the team checked into the rooms, relaxed around the hotel pool, and began the process of switching into a game day mentality. The van ride out to Legacy Sports Complex (on the far East side of town) went seamlessly as the team hunkered down and switched on. Upon arrival, the weather was serene, a beautiful sunset was a mere 30 minutes away. The team shuffled out of the various vehicles (some in a team rented passenger van, some in rentals that older players didn’t mind covering the cost of, … others just dropped of by family members in the Phoenix area who came by and watched), and proceeded to boot up and prepare for the game.

What happened next would leave local meteorologists’ heads spinning for weeks (if not years) to come. A storm system miles north swept through . Although not a drop of precipitation ended up falling on the pitch, 35 mph gusts began ripping through the desert night. And like that … the wind became the narrative in this Thursday night clash.

In the end, the Denver Barbarians defeated the hosts Phoenix RFC by a final score of 99-5. The team ran in 15 tries to Phoenix’s lone score, but the team’s form let down in the second half as the gusting wind persisted. Sloppy ball around the pitch led to some unforced errors, yet the Barbos persisted through the gusts and were victorious on the night.

Denver’s next test in their first tour of 2022 was Tempe RFC, the alma mater of Club President Danny Bell. The team spent Friday resting, recuperating, and replenishing their cups. The consensus amongst the squad seemed be they weren’t satisfied with the 2nd half performance from the previous night’s match. Sure, the score line leaned towards Green & White, but a litany of unforced errors, turnovers and sloppy passing was hard to ignore. One could blame the wind and conditions, but mother nature has no regard for blame. The grouped looked at themselves as they focused their minds on Tempe. The Saturday, and marquee clash of the Arizona Tour.

Eager to come out strong, the team prepared diligently in the hours and minutes leading to kickoff. In the end, the focus paid off by way of a convincing victory. Denver scored a total of 10 tries to Tempe’s 2, but it was gritty work by the loose forwards that stood out of the day. Felix Dunphy was clinical around the breakdown, pilfering the white colored oval multiple times throughout the afternoon. New club member Joe “Say it Ain’t So” Goldbloom ran great support lines, and was rewarded with two tries of his own for the efforts. Luca Tani played an all around solid game, defending, effectively passing the ball into space, and finishing tries of his own.

Club “Glue Guy” B. Shea spoke about the way the Barbos handled their business …

“It was an entirely different scene in this second game. The lads wanted it more, they woke up hungry on Saturday. The pack came out and put their stamp on this match. Slowly and methodically, they drove the ball down the heart of the Tempe defense and finished out the tries that were missed two nights prior. I’m very proud of the entire organization for leaning into this tour and coming back home with a strong outing against a quality Tempe side.”

Check out the MOTM Interview below!

In the end, the team enjoyed the spoils and hit the town in Old Town Scottsdale AZ. It was a night to remember, and the collective fabric of the groups’ identity continued for form throughout the long hours of the night. A special thanks to our hosts Tempe RFC, our Club President Danny Bell, and our favorite sponsors Bierstadt Lagerhous who will undoubtedly host Tempe RFC on their return leg back to Denver next fall for a rematch!

Stay well, and most importantly … BLEED GREEN!