by Valley Gadfly | May 27, 2014 | Glendale City News
by Glen Richardson
When the Glendale Raptors and San Francisco Golden Gate went toe to toe in the deciding clash of the inaugural Pacific Rugby Premiership season at Infinity Park May 17, it produced a match the likes of which even the best script writers couldn’t conjure up. Accompanying incredibly good rugby was a stack of subplots together with a controversial referee call that kept the huge crowd on the edge of their seats until
the final whistle.
There have been some monumental rugby games here — the Collegiate All-Stars, two Churchill Cups, and the North American Four among others — but none that have created more excitement and drama highlighted by bruising hits and jaw dropping tries. There were five lead changes during the 80-minute contest, but despite an up-and-under try by Glendale Center Chad London in the waning minutes, the Raptors came up one point short, 39-38.
Making the game all the more remarkable is that the Raptors were ranked at the bottom of the Pacific League’s power rankings at the start of the season. Going into the playoff, however, the Raptors were ranked number one with an 11-1 record, two games ahead of San Francisco. In their previous match-ups during the season they were tied with a win apiece.
Seesaw Action Game
Despite San Francisco’s early domination, Glendale moved surreptitiously back into the game with two quick bang-bang scores due to Golden Gate penalties. Fullback Dustin Croy scored first compliments of convincing decoy runs from Centers Landon and Justin Pauga. Then Pauga scored again after bouncing off a Golden Gate player at the try line and the Raptors had erased SF’s lead. Just as San Francisco threatened to score again, flanker Spencer Scott poached the ball and passed off to wing Bret Willis who scampered down field to score. With the conversion good, Glendale had a 24-15 halftime lead.
A nifty scramble by Golden Gate had them within inches of the try line to open the second period. On the next play San Francisco scored but the conversion was missed leaving the Raptors up 24-20. A penalty on the Raptors followed by big SF runs plus an easy conversion put them up 27-24. Kicking the restart deep Golden Gate cleared its lines with a boot. Glendale’s Croy committed two defenders and passed to Preston Bryant who moved downfield and passed to London. Following broken tackles and a ruck, Scot took the ball untouched for anther Glendale score. Graham converted and the Raptors were back on top 31-27 with 30 minutes remaining. Golden Gate hit back within minutes with a quick try to get revenge and back into the game. The conversion was missed, but they had reclaimed the lead 32-31.
Just as quickly Glendale’s Croy dotted down in touch. Believing Glendale had gone ahead for good, players and fans went delirious with excitement. After watching two video reviews, however, the points were wiped off the scoreboard as referees ruled that while Croy did dot down, he was touched before he could do so. With five minutes to go Glendale was caught playing the ball in a ruck. SF kicked the penalty to the corner and took a lineout. With a short plunge and conversion they were up 39-31. Down eight points with less than five minutes to play, Mike Graham chipped a kick over the defense and reserve wing Max Statler gathered the ball and passed to London who raced in for a Glendale score. With a penalty following the kickoff, the Raptors kicked for a lineout inside SF’s 22. Glendale won the set piece but Graham opted to grubber down one point and San Francisco scooped up the ball and kicked it to touch to end the game.
by Valley Gadfly | May 27, 2014 | Main Articles
The jaw-dropping Glendale Fireworks — considered the Valley’s premier Fourth of July display — will again light up the Valley Basin on July 3.
One of the oldest and largest in the area, the powerful display of pyrotechnics has become a Cherry Creek Valley Independence Day tradition. Families and friends gather at eateries, bars, patios and porches from LoDo to the Dam to view the dazzling aerial display. The mega fireworks show will flicker across the skies at dusk (generally between 9 and 9:30 p.m.)
Best places to watch the mesmerizing fireworks are north of Virginia, south of Cherry Creek Drive South, west of Colorado Boulevard and east of Cherry Street. Many families gather in and around the parking lots at CitySet and at Whole Foods for close-in viewing. The City of Glendale sponsors the fireworks show. Rain date is July 26. Information: 303-759-1513 or www. glendale.co.us.
by Valley Gadfly | Apr 29, 2014 | Valley Gadfly
Spring In Full Swing
After a winter that wouldn’t quit, we were eager for spring to get into full swing and for the Colorado Rockies to take another swing at the grand tradition of baseball. Fans did rise and shine to start the new season filling Coors Field to 97.5 percent of capacity for the Club’s 20th home opener at 20th and Blake.
After this winter small things feel like luxuries, even a hot dog at Coors Field. Humphrey Bogart once said, “a hot dog at the ballpark is better than steak at the Ritz.”
Here are our choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to get you into the swing of things so you will be a hit at home and on the town whatever your game plan:
3 Expect lots of dreams to fly over the fence during the Mini Maker Faire at the National Western Complex May 3-4. Inventors and do-it yourselfers display out-of-the-box ideas to catch your attention, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Information: 303-704-7876.
3 You’ll score a home run for Project Angel Heart by attending the Art For Life fundraiser May 9 at the Abend Gallery, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-407-9420.
3 Comedian Shayna Ferm steps into the batter’s box to entertain moms at the Pump & Dump Mother’s Day Show May 10. The raucous evening of comedy is a three-inning show at the Holiday Event Center beginning at 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-668-8700.
3 Score big and head for home with a fairly traded Bunyaad rug during Ten Thousand Villages Oriental Rug Event at Augustana Lutheran Church, May 14-17. Strike a deal on intricate floral and hand-spun dye wool tribals. Information: 303-316-8773.
3 Dig for home plate after scoring on sale of Master Gardener vegetables, flowers & herbs at Harvard Gulch Park May 17-18, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Information: 720-913-5270.
3 You’ll score big with mom by taking her and the family to enjoy the Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet at the Inn at Cherry Creek, May 11. Information: 303-377-8577.
3 Cover all the bases by exploring options and opportunities for self-employment at the Un-Job Fair at Colorado Free University’s Lowry campus May 31. A lineup of self-employment experts will help you reach the big leagues. Information: 303-399-0093.
3 Swing into the game of life by attending this year’s Colorado Corks & Cuisine fundraising event at Four Mile Historic Park on May 22 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. You’ll be at the top of your game as you sip on Colorado’s premier libations while enjoying savory and sweet vittles. Enjoy views of the old west with friends and neighbors while also supporting the mission of Four Mile Park. Information: 720-865-0815.
Eating a stadium dog certainly isn’t a dining experience any more than baseball is something other than entertainment. Nevertheless it is worth noting that hot dogs stir impassioned feelings among fans at Coors Field where baseball buffs consume some 1.5 million of them each season, second only to those Dodger Dogs at LA’s Chavez Ravine.
Everyday things, be they simple, affordable, or sublime take just a little time and attention to make you a hit, even if it is a perfectly ripe tomato sprinkled with sea salt.
A simple daisy can bunt you into scoring position as easily as a dozen perfect roses. But neither is a joy if they are poorly pulled together in an unattractive container. No matter what the blossom or baseball pitch the runner won’t score without care and selection. Life will always throw you curves but when the right pitch comes be prepared to run the bases. Get out the rye bread and mustard grandma; it’s Grand Salami time!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Mar 24, 2014 | Uncategorized, Valley Gadfly
Hippity Hop: Romping Into Spring
Here comes Peter Cottontail! Easter is on the way and so is Passover. Ladies show off their spring finery as the streets begin bursting with flowers, succulents and vibrant colors. It is the month when it is summer in the light and winter in the shade. April sets up her green traffic lights and everyone in the Cherry Creek Valley thinks Go!
At last it is springtime in the Valley as the fences begin to sway, the porches swing and the sky begins to rumble. Hark: Crickets wander, murmuring away happily.
Here are our choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to put you in the mood to enjoy good friends and good books resting on beautiful lawns on sunny days:
Jump into spring as the Snowball Music Festival relocates from Winter Park to Sports Authority Field at Mile High, April 4-6. See 63 artists perform on four stages while checking out snowboard exhibits. Information: www.snowballmusicfestival.com.
Celebrate the beauty of spring in Valley neighborhoods while also exploring the architecture and design of distinctive buildings during the 10th annual Doors Open Denver, April 12-14. Information: 303-322-5205.
Be sure your car is ready to hum a spring tune by getting a transmission performance maintenance checkup at the Valley’s locally owned Aamco car care specialists on West Alameda Ave. Information: 303-462-2626.
Robots are doing amazing things these days but don’t take our word for it; take the family to Robotics at the Hangar, noon-4 p.m. See them perform at Wings Over the Rockies in Lowry. Information: 303-360-5360.
Enjoy global gourmet cuisine at the newly opened Ambli Gourmet Eatery in the Leetsdale Shopping Center, 600 S. Holly St. Take pleasure in savory dishes served on spot with chic décor. Information: 303-355-WINE.
Phantom’s soprano Michelle Gliottoni-Rodriguez gives a recital April 26 at the Broadway Music School Hall, 7:30 p.m. Information: 800-838-3006.
Hop into spring at the family-friendly Infinity Park Easter Eggstravaganza in Glendale April 12 beginning with an Easter Egg Hunt at 10 a.m. Hunts are for two age groups, five and under and another for ages six and up. Those finding a Golden Egg will be rewarded with a special prize. The Big Bunny will of course be available to pose for photos (don’t forget your cameras) with the youngsters. Information: 303-639-4711.
As the Valley landscape begins to emerge from the long winter, so too, we emerge, albeit a little lackluster and disheveled. After sleeping under bear pelts to keep warm we need a fresh spring routine and go in search of fresh frocks, hairdos and haircuts. We’re more than ready for those shorts and sandals on a bright, warm day.
As the newspaperman and U.S. Senator W. Earl Hall once wrote, “Science has never drummed up quite as effective a tranquilizing agent as a sunny spring day.”
For most of us spring tastes light and crisp after a season of hearty, heavier fare. Spring marks the return of salads and early veggies to dinner tables. We’re all set for grilling out. One swallow does not make a spring, nor does one fine day. Still a cone topped with bouquets of scrumptious ice cream is our idea of romping into spring.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
