When the game-ending whistle blew back on March 18, Paul Cannella and many of his teammates on the Chicago Dragons were shocked—and they didn't know how react. The scoreboard told the story:
Chicago Dragons 12, Phoenix Storm 8.
The road win marked the first win ever for the predominantly gay rugby team, which had lost, oh, about 28 consecutive matches since its inception during the summer of 2003.
'It really was a weird feeling after the [ Storm ] game. It was like we didn't know what to do,' said Cannella, 35, the team captain. 'It truly was a flood of different emotions, especially for those of us who have been around the whole time. It was, no doubt, special to everyone in a different way nonetheless.'
Chicago scored first, but then let up. 'We let them back in the game, which we shouldn't have done,' Cannella said.
Phoenix tied the score and the Dragons were trailing at one point 8-7. With about 15 minutes to play, Chicago scored the game-winning try, and the Dragons had several other scoring chances as the game wound down, but didn't come through.
'It was great ending the streak. We're still walking on clouds. It certainly was a great feeling. Everyone had a smile on their face,' said Cannella, who plays scrum half.
The Dragons took to the pitch locally April 1 and are back in action April 29 in Battle Creek, Mich.
'I think a lot of people who came out for the team in the beginning thought it would be a neat or just an interesting experience. They didn't really have the dedication and some of those people have been weeded out,' said Cannella, who lives in Lincoln Park.
Last year, the team was at times struggling to put 15 players on the pitch. Some matches, in fact, they only fielded 13, while their opponents had the standard 15.
The Dragons have added several key newcomers in recent months, such as John Eckroth and Jason Weaver, who had a try and a conversion-kick in Phoenix, thus earning the Man of the Match award—and a naked journey post-match for his inaugural try.
'Things are going well now for the team,' Cannella said. 'We've got a good mix of players, veterans and rookies,' of our 30 players, of which about 10 percent are straight.
The Dragons play in IGRAB, the International Gay Rugby Association and Board, and CARFU, the Chicago Area Rugby Football Union.
The CARFU season starts in the fall.
Cannella said the Dragons are set to compete in the Gay Games, if there are any challengers. He said that, up until now, there have not been a lot of registrants beside Dragon members. Either way, they will have pickup games during the Games, if need be, Cannella said.
'We have a strong group of forwards and a strong group of backs,' said Jim Casey, 43, the team president. 'We've got the type of team now that allows us to get the ball out the wings, and then let people run with it.
'I really think we have the chance to win some CARFU matches this year, and that fact really shows how much and how well the team has progressed on and off the field.'
Ahn Gallagher, a former college rugby player, is the team's new coach.