In the beginning............
The Cruise-A-Matics were first formed as a touring 7's side on Independence Day, July 4, 1983. Interest in Rugby expounded in Columbus, Georgia under the direction of founding members Jim Cross and Claude Betbeze, with help from older players and young enthusiasts. The Columbus Rugby Club was formed on January 17, 1984. The name Cruise-A-Matics (a classic transmission) stayed with the club and is readily known across the USA.
The debut season was successful with a 6-6 record under the direction of Coach Jim Cross and Captain Pete Pease. After tours to Mardi Gras in Mobile and St. Patrick's in Savannah, where the Cruise-A-Matics took third place in the exclusive 24 team tournament, the club members knew we were on to something good and we persisted.
The first Cruise-A-Matics 7's Classic (now Hotter than Hell 7's) was held on June 23, 1984 and was deemed a success both on and off the pitch by all that attended. Under the direction of 7's skipper, Bob Larrimore, the club became known throughout the South as a team that was on the road to greatness.
Fall Season 1984 sent the Cruise-A-Matics on the road to the Mullet Festival in Fort Walton Beach and the Battleship Tourney in Mobile. After being inducted into the Georgia Rugby Union, the club played like "big brother" was always watching.
The Spring of 1985 saw the beginning of our union play with Marshall Miller and Dave Fry captaining the Cruise-A-Matics to repeat performances at Mardi Gras and St. Patrick's. Highlight of the season was hosting the Sherwood Foresters from the Nottingham area of England for four days which left a real taste of rugby in all our mouths.
The 1985 Cruise-A-Matics 7's Classic increased to 16 team with our own club advancing to the semi-finals. A generous donation was given to the National Foundation of Illietus and Colitus in the name of deceased Cruise-A-Matic and friend, Larry Parker.
In the fall of 1985, the Cruise-A-Matics advanced through their league schedule and became Division II Champions. This trophy was proudly accepted because it was our first season in the Union. Also, a third place finish at the Mullet Festival helped highlight a 7-4 season.
After electing new President, Stan Berry, the Cruise-A-Matics began the 1986 season with impressive wins over Union foes - Macon, Albany, Auburn and Fort Benning under the field direction of Jon Dawes and Tom Hart. We feel we are playing solid fundamental rugby for our new coach, Phillip Hall and hope to have even more success after our first international tour.
The Fall Season started on a low point as the Cruisers last a lot of key players due to players being transferred. However weak in number the Cruisers gave their all and we won more than we lost. A sad moment was the departure of Coach Pip Hall back to England but a bright spot was Pip's replacement, My Isaac as the new coach. He was a great addition to the club despite being Welsh.
New Year's we hosted the 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment. We had eight great days and a great New Year's party. We got a lesson in rugby along the way. The rest of the Spring was not the best as the club was going through a low period. The Cruisers lost to Savannah in March for the Division II Championship of the GRU. However the prospects are looking good as a few new players have joined the club. We are looking to bigger and better things in the future.
The Cruise-A-Matics were first formed as a touring 7's side on Independence Day, July 4, 1983. Interest in Rugby expounded in Columbus, Georgia under the direction of founding members Jim Cross and Claude Betbeze, with help from older players and young enthusiasts. The Columbus Rugby Club was formed on January 17, 1984. The name Cruise-A-Matics (a classic transmission) stayed with the club and is readily known across the USA.
The debut season was successful with a 6-6 record under the direction of Coach Jim Cross and Captain Pete Pease. After tours to Mardi Gras in Mobile and St. Patrick's in Savannah, where the Cruise-A-Matics took third place in the exclusive 24 team tournament, the club members knew we were on to something good and we persisted.
The first Cruise-A-Matics 7's Classic (now Hotter than Hell 7's) was held on June 23, 1984 and was deemed a success both on and off the pitch by all that attended. Under the direction of 7's skipper, Bob Larrimore, the club became known throughout the South as a team that was on the road to greatness.
Fall Season 1984 sent the Cruise-A-Matics on the road to the Mullet Festival in Fort Walton Beach and the Battleship Tourney in Mobile. After being inducted into the Georgia Rugby Union, the club played like "big brother" was always watching.
The Spring of 1985 saw the beginning of our union play with Marshall Miller and Dave Fry captaining the Cruise-A-Matics to repeat performances at Mardi Gras and St. Patrick's. Highlight of the season was hosting the Sherwood Foresters from the Nottingham area of England for four days which left a real taste of rugby in all our mouths.
The 1985 Cruise-A-Matics 7's Classic increased to 16 team with our own club advancing to the semi-finals. A generous donation was given to the National Foundation of Illietus and Colitus in the name of deceased Cruise-A-Matic and friend, Larry Parker.
In the fall of 1985, the Cruise-A-Matics advanced through their league schedule and became Division II Champions. This trophy was proudly accepted because it was our first season in the Union. Also, a third place finish at the Mullet Festival helped highlight a 7-4 season.
After electing new President, Stan Berry, the Cruise-A-Matics began the 1986 season with impressive wins over Union foes - Macon, Albany, Auburn and Fort Benning under the field direction of Jon Dawes and Tom Hart. We feel we are playing solid fundamental rugby for our new coach, Phillip Hall and hope to have even more success after our first international tour.
The Fall Season started on a low point as the Cruisers last a lot of key players due to players being transferred. However weak in number the Cruisers gave their all and we won more than we lost. A sad moment was the departure of Coach Pip Hall back to England but a bright spot was Pip's replacement, My Isaac as the new coach. He was a great addition to the club despite being Welsh.
New Year's we hosted the 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment. We had eight great days and a great New Year's party. We got a lesson in rugby along the way. The rest of the Spring was not the best as the club was going through a low period. The Cruisers lost to Savannah in March for the Division II Championship of the GRU. However the prospects are looking good as a few new players have joined the club. We are looking to bigger and better things in the future.