KRIS

Posted : Jul 31, 2010 9:35 PM
Updated: Jul 31, 2010 10:41 PM

CORPUS CHRISTI - Normally when you go to the beach, you're there for the sun and the waves. But on Saturday beach-go-ers got the chance to see something special, in fact Corpus Christi is the only place in Texas to watch it.

It's full-contact beach rugby, and it's put on by the Corpus Christi Crabs. This year, 16-teams turned out from across the state, including four women's clubs. That's four more total teams than last year's event.

"It is football without the pads, same idea and concept just different rules. It looks like a big mess, but I call it controlled chaos," said John Dewitt of the CC Crabs.

Among the teams on hand, were the Texas A&M Aggie clubs, both of which are nationally renowned.

"Its been my first time here, but its been a good experience lots of people are out here, its festive and there are boys from all around the state so its good, said Matt Graves who plays for the Aggies.

Rugby is normally played on the grass, without pads. Today's matches again were played without protection, but sand was in place of the grass.

"It's quite challenging to play in the sand instead of the grass like usual, and it's a lot slower, but we like to call it the equalizer. Because those teams that are normally fast, they slow down in the sand a lot," said Dewitt.

"Its nice being in the sand, softer landing, but anyone who starts playing rugby falls in love with it and wants to play more," said Zak Triplett who plays for an Austin club.

And the word most thrown around amongst the players was family.

"You have a bond there and you get real close to the guys and they become your family," said Evan Dundes of the CC Crabs.

And that statement holds true with every player involved. Even though tempers did flare on the sand, as soon as the match ended everyone was smiling and shaking hands.