The Bridemile Creek Stewards overpowered Himalayan blackberries in today's edition of the 4th annual Invasives Bowl. It was a muddy slog all the way in a Portland downpour.
Stewards captain and coach GS, grinning despite his soaked and muddy uniform, said "This marks a victory for habitat and water quality. We're proud to carry this tradition forward into 2009."
The outcome was never in doubt once the crack Stewards team of ten took the field against their traditional rivals in Hamilton park. They rumbled into the riparian battle zone chanting the team battle cry, "Leave the Brambles in Shambles!"
Foregoing traditional football teevee on this wet New Year's Day, the Stewards racked up an impressive score of several hundred opponents uprooted and left to die on the field. Also among the casualties were a few stragglers of English ivy which fell before the Stewards' offensive onslaught. Aside from a few scratches and small puncture wounds, the victors were unscathed.
This marks the 4th straight New Year's victory for the Stewards, who challenged all invasive plant species in many contests over the past ten years. Stewards GS and JE, bored at the thought of a whole day wasted in front of the teevee, played the first NY match as a team of two in 2006. The Stewards team has grown in prowess since that original game, as today's turnout of ten show.
Himalayan blackberries are an aggressive intruder throughout the Pacific Northwest. Washington State University Extension Service classifies the plant as one of its Top Ten Most Unwanted Pests. Their web site leaves no doubt that it is no ordinary sporting competitor:
Dealing with an intense criminal like Himalayan blackberry may be overwhelming. However, not counterattacking such a forceful intruder will guarantee a continually larger attack each year.
Following the victory, the Stewards and their supporters retired to O'Connors restaurant in Multnomah Village for their celebratory brunch. (Hope the photo link works OK!)
The defeated team was somewhat discouraged, but not disconsolate. "Some of us, at least, will be back next year!", said captain Rubus Discolor.