The SJRFC Devils were once again overpowered by the Media rugby machine, giving up 21 unanswered second half points and falling 49-8 at Evesham Rd.   This drops the Devils to 1-2-1 in MARFU D-II North league action heading into the midseason bye week.  The B-Side fought like Devils but were also outclassed 40-0, moving to 2-2.

First game: 

1^st half:

After several near misses, we hit the perfect playing condition trifecta of overcast skies, light rain with softened pitch, and a cool breeze. Media made there presence known by crowding the Devils during the warm-up and making a lot of noise. They basically conduct a 30 minute high spirited practice with 30 odd players prior to the match. Apparently, they know what they are doing. In spite of the intimidation attempt, the Devils looked very prepared for battle and were boosted by the return of vice captain and tight head prop Tom Diaz. Uncharacteristically, the Devils kick-off was “not-ten” short prompting the difficult-to-defend scrum at midfield.  Media wasted no time, testing the Devils tight channel defense with hard runs by their inside backs and forwards. The Devils defense absorbed well and maintained its pattern; however, prolonged Media pressure and a few ill-advised counter attack blow-ups found Media on the Devils goal line. After repeated strikes, and some tough tackling by the Devils tight five, especially Gene Graf, the Media forwards pushed over at 8:00 for a converted try.  The Devils responded by working there way down to the Media five-meter line and getting a line-out at 12:00. “Not in straight” was the referee’s correct call resulting in a Media scrum and clearance. At 15:00, winger Mike Rimositis went for an interception out wide and barely missed. Unfortunately, the gamble resulted in a long break and converted Media try, 14-0. After some more hard work the Devils ended up with a line out on the Media 10 meter line. After the maul and forward drive, the Devils struck with a feed to #8 Justin Band in the back line. A quick recycle resulted in an overlap with fullback Josh Van Nes clear with a wing out side him; both available at pace for a pass and apparent inevitable Devils try. Instead of moving the ball through the hands, a ridiculous inside cut was attempted resulting in a turnover and Media clearance. The Devils recovered and worked it back down and were rewarded with a Stom penalty at 27:00, 14-3. At this point, feeling the full weight of 15 minutes of Devils wrath augmented by several Devils fresh players entering the match earlier than planned, Media changed course and started driving the ball down the field, chasing with all except the tight five, and playing the odds that something good would happen. It did-two back breaking Media trys in six minutes made it 28-3 at 39:00.  In waning seconds, the Devils called up the ‘ole-number-three’ penalty play that we have been practicing for five years.  Media appeared dumbfounded as the Devils double switched right through them with flanker Phil Wright breaking clear with support all around him. Prop Gene Graf popped up in final support and eventually dealt to ever-present right wing Mike Rimositis for the best Devils team-try of the year. Half time score Media 28-Devils 8

2^nd half:

The Devils carried momentum into the second half and basically played Media straight up for about 30 minutes with the GLARING EXCEPTION of the scrums. Media apparently had some specialists on the sidelines and showed, applying the worst beating taken in set pieces all year. This domination and more frequent second half scrums because of a slippery ball and fatigue related errors, made it almost impossible for the Devils to get things going on first phase. The cumulative affect of getting driven backwards and the backs constantly being on their back feet took the wind out of the Devils sails.  Needless to say, replacement scrumhalf Mike McCoy and #8 Justin Band had their hands full at the base, but did well considering the pressure. By 70:00, the Devils were done. In true Media form, they ruthlessly put the game away with three unanswered converted trys in the last 10 minutes.  Final score: Devils 8 Media 49. 

1. Graf  (Gambino)
2. Angelo (Midgley)
3. Diaz, T (c) (Sweeney)
4. Martinez
5. Higgins
6. Hutchinson (blood sub-Ackley)
7. Wright
8. Band
9. Diaz, A (McCoy)
10. Stom (vc) (Ferrari)
11. Blauvelt
12. Higgins (Palumbo)
13. Pente (DiRomualdo)
14. Rimositis
15. Van Nes

 Tries- Rimositis 

 Penalties Kicks-Stom

 Man of the Match: Gene Graf

 Coaches Comment:   

1.      You will get your ass kicked on the scoreboard in D-II North on occasion, it happens. Lets put the Media game behind us and concentrate on the second half of the season.

2. Although a bit arrogant at times, Media is the model rugby club. Their players and coaches sponsor, organize, and coach youth teams, have a greater-area high school U-19 program (like ours) and run the St Joe’s collegiate program. They have 50 players to practice, 30 plus fight (sometimes literally) in practice for A-side jobs every single week. They have live scrums and line outs every practice and can have high level inter-squad scrimmages any time they want.  If you miss a practice, appear unfit or play like crap, you are replaced until you win your job back. This is where we want to be someday.

Second game: (30 minute halves)  

Other than the lopsided scoring, the Devils Bs put forth a tremendous effort against Media’s second A-side.  This is all I chose to report. I repeat-you played well, especially Alex Diaz and prop Mike Sweeney.  Mike played against a beast in the first game and then had to do it for another game.  

Final Score: Devils 0-Media 40 

1. Gambino
2. Angelo
3. Sweeney
4. Mirabella
5. Ackley
6. Kelly
7. Lemalu
8. Scharf (Higgins)
9. Diaz, A (McCoy)
10. Ferrari (c)
11. Sherman
12. Higgins, M
13. DiRomualdo
14. Slater
15. Palumbo (Martin)

Men of the Match:  James Kelly, Pat Mirabella, Mike Sweeney and Alex Diaz

Coaches Comments: Fine effort.