The Devils, already low on numbers and playing as the visiting team, had the deck stacked against them. SJ arrived in Maryland missing a number of key players and had to play people out of position. Due to the positional changes, the boys were  playing with a relativity small backline, wing Quinn Conaboy moved to inside center as Gerrit van der Merwe stepped up and played flanker. Coach Scott Wilson also booted up for the game and once again proved his dedication to the club. Douglas "small in size big in heart" Price also got his first start on the wing and proved to be an asset to the team. As the match got underway it would become apparent that this would be a hard hitting and compact rugby match. The first 20 minutes were  played almost constantly in the middle of the field. South Jersey kept the large Rocky Gorge ruggers at bay with excellent defensive pressure. Unfortunately South Jersey faced the same pressure and struggled to get their offense working. With the first half winding down Rocky Gorge was awarded a penalty and successfully converted for 3 points.

The second half again proved much of the same, both teams playing superior defense found themselves in a stalemate concentrated in the middle of the field. Rocky Gorge tried to get their big backline working but due to a strong and cohesive South Jersey backline they were again unable to chew up any substantial yards despite their large size advantage.
South Jersey's forward pack was locked in a vicious game of break the wall with the Gorge forwards, both teams continually tried to crash off rucks but neither was able to make any significant gains. The Devils finally got some offensive momentum going and appeared to be marching up (yes it was a hill) the field into scoring position but ended up taking a penalty for points which was unsuccessful. With about 2 minutes left South Jersey found themselves backed up deep in their own territory. Though Stom had some good clearance kicks the back three for Gorge were quick with the counter kick. As time expired the Gorge backline swung the ball wide and dotted in for a try. Resulting in 8 - 0 Gorge at the end of the 2nd period.

Brief Explanation: We played three 30 minute halves because we were light on numbers and Rocky Gorge wanted to get all their players in.   Although let it be known that the beginning of the Third period it was almost the same exact Gorge team as in the first two periods. (maybe 3 substitutions)

As the Third period opened South Jersey was down 8-0 and was only playing with two subs. (Tom Ferrari and Jeff "Sleepy" Allen). Again due to low numbers South Jersey was forced to make some significant changes to the line up.  Alex Diaz moved to lock, Conaboy moved to scrumhalf, Stom moved to inside center and Tom Ferrari came in as fly half.

Unlike the first two periods the third period was played at a much faster pace as both teams finally seemed to hit their stride. In the first minutes Rocky Gorge drew first blood when a hard crash from their towering lock who managed to power his way through the South Jersey backline. Rock Gorge 15 - 0. With about 15 minutes left South Jersey finally got some offense working. A number of strong crashes and good ball retention by the forwards allowed Tom Ferrari to call some set plays. Stom passed to a full speed Charlie Annerino who, crashed through and saw nothing but open field as he ran in for wide open try. Ferrari converted the kick cutting the score to Gorge 15 - S. Jersey 7.

The next 10 minutes of play were all over the field in what seemed like an unrelenting game of kick and chase. Due to some strong rucking by the forwards South Jersey was again able to win clean ball allowing the backline another crack at scoring. Charlie Annerino again found open field but was brought down by a lucky shoe-lace tackle but not before he could off-load to a full speed Jeff Pastva who dotted down for the try. Again Ferrari converted making the final score 14 to 15 in Rocky Gorge's favor. Despite loosing, the Devils put forth a valiant effort and just came up a little short.

Make sure everyone gets out to practice this week to prepare for this weekends match as we take on Washington's B-side after their Super League match up against Philly Whitemarsh.
 

S. Jersey - 14 v. Rocky Gorge - 15
Scorers: Charlie Annerino, Jeff Pastva
Conversions: Tom Ferrari. 2 for 2
Penalties: Bill Stom 0 for 1
Man of the Match: Bill Stom