Bryn Mawr , PA (4/23/05)

The SJRFC Devils A-side failed to finish two certain second half try scoring chances and ended up settling for a 19-19 tie with Second City Troup RFC at the Polo Fields.  The SJRFC B’s triumphed 19-12 for their second straight victory

A-side:

First Half

Second City struck first at 4 minutes capitalizing on a fluke muffed clearance kick by usually solid fullback Billy Blauvelt.  A surprised Second City covering winger found the ball in his hands, support on his hip and no defense between him and the goal line and ran it in for a converted try.  For the next 20 minutes, both teams struggled to find form, leading to dozens of restarts. The referee’s lack of concern for “minor stuff” including the offside line at rucks and mauls contributed to the kaos. As they have all season, the Devils forwards dominated the scrums and line-outs and began to gain a clear possession advantage but players could not put themselves into space on first phase.  Chris Blake began testing the Second City back three with tactical kicks but the Devils couldn’t turn improved field position into points.  Things started to look better after a well executed Justin Band back row play and a series of strongly supported breaks. Gene Graf powered over at 24 minutes.  Chris Blake converted.  A few minutes later Gene and fellow prop Tom Diaz almost worked another try but knocked-on transferring at the 2- meter line.  Second City finished out the scoring with an unconverted try at 28 minutes. Half time score: Devils 7, Second City 12.

Second Half

Led by some committed inside running and defense by center Brent DiRomualdo, the Devils began controlling play.  Eight-man Justin Band ended up finishing a nice advance set up by winger Matt Cusick’s kick and cover at 62 minutes. Chris Blake converted making it 14-12 Devils.  A few minutes later the Devils looked like they had sure score with one man to beat but an errant finishing pass ended up killing the play out of bounds. The Second City forwards then woke up, running hard off a series of rucks and driving mauls. The Devils defense held until Second City ’s Eight-man broke into space with a head of steam after receiving an errant kick.  Several Devils missed clear shots at tackling him and he just kept going until he touched down under the posts with an impressive converted try making it 19-14 at 68 minutes.  The Devils responded with pressure and ended up with Phil Wright splitting two defenders and taking off on his weekly breakaway. Winger Corry Clover was there to finish in the corner and the score was tied 19 all at 70 minutes.  The difficult conversion kick went wide. The next ten minutes consisted of both teams making breaks and pounding away in the forwards.  Finally, Chris Blake stepped inside his opposite and took off on what looked like a sure try under the posts.  As he crossed the goal line, the Second City fullback came out of nowhere and punched the ball free from behind, ending what looked like the game winning play.  With about 30 seconds left the referee thought he heard thunder and called the game during a Devils break.  Final- Devils 19-Second City-19.

SJRFC Scoring :

Trys: Graf (1), Band (1), Glover (1)

Conversions: Blake (2)

Penalties: none

1. Graf
2. VanGuilder
3. Diaz
4. Popoff
5. Lightcap (Midgely)
6. Wright
7. Euykin
8. Band
9. Diaz
10. Blake
11. Evans (Glover)
12. DiRomualdo
13. Tyler
14. Cisick
15. Blauvelt

Man of the Match: Brent DiRomualdo

NEXT GAME  23 April 05-Village Lions ( Jersey Shore )

Killer Bs

With the help of Penn University head coach Scott Palena’s stellar play and strong performances by two of his collegiate EPRU championship team’s players, the Devil B’s put on their second impressive performance in as many weeks.  Bolstered by impressive play from big new winger Kurt ?????? and trys by Corry Glover, Penn player Bill Wilson and ageless skipper Pat Martin, the Devils triumphed 19-12.

Man of the match: Kurt

SJRFC Scoring:

Trys: Martin (1), Kurt (1), Bill Wilson (1)

Conversions: Blake (2)

Penalties:

1. Graf
2. Midgely
3. Dinkus
4. Carr
5. Lightcap
6. Midgely
7. Bill Wilson
8. Other Bill from Penn
9. Van Guilder
10. Blake
11. Kurt
12. Tyler
13. Martin
14. Glover
15. Palena