Saturday, 02 April 05.

The South Jersey Devils battled monsoon conditions and a well drilled Union (NJ) fifteen to a 42-12 loss at Evesham Rd.   Union came into the match hitting on all cylinders in preparation for their 9 April Northeast RFU DIV II final four match with Providence RFC.  The Devils, still riding high from the Village Lions Four Leafs Tournament,  worked hard all week including another late night gym session due to bad practice field conditions.  

Aided by a gusting wind and driving rain at their backs, the Devils dominated possession for the first ten minutes of the match.  Unfortunately, Union ’s well organized defensive pattern refused to yield any breaks or points.  Countless forward rushes were thwarted by Unions unbreakable wall, quick realignment from tackles, and overall defensive composure under pressure.  Eventually, Union battled out from inside its own 22 meter  line and started rucking and rolling.  A Devil’s turnover turned into a quick ball for Union and an unusually wide void in the Devils defensive back line pattern.  Union ’s lock-size inside center split the gap and put his winger away for the first try.  A few minutes later, a similar scenario emerged to the outside.  Devils lack of defensive realignment and cover was again exposed and it was Union 10-0.  Through tenacious defense, fitness, and gutsy play, the Devils managed to isolate the Union left winger inside the Union 22 meter line.  After a flurry of activity lock Jeff McFeely ended up lugging the ball into the try zone.  Gene Graf was there to insure the try after a slight mishandle in goal.  A short while later, the Devils pressure again generated a penalty 10 yards out from Union’s line on the right 15 meter line.  A perfectly executed Devils penalty play resulted in the blind side three on two for the Devils.  Number 8 Justin Band made a perfect miss pass to winger Seamus Dugan who skated into the try zone untouched.   Blake converted.  Union added another converted try before the half.  Half time score:  Union 17-Devils 12

The second half saw the Devils playing into tempest level driving winds and rain. Conditions were miserable for everybody, including the Devils faithful fans huddled together like penguins on the “high ground” of concessions platform.  The first 10 minutes were similar to the beginning of the first half-Devils matched Union but no scored no points.  The next 20 saw Union athleticism, size and skill emerge with the aid of the wind, excellent restarts, constant support, and patterned offense/defense.  The final 10 minutes saw reserves called-up for both sides. Final score Union 42-Devils 12.  

Man of the Match: Justin Band

Tries: Graf (1), McFeely(1)

Coversions: Blake (1)

Penalties: 0

1. Graff
2. Van Derderguilder
3. Paterson
4. McFeely (Lightcap)
5. Lightcap (Midgely)
6. Wright (Scharf)
7. Euykin (Correy)
8. Band (capt)
9. Diaz
10. Blake
11. Accardi (Cusick)
12. DiRomualdo (Murphy)
13. Tyler
14. Duggan
15. Blauvelt

NEXT  MATCH: 9 April 05- PRINCETON-AWAY