Knicks Lose to Portland; but Clinch Playoff Spot

October 27, 2012
Portland, ME
Albany 17 - Portland 39

Albany took the long drive to Portland looking to rebound from their loss the previous week to
Worcester. Portland was looking to finish undefeated and clinch a number 1 seeding for the Nerfu D2
championships. In the end Portland was too strong and ran out 39-17 winners. The game was played
at an exceptionally high pace and both teams took advantage of the wide pitch to spread the ball
around. The first points came at the 22’ mark when Portland scored an unconverted try after sustained
pressure. Albany had a chance to hold Portland to 5-0 at the half but conceded a 2 nd try at 39 minutes
off a lineout maul. The kick was missed and after 40 minutes it was 10-0 to Portland. Albany struck
first in the 2nd half when at 3 minutes gone inside center Sean Mertz made one of trademark runs
through the Portland defense to dot down. Scottie Bergen made the conversion and Albany was back
in it. However, three minutes later the Knicks turned the ball over and were punished as Portland
collected their third unconverted try. 15-7 to Portland. Albany edge closer a few minutes later when
Bergen successfully kicked a penalty to make 15-10. From here on out though the last 20 minutes of
the game belonged to Portland. Albany were hard done by the referee who missed a clear knock-on
when Portland tried to pick off a pass. The loose ball was scooped up and Portland scored under the
posts. The home team made the easy conversion and never looked back. Portland scored three more
times in the span of 10 minutes as Albany faded. The Knicks did regain their composure and settle
down keeping Portland out of the try zone for the final 12 minutes while also scoring their final try.
The try came at the hands of man of the match Brandon Bailey as he powered his way over the line
from a pick-n-go. Bergen finished off the scoring by adding the extras.

A-side (Subs)
1. Jeff Hensel
2. Nick St. John (Grimm @ 64’)
3. Steve Roy (Murphy @ 64’)
4. Jesse Boehme (Adams @ 41')
5. Max Schuler
6. Cody Morton
7. Ed Kos
8. Brandon Bailey (Captain) Man of the match
9. Cono Cirone
10. David O’Neill (Warren @ 75’)
11. Steve Arango (Riegart @ 60’)
12. Sean Mertz
13. Murphy Lill
14. Scottie Bergen
15. Phil Ayoreh

Albany’s seconds fell to Portland as well. Losing 19-17 in the final minute. The game was well played
by both teams. Scottie Bergen landed the first points of the match halfway through the period with
a penalty. Fullback Phil Ayoreh scored a few minutes later with a nifty run that Bergen converted
and Albany went into the half up 8-0. Portland hit back though ten minutes into the 2 nd period with
a converted try of their own. Twelve minutes later the home team scored again and with 8 minutes
remaining in the match the score was 12-10 to Portland. Albany struck back quickly though as Bergen
scored and converted his own try. 17-12 to Albany. With 1 minute to go the game was Albany’s to
lose and lack of focus and poor discipline at the breakdown saw Portland awarded a penalty from 60
minutes out. They played a quick tap, made a few Knicks miss and scored under the posts to tie the
game. The conversion was made with no time on the clock and Albany was left with the bitter taste of
letting one getting away. Brian Killips received man of the match honors.

Many of the Knicks stayed in Portland overnight and were well taken care of by the Portland team.
Albany now has two weeks to regroup and prepare for their semifinal against Burlington.

B-side (Subs)
1. Dave Malizia
2. Sean Bayliss
3. Nate Murphy
4. Caine LaJeunesse
5. Eric O’Bryan
6. Todd Drake
7. Alex Brooks
8. Brian Killips Man of the Match
9. Steve Arango
10. Scottie Bergen
11. Kevin Warren
12. Donnie Marion (Captain)
13. Murphy Lill
14. Carl Frey
15. Phil Ayoreh