Men Fall to Danbury in Season Opener

Danbury, CT
March 31, 2012 

The Albany Knicks fell to the Danbury Mad Hatters 15-10 in a well played, hard fought match that saw defense rule the day.  Albany started the scoring with a penalty kick from captain Tom Breslin before giving up an unconverted try to Danbury after 20 minutes of intense pressure that saw several goal line stands.  Danbury's tactic was to crash their forwards off the base of the ruck and then use the big outside center to test the backline.  The back row combination of Lynch (not DL1 or DL2), Kos, and Bailey made several key tackles during this stretch.  Later in the 1st half a key turnover created by Cody Morton resulted in the ball being spun wide to the backline; eventually finding its way into Scottie Bergen's hands.  Bergen broke a tackle from 40m out and then daftly side stepped 2 cover defenders to dot down under the posts.  The try was converted by Breslin.  Halftime score 10-5 to Albany.The 2nd half saw Albany fail to capitalize on a few scoring chances that could have put the game away.  Danbury however took advantage of a weak side overload and regained the lead with a converted try.  Down by two, Albany had a chance to retake the lead but a difficult PK drifted wide of the post.  With approximately 10 minutes to play Danbury extended their lead to 15-10 with a PK in front of the posts from 35m out.  Albany continued to pressure knowing a try was the only way to win and with no time left was awarded a penalty which was tapped and taken down field.  However, support was slow to arrive at the breakdown and the ball carrier was penalized for holding on.  Danbury was happy to kick to touch to end the match. Ed Kos was named Man of the Match for his outstanding open side play. A side: Malizia, Rufer, Murphy, Scaglione, Boehme, Lynch, Kos, Bailey, Cirone, O'Neill, Martin, Morton, Breslin, Mertz, Bergen. Subs - Ayoreh (Cirone), Roy (Malizia), Grimm, (Rufer)

The B side took the field with several 1st side players having to step up and play a 2nd match.  Albany was ahead 8-5 (unconverted try by Marty White and PK from Charles Colley) with ten minutes to play in the shortened match before a turnover on the restart led to Danbury scoring and converting to win 12-7. Alex Brooks was named Man of the Match.  Brooks was sure handed in the lineout and poached several balls at the breakdown giving Albany possession at key moments.B -side: Roy, Rufer, Malizia, Scaglione, Murphy, Roy, Pozzouli, Brooks, Reigart, Ayoreh, Colley, White, O'Neill, Halligan, Protain, Bergen. Subs - L. Jones, Breslin

Albany's next match will be its home opener Saturday, April 14th against the Syracuse Chargers at Dick Green Field.  The day will begin with the Sirens hosting Burlington.  Both teams are looking forward to large & supportive crowds