Albany, NY
April 6, 2013
Albany over Monadnock 
Albany 43 - Berkshire 36


Albany welcomed the Monadnock Wolfpack Rugby Club of Keene, NH to Kiwanis Park in Latham for the 1st home game of the season.  The visitors scrapped for the full 80 minutes; but were outgunned by Albany.  The Knicks crossed the line 22 times and captain Tom Breslin converted on 17 of 22 attempts. Monadnock was able to get on the board with 2 PKs. Albany was impressed by Monadnock’s resiliency and it was noted several times how positive their team leaders remained despite the score.  Their eightman continually took time to teach his young charges.  It was a shining example of how to act even in defeat. 

The Knicks second side faced off against Berkshire Rugby in the B match and fell behind 28-10 at halftime.  Berkshire was relentless with the kick and chase continually putting Albany under pressure due to poor positioning.  Berkshire’s inside center had several strong runs and caused problems all game.  However after some adjustments at halftime Albany mounted an impressive comeback to down Berkshire 43-36.

The Knicks will be tested by the very physical Rochester Aardvarks at Dick Green Field this coming Saturday, April 13th.  Kick-off is scheduled or 2:00pm with B game to follow.

A side

1. Dave Malizia
2. Nick St. John
3. Jeff Cosgrove
4. Jesse Boehme
5. Max Schuler
6. Jason Reigart
7. Cody Morton
8. Brandon Bailey
9. Steve Arango (Gordon Eddy @ halftime)
10. David O’Neill
11. Tom Breslin (Captain)
12. Sean Mertz (Kurt Willms)
13. Murphy Lill
14. Scottie Bergen
15. Dorian Simes

Man of the Match – Sean Mertz

B side

1. Steve Roy
2. Alex Rufer
3. Frank Williams
4. Eric O’Bryan
5. Max Schuler
6. Todd Drake
7. Alex Brooks
8. Brian Killips
9. Josh Vics
10. Kevin Warren
11. Tim Pendergast
12. Donnie Marion
13. Brandon Murphy
14. Marty White
15. Kurt Williams

Subs – Bill Zedaker, Greg Matthews, Sean Mertz, Jason Reigart, Nick St. John

Man of the Match – Kevin Warren

 

Scoring Summary

Tries – Penalty Try (1), Brandon Murphy (1), Kurt Willms (1), Kevin Warren (1), Greg Matthew (2)

Conversions – Tim Pendergast (5 of 6)

PKs – Tim Pendergast (1 of 1)

White Plains, NY
March 30, 2013
Albany 24 - White Plains 37

Albany traveled down to White Plains this past Saturday to play longtime rivals White Plains.  It was White Plains though who came out on top with a 37-24 win.  Albany opened up the scoring three minutes in with a Breslin penalty.  White Plains hit back though at the 10 minute mark with the first of three successive tries – off a quick tap penalty the WP # 9 got the ball to a streaking winger who dotted down in the corner.  Their 2nd try also came as the result of a quick tap penalty, with the conversion being made.  The 3rd try for the home side came from a lost scrum with the ball being worked quickly to the strong side wing.  After 30 minutes of play White Plains was up 17-3.  Albany started to claw their way back in and at 34 minutes was rewarded with their 1st try as hooker Sean Bayliss muscled over the try line with a close pick.  Breslin converted and at halftime the score was 17-10. 

White Plains struck first in the 2nd half at the 12 minute mark with their own try off a pick n go near the line.  The conversion was missed.  Four minutes later Albany flanker Cody Morton took a short pick over the line to start to bridge the gap.  Captain Breslin again made the conversion and Albany was within 5 points.  On the next possession Knicks flyhalf Scottie Bergen showed some individual brilliance when he spotted a gap and slice through the White Plains backline racing 60 meters for his 1st try of the season.  Breslin again converted and 19 minutes in Albany was up 24-22.  White Plains wasn’t rattled though and calmly mounted their own comeback and three minutes later scored what turned out to be the game winning try.  The replacement center wrong-footed his opposite number and broke through the line from 40m out.  He was left with a  2 v 1 which was executed nicely, putting his wing in for the 5 pointer.  White Plains added two more insurance tries at the 30 & 33 minute marks.  Final score was 37-24.  Scottie Bergen was named Albany Man of the Match.  Bergen played out of position and did well with the little ball that the backline saw off of set pieces.  Fullback Dorian Simes was also exceptional making meters on every ball that was kicked to him.

Albany’s 2nd side took the field against a young athletic White Plains side.  The game was won by White Plains 19-15.  Steve Arango, Dave Mink, and Dan Weingarten all scored for Albany.  Captain Steve Arango won Man of the Match honors for his on-field leadership.

It was great to see so many White Plains Old Boys and especially Jo-Jo Moore – who passed along his thanks for all the Knicks have done and also sent his best wishes along to Jonesy.  Both clubs raised $140 for Jonesy through bracelets sales.  Many old boys are planning to come up in May for the Jonesy Open.

The Knicks will be hosting both Monadnock (Keene, NH) and Berkshire on Saturday, April 6.  The A game vs. Monadnock will kick-off at 11:30am and the B game vs. Berkshire will follow immediately after at 1:00pm.  The games will be played at Kiwanis Park in Latham, NY off of Route 2, just east of the Latham Circle.

A side
1. Dave Malizia
2. Sean Bayliss
3. Jeff Cosgrove
4. Jesse Boehme
5. Jason Reigart (@ 50’ – Max Schuler)
6. Ed Kos
7. Cody Morton
8.  Brandon Bailey
9. Gordon Eddie
10. Scottie Bergen
11. Tom Breslin (Captain)
12. Sean Mertz
13. Murphy Lill
14. Steve Arango (@ 40’ Kurt Willms)
15. Dorian Simes

Scoring Summary:
Penalties – Breslin (1/1)
Conversions – Breslin (3/3)
Tries – Bayliss, Morton, Bergen

B side
1. Ethan Lusted (@30’ Dan Weingarten)
2. Alex Rufer
3. Frank Williams
4. Eric O’Bryan (@30’ Thomas Sage)
5. Max Schuler
6. Todd Drake
7. Alex Brooks
8.  Brian Killips
9. Brandon Murphy (@ 30’ Bryan Lynch)
10. Kevin Warren
11. Steve Arango
12. Kurt Willms
13. Josh Clevenger (40’ Damien Lopez)
14. Dave Mink
15. Josh Vics (moved to 9 at halftime)

Scoring Summary
Tries – Arango, Mink, Weingarten

November 10, 2012The Albany Knicks fell to Burlington 34-22 in the NERFU D2 semi-final.  Heading into the match Burlington was 7-0; going undefeated in the regular season.  Albany was at 5-2.  The two losses coming at the hands of Worcester and Portland.  Those two teams faced off in the earlier semifinal; with Worcester pulling out the win.  Albany got off to a shaky start when just four minutes into the game miscommunication at the back of the scrum 10m from the Knicks try line led to a loose ball that Burlington gathered for an easy score.  The try went unconverted and Albany was down 5-0 in the blink of an eye.  Burlington scored another unconverted try 5 minutes later.  The Knicks finally got some possession and through sustained pressure down in the Burlington half won a shot at goal.  Captain Tom Breslin landed the kick and with 27 minutes gone the score was 10-3 to Burlington.  Both teams failed to find points for the remainder of the half.  After a passionate halftime speech Albany came out more determined and started getting on the front foot.  Three minutes in left wing Bergen raced in from 40m out and Breslin converted to level the score at 10-10.  Burlington then answered with a converted try of their own 13 minutes later.  Albany then leveled the score again at 17-17 when openside Cody Morton scored and Breslin converted with 16 minutes to go.  Albany claimed the lead 4 minutes later when outside center Murphy Lill side-stepped several defenders to dot down.  The conversion attempt was no good but with 12 minutes to go Albany had a 5 point lead.  The men in green came right back and at the 33 minute mark scored a converted try under the posts to go up by two.  Albany looked poised to win the game at the death but a turnover and subsequent yellow card at three minutes from full time proved costly.  Burlington capitalized on the man-up advantage and with 2 minutes to go scored another try.  The kick was no good but Albany was down by 7 with the final whistle looming.  The Knicks had to pull out a converted try but another turnover in extra time saw Burlington put the nail in the coffin.  Final score 34-22.  With the Albany pack under heavy pressure in the scrums good ball was hard to find; but eight man Brandon Bailey was effective with his picks and made several strong runs that keep Burlington on the back foot.  Bailey was named Man of the Match. 

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

October 20, 2012
Worcester, MA
Albany 7 - Worcester 42

Albany traveled to Worcester with their sights set on remaining undefeated and going to 6-0 for the season.  Worcester had other plans.  From the kick-off it was obvious Worcester wanted to be the more aggressive side.  At 3 minutes in they were awarded a penalty for a breakdown infringement and decided to opt for the lineout.  The touch finder found them 5 meters from the Albany line and the subsequent maul led to Worcester’s first try.  Conversion no good.  Worcester had the lion’s share of possession and territory and at the 18 minute marked score again.  This time under the posts as the backline ran a “5-in” from a solid scrum.  The try was converted and the score was 12-0.   Two minutes later Worcester won a turnover ball inside Albany’s 22 and two passes later were in again.  The 3rd try was converted as well.  The home side added another converted try at the 24 minute mark off another well worked lineout ball and backline move.  Neither side scored for the remainder of the half.  26-0 Worcester at halftime.  Albany started the 2nd period strong and through prolonged pressure and quick ball was able to finally put points on the board in the 43rd minute.  Flyhalf Scottie Bergen spotted a gap and powered over to score near the posts.  Tom Breslin converted and it was 26-7.  The comeback was short-lived though.  6 minutes later Worcester stole an Albany scrum from about 40m out and was able to pass it out wide where the fullback beat the Albany wing around the outside and then passed in to his support.  Worcester added two more tries in the 2nd half, converting on one of them to finish out the scoring.  At the final whistle it was Worcester 42, Albany 7.  Eight man Brandon Bailey was named Man of the Match; Bailey made many big runs and was a bright spot for Albany on defense throughout the match.

Unfortunately poor wing positioning and lineout ball coupled with poor defensive communication contributed heavily to the loss.  The Knicks were humbled and will be rededicating themselves at training the upcoming week as they have another tough game on the road against Portland on October 27.  Portland is 6-0 and will have two goals in mind.  To go 7-0, undefeated in the regular season; and the lock up the # 1 seed.  Albany will have to play their best rugby of the season.  An Albany win could see both teams at 6-1 with tie-breakers decided the seedings.

A-side (Subs)
1. Jeff Hensel
2. Robert Grimm (St. John @ 41')
3. Steve Roy (Murphy @ 51')
4. Jesse Boehme (Schuler @ 41')
5. Frank Adams
6. Jason Riegart (Kos @ 33')
7. Cody Morton
8. Brandon Bailey
9. Cono Cirone
10. Scottie Bergen
11. Tom Breslin (Captain)
12. Sean Mertz
13. Murphy Lill
14. Phil Ayoreh (Schuler @ 51')
15. Todd Martin (Arango @ 65')

The Knicks B-side bounced back with a convincing 29-5 over Worcester.  Scrumhalf Steve Arango scored 3 tries and won Man of the Match honors.  Arango let his instincts take over played with a natural confidence.  It didn't hurt to have the maturity of flyhalf Charles Colley present as a calming force.  Really - how often does that happen?  Fullback Phil Ayoreh and Colley also added individual tries.  Colley converted on two tries. 

October 13, 2012
Boston, MA
Albany 54 - Charles River 0

Knicks move to 5-0.  On a beautiful Fall day in Boston Albany defeated Charles River Rugby Club 54-0 to take their record to 5-0.  The game was held at Moakley Park on the I-93 corridor.  Albany ran in 8 tries on the day, 4 in each half, adding two penalty kicks, and 4 conversions.  Captain Tom Breslin led all scorers with three tries, two penalty kicks, and four conversions.  Cody Morton, Sean Mertz, Brandon Bailey, Scottie Bergen, and Phil Ayoreh each had solo tries.  It took a while for Albany to find its feet and play to the referee.  The extremely narrow field led to a lot of congestion and limited offloads but with patience and constant pressure the Knicks found ways through with strong runs and well-timed passing.  Captain Breslin was named Man of the Match. 


A-side (Subs)
1. Nate Murphy (Hensel @ 41')
2. Robert Grimm
3. Steve Roy (Cosgrove @ 70')
4. Jesse Boehme (Schuler @ 41')
5. Frank Adams
6. Jason Riegart (Kos @ 41')
7. Cody Morton
8. Brandon Bailey
9. Cono Cirone (Ayoreh @ 41')
10. David O'Neill
11. Tom Breslin (Captain)
12. Sean Mertz (Protain @ 41')
13. Murphy Lill
14. Scottie Bergen
15. Todd Martin

Albany's B-side won 29-0, scoring 5 tries and converting on 2 of them.  Speedster Rev Protain notched a brace.  Alex Brooks, Sean Mertz, and Marty White also crossed the line and fullback Charles Colley added the conversions.  Hooker Nick St. John was head & shoulders above the rest and had a storming game to lead the pack.  St. John was named Man of the Match.

B-side (Subs)
1. Jeff Hensel (Aiken)
2. Nick St. John
3. Jeff Cosgrove
4. Caine LaJeunesse
5. Eric O'Bryan
6. Joe Judge
7. Alex Brooks
8. Brian Killups (Drake)
9. Steve Arango
10. Kevin Warren
11. Marty White (Zedaker)
12. Alex Rufer (Mertz)
13. Rev Protain
14. Pat Newman
15. Charles Colley

The camaraderie and sense of club was evident throughout the whole day.  The club went en masse to the social afterwards and then detoured through Springfield, MA to enjoy some Cajun culture before returning home to Albany. 

September 29, 2012
Albany, NY
Albany 43- Newport 7

The Albany Knicks downed Providence 43-7 in front of a large crowd to remain undefeated and take their record to 4-0.  The weather was overcast with no wind and Dick Green Field was in great shape.  Albany got on the board quickly in the 1st minute as eight man Brandon Bailey took a nice offload from Max Schuler and raced down the right sideline from about 15 meters out to score his first try of the season.  Conversion was missed.  Bailey scored again at the 5 minute mark, this time from the back of a 5 meter scrum, breaking a couple of tackles to power in for his second try.  Conversion by Scottie Bergen.  Providence had plenty of possession but uncharacteristic poor handling let them down and constant pressure by Albany led directly to the next two tries.  In the 21st minute winger Scottie Bergen chased down a loose ball in the Providence try zone to extend Albany's lead.  Conversion by Bergen.  Albany pivot David O'Neill finished off the 1st half scoring grabbing a loose ball off the ground and stepping past 3 defenders to score just left of the posts.  Bergen added the conversion and Albany went into the break up 26-0.  Albany got right back to it when Bergen scored a beautiful team try 4 minutes into the 2nd stanza which started from a good lineout ball just outside the Providence 22m.  The difficult sideline conversion was missed.  Providence got its first points a few minutes later off a well worked lineout and backline move.  The try was converted and with 30 minutes remaining the score was 31-7 Albany.  Knick fullback Todd Martin then glided past several defenders to score at the 53rd minute.  Conversion by Bergen.  Albany then ran on its reserves to give them valuable game time.  Reserve wing Rev Protain rounded out the scoring with 6 minutes to go when the Albany scrum provided a good platform for the backline to launch a successful move.  Final score 43-7.  Brandon Bailey was a force with ball in hand and received the Man of the Match award for his efforts.

Albany will use the upcoming bye week to nurse some injuries and rest before they hit the road for three straight weekends.  The Knicks' next match is October 13 at Charles River Rugby Club out of Boston, MA.

A-side (Subs)
1. Nate Murphy
2. Sean Bayliss (Grimm @ 55')
3. Steve Roy
4. Max Schuler
5. Jesse Boehme (Hensel @ 65')
6. Jason Riegart
7. Cody Morton
8. Brandon Bailey
9. Cono Cirone (Protain @ 65')
10. David O'Neill (captain)
11. Phil Ayoreh
12. Sean Mertz
13. Murph Lill (Warren @ 70')
14. Scottie Bergen
15. Todd Martin

Providence prevailed in the B game 19-12; scoring two 2nd half tries to come from behind.  Things looked good for Albany when wing Rev Protain scored the 1st of his two tries just 4 minutes in.  Conversion made by Colley.  Protain scored again at the 17 minute mark.  However, poor tackling and some inexperience allowed Providence to rally and claim the victory.  Flanker Alex Brooks has been coming back in to the form he showed last year and was a positive presence during the entire match.  It was that positive attitude and "team-first" mentality that made him a no-brainer for Man of the Match.

B-side (Subs)
1. Jeff Hensel
2. Nick St. John
3. Dave Malizia
4. Caine LaJeunesse (Bonventre @ 32')
5. Matt Zapala
6. Ryan Sweet (Rufer @ 34')
7. Alex Brooks
8. Steve Lansing (Judge @ 34')
9. Steve Arango
10. Kevin Warren
11. Marty White
12. Greg Berck
13. Rev Protain
14. Pat Newman (Zedaker @ 40')
15. Charles Colley

Following the B game both sides were treated to an excellent women's match as the Albany Sirens hosted NOVA.  It was a close match but NOVA prevailed.

September 22, 2012
Albany, NY
Albany 98 - Newport 15

On a beautiful Fall day at Dick Green Field the Albany Knicks downed an undermanned Newport Rugby Club 98-15 to remain undefeated.  Newport travelled with 13 players and the 2 man disadvantage left them stretched too thin to contain the home side.  Newport showed no quit throughout the match and were rewarded with three tries for the efforts.  The Knicks ran in 16 tries on the day; converting on 9 of them.  Fullback Todd Martin scored three tries while scrumhalf Phil Ayoreh, wing Breslin, and outside center Murphy Lill each had a brace.  Flankers Cody Morton and Jason Riegart, flyhalf David O'Neill, eight man Max Schuler, and replacement prop Jeff Hensel all added solo tries to round out the scoring.  Max Schuler was awarded man of the match for his instincts in the open field and his excellent execution on the weak side. 

Albany welcomes Providence Rugby Club to Dick Green Field on Saturday, September 29 for its 4th game of the season and last home game.  Providence will undoubtedly be the club's toughest test so far before they hit the road for three straight weekends. 


A-side (Subs)
1. Nate Murphy (Jeff Hensel)
2. Sean Bayliss (Nick St. John)
3. Steve Roy (Grimm)
4. Caine LaJeunesse (Eric O'Bryan)
5. Jesse Boehme
6. Jason Riegart
7. Cody Morton
8. Max Schuler
9. Phil Ayoreh (Cono Cirone)
10. David O'Neill
11. Tom Breslin (captain)
12. Sean Mertz (Rev Protain)
13. Murph Lill
14. Scottie Bergen
15. Todd Martin

Albany's seconds then met RPI's seconds in the B match.  Albany prevailed 29-0 in what turned out to be a very competitive match.  Knick Old Boy Dmitri Zagorevski stepped up to play #9 for RPI.  Other Knicks stepping up to help the local college side included Nate Murphy, Steve Roy, & Marty White.  The young RPI team, most of them playing in only their 3rd game of rugby, showed commitment and promise and it was widely noted that the future looks bright for RPI.  Albany's point came from 5 tries; two of which were converted by quinquagenarian-to-be Charles Colley.  Flyhalf Kevin Warren, outside center Rev Protain, and flanker Ryan Sweet each had tries.  However, on debut winger Carl Frey bagged two tries in his first ever rugby match, an achievement that garner man of the match honors.

B-side (Subs)
1. Justin Snide
2. Nick St. John
3. Dave Malizia
4. Caine LaJeunesse
5. Eric O'Bryan
6. Ryan Sweet
7. Alex Brooks
8. Donnie Marion
9. Steve Arango
10. Kevin Warren
11. Marty White (Bill Zedacker) 12. Greg Berck 13. Rev Protain (Pat Newman) 14. Carl Frey 15. Charles Colley

September 15, 2012
Albany, NY
Knicks 50 - Boston Irish 17

The Albany Knicks defeated the Boston Irish Wolfhounds 50-17 at Dick Green Field to go 2-0.  The Wolfhounds are spread thin this season since they are competing in both NERFU D1 and NERFU D2 but arrived with several veteran players.  Captain Tom Breslin led all scorers with a haul on 25 points on 3 tries and 5 conversions.  The Knicks got off to a quick start when inside center Sean Mertz took a crash ball from 22m out in the 1st minute.  3 minutes later Breslin scored his first try in the right corner.  At 9 minutes Boston put their first points on the board with a penalty kick.  Breslin scored his second try 14 minutes in as the recipient of great offloading where several Knicks touched the ball en route to the try zone.  10 minutes later outside center Murphy Lill broke the line and dished to fullback Todd Martin for another 5 pointer.  Lill again broke the line at the 31 minute mark - this time finding Breslin for his third try.  29-3 to Albany at the break.  The Knicks found the try zone on the opening kick of the second half as flanker Cody Morton took the kick, split several defenders, and then found replacement scrumhalf Phil Ayoreh in space.  Ayoreh raced in untouched from 40m out.  Perhaps feeling the game was in hand, Albany lost its focus for the next 20 minutes, giving up two tries converted tries.  It seemed as though Albany could not get out of their own half when out of nowhere scrumhalf Ayoreh caught the Irish defense wrong-footed and from just inside the halfway line picked the ball up and sprinted past 4 defenders to score under the posts.  Flanker Morton finished the scoring with a try when he called for an offload in support off a messy lineout ball.  Morton's work rate was noticeable throughout the game and in the end his efforts were rewarded with Man of the Match honors.

Albany welcomes Newport Rugby Club to Dick Green Field on Saturday, September 22 for its 3rd game of the season.

A-side (Subs)
1. Nate Murphy
2. Sean Bayliss (Alex Rufer @ 70')
3. Steve Roy
4. Jesse Boehme
5. Max Schuler
6. Jason Riegart
7. Cody Morton
8. Ed Kos (Robert Grimm @ 47')
9. Cono Cirone (Phil Ayoreh @ 22')
10. David O'Neill
11. Tom Breslin (captain)
12. Sean Mertz
13. Murph Lill
14. Scottie Bergen
15. Todd Martin

Although tired from a full 80 minute match the always classy Irish honored their commitment and agreed to play a 30 minute B game.  The Hounds came out on top 14-5 using experience over youth to control the match and punish the young side.  Albany's lone try came from a breakaway by speedster Rev Protain.  Protain was tackled by a cover defender but the tackle was deemed dangerous and a penalty try was awarded in front of the post; with fullback Charles Colley easily converting.  Newcomer Eric O'Bryan (2nd row), playing in only his 3rd game of rugby, was named Man of the Match.  O'Bryan has impressed with his ability to pick up the game quickly and provide good go-forward ball. 

B-side (Subs)
1. Jeff Hensel
2. Nick St. John
3. Jeff Cosgrove
4. Alex Rufer
5. Eric O'Bryan
6. Steve Lansing
7. Tommy Fredericks (Pat Newmann @ 15')
8. Donnie Marion 9. Steve Arango 10. Kevin Warren 11. Marty White (Bill Zedacker @ 18') 12. Greg Berck 13. Rev Protain 14. Eli Brown 15. Charles Colley

September 8, 2012
Albany, NY
Albany 32 - Old Gold 0

The Albany Knicks defeated Old Gold RFC 32-0 at Dick Green Field for the first game of the NERFU D2 Fall Season.  Albany collected all 5 available points as well; running in 5 tries.  Captain Tom Breslin scored two tries, converted two tries, and hit one penalty kick to lead the team and was awarded man of the match honors for his play & overall leadership.

Breslin got the Knicks on the board at the 8 minute mark with his 1st try dotting down in the corner; kick was no good.  Scrumhalf Cono Cirone then added a 5-pointer 3 minutes later when open side Ed Kos charged down a kick from an Old Gold scrum.  The loose ball landed in the try zone where Cirone was able to scramble and beat his opposite number to touch it down; try converted.  With 5 minutes to go before the break inside center Sean Mertz was able to find the try line and give Albany some breathing room.  Try was unconverted and Albany led 17-0 at halftime.  Old Gold was unlucky to not put points on the board running some excellent line breaks.  If not for some try saving tackles and unfortunate knock ons the score at half time would have been closer.  The Knicks started the second half strong when blindside flanker Cody Morton punched one in at the 43 minute mark; securing the bonus point.  Try was converted by Breslin.  Ten minutes later Breslin slotted a penalty kick to make the score 27-0.  Albany finished the scoring with 6 minutes to go before full time when Breslin took a quick tap from 15 meters out for his second try.  Final score 32-0.

Albany welcomes the Boston Irish Wolfhounds to Dick Green Field on Saturday, September 15 for its 2nd game of the season.

A-side (Subs)
1. Steve Roy (Dave Malizia)
2. Alex Rufer (Nick St. John)
3. Robert Grimm (Max Schuler)
4. Nate Murphy
5. Jesse Boehme
6. Joe Judge (Jason Riegart)
7. Cody Morton
8. Ed Kos (Frank Adams)
9. Cono Cirone
10. David O'Neill
11. Tom Breslin (captain)
12. Sean Mertz
13. Murph Lill
14. Philip Ayoreh (Rev Protain)
15. Todd Martin  

The B side played the University at Albany in a weather shortened match and fell to the Danes 33-12.  UAlbany showed strong running coupled with great support & offloading to constantly keep the Knicks on their back foot.  UAlbany ran in tries at the 5, 14, 19, 22, & 27 minute marks while the Knicks had tries from Donnie Marion & Marty White at the 15 and 17 minute marks respectively.  Charles Colley converted on White's try.  Evergreen Marty White stood out with his energetic play and master class in open field tackling and won man of the match for his efforts.

B-side (Starting Roster & Reserves)
1. Dave Malizia
2. Nick St. John
3. Jeff Cosgrove
4. Todd Drake
5. Eric O'Bryan
6. Steve Lansing
7. Donnie Marion
8. Max Schuler
9. Ryan Sweet
10. Kevin Warren
11. Marty White
12. Greg Berck
13. Rev Protain
14. Donnie Marion
15. Charles Colley
Reserves - Jeff Cosgrove, Alex Rufer, Pat Newmann, Eli Brown, Murphy Lill