Season Opener: Albany v. Hartford

September 11, 2010

Albany 40- Hartford 0

Sunny and hot weather greeted Albany as they opened up their 2010 season at home against Hartford. Hartford has always been a formidable opponent- tough in the forwards with excellent defense in their back-line. Last year Albany escaped with a one point victory off a last minute score, so we were expecting a battle for a home opener. We got on the board quickly with a try by Ruth Robertson at the 4 min mark, JoAnne Kos missed the conversion but it would be the last time she would miss a kick on the day as she went 5 of 6. The next 15 minutes saw the team working out their early-season kinks and we tested the Hartford defense but weren't able to capitalize. At the 20 min mark Beth Fairall got in off a nice run when she slotted into the back-line from fullback. Kate Fuller finished the scoring just before the half with a try of her own. Score was 19-0 at the half, a deficit that Hartford could easily turn around on our club if we let down in the second-half. Fortunately the second 40 minutes saw much of the same from Albany and we ran in three more tries (at 9min, 18min and 25min). Overall a well-played match and a great start to the season.

Scoring summary: JoAnne Kos 1 try, 5 conversions; Beth Fairall 2 tries; Ruth Robertson 2 tries; Kate Fuller 1 try

A-side MVP: Kate Fuller (for her great fielding of kicks and nice runs at wing)

B-side MVP: Kristin King (for her fearless play and hard-charging runs on the wing)