On a brisk fall afternoon, the newly formed New York Rugby Club U-19 Team headed north for their inaugural match against Kingston high school. Dressed in blue “I Rugby Ball NY” tees and new Adidas kit, the excitement on the bus was palpable. But this was no ordinary rugby day, as NY had scheduled a combined player clinic with Kingston to precede the game...

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On arrival to the grounds of SUNY New Paltz, there were already 60+ players on the field, passing, kicking, hitting tackle bags and ruck pads. The sight was overwhelming, but soon NY would make their presence known. As the troops were gathered, and the players began to size each other up, formal introductions were made. From New York were coaches Lisa Lake, Dave Levine, Annie Collier, & Rosalie McGowan. From Kingston, Nick Krzywonos & Maria.

So the day began. The warm-up stretched from tryline to tryline, requiring 4 leaders and a lot of lungpower. The coaching crew was then thankfully joined by additional reinforcements: Katerli Bounds, Laura London, and her partner Rachel. From there, the players launched into core warm-ups, defensive alignment, and multiple skill development stations: rucking, tackling, offensive alignment/passing, and decision making. Forwards and backs then split for the remaining 20 minutes for a “crash course” in unit work.

The NY players made a strong showing throughout the clinic, and despite a few initial reservations about being a smaller team, they quickly found their confidence in contact. By the end of practice, the two teams had already bonded and players from opposing teams were sharing technical hints and encouragement with one another.

After a short break, it was game time. The NY girls don’t yet have the numbers to field a full squad, but made great contributions to the success of their teams during the girls’ controlled scrimmage (referee: Laura London). Brittany Griffin showed her strength in lineouts and scrums, Julissa Gonzalez had an amazing breakaway run. Raven Stafford was dynamic in her rucking and tacking. Nathalie Urena and Jessica Rosado were quick to gather the loose ball and make a run for it. NY continues to hope that Christina Ruperto will be permitted to play, as she already has the skills to make an all-star team.

The boys’ game was played simultaneously on a different field. Referee: Dave Levine.

At kickoff, the game was frantic, but both teams soon found their rhythm. Early in the game, NY showed their potential dominance in the scrum. However, for safety’s sake, the scrums were uncontested, and the forwards had to harness that power for their rucking. Ruckstars Josh ‘Pretty Boy’ Osorio and Joe Obiri set the tone driving Kingston off the ball and securing good ball for New York.

The New York lineout was also a source of pride. Hooker Calvin Miley found his mark at the front pod (props Osorio and Drylinskyy lifting #11 Chris ‘Gunz’ Delemos), the back pod (locks Obiri and Holt lifting #14 St Fleur), as well as a sweet long ball to scrumhalf and captain, Robert Cabrera..

Flyhalf Jorge Cabrera kept his back line organized and in fine form. Cabrera used his silky smooth style to ignite the offense. He repeatedly slipped through narrow gaps to set up the dynamic runs of Arnold Chavis, Jason ‘Star Trek’ Santiago, and Jermain St Fleur, who nearly scored twice in the first half. One of the best plays of the match was off of a scrum on the defensive 10 meter line. Rather than using the boot, R. Cabrera passed weakside to St Fleur, who made a 50 meter weaving run through the defense. This play put NY in the attack zone for the remainder of the half. Had it not been for multiple penalties, and a tenacious Kingston defense, NY would have scored much earlier. 0-0 at the half.

Early in the second half, NY’s defense was tested. Connor Nolan led the way showing everyone how to execute “level three” tackles. He took on all comers and laid them out with perfect execution. Props Drylinskyy and Vega, as well as flanker Eddie Sanchez manned the post and let nothing through. Another brilliant run from J. Cabrera set up the first NY try. Off an attacking 10m scrum, R.Cabrera picked from the base and ran in for a stand up try. The sideline went wild, but the boys knew just what to do. Rather than showboating in the try zone, they ran back to prepare for the next one. And that’s exactly what happened. Two minutes later, a Kingston player make a wild flinging pass in the tackle, which was intercepted by Arnold Chavis. This wasn’t his first interception of the day, but this time he could not be caught. The dynamic speedster sprinted 80m up the left side for NY’s second and final try of the day. Score 10-0.

NY finished strong. Kingston’s outside center penetrated the line and made a nice 40m run for a try, which was converted. NY played with as much passion and focus after being scored on as they did after scoring themselves. The match ended with a few more displays of solid rucking and excellent runs by our own centers. Final score 10-7!

1. Josh Osorio (to #8 at half)
2. Calvin Miley
3. Dmytri Drylinskyy
4. Joe Obiri
5. Kenny Holt
6. Eddie Sanchez
7. Connor Nolan
8. Guest 8 from Kinston
9. Robert Cabrera ©
10. Jorge Cabrera
12. Jason Santiago
13. Arnold Chavis
11. Chris Delemos
14. Jermain St. Fleur
15. Guest Fullback from Kingston
16. Peter Vega (to #1 at half)

Injured reserve: Ariel Martinez

Sideline support:
Steven Aquino
Brittany Griffin
Julissa Gonzalez
Jessica Rosado
Christine Ruperto
Raven Stafford
Nathalie Urena

Special mentions: Thanks to grants from the Nichols Foundation, New York Rugby Club has been able to fully outfit the NYRC U-19 team and provide additional start-up support to Kingston. Thanks again to the coaches, guest coaches, and parents who attended this weekend’s events, and to the players who make it all worthwhile.