NYM trouped up to Van Cortlandt Park for a feisty afternoon game against Lansdowne. This was a vital chance to get a look at all the current squad members. Prior to the game it was agreed we would play 3 x 40 minute periods to allow for significant game time for all players, however Lansdowne had a depleted squad on the day so this was reduced to 2 regulation 40 minute halves, somewhat disrupting our plans. The A-side won the first half 6-0 while Lansdowne won the second half 12-0.

NYM started the first half dis-jointedly and allowed Lansdowne to control posession and territory. The turning point came when Lasndowne were held up over the NYM line. After working their way out of their half the rest of the period was spent in Lansdowne's half. NYM spurned numerous points to practice their lineouts and running game. However the backs looked rusty and were unable to breach the Lansdowne line. The forwards went close on a couple of occasions, once being denied the opportunity to go for the line from a tap penalty due to players from both sides getting involved off the ball, resulting in yellow cards for the Lansdowne scrum half and NYMs Dave Levine. Dave Elwell opted for the points instead, as he would do on a couple more occasions (hitting 2/3) so putting NYM into the break at 6-0 up. Keith Gray in the centers, Dan Marshall at 8-Man, and Andy Boon on the flank made particularly good impressions.

At halftime NYM made numerous changes while Landowne only the had the players to make a couple. Lansdowne were strong on the scrums, particularly with former NY prop Shane O'Driscoll in the front row. Some U19 players were also getting their first taste of mens 15s and matched well physically despite their smaller stature. George Cabrera made some quick breaks back from fullback on balls kicked downfield, Rob Cabrera had some nice touches at flyhalf/center, Arnold Chavis was snappy at scrumhalf, and Joe Obiri came in at lock and was involved in another goalline stand. With all the changes though it allowed Lansdowne to get into a better pattern and they punched in two tries, one of which was converted. Nevertheless NYM spurned two chances to take away the pioints with a converted try. On the first Rob Cabrera made an arching break form the centers. When faced with the touchline he threw a nicely weighted hook pass back inside to the supporting Arnold Chavis whose speed took him through a couple of tackles. When he was finally brought down he went to make a textbook pop off the floor which was unfortunately knocked on by the supporting player. On the second Dan Marshall made a powerful break from midfield and when faced with just the fullback to beat opted to pass to the supporting runner who also knocked on.

The game ended with NYM having a clearer idea of what to work on with coach John Adelaine emphasizing rucking, handling, angles and aggressiveness. This was also Antoine's final game for the Club. We wish him all the best on his return to his studies in France and hope to see him back again in the future - he has been a great asset, not just in the front row for us but also off the field with his quick humor. Bonne Chance Antoine!