On A Fine day in Denville - Gentleman of New York vs Morris, Denville, NJ Oct. 6

A scheduling conflict at Randall's Island sent the Gents to the pitch that boasts the tallest goal posts in the East, plenty of free parking, real grass and clearly defined lines. Thanks go to Morris who agreed to host the match on short notice...

In short, the conditions were excellent for rugby in October and we played a good hard game. Despite adding a few players at the last minute, the Gents did travel with a good side. We started the game in their half and kept the pressure on. The combo of John Watts to Brian Hasbrouck to Kevin Fagan kept the ball moving. They broke free and managed a few first half tries, but the Gents kept pounding them and playing in their half. Man of the match honors go to Jarl Ginsburg, the number 8 turned fullback who eventually became a center and anchored the backline.

The game turned around in the second half when we added two new backs. The forwards did some nice work digging out the ball and holding on in the mauls and we were able to set up the backs with some nice breaks that resulted in two trys and shut Morris down in the second half. John Watts showed why he is not a kicker, but did have sure hands with some nice long throws in the lineout. The final score was 26-10, but the Gents were in it the entire game and with two minutes left we finished the game on the attack and in their half. Another two minutes we would have put another one in the try zone.

For those who made it, Morris threw a great after game drink up at their bar just down the road from the pitch with plenty of very good food and drink. Overall, a great day of rugby in NJ.

We need to put it all together for our next game October 20th against the Ct Greys. Everyone who was in NJ committed to the game so we should have a good side. As always, the Greys will be loaded for a home game. The last time we played up there, it was driving rain and they beat us with a questionable try in the last minutes. We owe them. Let’s put them back in their place on their home field then drink their beer. They always put out a great spread for us. The Mystic River Hombres of Boston will be there too, so there’s plenty of rugby for everyone.

Make your plans now to join us in Connecticut. See you there. Feel free to email me if you want to play.

Dave Martin
oldboyprop@secondrowproductions.com