In the end, it was not to be a clash of the titans.

In the second year of an old boys division, the Gentlemen of New York were able to split into two squads, roughly along a great historical divide of New York vs Manhattan. While we were strong in numbers and brave in heart, we nevertless both were 0-fer in the tournament...

But, that did set up a NY All Stars, largely former NY players under Meet the Matt McCarthy and Brian Hasbrouck's Gents of NY, for the wooden spoon. However, by the time the game was set, both sides were nursing wounds, like Kevin Fagen's gimp knee and Gianni Lopez's constant knee problems and both teams were already enjoying post game libations. When the vote was made to oppose each other the teams decided to settle this like men, with a hearty discussion over the cooler.

Leading up to the showdown that wasn't, The Gents squared off against a strong Canadian side that was clearly not just some social side in town for a beer. They were tough, played us hard and took the first game 17-0 despite steady ball control by Kirk Miller up until the moment he knocked on the Gents only sure try. Jimmy Green proved once again why a song was named after him and Bud Wolfe stopped by to prove that his touch football Thanksgiving day injury was real.

Game two pitted the Gents against the Connecticut Old Boys who included many former members of the National Championship New Haven Olde Blacks who showed us the difference between an over 35 old boys side and a group of over 45, in many cases, old boys who came out for a good run around and fun day of old boys rugby. The game did feature Gianni Lopez taking the field, a few nice moves by Cheesey Rob and Mike Delano and the aforementioned injury to Kevin "Bono" Fagen.

ON the NY All stars side, a good showing of NY/Gents included Glenn taking an afternoon off from Ship of Fools, Jarl, the worldest tallest fullback and Dave who said he would be back in the spring. While they lost to both White Plains and the Lions, the All Stars showed that age is just a state of mind.

See you in the spring

Dave Martin

Gent among Gents

oldboyprop@secondrowproductions.com