The Gents finished out their season with a nice win over downtown rivals the Village Lion Kings. With that win, the Gents put together a winning fall season. Team pic is attached here (click for full size): 

The Gents had a good all around win on Saturday over the downtown rivals the Village Lions.

I am calling it a 29-15 win. We were only up by one try after the first half, a 35 minute half I might add. But we came on in the second half. Ok I am not sure who scored but the try of the game has to go to Brian Cardew. In a great rolling maul then ruck and Brian grabbed for the ball, moved over the goal line and expertly fell on it in the try line. It was a beautiful pack try.

Other tries I pretty sure were by Jarl Ginsberg, at least one, Dennis Devine, Matt McCarthy and I think Mike Delano. If they didn’t score they certainly set them up. Overall it was a good day of rugby. The forwards had some real nice drives and we secured good ball. Delano moved the ball around and everyone got their hands on the ball at least once. Frank Bitner played second row, 8, wing and center. Don Kinne deserves kudos for making the trip down from Saratoga in about a half an hour, something about having a badge I guess helps. Jarl again kept at the opposite backfield with timely kicks and actually chasing down his own ball. Joe Pash in his first game back with his new hip actually bent over and picked up some ball. It was good rugby, good old boys rugby and a good game.

If you haven’t played, the new turf on Randalls is getting the thumbs up from everyone. The only downside is, you don’t get dirty. Kinda funny after a hard game of rugby to still look clean. But Brian Cardew is a convert and that means everyone is on board now.

The game was also a send off to Pete Engle. Health issues have forced him to retire and that was his last game. He went out in style playing most of the second half at scrumhalf, the position he loves the most and he did a good job getting the ball out and moving with the pack. Pete Engle has been one of the stalwarts of the Gentlemen of New York. He may not be the best player on the field, but he was always there to do whatever needed to be done. That includes traveling, collecting, setting up the field and sitting out. He was always the first to arrive at games, both home and away and never declinded to help out. He truly represents the best spirit of the Gentlemen of New York. Now that his playing is over, we hope Pete’s around on the sidelines for many years to come. He was awarded the nastiest torn jersey to wear around the house or when cutting the grass.

So on the fall season we had a winning record. Thanks to all who played and kept the Gentlemen of New York alive for another season. Because we needed to, we paired up with the Village Lions and were able to share fields and a give the Greys a good day of NYC rugby.

In the spring, we will again kick off with the Old Boys Festival in Monmouth and travel to Connecticut.

Our last game is NY 7’s on Nov. 29. details to come but we are entered and the host old boys team. See about 10 of you there.

Let me know who’s in. Old Stars are welcome too.

Christmas party to come in December.

Cheers,
Dave