In slight danger of always being the bridesmaid and not the bride, NYRC made their second final of the pre-season, only to see this one slip away also. Nevertheless an outstanding effort was made on the day by the assembled squad.

After a slight rearrangement to the schedule, due to a team dropping out at the last minute NYRC, met former MetNY Union members, now NERFU, White Plains in our first game. It was a typically physical encounter between the two teams and despite some good rugby NYRC went down by 4 tries. Flanker Eric Daneman in particular showcased a great ability to make defenders miss. The second matchup saw us against Schuylkill River. The last time we played them, Spring 2008 in Philly, we took a hiding. It is also ex-NYRC Tom Wesihaupt's new team, although he was not with them on this day. River put the pressure on early but it was NYRC who scored first. NYRC also scored a second try through Ollie Vega who jinked and dummied his way to the line. We then allowed River back into the game through a try, conversion and penalty to go in 10-10 at the half. River also scored first in the second half, a great run of play through multiple phases and hands ending with an unconverted try. However NYRC marched right back down the field and a few moments later were rewarded when Shane Lehane cut a great "unders" angle to go in at the posts. the conversion made it 17-15 to NYRC. Our defence had really improved in the second half and we were controlling the ball and territory. With less than a minute to go River had a penalty under their posts and had to run to get upfield. After a quick ruck phase they spun it left where Badger Dennehy made a crunching tackle, forcing the ball out of the player's hands. It was gratefully scooped up by Matt Venzin, who nearly dropped it over the line before juggling it and popping it backwards for Ryan Juliano's first try for NYRC.

Due to White Plains leaving early NYRC, as third placed side, got to play in the final against the hosts, Monmouth. Monmouth have beefed up considerably and have a pacey backline also. Indeed NYRC spent the whole of the first half under the cosh as Monmouth ran their heavy forwards, scrummed and mauled their way down the field in the muddy conditions. This resulted in a 12-0 halftime deficit. However, NYRC added Sean Danahy's bulk to the scrum to provide some ballast and that steadied the ship somewhat. The goal to keep the ball away from their forwards and run them around paid some dividends, as did a more aggressive defence at the ruck and maul. Going out wide Ollie Vega ran a superb switch to score, while Badger Denehy rounded off the game with a try in the corner. Monmouth scored also in the second half so the comeback came to naught but showed the fight in NYRC. Monmouth were great hosts and had to deal with a lot of problems on the day, of which Hurricane Danny seemed to be the least. Thanks.

SQUAD

NYRC

AJ CUSH-FAUTLEY
Andrew MEZO
Badger DENNEHY
Brain TYLER
Daniel LAYFIELD
Danny SONON
Ed BRYDON
Enrique MERFALEN
Johnny ROBERTS
Larry REMMEL
Lucas MEYERS
Matt VENZIN
Ollie VEGA
Pete AYRES
Prescott PEREZ-FOX
Roger OWENS
Ryan JULIANO
Sebastien DIDER
Shane LEHANE

GUESTS

Eric DANEMAN (Rutgers)
Mike DILALLO (Rutgers)

This was great preparation for the seaosn ahead. However, many squad members were unavailable and we expect to see everyone out to build on this as we approach our first game on September 12 against Morris. We only have a short period left to make the most of Strength and COnditioning coach Shane Lehane's presence before he heads back to the U.K. so come on out and get ready to work!