OLD BLUE RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB.

PO Box 1441, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163

Old Blue Hotline: 212-252-2057 Webpage: www.oldbluerugby.com

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1st XV Won 27-9

It was a muggy and overcast 72 degrees on Randall’s Island when Old Blue took the pitch to kick off the D1 season against the Village Lions. The boys were eager for some offensive production after getting blanked in a valiant but fruitless effort against NYAC the week before, and it would take some hard work before they got on the board, as the Village side proved to be determined and well-prepared, and Old Blue would be hindered by a rash of handling mistakes when they had the ball.

Despite strong defense and physical forwards play, it took some time for Old Blue to establish command of the game, and it was the Lions who were able to score first on a penalty kick in the 16th minute. Knock-on-itsis was epidemic, and the Old Blue side had trouble getting any kind of rhythm going on offense. Finally, after another big hit from Dan Freed-Pastor and a scrum won in Lions territory, the forwards were able to recycle the ball continuously off the edge of the ruck, maintaining possession and tying up defenders until Josh Williams bursted over the line in the 25th minute for the first points of the Old Blue season. Joe Malanka discovered why it is a good idea to play rugby with a headgear, having to leave the field with a nasty cut to the top of his head. Replaced by Murphy whilst the medics patched him up.

The second half of the game was also plagued by more handling errors and trouble in the defensive lineout, and Old Blue were forced to play in their own territory more they would have liked. The half back combination of Jorgi and Screech finally started to find their rhythm with the Old Blues playing some slightly improved patterns of play. This combined with manful defense kept the opposition score low, and the boys came away with a somewhat unsatisfying win to the tune of 27-9. Ian Elliot and Calder Orr returning from Rugby League duty replaced Dan Freed Pastor and Will Looker respectively and New Zealander Mike Rennie made his 1st team debut on the flank replacing Derreck Lipscomb for the second half. Tries for Eric Scott, Will Brazier and 2 for man of the match Josh Williams with Screech kicking 2 conversations and a penalty  making up the scoreline.

2nd Team Won 10-0

In the B-side match, the Lions proved that they had some fight in them at all levels of their roster, and once again strong defense led Old Blue to a narrow victory of 10-0. It was slow going until Fitz-James Adams fielded a Lions kick deep in Old Blue territory and took it the distance for a try, leaving Village pursuers strewn in his wake. Set pieces were the order of the day and the boys managed to survive a seemingly endless gauntlet of scrums and lineouts to come away with the win.

After the final whistle, the Lions hosted an impressive drink-up Van Deeman’s, where food and beer was served. This Saturday, Old Blue continues it’s D1 campaign with two games against Long Island, kicking off on Randall’s Island at 11am.