UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY RUGBY

10/18/08: Cortland stuffs Danes, 24-7

John Lubowsky
Cortland,NY- The UAlbany Great Danes traveled to Cortland and were defeated by an opportunistic, hungry bunch, 24-7. Cortland erupted for 4 big plays from past the 50 meter line to put Albany’s playoff hopes in jeopardy with a 24-7 New York State Rugby Conference victory. The Dane’s started the game off solid with good movements from the backs and strong play from the forwards. The key came 10 minutes in when a miss-played Albany ball was scooped up by Cortland and returned to pay dirt 40 meters away. Albany could not catch a break with Dave Santander’s missed intercept resulted in a tipped ball and subsequent try. Albany continually controlled play but Cortland’s defense held tough. Drawing penalties after many 3rd phase plays inside the 22.
Albany would double up on offensive possession, 60 rucks to 28, but it would not be enough to counteract Cortland’s big plays. Coach John Durant summed it up in “ We knew going in to the contest that we had to limit their big play opportunities. We have to work very hard to put points on the board and any miscues like we had today really hurt us. Cortland took advantage of them and should be encouraged by their effort. They really took it to us.” Albany would score late in the game of aco-captain James Wrynn’s 5 meter score off a ruck. Reissman converted.

10/12/08: Albany crunches Canisius, 57-0

John Lubowsky

10/04/08: Albany rally falls short against Buffalo, 20-17

John Lubowsky
Albany, NY-Buffalo held on to a 20-0 half time lead to top Albany 20-17. Buffalo started strong, scoring at the 5 minute mark with a try from flanker Anthony Prohaska. They would score moments later to take a 10-0 lead which was the result of a 35 meter penalty goal from flanker Pat Bioce. UB captain and lock Mike McGuire finished the first half scoring with a try from 10 meters out off a strong effort from the UB forwards in open play.

In the second half the Danes woke up and played strong, inspired rugby to get back in to it. Flanker Casey Berry got Albany on the board at the 55 minute mark, and prop Mike “Tocar” Somma’s second try of the half brought Albany within 3 with just minutes remaining. Buffalo was able to pin Albany deep in their half off of the ensuing kickoff. Alban y was unable to break out past the half way mark in the final minute of play. Albany coach John Durant’s summation “We dug our self a deep hole in the first half. Buffalo showed us why they contend for the Premier Division top spot year in and year out. Their class showed through as they held off a tremendous flury from our squad. I am proud of the way we regrouped at the break but disappointed in the level of focus that we displayed in the first half.”

9/27/08: Albany Clobbers Cornell, 29-0

John Lubowsky
Ithaca, NY-The UAlbany Rugby Team played their first road game of the year against the Big Red of Cornell in a New York State Rugby Conference match up Saturday. The Danes got off the bus focused and determined to rebound from last weeks loss to SU. The Danes took a bit of time to get in the flow but started churning the rucks which would lead to a Sr Prop Mike Somma , Jack Reissman converted try. Winger, Reisman, would then add Albany’s next score with a 50 yard scamper down the sideline off of a nifty 2/3 loop by the centers. Center Philip Ayoreh would score the last points of the half with ball spun out from the ruck to score an untouched centered try. Danes 19- Cornell 0 at the half.
Albany controlled play for much of the second half. Center Jake Touhey would drive in ball off a maul created by a quick spin off the Albany scrum. 8 man Dave Santander would close nail the game shut, and get Albany a bonus point in the standings for scoring more that 25 points, on his pick up score off of a 5 meter scrum.
The Albany All “B”lacks [wearing white of course] lost a tough battle 42-30. 8 man Anthony Russo scored 3 times for the Danes who fought hard but ran out of gas late as Cornell scored twice in the closing minutes. Albany notes: Albany had a travel squad of 47 as classes were suspended for holiday break. The All “B”lacks take on Siena this Wednesday in an afternoon game and then the entire squad hosts division leaders, University of Buffalo, on Saturday at 1:00PM.

9/20/08: SU Rallies past Albany, 39-27

John Lubowsky
Albany, NY-SU Rallied past UAlbany Saturday with a 39-27 win in a New York State Rugby Conference Premier Division game. Albany started off the scoring with lock James Wrynn barreled in off ruck ball from 5 meters out. SU answered with 2 trys, 1 off of a penalty tap by their big lock and a drive off of a maul by SU’s tight head prop. Albany 8 man Dave Santander would chase down loose ball off of the muffed kick off to put one in under the posts while Albany fly half Jake Touhey would score off a 10 meter scamper off of 3rd phase ball to put Albany up 17 – 13 at the half.
Albany would seesaw back and for the with SU scoring. Pivotal point in game came in a 3 minute stretch when the referee’s override of the touch judges conversion call and awarded the points to SU. 2 minutes later Albany’s apparent score would be penalized for a double move. SU cleared the zone and would score off of the field position gain. This set of events took the wind out of the Danes. SU would end with a late score off of a high ball return.
Albany’ All “B”lacks defeated SU B , or a tired SU A side, 48 – 31. Albany’s depth showed with the use of 21 players in the first game and 26 in the second game. Tries by Albany’s Brian Mayer, Anthony Russo, Alex Richards[2], John Essig [PT] and Jeff Lahens set the tone while Lahens made 2 conversions, and Arthur Guints one.

9/13/08: Danes Nip Binghamton, 16-15

John Lubowsky
Albany, NY- The Danes came back from a 15-10 deficit to nip Binghamton U 16-15 in the Dane’s first D1 League game since 1997. As is the case with most Albany games, the big play and miscues played a big role in the game. Albany scored first with a Jack Reisman penalty goal. Binghamton would answer right back with a 75 meter scamper down the sideline by their speedy winger TJ Faulkman. Albany’s Sr Prop Mike Somma would then add a score, plunging in off of a ruck ball with Reisman converting. Binghmaton big play #2 + #3 with a long run by Faulkman and another by scrum half Garrett Jones to put the halfway score, 15-10.
Albany controlled the tempo of the game winning 43 of 47 offensive rucks as opposed to Binghamton’s 16 total rucks. The grind would pay off with Reisman making 2 of 3 penalty attempts in the second half to put the Dan’s in front. Albany’s defensive stand late in the second half which resulted in a long clearing kick by UA fullback Alex Wilman took the wind out of Binghamton. Albany attacked inside the 22 resulting in a Binghamton penalty which Reisman’s kick did not hook from the right side seconds before final time, Albany 16- Binghamton 15.
The “B”lacks toppled Binghamton B 22-12. Dave Santander [#8] scored twice of 8man pick ups. Lock Matt Zappala would also score a try. Flyhalf Jeff Lahens made two conversions and Lock Arthur Guints kicked one penalty. The second game consisted of 3 periods in which Albany was able to use all reserve players. 51 players saw action on the day.

9/06/08: Hindered By Hanna, Men's Rugby Drops Season Opener to SUNY-Albany

From Vassar web Site
ALBANY, NY (September 6, 2008) – Despite two tries, the first from sophomore Iain Gordon (Sag Harbor, NY/Pierson), and a late score from Connor O’Neill (Lancaster, PA/Penn Manor), the Vassar men’s rugby team lost its season opener, 19-10, against a physical and committed SUNY-Albany squad on Saturday afternoon in Albany. The weather conditions created by tropical storm Hanna made passing a poor option for Vassar. “The Brewers will need to show much more intensity if they are to make any impressions this season,” said Vassar head coach Tony Brown.
Vassar College Men 10 v SUNY Albany Men 19
Last year Vassar played SUNY Albany in the fall and spring and ran out emphatic winners. The hosts were in no mood for a repeat of those games and played with a real zeal and zest for the game. Vassar looked off the pace and surprisingly sluggish. It didn't help matters that in the final moments of the warm-up Mario Arthur-Bentil threw out his shoulder and had to be substituted before the game started! In addition, after about 20 minutes flyhalf Conor Boylan limped off with a pulled hamstring, but neither of these losses accounted for the lack of fire need to compete at the breakdown. Two early penalties near the Albany line Vassar elected to run rather than kick for points or kick to touch. The Albany defense was up to the challenge and indeed all afternoon they tackled strongly. Vassar took the lead when good pressure from Will Thanhauser saw a kick charged down and Iain Gordon was on hand to dive on the ball. Maybe this made the Brewers over confident for they allowed Albany to establish a foothold deep in the Vassar half following some strong forward runs. Albany recycled the ball consistently and despite being guilty of blatant bridging and coming over the top Vassar managed to hold them out. But it was becoming clear that this would be a difficult day. Vassar managed to get into Albany territory but a poor pass from Garrett Montgomery to Iain Gordon went to ground and the ball was hacked ahead by an Albany player. As the Vassar back three ran to get back the referee felt that Stanislav Genchev had obstructed a chasing player. There was confusion as to what was happening but Albany took a quick tap penalty, moved the ball to the left wing and easily outflanked the Vassar defence to tie the game at 5-5. So may little things went wrong for the Brewers and often it was a case of silly mistakes on their part. At the ensuing re-start Vassar played the ball at the 9 yard line when it clearly was going to carry 10 - scrum to Albany. A scrum was wheeled and the ball spilled out the back that Albany stole. Other worrying signs began to show later in the half. First Vassar lost their own put-in at a scrummage, then a couple of lineouts went astray and with primary possession drying up it was Albany on the front foot. Albany went ahead again when they took a quick tap penalty following a scrum infringement and again Vassar was asleep. The half ended with some Vassar pressure and Will Thanhauser went over under the posts but the try was disallowed although if it was for a double movement it was a poor decision. Albany led 12-5 after 40 minutes.
The second half got off to a horrendous start when Davis Wang knocked on the kickoff and on the short Albany field the home team was now inside the Vassar 22 with the ball. The Brewers did defend strongly but with conditions getting worse they were unable to get any continuity. In a sloppy second half neither side showed much shape at all. Some bright spots for the Brewers were the play of Connor O'Neill at fullback as he caught everything and ran well out of defense. Will Thanhauser who tackled, as ever, like a man possessed and was all over the field. Meanwhile Omar Fayyaz got involved at every opportunity and gave the Albany defense problems. Albany scored to make it 19-5 before O'Neil's try near the end and the game finished 19-10 to the home team. The cheer and celebrations that followed from the Albany team hopefully will long be remembered by the Vassar players as they get down to some hard graft this week in practice.

Spring 2008

UAlbany inexperience shows through versus veteran Knickerbocker sides

By John Burns
The Albany B’s then played a young and egar UAlbany team and came away with a 26-10 win. The skilled fly-half from SUNY, Philip Ayoreh struck first with a great run through the Albany Knicks defence. Then the Knicks settled down and got some breaks of their own from Charles Colley and Todd Martin. The forwards stepped up their play in the second half and started to dominate the younger smaller SUNY team. Ayoreh would add another score of of a grub kick for the final, 26-10.
The Albany C/Old Boy team then played an abreviated game against SUNY B’s and came away with a one try win. It was great to see some of the faces of long time Knicks Greats take the field with the youngsters. Pat Dolan scored the only try of the game on a great run. Final 5-0.

UAlbany hangs tough at Beast of the East

By John Lubowsky
Albany ventured into the land of giants to slay the beast. They were lucky to come out alive with both the first XV and the "Blacks" coming out if bruised, battered and just plain injured. The one thing that can be said about the spring 2008 is that these guys do not give up. The first XV battled tough vs. U Rhode Island, Kings Point and UConn while the "Blacks" toughed it out vs. Keene State and Colby.

UAlbany "Black" drops home contest to Albany Law

By John Lubowsky
Albany "Blacks" showed much improvement against a solid Law side. Law's veteran players would controll the game which enabled them to put up 22 points to Albany's 10.

UAlbany loses big to defending D2 National Champs Middlebury College

By John Lubowsky
The Danes took the field and played a very inspired 30minutes of rugby unfortunately the contest was a full match 80 minutes. The Danes would play tough defense and enough offense to keep things tight and make the opposition a bit nervous. Middlebury's top form fitness would kick in at the 30 minute mark when the would reel off 2 quick scores before half. Albany would never say die in the second half but could not contain the powerfull Middlebury pack resulting in a 65- 7 final.
Albany "Black" 7- Midlebury 17.

UAlbany "Black"loses to So. Vermont College

By John Lubowsky
The Danes "Black" squad took the field against a tough but short So. VT side in this Wednesday afternoon contest. The team from Vermont controlled much of the game against the inexperienced Albany side besting the Danes 35-12.

UAlbany loses to tough one in Burlington, VT against St Michael' College

By John Lubowsky
Bulrlington,VT- The Danes went on the road for the again to face a tough St Michael's College team. The game was close with both teams equal in talent. St Michael's would score the first 2 tries via Albany turnovers. Early in the second half Albany 8 man Dave Santander took ruck ball in from some 22meters out for the lone Albany try. St Michael's would add and insurance try late of numerous Albany penalties close to the line.
Albany "Black" would lose 17-5.

UAlbany can't contain Vassar 8 man in Poughkeepsie

By John Lubowsky
The Danes faced Vassar at the "farm" and could have used a tractor and some bulls to slow down Vassar #8. Report below from Vassar site:
By Tony Brown
Head Coach
POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (April 3, 2008) -- In the Fall Vassar traveled to SUNY Albany and had a good win 44-19 so the Brewers took the field with some confidence at home on an evening that was wickedly chilly. Vassar Number 8 Garrett King is determined to lead this team from the front and he had an exceptional game helping his side to a convincing 39-7 victory.
Vassar College Men 39 v University of Albany Men 7
Tries: Nick Mason (2), Chris Magnani (3), James Cantres (1), Connor O'Neill (1).
Cons: Jake London (2).
If Vassar scrumhalf Chris Magnani is intending to continue playing rugby after college he had better find out where Garrett King is going to be located. The Vassar Number 8 ran with such purpose and attracted so many defenders that when the offload came Magnani was usually the direct beneficiary. That is not to diminish Magnani's efforts because he ran well gathering 3 tries during the course of the match. But the foundation of Vassar's success was the dominant pack. Against a strong physical set of Albany forwards the Vassar eight held a significant edge in the scrums and had a good day in the lineouts despite the swirling wind. The Albany scrum was creaking from the start and it never got any better as they were constantly shunted back and possession disrupted.
In the first half Vassar left 3 maybe 4 tries on the field with poor handling. Final passes dropped, or a pass slightly behind the receiver, are the differences between perfection and outright failure. Behind the scrum Conor Boylan at flyhalf was under immediate pressure from the talented Albany standoff. Certainly, the latter was quick but he was also very suspect as to the offside law. At least on two occasions Boylan was wrapped as he caught the ball and spectators were heard to ask if he was wearing a grey jersey and playing 12. But Boylan maintained his composure and was able to initiate a ruck or get the ball off sometimes to support. Inside center James Cantres continues to run and plague defenses and he scored a glorious try at the end of the first half. Second phase ball on the halfway line on the right side was moved to Boylan at 10. He made a half break but as he was being hauled down he offloaded to Cantres who sliced down the middle of the field. He beat the fullback and with 3 players in close pursuit went over under the posts. It gave Vassar a 24-0 lead as they changed ends adding to the tries from Nick Mason and Magnani (2).
Nick Mason, the Vassar lock, is a big man. At 6' 7" and weighing in at around 260 lbs he has pretty nimble footwork. While he might look out of place in the Kenyon Dance studio he is completely at home running off the fringes of rucks and mauls at the Farm. He was rewarded today with 2 tries and they capped a complete performance. Mason, aka "Chops" caught his lineout ball, scrummaged well, tackled well, and had a number of penetrating runs. All this and more will be needed this Sunday as Vassar travels to take on Brown University in Providence, RI. Vassar has shown that they have some strike power in their first two games this spring but now the question to be answered is have they got the same zeal for defense this weekend?

Danes win one at 4 Leafs Tournament

By John Lubowsky
Randall's Island, NY -The Danes went down to NYC over the last weekend of spring break and took on 2 Met NY teams and a Canadian Varsity. The Danes took the field against an evenly matched Kings Point squad. Mid way through the first half Kings Point #10 took off on a 50 meter run to score an unconverted try. Albany played most of half 2 in KP's territory and had 2 potential scores called off for failure to apply direct pressure resulting in a tough 5-0 loss. Albany faced off against a big but less than speedy William Patterson U. from New Jersey. The Danes spun the ball wide and were able to post 42 points on the board. The last tourney game was vs. Wilfred Laurier out of Toronto, CA. The Canadian side was a notch above Albany dominating most facets of the game except restarts. The canadians would notch 42 points on the Danes with Albany's only score coming on a push over try late in the 2nd half.