Fall 2002
Fall Record: 6-2
(5-0 NYSRC DII Empire East Regular Season Champions)
10/27/02 SUNY Geneseo 12 - Albany 0
Batavia, NY -
Batavia, N.Y., The Danes season ended in defeat with a tough match against
SUNY Geneseo in the second round of the NYSRC playoff qualifier match.
Geneseo broke out with a converted score by their big 6'6" ,285lbs. lock
under the post off of a 10 meter bruising run. The game then became a
penalty fest. 52 penalties were called (26 per side) as well as 5 free
kicks. Albany players Chris Blank(#12- 38 min into the half) and Chris
Harknish (#2- 2 minutes into the second half) were both sin bined. Albany
played a man down for the final 7 minutes of the half, 2 men down for
5minutes of the second and man down for 12. Albany attempted 1 missed shot
at goal and offered up a couple phases in the green zone that were stymied
by penalties. Geneseo's big lock added a late score at the 74 minute mark
to seal Albany's fate.
Coach's Side bar- The all female referee crew (met ny ref) called it right
down the middle and was very technical. There was not any bias. However,
it turned the game into a football type scrimmage. This hurt Albany. Our
game plan developed from advanced scouting of Geneseo was to churn out our
average of 40+ rucks and make their big pack run by spinning wide on third
phase. this did not happen because there were very few moments of
continuous play. Referee instruction and conferences shortened the actual
playing time to about 40 min. To Geneseo's credit they took advantage by
busting it up with their big guy. To Albany's credit not giving up a score
playing down at least one man for some 28 minutes.
Albany notes: Albany traveled with 28 players to Batavia. Albany's second
leading scorer, winger Justin Horan was unable to play (hamstring), winger
Chris Horlacher (family death), and prop Jason Krause (knee). Albany will
hold elections this Wednesday for new club officers. Siena won the
championship game 24-19 against Fredonia.
10/19/02 Siena 24 - Albany 21 -
Albany, NY - The Siena Saints used a fast start to get out to a 14 -0 lead
and held on to defeat UAlbany 24-21 in the first round of the NYSRC
playoffs. Siena used their big play offense for scores by their winger off
counter plays. Albany controlled play but could not punch one in early.
Albany then took advantage of flyhalf DiMartinis' foot to convert 3 straight
penalty attempts. With 2 min left in the half Winger Justin Horan fielded a
kick just behind his 22 and took off down the sidelines for a score under
the posts. DiMartinis converted to tie the score at 14 for the half.
Siena controlled the first 20 min of the second half scoring two unconverted
tries. Albany, playing with out the leadership of flanker and team captain
Sean Cummings because of a first half injury, found it in their front row of
Krause, Onkaspol and Donato. The trio combined for 13 tackles and Krause's
score late in the 2nd half brought Albany back in the game. Flyhalf
DiMartinis attempted two potential game tying drop goals that sailed wide to
end the game.
Game stats: scrums - Albany 18/23, Siena 11/7, lineouts - Albany 8/12, Siena
7/7, rucks - 38/43, Siena 38/45, penalties - Albany 10, Siena 16
Albany Notes: Albany's season continues this Sunday in Batavia, playing for
3rd place-3rd seed for the Northeast playoffs, against SUNY Genesseo.
Albany will probably not have their second leading scorer Justin Horan
(wing) due to a pulled hamstring, Flanker Cummings and #8 Teraila both are
probable with stitches to the head for both of them.
10/12/02 Albany 36 - SUNY Plattsburgh 7
Albany, NY - The Danes remained undefeated (6-0, 5-0) by defeating SUNY
Plattsburgh 47 -14 on Saturday. The Danes took charge from the opening
whistle, using tough forward play to keep play in Plattsburgh's zone. Prop
Tommy Donato scored on a short plunge under the posts, Inside center Jeff
Teller and flanker Chris Burkhart closed out the scoring for the half to
give the Dane's a 21-0 lead.
On the second half kickoff J. R. Raiani intercepted a pass from
Plattsburgh's fullback to score under the posts. Plattsburgh cam right back
and scored off two long breaks to get on the board. Albany closed out the
match with scores by Onkanspol (prop) ,Horan (wing)and Fontanilla (prop).
#10 DiMartinis converted 6 of 7 conversions and missed one penalty attempt.
Albany B lost 17 - 5 to Plattsburgh B.
Albany Stats
scrums- albany8/8, ps 9/15, lineouts-albany 4/8, ps 3/4, rucks-albany 41/44,
ps 17/20, penalties-albany16, ps 13.
Albany Notes:Albany finished league play with an unblemished 5-0 mark to
be top seed in the east. They will host #2 seed Siena this Saturday. The
winner will face the Fredonia/Geneseeo winner in Batavia, NY on 10/26. The
winner of the Batavia match will be NYSRC D2 Champ and goes on to the
National tournament. Interesting stat - Danes have produced 243 rucks this
season while their opposition has done only 143. Albany has won 83% of
their own ball while stealing 30 (21%) of their opponents ball. Albany has
averaged 49 rucks per game.
10/5/02 Albany 13 - Siena College 10
Albany, NY - The Danes clinched 1st place in the New York State Rugby
Conference Empire Division be defeating Siena College 13-10. Albany scored
first on a 15 meter dead on penalty kick by Flyhalf Anthony DiMartinis.
Albany's pack controlled play throughout the half but could not capitalize.
Siena closed out the half by scoring in the corner which was unconverted for
a 5-3 lead.
Siena picked up the pace during the first 15 min of the second half
resulting in another score by their winger in the corner which was
unconverted. The Danes then applied pressure playing in Siena's zone the
majority of the half. At the 70 min mark DiMartinis blocked a Siena kick
and fell on it for a score. He converted to tie the match. Albany kept
the pressure on drawing a Siena penalty at the 75 min mark which DiMartinis
made from 22 meters. Siena pushed Albany's defense at the end drawing a 5
meter scrum in Albany Territory but Albany was up to the task and took one
against the head and cleared it down field for the 13-10 win.
Albany Notes: Albany clinched first place and also home field for the first
round playoff match. Siena will once again be the likely opponent where the
one seed hosts the two seed. Winners travel to Batavia, NY to take on the
Western Division Champs. Albany hosts Plattsburgh this Saturday at 1pm.
Plattsburgh is 2-2 at this point and proves to be a tough match for the
Danes.
Albany Stats
scrums- albany8/8, ps 9/15, lineouts-albany 4/8, ps 3/4, rucks-albany 41/44,
ps 17/20, penalties-albany16, ps 13.
Albany Notes:Albany finished league play with an unblemished 5-0 mark to
be top seed in the east. They will host #2 seed Siena this Saturday. The
winner will face the Fredonia/Geneseeo winner in Batavia, NY on 10/26. The
winner of the Batavia match will be NYSRC D2 Champ and goes on to the
National tournament. Interesting stat - Danes have produced 243 rucks this
season while their opposition has done only 143. Albany has won 83% of
their own ball while stealing 30 (21%) of their opponents ball. Albany has
averaged 49 rucks per game.
9/28/02 Albany 50 - SUNY Potsdam 17
Potsdam,NY - Albany
improved it's record to 4-0 (3-0) by defeating SUNY Potsdam 50-17. The Danes played sluggish in the first half giving up an early penalty and try to fall behind 8-0. Albany got on the board with a score in the corner by winger Chris Horlacher. Albany began to take control at the 35 min mark with scores by Winger Justin Horan and the first of three for #10 Anthony DeMartinis to go in at half up 15-8.
Albany controlled the second half after brining on 275lbs prop Dan Fontinilla to stabalize the scrums. Albany scores by fullback Eric Galaway and fly half DeMartinsis were answered with the Polecat scores. Albany then added three, #14 Horan, #7 Burkhart and the hattrick for DeMartinis.
Albany won the "B" match 17-5.
9/21/02 Albany 13 - Union College 8 Schenectady, NY -
The Danes rallied from an 8-0 halftime deficit to improve their record to 3-0 (2-0 league).
Union got off to fast start with a penalty kick off the opening ruck.
Albany applied pressure for most of the first half but decided to quick
tap some 5 penalties inside the Union 22 with out being able to punch it in. Union countered with a long break by their fullback for a score.
9/14/02 Albany 36 - Paul Smith's College 12 Albany, NY -
The UAlbany RFC for the second week in a row scored 36 points to best rival Paul Smith’s College in a New York State Rugby Conference match. Albany ‘s #8 Justin Longobardi opened the first half with a long kick and chase for a try. The Cats answered with a roll off a tight maul by their loose head prop Hoss Novak. Albany’s #11 Chris “Icepick” Horlacher scored off third phase ball down the sideline for a centered score in which Longobardi converted.
Albany controlled the second half with scores by #14 Horan, #10 DeMartinis, #7 Cummings and #8 Wilinski. DeMartins converted two of the 4. Albany suffered through 17 penalties against. A factor which kept the squad from any consistent momentum. The scores all came off breaks on the wing.
9/7/02 Albany 36 - Albany Law 7 Albany, NY - The Great Danes Rugby Football Club took on Albany Law School
at CBA Field for a non league match in which the Danes came out on top 36-7.
The Lawyer want to bes took an early lead when #13 made a long break off
second phase ball. The try was converted. The Danes then answered with
scores by lock Justin Teraila and winger Anthony DeMartinis to take a 10- 7
lead at the break. The second half was all Danes. The more fit Danes churned out and won 57/62
rucks opposed to 8/12 for the Law School. The Danes made use of the
overloads for scores by #8 Longobardi, Winger DeMartinis, flanker Burkhart
and winger Hummis. Longobardi converted 3/5 conversions. Albany lost the third half 15 - 10.
Spring 2002 Record: 3 - 5
5/5/02 Alumni Legends 55 - Albany 14 Albany, NY -
Albany Legends defeated the Danes in the annual Alumni match. The Alumni were led by
Mike "Juice" Rydell, Bruce Szelest, John Durant and Greg Sheps. The alumni have only lost once to
the undergrads. The Alumni welcomed the 2002 graduates in the annual ritual. 4/27/02 Siena 24 - Albany 0 Loudonville, NY -
Siena defeated Albany on Saturday AM 24 - O to take third place in the
Capital District Rugby League before a large "Siena Fest" crowd. Siena
took advantage of Albany miscues to drive in the
first three scores and scored their final try when Albany lock Justin
Teraila was sent off for punching. The match was a typical Siena -Albany
match with plenty of flare ups.
4/24/02 Albany "B" 24- Southern Vermont College "A" 10 Albany, NY -
Albany Rugby’s "B" squad defeated Southern Vermont College’s "A" side by a 24- 10 score at Albany’s home field. Albany’s first half scores came from scrum half Ryan Magner and off a nice grub kick and chase by fly half Brian Sullivan to take a 10- 0 half time lead.
4/20/02 New Paltz 14 - Albany 12 Albany, NY -
UAlbany Rugby dropped a close one to Div 1 Met NY foe SUNY New Paltz 14-12 at Albany’s home field. New Paltz started the scoring with a score on the wing that was centered under the post and converted. Albany tied the game mid way through the half with a score by freshman winger Chris Harnish which was converted by Justin Longobardi. New Paltz pounded in one more before the close of the first
half to go in at half time with a 14-7 lead.
4/13/02 Albany 22- UMass B 17 Amherst, MA -
the Ualbany Ruggers grinded out a come from behind win against UMass "B"
22-17. Albany fell behind 17 - 5 in the first half. UMass relied on
tactical kicking with a strong wind at their back to put them in good
field position throughout the half. Punching in
three scores from inside the 22 and converting one.
4/6/02 Capitaland Classic Rugby Tournament Albany,NY -
4/6/02 Long Island RFC "B" - Albany "A" Long Island,NY -
Albany Notes: Albany Traveled with 35 players by bus for the 4 hour ride to Potsdam. Albany hosts unbeaten Siena College (3-0) for a Empiere Divison showdown this Saturday. Game time has been moved to 2:00PM. Support our club and sponsor by getting your ualbany gear at ballsout.com.
Albany Season Scoring leaders:
DeMartinis - 52 (6 T, 8 C, 2 P)
Horan - 25 (5 T)
Longobardi (out for season/ Sep Shoulder) - 18 (2 T, 4 C)
Albany Season Tackle Leaders:
# 13 Raini-14, #7 Cummings-13, #10 DeMartinis-12,#9 Magner-11, #15 Galaway-10,and # 6 Burkhart 9
The second half saw continuous
pressure by the Albany defense which finally resulted in a centered try by Justin Horan who had picked op a loose ball after making a tackle on the wing. DeMarinis converted the try. Albany ‘s offense went
to the kick and chase due to Union ‘s in your face defense. This allowed Albany to play in the Union Zone for much of the half. At the 70 min mark DeMartinis made a tough angle penalty kick from the left sideline
just behind the 22 to put Albany up by 2. Albany was able to control play the last 10 min. and added a late penalty kick by DeMarinis to close out the match. Albany took the "B" match 5-0.
Albany Scoring Leaders
DeMartins...........27
Longobardi..........18
Horan..............15
Albany Notes :
Albany travels to defending NYSRC D2 champions Union College to play at the field with the Dome. Albany suffered injuries to #8 Longobardi (separated shoulder) ,#11 Horlacher (concussion), and #6 Burkhart (ac shoulder separation).
Game Stats:
Danes PSC
Scrums:
7/8 9/13
Lineouts:
11/15 6/13
Rucks
30/42 31/40
Penalties
17/7
Danes tackle leaders
Cummings, #6, 8
Raiani,#12, 8
Albany Notes : Albany hosts Paul Smith's College in a NYSRC League match
Saturday 9/14/02 at 1:00PM. 20 new recruits attended the first info meeting
on Friday.
Game Stats:
Danes Law
Scrums:
7/8 3/3
Lineouts:
4/4 2/2
Rucks
57/62 8/12
Penalties
1 5
Danes tackle leaders
Longobardi, #8 4
DeMartinis,#14 8
Magner ,#9 6
Mirro, #10 4
Harknish, #2 4
Capitaland Rugby Classic Consolation Champs
Albany took the "B" match and Second place in the "B" Divison of the CDRL by defeating Siena "B"
the same 19-0 score. Brian Sullivan, Chris Harnish, and Jerome Riani
scored for Albany with Tom Greebaum successful on two conversions
Albany Notes - Albany "B" scrimmages Siena "B" on Wednesday. Alumni "Legends" up next for the Great Danes. Albany merchandise
still available at www.ballsoutrugby.com.
The second half was all Albany despite two late scores by SVC. Albany scores by flanker Justin Teraila and scrum half Jeremy Lopuch both converted by Sulivan gave Albany a 24-0 lead. SVC stayed focused and scored off two long breaks , the final with time expired.
Albany had its chances throughout the half but was only able to put in one
unconverted score. Albany’s last chance came with two minutes to go when a
penalty attempt from 35 meters hooked left.
Albany held its first ever Parent’s Day match. Parent’s were sent invites for a Rugby 101 talk before the game in which refreshments were served and the coaching staff gave a presentation on the rules of the game.
21 parents attended the pre-game event held in PE building . The day concluded with a post match barbecue at the field. An estimated 45 parents and family attended. Albany "B" hosts Southern Vermont College this Wednesday at 5:00PM.
Both "A" + "B" travel to arch rival Siena College for a match that will determine third place in the Capital District Rugby League.
The second half was all Albany. Albany’s forwards punished the UMass defense and then spun it to Albany’s two Kukulawsky and Harnish on the wings. Albany put in three scores in the half and a conversion. Albany used all
25 players who traveled in the game.
Consolation Champions
Providence 20 - Albany 7
Albany "B" 7 - WPI 0
Albany 15 - Paul Smith College 12
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