Mustang Boys Trample Berzerkers

The Saturday, April 12th game, against Upper Valley (UV) was marred with administrative nightmares, long before even stepping onto the pitch. It became evident very early that the organizational ability of the opponent and their lack of communication with the games' host (Rutland, VT) was going to wear on the Saratoga players, coaching staff and supporters. After prodding and pleading by the visiting coaching staff (Saratoga), the Rutland folks altered their game schedules to fit in some playing time for the Saratoga Mustangs to play the 'hosting' UV Berzerkers.

Not knowing exactly when the welcoming whistle would be blown to get the male Mustangs on the pitch, the boys went through necessary warm-ups to retain focus and mentally prepare themselves for the short battle that lie ahead. Finally, at 2:25 pm, the Mustangs took the field. Although the opposition's coaching staff seemed to not be on the ball, it was quickly realized that their players were familiar with the game and knew the basics of how to play. Note that Saratoga furnished them with two rookie backline players who, although limited in training and experience, definitely solidified the opposition's green players.

After the opening kick-off, Saratoga found itself deep in its own zone. UV committed a penalty in a ruck which allowed Saratoga 8-man Mike Matrazzo to boot it into touch. After another UV penalty, Saratoga won their second line-out and pushed on. What became a potential play of the game for setting the tone was when hooker Bryan Emerich charged ahead within the opposing 22-meter line and plowed through several members of the defending team. Through some great rucking, the ball was passed out to inside center Bryan Little, who plowed across the try line to put Saratoga up 5-0 at the 5-minute mark. M. Matrazzo converted the try to give Saratoga a 7-0 lead.

Play went back and forth for a bit, but key runs by fullback Dylan Gandy and flyhalf Dan Godshalk, along with fantastic teamwork got Saratoga back on the board with a 12-0 lead in the 18th minute, when B. Little scored his second try of the afternoon.

UV fought back hard to prevent anymore Saratoga points, but flanker Jessie Hummer burst along the left sideline from near midfield and scored the sealing try in the 22nd minute. M. Matrazzo converted this try to give the Mustangs a 19-0 lead. Play was whistled 3 minutes later and the dominating Mustangs were victorious in the shortened game. Saratoga moves to 1-1 on the season in VYRA play.