Not Enough Spring in the Boys' Steps at Springfield U19's

The Saratoga Mustang Boys headed to Springfield on Saturday, for what was supposed to a four-team tournament. Instead, the only boys' game of the day was played with Saratoga and Springfield, between a plethora of girls' games. The Mustang numbers on the day had about half of the allowed substitutions as only 19 boys were kitted. Springfield showed up with less than the fifteen starters required for match play, so they played down iron-man style.
The game opened up with the speedy Springfield backs gaining a score in the second minute. Back and forth play continued, but it was Springfield that was on top 17-0 by the 19th minute. With a key discussion by Coach Sawyer after the latest opponent try, the Mustangs came back forcefully with some forward brilliance and swung the ball wide to rookie wing, Alex Pulling (B. Spa, junior), who sprinted ahead of the opposition and put the Mustangs on the board. Two minutes later, Mustangs' work-horse and 8-man, Mike Matrazzo (BHBL, junior), fought through some mid-field traffic on his way to a long try. Matrazzo added the conversion as the Mustangs were now down 17-12.
Springfield came back with another well orchestrated try by their skilled flyhalf, as they jumped back up 24-12 with a try and a conversion. One minute later, however, Pulling caught the ball at pace on the wing and put the Mustangs back within a try, as Matrazzo converted once more. As time expired, though, Springfield grounded another ball in-goal for a 29-19 lead.
Personnel stayed mostly the same going into the second period, as only one forward substitution was made. The second half started fast as the first one did; however, it the Mustangs that made the first quick moves with the ball. At the 40th minute, Saratoga flyhalf, Dan Godshalk (BHBL, senior) ran a beautiful switch to inside center Brian Little (BHBL, senior). Little gained decent ground and as he became held up, popped the ball to the sprinting Godshalk who grounded the ball for the score. After Springfield grabbed another try, Matrazzo took control by blasting through would-be tacklers as he scored twice within a ten minute span. These tries were a function of the moments of brilliance had by the forwards.
With Saratoga now up 36-34, the rucking went back to an ineffective method as loitering became prevalent and the second pod was rarely around for the solid phase play, which has gained the Mustangs huge success this season. This break-down, along with some miscommunication on the outside, allowed Springfield to come back up permanently with two more tries.
The final score of the match was 46-36 in favor of the hosting Springfield. This match, however, was won by heart and determination. Being down so big so early would have deflated many teams, as I have seen in my almost nine years of rugby. These Mustangs did not let the deficit affect them though. They played with poise the entire way through, and made the game one of the most exciting matches in the young history of the club. Kudos.
Up next for the Mustangs is the first round playoff match-up at Rutland, VT, for a spot in the VYRA finals in Colchester, VT on Sunday.