Mustang Boys Outlast Older, More Veteran Barkeater Squad

The Saratoga (VT) Mustangs hosted both boys and girls U19s this past weekend at Shenantaha Creek Park in Malta. The boys' game kicked off shortly after the girls posted an eight point victory on the more veteran Adirondack girls team (more to come on that match). Not to be outdone by their peers, the boys knew what they had to do.

Ailing with injuries from the Friday night match against Schenectady, many of the boys gained composure and kitted up for the match, including flanker Chris Heckman (Ballston Spa, 10th), who Coach Tempest asked for about 10 minutes to make an impact and then he would most likely be subbed out. At the start, Adirondack's side looked cocky and confident as they strutted on the Saratoga field, with their older, more experienced side.

Field captain and fly-half, Ryan Jones (Saratoga, 11th) got the Mustangs focused with a pre-game speech to let his team know that this was their field and they'll not put up with the outsiders coming in and thinking they are going to dominate. Shortly after kick-off, Jones backed up his words with a hard fought score on the left side and then converted his own try for the 7-0 lead at the 6th minute. After some solid, back and forth play, eight man and forwards' captain, Mike Matrazzo (BHBL, 12th) ripped the ball and propelled past the try line for the 12-0 lead at the 20th minute.

After allowing Adirondack on the board at the 29th minute, Jones utilized some dazzling runs by inside center Alex Pulling (Ballston Spa, 12th) and outside center Mike Gonzalez (Saratoga, 11th) and got himself into position to score again just before half to give the Mustangs a 17-5 lead.

The second half opened up with much of the same as scrum half Matt Bynon (BHBL, 11th) picked the ball and fought for the 22-5 lead at the 41st minute. After that, though, the Mustangs seemed to start playing on their heals. Adirondack was fighting hard for every meter and was getting the best of the Mustangs. After some significant injuries for the Mustangs and substitution errors by Coach Tempest, the Mustangs were just trying to stay solid. At the 59th minute and again at the 64th minute, the Barkeaters scored, closing the lead the 22-15. In the end, though, the Mustangs stood tall and prevented Adirondack from closing in anymore. At the final whistle, it was Saratoga who came out on top (22-15) for a 4-1 record in VYRA. Oh, by the way, flanker C. Heckman played hurt, yet solid the entire game, even though the coaching staff kept asking for only ten more minutes...

The game was hard-fought by the undersized and much younger Mustangs. The coaching staff is very proud and excited about the will and effort that team put forth on Saturday. Upon review of the key elements to the success and victory, the coaching staff has chosen eight man Mike Matrazzo as the man of the match for the Mustangs. Usually known for spectacular runs up the field, his offensive presence was not the factor this week. Rather, it was defensive posture that neutralized the much larger and much older opposing eight man for Adirondack. This opponent definitely appeared to have some significant rugby days under his belt, but Matrazzo matched up and contained him throughout the match. Kudos, Mike.

Saratoga travels to face North Country at the Essex fields this upcoming Saturday, May 16th. With a victory against North Country, Saratoga will have a good chance at hosting the first round playoff game on May 30th. Let's go Mustangs!