tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33339375315039611242024-03-13T20:06:32.456-04:00Saratoga Rugby BlogA blog dedicated to Saratoga Rugby. This includes the the Saratoga Stampede Men's Team, the Saratoga Stallions Women's Team and the Saratoga Mustangs U-19 Boys and Girls Teams.Pete Modyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863239141321752660noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333937531503961124.post-29926503592606754292014-04-14T23:35:00.001-04:002014-04-14T23:35:43.313-04:00Mustangs Boys Start Season with a FirstAlthough the Saratoga Mustangs Boys and Girls just recently made it outside for the first practices of the season, the coaching staffs have been working diligently to prepare the young ruggers for the perils of the game. A week removed from scrimmage type play, the teams embarked on exhibition matches this past weekend to kick off the season.<br />
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On Saturday, the boys, with new head coach Aaron Noble, and a revamped assistant coaching crew, took to Waterford High School where they hosted Essex Men's High School Rugby in the second part a home and home, dating back to the late part of the 2013 season. <br />
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Going into the match up, Saratoga had never come out on top against Essex. In 2008, then under Coach Tempest, the Mustangs came up short hosting Essex in Malta during the regular season during Vermont Youth Rugby Association (VYRA) play. The next season, the Mustangs were humbled in their season opener at Essex; then, in the VYRA state championship, the Mustangs played a hard fought match to come up just shy in the scoring column against Essex and ended up with the second place trophy to Essex' championship. Finally, in a preparation match for States last year, the Mustangs had a humbling loss in Essex to the well coached Vermont squad. <br />
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Back to the present, Coach Noble and company took quite a mixture of experience and an unfortunate minimal amount of practices into the match on Saturday. However, no one told the 2014 Mustangs that they could not beat Essex. So they did not burden themselves with history. Instead, they jumped out to a 29-0 lead at halftime and held on for a dramatic victory. More importantly, it shows that these 2014 Mustangs have once again reloaded and are off to a great start with high expectations in both CDYR play, as well as RugbyNY as a whole. <br />
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Go Mustangs and continue to Respect your ROOTS!Pacohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07621361752484980127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333937531503961124.post-23935795226968083702011-05-15T21:34:00.002-04:002011-05-15T22:18:37.103-04:00Mustang Boys End Road Set with VictoryFriday, May 13th marked the last of three straight scheduled road matches for the U19 Mustang boys as they traveled to Poestenkill to take on the Rensselaer Dragons. The Dragons, coached by CDYR president, Rob Sliwinski, have had a storied season thus far, and were expected to put up a technically sound and competitive match against the Mustangs, who were coming in after a solid team match against the Bulldogs of Albany (last Saturday). <br />Kick-off was held a bit past five, as the Mustangs arrived a little late with the unexpected traffic. After kitting up, the Mustangs felt that lag as they took the field. The Dragons played in the Mustang half for the first several minutes of the half. Unusual for the Saratoga squad over the past couple weeks, they were on their heals early and often over those first several minutes. In the tenth minute, however, it was captain and fly-half, Chris Heckman (12th, Ballston Spa) who stopped the lethargic behavior and sliced through the Dragon defense for the first points on the day.<br />This score woke the Dragons up a bit more as they pushed back into the Saratoga end with spirited ball movement, but Heckman got his backs working for him as his centers continued building their familiarity with the game plan as a switch to the outside center, Jack Guba (11th, BHBL), gave them five more points at the 15th minute mark. <br />Sliwinski's Dragons came back with vigor, though, as they continued to push into the Saratoga end. Their resurgence was helped in part by the plethora of Mustang penalties for being offside at rucks (an attribute expected to be resolved in the upcoming practices!). The Mustangs slowed things down, though, and returned to play on their toes as scrum half Tyler Krastins (12th, BHBL) began driving and working the forwards from phase to phase. Hooker, Zach Besserab (11th, BHBL), capitalized on the surge in the 30th minute as he pushed through for a try. With a conversion by inside center, Race Viedt (10th, BHBL) and a try a few minutes later by eight man Joe Russell (12th, BHBL), the Mustangs went into half time up 22-0 on the Dragons. <br />At the intermission, the Mustangs changed things up as fullback Ryan Manning (10th, BHBL) went to scrumhalf and Tylor Peragine (12th, BHBL) came in to govern things at the back at #15. A few other substitutions were made to vary the line up as the whistle came to start the second half. <br />It wasn't long before Manning took over the game as he embodied the furry little animal from the battery commercials as he kept on going and going and going... At the 40th minute, Manning sliced and diced (and forgot to get tackled) for his first try; Viedt converted to make the effort worth seven points. After battling back and forth over the next several minutes, Manning took charge again off of a pick and go and blew through the defense for another try (and another conversion by Viedt). <br />Manning and Heckman then orchestrated some of the best back line dominance of the season for Saratoga, while the forwards rucked over and over to maintain possession and progress the ball into the opposition's field. Notable in the solid forward play was flanker August Amirault (10th, BHBL) who embodied "will" and "determination" almost every phase. That, along with solid back line play allowed for outside center, Tom Esmann (12th, BHBL), Heckman and Viedt to weave through the Dragon line with shifty moves and the will to succeed to score three more tries for the Mustangs. All were converted by Viedt and the proverbial opposition backbone had been broken. <br />The staff made a few more positional changes at this point to experiment with line-up; although the line-up was still solid, it was obvious that the Dragons were defending their home field as they drove deep into the Mustang territory looking to points on the board. With the Mustangs' backs against the wall, the pack took charge with a defensive scrum and regained possession and moved the gain line out of danger. Russell swung momentum back for Saratoga at the 60th minute and Manning got his third score on a penalty try at the 65th minute. Viedt used both legs to scamper through the defense for score of his own at the 67th and second row, Dylan Thompson (11th, BHBL) blew around the outside of the defense at regulation for the final score. <br />In the end, the Dragons fought with poise in this spirited match and competed to the end. The Mustangs, though, traveled with the full roster to play to the highest level they could. <br /><br />Final score: Mustangs 77, Rensselaer 0. Man of the match - fullback/scrumhalf Ryan Manning.<br /><br />Next week marks the end of the regular season as the Mustangs host the Berkshire United U19 Rugby Club on Sunday, May 22nd. Coached by a seasoned veteran crew, Berkshire will be coming in just a game out of the CDYR top spot. If Saratoga wins, they will be going to the State Championships over Memorial Day weekend. Please come out and show your support and help these Mustangs make it to the next level.Pacohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07621361752484980127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333937531503961124.post-63828325698282716802011-05-09T21:49:00.003-04:002011-05-09T22:35:34.115-04:00Mustang Boys Continue Winning WaysThis past Saturday marked the debut of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Saratoga</span> Mustang Boys U19 Team. Strange, you may say, as they are nine weeks into the season and this was their fourth match. True, but up until now, there was group effort from the forwards or the backs, but the side of 15 struggled to show the unity required for seamless team play for an entire match. <br /><br />That was not the case this past Saturday. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Saratoga</span> traveled to the campus of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">UAlbany</span> to take on the Albany Bulldogs - the Mustang's longest rival thus far in the five year history. The skies cleared out in the early afternoon and the sun shined down to help showcase this match-up. The coaching staff had been on the boys about setting the tone and stepping up the intensity over the past couple weeks since spring break. This last week of practice was a step in the right direction, but the path continued upon the first whistle. <br /><br />Albany kicked off to the start the match just a few minutes after three. The ball was fielded by shifty fullback, Ryan Manning (10<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">BHBL</span>) who darted up the right sideline for a big gain. Strong rucking set the pace by the forwards as the gain line moved steadily up the field. At the three minute mark, it was the Mustang's shiftiest of players sneaking in for the first try of the match, as four year veteran scrumhalf, Tyler <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Krastins</span> (12<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">BHBL</span>) placed the ball for 5 points. Inside center, Race <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Viedt</span> (10<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">BHBL</span>) converted to put the Mustangs up 7-0. <br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Saratoga</span> received the ball on kick-off and worked back down the field in similar fashion with solid phase play. Rucking over and over again got <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Saratoga</span> within five meters when prop Max <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Alberts</span> (11<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">BHBL</span>) shoved through for the Mustangs second score at the sixth minute mark. Less than ten minutes later, the forward play earned another score as eight man Joe Russell <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">squeezed</span> through traffic for five more points. After the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">Viedt</span> conversion, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">Saratoga</span> found itself up 19-0 just fifteen minutes in.<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">Saratoga</span> began opening things up with a little lead as captain and fly-half, Chris <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">Heckman</span> (12<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ballston</span> Spa) took over with his backs. With <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">Krastins</span>' great out passes, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error">Heckman</span> led the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">back line</span> with quick ball movement and key play calling as his centers ran switches down the field to make large gains. In fact, rookie outside center, Jack <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-error">Guba</span> (11<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" class="blsp-spelling-error">BHBL</span>) took advantage of spot-on passing and line running to touch the ball down twice in a matter of three minutes over half way through the first 35. Shortly thereafter, the forwards pushed through for another hard fought rucking try as prop, Shawn Whitaker, punished the opposition for five. All three were converted by <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_29" class="blsp-spelling-error">Viedt</span> and the Mustangs took a 40-0 lead to halftime. <br /><br />The staff worked in all fresh legs early in the second half to keep the pressure on. Although Albany was down on the score board, they never backed off. In fact the first half ended with Albany playing a good bit in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_30" class="blsp-spelling-error">Saratoga's</span> end. However, the Mustangs kicked off to start the second half; that was the only time they would need to for the rest of the match. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_31" class="blsp-spelling-error">Guba</span> got his third score a few minutes in and eight man and forwards captain Robbie Marshall (12<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_32" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_33" class="blsp-spelling-error">BHBL</span>) worked Albany forwards over to gain a try several minutes later. With <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_34" class="blsp-spelling-error">Viedt</span> conversions on both, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_35" class="blsp-spelling-error">Saratoga</span> had a 54-0 lead.<br /><br />As mentioned, though, Albany kept fighting back and never backed down. In fact, a few bad penalties were taken by the Mustangs and Albany had a couple chances to put points up on kicks. Fortunately for the Mustangs, the wind aided them and after each kick, the score remained the same. That did not stop Albany as they kept pounding the ball in the Mustang half of the field. Mid way through the second half, Albany found themselves with a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_36" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">line-out</span> on the Mustang five meter line. With their most powerful prop touting he was getting the ball and going to charge forward, the undersized Mustangs stepped up and defended their goal-line with their hearts and kept Albany off the board. <br /><br />The Bulldogs kept pushing forward, but found themselves chasing a good portion of the length of the field in the 58<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_37" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> minute as <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_38" class="blsp-spelling-error">Heckman</span> found himself dicing through the fly-half/center gap for a 60 meter run and five more points. This, with the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_39" class="blsp-spelling-error">Viedt</span> conversion, put the proverbial dagger in the comeback attempt on the day. Although the Bulldogs were back on the doorsteps of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_40" class="blsp-spelling-error">Saratoga</span> try line as time was winding down, the Mustang goal-line defense would not let the Albany forwards or the backs advance the gain line any closer as they held on to preserve the shut-out. <br /><br />Final score: <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_41" class="blsp-spelling-error">Saratoga</span> 61, Albany 0. Man of the Match: <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_42" class="blsp-spelling-error">Saratoga</span> Mustangs<br /><br />Please continue your support as the Mustangs travel to play the Dragons of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_43" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rensselaer</span> this Friday, before ending at home on Sunday, May 22<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_44" class="blsp-spelling-error">nd, against the Berkshire United</span>. Parents, friends and the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_45" class="blsp-spelling-error">Saratoga</span> Rugby Community in general are encouraged to come cheer the boys on as they continue elevating their game.Pacohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07621361752484980127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333937531503961124.post-20971341932357949672011-04-18T20:37:00.002-04:002011-04-18T21:00:38.699-04:00Mustang Boys Finish Home Set Strong Before Hitting the Road for Three StraightThe Schenectady Chargers bolted into Fireman's Grove on Friday, April 10th, for a match-up with the Saratoga Mustang Boys U19 Rugby Club. The Chargers were poised for their first match of the season, while Saratoga was looking at its second match in six days. Both sides were lean for kick-off as spring break and early season injuries claimed several players from both sides. As such, the match kicked off for Saratoga with rookies at key positions in the pack as Shawn Whitaker (BHBL, 10th) stood in at front row and Nate Sawyer (BHBL, 10th) came in the back at eight-man. The rest of the starting line-up was filled out with veterans including this week's forwards captain and second row, Dylan Thompson (BHBL, 11th) and team captain and fly-half, Chris Heckman (Ballston Spa, 12th). This line-up was key in getting the Mustangs trotting to an early lead. In fact, in the second minute, it was early dominant forward play and shifty ball movement that allowed inside center Race Viedt (BHBL, 10th) to charge through traffic for the first score of the game. Much of the first half was played in the Saratoga offensive end as three more tries followed with aggressive pack play and good ball handling to the line. In the 19th minute, Sawyer bullied his way for five points, followed by Viedt at the 23rd minute, who, yes, Raced his way for 30 plus meters for his second score of the match. In the last minute of the half, flanker Shayne Briaddy (BHBL, 10th) squeezed his way in for a hard-earned try and put the Mustangs up 20-0 at the whistle. At half time, the Mustangs made personnel changes in the backs but kept things the same up front. The punishing runs from the forwards continued into the second half as Whitaker and Sawyer barreled into and through defenders and the spark-plug hooker Joe Russell (BHBL, 12th) got underneath defenders several times on his own for big gains. These runs allowed Sawyer to get his second try of the match at the 40th minute. Schenectady responded to the final Saratoga try as they began crafty and punishing runs of their own; however, this was not enough to overcome the Saratoga lead. Regardless, the Chargers neven showed an ounce of quit as they kept driving and pounding as hard as they could. They counter-rucked superbly in the second half and began gaining momentum. Schenectady exhibited significant character on the day and it was truly an honor to match up against them. In the end, though, it was Saratoga 25 - Schenectady 0. The man of the match, as elected by the Chargers, was hooker Joe Russell. Saratoga now hits the road for three straight before returning home May 22nd against Berkshire United.Pacohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07621361752484980127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333937531503961124.post-9136280945469632612011-04-10T21:27:00.002-04:002011-04-10T21:58:55.728-04:00Mustang Boys Kick-off 2011 SeasonOn Sunday, April 10th, just past noon, Fireman's Grove began filling with cars as the Saratoga Mustang Boys rolled in to prepare for their first match of the year. The coaches called for the early arrival to work out some last second bugs and finalize a few details from practices. It paid off, as things really clicked for the young Mustang team - a team that the coaches announced at registration meetings was a "rebuilding team." With so many of the club's long-standing members from its first year in 2007 having graduated last year, the staff was unsure of how things would unfold back in February.<br /><br />When the Kingston Mad Dogs Rugby Club made it to the Grove, Saratoga knew the build-up was legitimate. Last year, Kingston was a powerhouse in CDYR and through communications with their coaches early this season, Saratoga expected them to start this season where they left things last year.<br /><br />At kick-off, Saratoga received with a line-up of all veterans, but most of which had only one year of experience and several were donning a new jersey for this season. The tone was set early for eight-man Rob Marshall as he tanked his way for many large gains. This culminated with a score at the 15th minute. The try was converted by new inside center Race Viedt to give the Mustangs a quick 7-0 lead. As the half drew on, those eight man runs were more and more independent as the Mustangs forwards endurance began to fade and support was longer in getting there. This demise in endurance allowed Kingston to drive through with their own score to cut the lead to 7-5. <br /><br />At half, a few changes were made to the pack as Coach Ristau needed to get fresh legs into the mix. This worked to the Mustang advantage as it was able to draw a penalty in the 39th minute that had Viedt put another 3 points on the board with clutch kick. The remainder of the game was scoreless, but hard fought the entire way. With a single Kingston try to tie and a conversion to take the lead, Saratoga knew strong defense was the key. Many critical weak side tackles were made by veteran scrumhalf, Tyler Krastins, as he knew he was last line of defense before big runs. Additionally, it was a very successful line-out strategy and execution that allowed Saratoga to win over 80% of its own line-outs, as well as steal half on Kingston's, as second row Dylan Thompson was relentless in his quest to turn the ball to his side, regardless of who was throwing. <br /><br />Final Score: Saratoga 10, Kingston 5. Mustang Man of the match, as named by Kingston - Flyhalf and team captain - Chris Heckman <br /><br />With the Saratoga roster too big for a single team and too small for two teams, the coaches were able to secure a developmental half for those hungry Mustangs that were unable to make the regulation match. Although only playing 14 on 14, Saratoga was able to showcase some of its up and coming rookies and veterans. Key runs on the wing by outside center Brian Kuczek and outside tackling by wing Rob Dussault allowed Saratoga to keep it close. In the end, Kingston grabbed a 5-0 victory. That was a small loss in comparison to the experience gained by many of the rookies as they got their first game experience - something I have said for over 12 years - you only think you know the sport with practice - you come to know the sport the first time you play it.<br /><br />After Sunday's performance, the coaches are now wondering if 2011 is a rebuilding year or just a reloading year.<br /><br />Please come support the Mustangs on Friday, April 15th at 5:00 as they host the Schenectady Chargers!Pacohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07621361752484980127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333937531503961124.post-56705928781633909662009-10-25T08:25:00.012-04:002009-10-26T10:43:18.273-04:00Saratoga Stampede Rugby Club Brings Home First Division Title and Moves to Division III<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIqspG_yt4jKnUfqLev0V9i7WA3AwUqRHgwp6vg8uoKaA_b0OBReM_NvZUvwxLbKlnV7f5U3NE4-nSTbkePglVmCFdkkayqOWM-JvOOZQStyzBhHjwQ2q0pBkRum0eCWRpykLUIU163M/s1600-h/DSC_0159.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 247px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIqspG_yt4jKnUfqLev0V9i7WA3AwUqRHgwp6vg8uoKaA_b0OBReM_NvZUvwxLbKlnV7f5U3NE4-nSTbkePglVmCFdkkayqOWM-JvOOZQStyzBhHjwQ2q0pBkRum0eCWRpykLUIU163M/s320/DSC_0159.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396879918988253250" /></a><br />It was almost four years ago when the first meeting to form a Saratoga area rugby club took place. In the main dining room at Andy Bentley's restaurant, Chuck Tempest, Pete Mody, Owen Maranville, Vern Peek, Matt Volke and Bill Ackerbauer, the only attendees, were handed out offices of a club that was still debating a name, colors, practice location, and roster. While many faces have changed over the past four years, the Saratoga Stampede Rugby Club improved with each passing season and, this Saturday, vanquished Monadnock Rugby Club 31-0 to go undefeated in league play and claim its first Division Championship.<br /><br />Rugby is a physically demanding sport that is growing and gaining a lot of popularity in the area. Saratoga boasts a men's team, a women's team, two high school boys teams and two high school girls teams, and it was quite a year for all of them. All-in-all, about 150 people play rugby for Saratoga now, a remarkable feat when four years ago when no rugby existed in the area.<br /><br />Saturday, however, was all about the original squad, the Saratoga Stampede Men. Most of the faces that were at that first meeting of officers were not on the field. Tempest, Maranville, and Volke were undone by employment demands. Ackerbauer retired after a shattered collarbone made the drive from Johnstown too much. Mody was sidelined for the fall rehabbing a torn Achilles tendon. It was only Vern Peek, who was elevated to the status of captain for the first time this fall, who was on the field to celebrate.<br /><br />While the championship did not come overnight, the signs were ever present. More victories with each passing season. Closer margins of defeat by high caliber division teams. Being able to stay in games against teams who were in Division III and even Division II. Higher and higher finishes in tournaments. But it all finally came together this fall under the leadership of Coach Brian White, and Captains James Verseput and Peek. Under their leadership, the team took a leap in development in 2009. Most games were non-contests with Saratoga featuring a high octane offense that toasted previous thorn-in-the-side Berkshire 58-0, slowly developing Equinox 107-7, and perennial Division IV stalwart Mad River/Stowe 48-0. Rutland, a member of Division III last year, was the first victim of the faster, more advanced Saratoga offense, falling 19-7 and showing the club that a move to Division III was now a necessity.<br /><br />As in many rugby games in the late fall, Monadnock came to a mess of a field that had standing water reminiscent of the club's first ever home game against Albany Law. Perhaps it was appropriate that conditions mimicked the club's birth as its goal has continually been to establish a storied, successful, and community conscious organization that the area can be proud of. After 80 minutes, despite spirited and commendable play by the men from Monadnock, Saratoga showed, try after try, why they deserved to make the move. Ball control, quality passing, and speed proved too much for any league opponent this season, and Monadnock was no different, with Saratoga having five different people score and Peek converting 3 of 5 two-point conversion kicks.<br /><br />When the whistle sounded and the champagne flew, all of those who played a role in Saratoga's beginnings and development could take pride in what the 25 dedicated men who played on the field Saturday accomplished: the New England Rugby Football Union (NERFU) Division IV Championship.Pete Modyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863239141321752660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333937531503961124.post-88696845091545907292009-10-24T18:30:00.002-04:002009-10-24T18:33:52.824-04:00Saratoga Men Romp Monadnock to Take Title and Move to Division IIIJust a quick post to let people know that the Saratoga Stampede are NERFU Division IV Champs after defeating Monadnock 31-0. The Stampede will be promoted to Division III for next season .Pete Modyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863239141321752660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333937531503961124.post-74292670594452756482009-08-31T19:08:00.009-04:002009-08-31T20:03:00.810-04:00Saratoga R.F.C.'s Lends a Hand at Habitat Build<p align="left">Members of Saratoga Rugby have long claimed the desire to distance the team from the less-than-savory stereotypes many hold of rugby players. On Saturday, August 15th, members of the Mustangs, Stallions, and Stampede again showed their strong commitment to the Saratoga Community by helping out at a Habitat for Humanity build project in Porter's Corners, New York. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376282125925818002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5z7eALXNHSOc1aZfhwi3s2t_KfGbe_e6zYwFM5uUN9U2eNInABdw55OT7YR-QnFDrnZ4G4um-8153XTYAifDhS2mpSFOmH3aeThFpNClLYGAJSlemaP-29sojbWPzNglVad-1ulp-J5f9/s320/STP61094.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 255px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 226px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376282127025051218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGU6Lqs2LGk1Rn21llD-Rcimnqi1k4GAec6eNe7Oj_l5yrHx3a8cuzuQQCVzqg8lx4grLJmP_A3aTGwYVmcPo0fx-XuqZAE5Ax4mFkIoclTrernx9TBL5ZJ32YcKawrLNhNqURdv-lHOkq/s320/STP61113.JPG" /></p><div><div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Stampede members Mike "Shortstack" Pelella and "Aussie" Steve Ristau at the Porter's Corner site.<br /></span></em></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376271806790961954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRPQQsKultu8jbzGntH89ofNPi081o4pYK5EP4Dd5qHTA7SmWNwFBbvjI6xK0cPqC8YvZNlEPCOGkNNj4-DXIIA6AXm8EwR1GqSmzLXCgLchj7_VeoJjjbcwUF4ErRJOlaj8tgqRfyuMb/s320/STP61105.JPG" /></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Mustangs players Joya Clark, Heidi Pastor, and Shannon Dowdle show off their carpentry skills at the August 15th build.</span></em></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>When asked to help out with the project, the local Habitat coordinators hoped that Saratoga Rugby could provide 8 to 10 volunteers to the project. When the call went out to the clubs, however, 30 volunteers answered the call.<br /><br />Over the course of the day, the front and rear doors were installed on the house , the electrical rough in phase was started and the vinyl siding installation began. Work also continued on the front porch.While several crews worked on the siding, another crew had the lesenvious task (not fun) of installing the insulation on the concrete walls in the basement.</div><div> </div><div>The entire day was not spent hard at work. The volunteers were treated to a fantastic lunch by members of the Stallions and their assistants.</div><div> </div><div>Thanks again to everyone for all of your hard work. We look to see you at the 2009 Polar Plunge in Lake George, New York, to benefit Special Olympics. Last winter, Saratoga Rugby led all teams and raised almost $5,000 for a very worthy cause. Visit the <a href="http://www.kintera.org/faf/login/teamPageEdit.asp?ievent=320135&lis=0&kntae320135=B585673AEE5641288DB4C2197D8F6089&page=view">Polar Plunge </a>website to join or to make a donation!</div></div></div>Aaron Noblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08185218056491138187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333937531503961124.post-77948229408654597312009-05-31T21:21:00.003-04:002009-05-31T22:13:55.475-04:00Mustang Boys Move to State Championship for the First Time in Club HistoryOn Saturday, May 30th, the Saratoga Mustang VT boys hosted its first round playoff match in VYRA play. The opponent was Rutland U19 RFC. Similar to the 2009 Stanley Cup Finals, this match up was a rematch from the year before. Last year, the Mustang boys traveled to Rutland midweek for the VYRA first round playoff match and were sent packing. <br /><br />After the playoff seedings were announced, during this past week's practice, captains Greg Manning (11th, BHBL) and Ryan Jones (11th, Saratoga Springs) reminded their team of the burning feeling they experienced from last year's loss and how they did not want to nor would allow that to happen again. As the week grew on, the intensity picked up, as did the nerves of the young squad. After all, the team is just three years old, and they were hosting the first round playoff match of the Vermont State Championship. It should also be noted, though, that the boys counterparts, led by Coach Mody, were slated to host the first round playoff match for the second straight year - congratulations girls!<br /><br />Kickoff was the earliest of the season for the boys; the first whistle blew at 10:00 am. Just minutes before, the coaching staff had some last second roster changes as some players were injured from the NY game held the night before (Saratoga victory over Berkshire!). Once they got everything worked out, Manning (wing) and Jones (fly-half) took control of their team. It was not long before their team took control of the game. <br /><br />Eight man and forwards leader, Mike Matrazzo (12th, BHBL) used his typical I-am-going-to-run-and-not-let-you-tackle-me technique and fought in for the score at the 10th minute. Unfortunately, it was his hard running that stood him out and caused some foul play to occur at the 15th minute. Matrazzo, although defending himself, lost his cool and ended up with a yellow card and ten minutes to cool off, as did the infracting Rutland player. Playing 14 a side did not hurt Saratoga as they kept the ball in the Rutland half and five minutes later were up 10-0 on an Alex Pulling (inside center, 12th, Ballston Spa) try. The Saratoga backs, led by Jones, played very well throughout the first half. At the 27th minute, Jones kept the ball on a pass from squirrelly and unorthodox scrum half, Matt Bynon (11th, BHBL) and scored his own try. Just before half time, though, Rutland got on the board and started to steal the momentum away. <br /><br />Coach Tempest was concerned about the momentum shift, especially with the loss of hard hitting and the sure tackling flanker Chris Heckman (10th, Ballston Spa) to a shoulder injury. The captains refocused the team and got them mentally ready again. <br /><br />At the kickoff for the second half, Saratoga started out like they did in the first half. Hard hits, solid rucking, sure handed passing and proper tackling, along with plain old fundamental play, put Saratoga in the driver's seat as they began to run away with the match. At the 45th minute, outside center and rising star Mike Gonzalez (11th, Saratoga Springs) jaunted in on the far side and then took care of his kicked by sprinting to the middle before touching the ball down. Just two minutes later, Pulling sprinted down the near side before being taken down just shy of the try line. Great support was given by wing Ryan Bobbitt (11th, Saratoga Springs) as he picked the ball and dove in for a 25-5 lead. With the Jones conversion, Saratoga was confident at a 27-5 edge. They did not let up, though, as Pulling continued running like a tank and scored at the 53rd minute. The Jones conversion capped off the scoring at 34-5. <br /><br />Although no more points were scored, Rutland fought hard and was still pressing Saratoga. The Mustangs were relentless in keeping the ball in the Rutland end. On a kick into Mustang territory, wing Travis Bradley (12th, BHBL) used some fantastic foot work to march a good 20 meters back into Rutland territory. Late into the second half, wing Justin Sarsick (12th, BHBL) used some of his own dance moves to advance the ball deep in the Rutland zone. Impact plays like this, advancing position, kept Rutland off the scoreboard and kept Saratoga churning hard. The final score was Saratoga 34 and Rutland 5. <br /><br />Looking back at the game, no Saratoga individual stuck out as the game changer. Matrazzo had several big runs and poached the ball like a champ. Bynon played his territory and did not give an inch. Flankers Chris Card (11th, Saratoga Springs) and Cory Baird (11th, BHBL) carried the ball north-south spectacularly and the backs performed very well with key tactical kicks by Jones and fullback Dylan Gandy (12th, Waldorf). All in all, every player that donned the black and red Kooga this weekend was an impact player and a game changer. As atypical as it may be, the game ball went to Saratoga numbers 1 thru 22 for this match. <br /><br />The Mustang boys will be joining the girls in traveling to the Vermont State Championships this upcoming weekend. Details are still being finalized, but signs are pointing towards a Saturday late afternoon match in Rutland against Essex high school rugby. If possible, please show your support for these young ruggers!Pacohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07621361752484980127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333937531503961124.post-28409956732882532032009-05-10T19:08:00.002-04:002009-05-10T19:50:18.829-04:00Mustang Boys Outlast Older, More Veteran Barkeater SquadThe 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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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...<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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!Pacohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07621361752484980127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333937531503961124.post-51663560979758621562009-05-04T22:31:00.002-04:002009-05-04T23:00:30.032-04:00Mustang Boys Beat Mad River 5-0...Well Sorta...Apparently, Saturday, May 2nd was a big day for the SAT's. The Saratoga coaching staff knew that the Mustangs were being affected by it, as it had six players pulled away for the big, nervousness-inducing test. What the staff did not realize was that over in Vermont, the SAT's were on the same day. Luckily for Saratoga, they were hosting and it was Mad River that was forced to travel. Unfortunately, Mad River was hit a bit harder by the SAT's and only came down with six players and their coach. This, in and of itself, though, is remarkable given the travel time and commitment of those members of the organization. Job well done, Mad River. <br /><br />Okay, enough for background on the match. Saratoga was fortunate that the NY league had a bye week and many players were available. 28 players for Saratoga took to the pitch on Saturday, and 11 of those 28 donned the green and gold stripes for Mad River. The coaching staff, needing to continue development, set the roster for the black and red Mustangs based on needs and had to move personnel around into some unfamiliar positions. Others, stepped up in their roles to play a bigger part of the game. On the other side, the 11 boys that were wearing the unfamiliar green and gold jerseys did both, all while having six new teammates and seeing their peers on the other side. <br /><br />Scoring for the game yielded the following:<br />Tyler Krupa, lock (11th, BHBL) - 2 tries (2nd minute, 61st minute)<br />Mike Matrazzo, 8-man (12th, BHBL) - 6 tries (5th minute, 11th minute, 31st minute, 46th minute, 51st minute, 65th minute)<br />Justin Sarsick, wing (12th, BHBL) - 1 try (17th minute)<br />Alex Pulling, inside center (12th, Ballston Spa) - 1 try (22nd minute)<br />Dylan Gandy, fullback (12th, Waldorf) - 3 tries (27th minute, 29th minute, 57th minute)<br />Ryan Jones, flyhalf (11th, Saratoga) - 1 try (36th minute), 1 conversion<br />Nate Heckman, outside center (12th, Ballston Spa) - 6 conversions<br /><br />Final score: Saratoga 5 - Mad River 0<br /><br />The co-men of the match are (1) the Mad River players for living up to the commitments they made and traveling the three plus hours each way in a non-ideal situation and (2) the "Mad River Mustangs" for their willingness to don the opponents jersey and fight against their own team. To wear the opposite jersey of what you know and love is difficult. The coaching staff recognizes and personally knows these feelings. However, if these boys had not overcome this, not only would the weekend have yielded no games for the boys overall, it would have set back the development as a whole of the U19 program. Job well done. <br /><br />Saratoga Mustang Boys host the Schenectady Chargers this Friday at 6:00 pm and the Adirondack Barkeaters this Saturday at 12:30 pm; both games are at Shenantaha Creek Park in Malta. Please come show your support.Pacohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07621361752484980127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333937531503961124.post-76430485752794864492009-05-03T16:39:00.003-04:002009-05-04T01:15:14.251-04:00Scrum-Halves Lead the Way to Weekend Routs for Both Mustangs Girls TeamsSaratoga played both host and guest this past weekend, but the results were the same. Lopsided wins that were led by the legs, tackles, and passes of two relatively new players at the scrum-half position. <br /><br />In a Friday night showdown that served as <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Saratoga Mustangs Girls NY League</span> team's home opener, <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake sophomore Lian Connor</span>, a rookie, showed blinding speed and and aggressive defense, leading her team to several tries and a shutout victory over the short handed<span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;"> Albany Bulldogs</span>, 42-0. After dropping their first match of the season to <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Kingston</span>, the Mustangs Girls NY, comprised almost entirely of rookies, has come together quickly under Head Coach Rick Babson and his assistant coaches to post back to back victories. Connor, a soccer player in the fall, has shown a natural talent for the game and has quickly picked up scrum-half to help lead her team. Helping in the scoring on the night were were freshman wing <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Kaita Albanese</span>, freshman fullback <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Emily Nikolsk</span>i (who also converted several kicks), and sophomore second-row, <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Shayna Myers</span>, all of <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School</span>. <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Connor</span> was Coach Babson's selection for <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Rugger of the Match</span> for the second consecutive week.<br /><br />For the <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Saratoga Mustangs Girls Vermont League team's</span> side of things, the early season got off to a difficult start. Already smarting from the loss of several graduating members of a very powerful pack that helped lead the Mustangs Girls to the state finals, Saratoga found itself very thin in a former area of strength when a significant portion of this year's junior and senior pack players opted for employment and academics over playing rugby. These loses depleted experienced replacements for last year's graduates but the addition of rookie junior <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Cassie Steele (Shenendahowa)</span> and the conversion of senior <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Sara McFadden (Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake)</span> from fullback to second row helped solidify the pack quickly.<br /><br />After spending half a season as fullback, NRU All-Star <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Joya Clark (Scotia-Glenville)</span> made the transition to scrum-half in the early season to replace graduated Mustang <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Emily Wexler</span>. Clark, known for her brutal tackles, blazing speed, and plus foot, has not disappointed in her debut. After difficult travel conditions to Essex, VT left the Saratoga with only 25 minutes to dress and warm up, a see-saw battle with the perennial playoff bound <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102); font-weight: bold;">Essex Girls</span> which ended in a 12-12 tie and cost the <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Mustangs</span> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">their</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Co-Captain</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">, Senior Flanker Jordan Scacchetti (Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake)</span> for what hopefully amounts to only half of the season with a knee injury.<br /><br />On Saturday, it was the Mustangs Girls VT 's chance to set loose their offense which had been very rusty against a fleet footed Essex team. Despite spirited play from <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">Colchester</span>, which featured a powerful pack that was able to dominate scrums and rucks, it was <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Clark's</span> feet and aggression that led the way for the <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Mustangs</span>. The <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Scotia-Glenville Junior</span> bashed, bolted, and blew by would be tacklers amassing an astounding team record of 33 points by scoring five tries and converting four kicks. One of her kicks even managed to snap one of Colcherster's goal post uprights before ricocheting through the middle for two points. <br /><br />In other set pieces, juniors <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Shannon Dowdle and Brianne Briggs, Co-Captain senior Tiffany Neach, and sophomore Melayna Weaver</span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">(Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake) </span>were also a dominant force in the line-outs, winning all of Saratoga's thrown ins and disrupting several of Colchester's. <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Weaver</span> also had a punishing and then evasive penalty run through the heart of Colchester's defense which set up <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Clark's</span> second score.<br /><br />While Clark's running was dazzling to see, it was not the only scoring of the day. Featuring a spread offense to maximize running lanes, Saratoga also had tries scored by junior outside center <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Sam Coluccio (Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake)</span>, senior eightman <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Eva Meier (Ballston Spa)</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">, </span>senior inside center <span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0); font-weight: bold;">Quennah Holt (Colonie)</span> and senior wing <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Autumn VanderVeer (Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake). Coluccio</span> added an impressive interception and 30 meter return of Colchester's inside center to cap a solid day by the outside center. As the game ended, Saratoga ran away with a 53-5 victory.<br /><br />A special hat tip to freshman <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Kaita Albanese, Allie Harkins</span>, sophomore <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Maranda Rotondo</span>, <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">(Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake)</span> and senior <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Bridgette Bryan (Shenendahowa)</span> who logged their first playing time for Mustangs Girls VT League squad. Another hat tip to Colchester who fought hard the entire match and played some of the cleanest rugby the coaching staff has seen. The final score was not indicative of how much closer a match it was. Colchester's head coach, Julie Conrad, has her girls playing physical, fundamentally sound rugby and they should be a tough match as her club continues to gain experience.<br /><br />It was no surprise that an exhausted <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Joya Clark</span> was awarded <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Rugger of the Match</span> for the Mustangs Girls VT, who improved to 1-0-1 on the season. Come see the girls take on arch rival and defending State Champ Adirondack in a rematch of last season's State Finals this Saturday at Shenentaha Creek Park in Ballston Spa. Kickoff is at 11:00 A.M.Pete Modyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863239141321752660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333937531503961124.post-77229753388253826112009-04-25T22:12:00.002-04:002009-04-25T23:38:13.083-04:00Mustang Boys Gain First Ever Victory over RutlandAfter having an unexpected weekend off last week (4/18/09), the Saratoga Mustang Boy U19's headed to Rutland, VT for an 11:00 am kickoff on Saturday, April 25th. The travel, though, was a little more lean than the coaching staff expected as only 19 boys made the commute. Of those 19, one Mustang, Connor Young (BHBL, 11th), was simply going up to support his team when the coaching staff requested he be ready for game play based emergent needs (special thanks to Connor's dad for 'speeding' through Burnt Hills and Glenville to get his kit to the carpool!).<br />The match started with the boys seeking retribution for last year's VYRA playoff beating. This focus took over the Mustangs from the outset of the match as they received the initial kick-off and played solid rugby from the start. At the 13th minute, ingenius play by the Mustang scrummie (Matt Bynon, BHBL, 11th) yielded the first points of the day as he dove across the try line for a 5-0 lead. After Rutland fought back and pushed the wing, the Mustangs corrected issues with the back line cheating in and finally started playing smart defensive back line play. <br />This change allowed the Mustangs to stop the fighting Roosters and turn the ball back into Mustang hands. At the 25th minute, good back play yielded field captain and outside center Greg Manning (BHBL, 11th) the opportunity to over power the opposite line and touch the ball down beyond the try line again. 8-man and forwards' captain Mike Matrazzo (BHBL, 12th) then converted the try for a 12-0 lead. <br />Using momentum, the Mustangs received the kick-off and marched right back down the field and at the 29th minute, Bynon scored again for Mustangs. Then, right before the whistle for halftime, fly-half, Ryan Jones (Saratoga, 11th) chipped the ball to the wing and charging wing, Mike Gonzalez (Saratoga, 11th) caught the ball on the bounce and scored the fourth try of match on what was most likely the best offensive play of the young season. <br />During halftime, Manning warned his team to keep their composure and ensure pressure is applied, as Rutland will come out firing. Manning was right as Rutland scored and converted within the first five minutes of the second half. Shortly after, though, Matrazzo scored and converted and Bynon scored again, yielding the Mustangs a 34-7 lead. After flanker Chris Heckman (Ballston Spa, 10th) came out of the game due to injury, the Roosters pushed through and scored another try in their comeback attempt. <br />This was thwarted, though, by solid play by the remaining starters and reserve Young, who was thriving at flanker, after being proficient really only at second row during training and previous matches. It was in fact, plays like Young's key tackles and hard, short runs, that defined the success of the Saratoga forwards on the day. This success put Matrazzo back into position for another fantastic run late in the match as he capped the scoring with his second try of the match and a 39-12 final score. <br />In the end, the coaching staff identified co-men of the match as Bynon (scrum-half) and second row, Tyler Krupa (BHBL, 11th). Bynon's quick thinking on penalty plays and command as the 'general' on the field gave Saratoga great scoring opportunities through out the match, including three of his own. Krupa's unselfish, blue-collar like play had him at nearly every breakdown and coming up in proper defensive position 'posting' throughout the match. Although the staff has been driving for everyone to play in this way, Krupa exemplified the strategy throughout and was a key element in the team's success on Saturday. <br />Saratoga hosts Mad River next Saturday, May 2nd, at noon in the Shenantaha Creek Park in Malta, NY.Pacohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07621361752484980127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333937531503961124.post-73057991505556514322009-04-19T18:44:00.002-04:002009-04-19T19:22:11.800-04:00Saratoga Stampede Strong in Season Opener<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7OCkwjyMvwB_etylllFUenf8-YdKB0mgXJdaDgj5mJPkOlbVywCvwEIrSyJwzEqeRLxIFZhJZFesoz6-LneCIyU_YYLZAI2rRW1OwfxwfdAvmIENUxegYaWMoXZsLg5e5ylw_k3gVWZC1/s1600-h/Stampede+Logo+-+Black.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326546713224110626" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 261px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7OCkwjyMvwB_etylllFUenf8-YdKB0mgXJdaDgj5mJPkOlbVywCvwEIrSyJwzEqeRLxIFZhJZFesoz6-LneCIyU_YYLZAI2rRW1OwfxwfdAvmIENUxegYaWMoXZsLg5e5ylw_k3gVWZC1/s320/Stampede+Logo+-+Black.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The first match of the Spring 2009 season saw Saratoga returning a veteran core but with new faces at several key positions. As with any season opener, there were many questions to be answered and the Stampede sought to build upon last fall's successes.</div><div></div><br /><div>From the opening kickoff, Saratoga completely controlled the outmatched Utica Klubs, driving the ball deep into their opponent's end before turning the ball over. This change of possession, however, did little to slow Saratoga's attack as phase after phase Utica was driven backwards ever closer to their goal line. When the Utica fly half received a pass deep in his own try zone, he was harrassed by two Stampede players as he attempted to kick the ball to safety. The resulting kick hit the back of one of his teammates and fell to the ground where Stampede second row Sean Bayliss fell upon it to open the scoring.</div><br /><div></div><div>From that point on, the floodgates were opened. Inside Center Jamie Merritt repeatedly pounded the Utica line with punishing runs and Fly Half Doug McCluskey knifed through the opposing defense with seeming ease. Rookie wing Larry Chong proved a solid addition to the team's line as he made tackle after tackle, preventing Utica from probing the Stampede's outside. The Stampede flew into ruck after ruck and kept possession deep within the Utica end of the pitch. The pack continually dominated set play in scrums and lineouts, with jumper Adam DeGeorgio throwing the opponents into confusion; and the line remained unstoppable. Saratoga continued to pour it on, with McLuskey adding two tries and Merrit contributing a third. Fullback Vernon Peek converted three kicks and added a penalty kick to give the Stampede a 24-0 halftime lead.</div><br /><div></div><div>The second half saw more of the same as the Stampede refused to let their foot off of their opponent's throat. Rucks remained a strong point for the Stampede and newcomer Chris Lord added some punishing hits as the Stampede pack were shocked to see a wing in a ruck! A lone Utica drive midway through the half did see Saratoga back on its heals. The Klubs were able to take advantage of a couple Stampede mistakes to drive down within the five meter line. There, the Stampede's defense stiffened and Utica runners were repeatedly repulsed as they attempted to cross the try line. Finally, under constant pressure, the Utica pack knocked the ball on and Saratoga regained possession, shut-out intact. </div><br /><div></div><div>The goal line stand saw one scary moment for the Stampede as scrum half Nick DeFilippo lay injured beneath the goal posts. Despite team captain Steve "Aussie" Ristau's calls for a stretcher, the fragile DeFilippo finally got to his feet. With their scrummie back in action, the Stampede continued the attack. After a Utica infraction, Peek let go a brilliant free kick that landed just past the Utica pack but well in front of the opposing wing. The placement of the kick caused confusion within the Klubs and DeFilippo, fresh back from death's door, scooped up the loose ball and sprinted fifty meters for a try that seemed to break any remaining spirit that Utica had. Saratoga added a final score as eventual man-of-the-match McCluskey added his third try of the game with Peek adding his fifth conversion of the day. </div><br /><div></div><div>Final score, Saratoga 43 - Utica 0.</div><div></div><br /><div>Utica remained unable to stop Saratoga in the teams' B-side match. The highlight of that contest being a fantastic sixty meter scamper by rookie wing Ben "Sticky Fingers" Yamane, who outraced the entire Utica team and sprinted sixty meters into the try zone, where he proceeded to drop the ball as he attempted to place it on the ground. Undeterred, Yamane added his first career score on a similar dash down the right sideline into the try zone. Veteran newcomer to the Stampede Tim Smith added a cagey score on a penalty run.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>All in all, it was an excellent start to the spring season and the team looks to build upon this success going into next weekend's tournament in Potsdam, New York.</div>Aaron Noblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08185218056491138187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333937531503961124.post-3779410733153581902009-04-12T13:47:00.003-04:002009-04-12T14:16:39.973-04:00Essex HS Too Much for Mustang Boys to Start SeasonThe Saratoga Mustang Boys U19 RFC - Vermont side - traveled to Essex Junction, VT on Saturday, April 11th to kick off the 2009 season. With high school spring break and family vacations in place, along with some miscommunication between players and the coaching staff, the side traveled lean with only 18 bodies to the match, 1/3 of which were kitting up for game play for the first time.<br />The game kicked off around 15 minutes later than expected, but Saratoga was ready to go at the first whistle. Play stayed mainly within the 22 meter lines throughout much of the first half with both teams progressing up and then turning the ball over. It was obvious at the beginning that the long off-season had taken away the fluidness that made Saratoga strong late in the 2008 season. Throughout the first 35 minutes, Essex was able to capitalize on overloads on the wing twice to take a 12-0 lead into the half. However, great leadership skills by captain and scrumhalf, Greg Manning (BHBL, 11th) and flyhalf, Ryan Jones (Saratoga, 11th) kept the players aware and re-focused on roles and responsibilities. <br />No personnel adjustments occurred at the start of the second half, but Jones, Manning and forwards captain and eight-man, Mike Matrazzo (BHBL, 12th) reminded the Mustangs that the deficit was essentially nothing and that the jitters were gone and it was time to play rugby. Five minutes into the second half, though, Essex took that message and put the ball in goal again for a 17-0 lead. Throughout the second half, Essex had a yellow card and red card to give the Mustangs a chance, but it was lack of fitness and inexperience that kept Saratoga from finding the scoreboard. <br />Matrazzo, flanker Chris Heckman (Ballston Spa, 10th), lock Bryan Harrington (BHBL, 12th) and prop Tony Fusco (BHBL, 11th) all had some monstrous runs throughout the second half, but there was not enough support from ruckers to maintain possession and the balls were lost. When the final whistle blew, Essex won the match 37-0 over the traveling Mustangs.<br />All in all, though, the head coach stands by the fact that the game was much closer than the posted score. Much of the points given up were on overloads and players caught out of position - these are all attributes that can be trained and corrected. For the first game of the season, the coach was very satisfied with the trouble shooting and decision making that his players were doing on the field. As the coaching staff has stated throughout the young season, its goal is to have 15 decision makers out on the field at any given time and Saturday was definitely a step in the right direction. <br />The Vermont side heads back towards the Lake Champlain area this weekend (April 18th) to face South Burlington.Pacohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07621361752484980127noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333937531503961124.post-60454313716846287432008-12-11T16:13:00.002-05:002008-12-11T16:23:00.500-05:00Fund Raising Clock Winding Down<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://polarplunge.kintera.org/AccountTempFiles/account55/images/275808_25110845457512.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 279px; height: 354px;" src="http://polarplunge.kintera.org/AccountTempFiles/account55/images/275808_25110845457512.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />On Saturday, participants from the Saratoga Rugby Community will be taking the Polar Plunge Challenge to help raise money for the Special Olympics of New York. Over twenty members of Saratoga Rugby have been raising money for this event and with the help of their supportive friends, relatives, and co-workers, are currently ranked second in terms of total team fund raising.<br /><br />The event consists of people agreeing to jump into Lake George this Saturday, no matter what the temperature, in hopes that the stunt will help generate amusement and donations from people that they know. Students were lining up at Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School to put spare change in a coffee can to get rugby coach and German teacher Kelly Canavan deeper and deeper into the water. "It's for a great cause," Canavan said. "I was a diver when I lived in Cleveland, so this should be like a mid summer swim for me. I told kids that I would get deeper in the lake with every $50 that was collected." Many students wanted to see if that was the case and agreed to put <span style="font-weight: bold;">their</span> money where her mouth was.<br /><br />If you have interest, visit the team's <a href="http://polarplunge.kintera.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp?ievent=275808&lis=1&kntae275808=F0CDBFDB797042568F9C8B1FAD8BDC3D&team=3255525">Polar Plunge Page</a> and make a donation. Each donation, no matter how small, helps the Special Olympics continue to provide opportunities for the differently-abled athletes their organization serves.Pete Modyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863239141321752660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333937531503961124.post-66799136393438329572008-10-28T21:33:00.001-04:002008-10-28T21:36:47.202-04:00Saratoga Stampede Control Combined College Side, Win 36-7.This past Saturday, the Saratoga Stampede completed its fall season. Despite missing out on the New England Rugby Football Union’s Division IV Championship by a few points in the standings, Saratoga replaced a forfeit by the Boston Ironsides (moving their record to 5-1) with a game by a conglomerate of local college teams. Most notable on the opponent’s team included SUNY Oneonta’s Ryan Romano, who played several games with the Stampede this season because his college team is facing sanctions from USA Rugby. Romano’s slashing style and speed was a focus for the Saratoga defense. Stop Romano and Saratoga felt confident that they could control the tempo of the game. Also suiting up was Kevin Mackenzie from Union College, who played with the Stampede this past summer. Ballston Spa Alum and Union College student John Robens was also on hand, but only from the sidelines as he was nursing a leg injury.<br /><br />The Stampede took the field looking to slow down the tempo of the game as much as possible. Knowing that a side made entirely of college students would mean a team with greater speed, agility, and on some fronts, cardiovascular fitness, it was in the best interests of the team to play a pack control game that featured deliberate rucking. Aggressive college players, often bent on making the hard hit, have a tendency to over commit to rucks and mauls. Hoping to capitalize on this, Saratoga stacked its scrum with size and experience, and put younger, speedier players on the line to take advantage of overloads and positive field position. The strategy worked.<br /><br />Saratoga was able to control the game for most of the first half, despite having to be on the defensive side of the highest number of scrum downs it had to endure in a single half this season due to a few ill-advised passes that ended up being knocked forward (in rugby, a forward fumble results in loss of possession). Nonetheless, Saratoga’s Guard Dog defense was run very well with players dedicated to running the zone style attack. They were able to shut down “Unieonta” before their back line could get anything going. Strong tackles by eventual Man-of-the-Match winner Jamie Merrit kept the college side in check all afternoon. As time wore on, flankers Pete Mody and Chuck Tempest and eight-man Steve Ristau were able to get Mackenzie’s timing down and anticipate passes to the speedy Romano. This allowed them to stop Romano for a loss several times or force him to make quick passes that allowed Merrit and James Rigney chances to make crushing tackles.<br /><br />On the offensive side of the ball, it was mostly a day of feasting for the backs. After members of the pack were able to draw in multiple defenders, Doug McCluskey was able to set loose his backline. As a result, tries were scored by Merrit, Rigney, Kevin Dooling, and Tim Hodgins. Also added into the scoring mix were a plunging try by prop Aaron Noble and another score by scrum-half Nick DeFilippo. After adding McCluskey’s three conversions, Saratoga took the game 36-7, with the lone try from the college side being scored by Romano.<br /><br />The highlight of the day, however, was Dooling’s try. After a high kick to the opposing wing by fullback Tom Northrop, Merrit raced down the field. As the wing caught the ball, Merrit delivered a crushing blow. The ball immediately popped out of his hands and Kevin Dooling, in close pursuit, snagged it mid-air and raced untouched for his score, while the crowd erupted. It was one of the most dazzling plays this season.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What the Future Holds</span><br />In Saratoga’s upcoming Annual General Meeting on November 8th, the club will decide whether or not to petition NERFU to move to Division III despite coming in second in the Division Championship. Traditionally, only the top team has been allowed to challenge to move up, but with Saratoga’s strong season and its point differential ending at +200 (points scored minus points allowed), it feels it has done enough to make the petition, should the team decide the move is in the best interest of the club.<br /><br />One truth is for certain, however. Saratoga, whose record was 1-5 in its first season in the spring of 2006 and currently stands at 6-1, has come a long way.Pete Modyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863239141321752660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333937531503961124.post-6223811248485150962008-10-23T05:59:00.003-04:002008-10-23T06:20:45.789-04:00Saratoga Mustangs Girls Land One Starter, Two Alternates on NRU Girls All-Star Team<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://kirbycollins.com/PhotoBlog/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/fort_lauderdale_beach_6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 188px; height: 249px;" src="http://kirbycollins.com/PhotoBlog/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/fort_lauderdale_beach_6.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>A selection camp was held this past Sunday to compile the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Northeast Regional Union's Girls U-19 All-Star team</span> for competition in Fort Lauderdale, FL for November 22-23. The <span style="font-weight: bold;">NRU All-Stars</span> will play against other regional squads from all over the country. The selection camp featured over sixty players from six states at the high school and college level.<br /><br />The Saratoga Mustangs Girls U-19 Team is proud to announce that it secured a starting spot and two alternates out of the 22 girls and 7 alternates selected. Fullback and <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Scotia-Glenville's Joya Clark</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, a junior, was selected as a starter, while flanker <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Jordan Scacchetti, a senior from Burnt Hills</span>, and senior center <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Quennah Holt, from Shenendahowa</span>, were selected as alternates for the squad.<br /><br />All-star selector Jenna Bussman praised the quality of young talent that attended the camp and looked forward to some of the younger players who were not selected trying out again next year as high school seniors or college freshman. In an understandably college heavy selection, collegiate players made up 22 of the 29 total selected as starters and alternates. For the Saratoga Mustangs to have three of the seven high school players selected is quite an accomplishment for the second year club.<br /><br />Clark, a rookie this past spring, is known for her aggressiveness on the pitch. Gifted with great speed, good hands, a good foot, and passion for crushing tackles, she joins <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Niskayuna and Mustang alumnae Maddy Cocca,</span> who was a member of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">NRU All-Stars</span> in 2007 and who currently plays eight man for the College of Saint Benedict.<br /></span></span>Pete Modyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863239141321752660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333937531503961124.post-39793806258933471062008-10-22T17:01:00.004-04:002008-10-22T17:26:55.037-04:00Springfield Manhandles Mad River, Takes Division CrownDespite doing everything they had the power to do, the one loss this season was enough to keep Saratoga from their first championship. Unlike past years when a playoff system allowed top teams a chance to make amends for missteps, the point system employed by the New England Rugby Football Union kept Springfield in the driver's seat when they dispatched a severely short handed Mad River Club, 60-5. Having to borrow three players from Springfield and still playing one man short, Mad River had little chance of coming through with an upset that Saratoga needed to slip by in the standings so they could capture the title.<br /><br />Under the scoring guidelines, a team gets four points for a win and an additional point if they score at least four tries. A losing team can still get points, however, if they score four tries (1 point) and/or if they lose by three points or less (1 point). Using this system, Saratoga put itself in a position to tie or win the division with their victory versus Monadnock, had Springfield tied and not scored four tries. Even if Saratoga tied Springfield in the standings, despite the fact that they lost to Springfield head-to-head, Saratoga had a higher point diferential (points scored versus points allowed), and they would have been awarded the championship.<br /><br />The point became moot quickly, however, and Springfield captured the division crown by outpacing Saratoga by a league standings point total of 24-20. The four point differential comes from Saratoga's lone loss on the season, which was to Springfield.<br /><br />The team is still in high spirits as it boasts a 5-1 regular season record and a second place finish in only its second year of divisional play. After making the playoffs last year with a 3-3 record and finishing the season in fourth place, the club was happy with its improvement.<br /><br />Come cheer the club on as it competes in a "friendly" (a game against a non-league opponent) when they challenge some of the top players from three area colleges this Saturday at Shenentaha Creek Park at 1:00 PM. <br /><br /><strong>Chat With The Vets This Saturday</strong><br />What is Bill McLain's secret to the throw-in? What does Doug McCluskey feel about leading such a youthful backline? How does James Rigney feel about having the team's highest penalty-to-minutes-played ratio? This Saturday brings you a chance to chat with some of the vets on the sidelines! It will largely be a "futures" game for the Stampede, featuring vets for the first 20 minutes and then some of the new faces that have joined the club this season for the remainder of the match. Players will be there to answer all of your questions about the game, the season, and the team. Catch some commentary as well as what the future holds for this growing club!Pete Modyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863239141321752660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333937531503961124.post-82743203833777265472008-10-20T16:01:00.003-04:002008-10-21T06:48:06.622-04:00Saratoga Takes Care of Business, Drops Monadnock to Go 4-1It looks like the Saratoga Stampede Men’s Rugby Club wasn’t quite done in terms of fighting for a title, after all. After a tough loss to division leading Springfield dropped the team to 2-1, Saratoga responded by posting a 5<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-NQyRTa_Y88QEp8CWo3oXcpCipUhyphenhyphenb3YzC3QxSzQOmoYn8iozOOg85xawXhmt7P9HQSglaHwir_7h_Hp7W9cWypzl5jT4xf4z5FlWpq7-9wcg8nbRdJvaY-sZbEKqmF3rdIcUlCyEOM/s1600-h/rugbysept08_050.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259556870944541186" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="237" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-NQyRTa_Y88QEp8CWo3oXcpCipUhyphenhyphenb3YzC3QxSzQOmoYn8iozOOg85xawXhmt7P9HQSglaHwir_7h_Hp7W9cWypzl5jT4xf4z5FlWpq7-9wcg8nbRdJvaY-sZbEKqmF3rdIcUlCyEOM/s400/rugbysept08_050.jpg" width="341" border="0" /></a>8-10 thrashing of shorthanded Berkshire before they went into their bye weekend. Entering the final weekend of seasonal play, Saratoga had to beat Monadnock and score at least four tries, coupled with a Springfield loss on the road against Mad River, if they had any hope of bringing home their first Division IV Championship Title. Taking care of their half of the arrangement, Saratoga made the three hour trip into New Hampshire, and under cold and windy conditions, out grinded the Highlanders, 23-8.<br /><br />The game kicked off with Saratoga receiving and moving up field. With spirited play on both sides, the ball moved back and forth in the middle third of the field, until the fifteen minute mark, when Monadnock’s fullback was able to find a seam on the right side of the pitch and streak for a score at the corner. The kick was not converted and Monadnock took a 5-0 lead.<br /><br />After the ensuing kickoff, more big hits from both sides again kept the ball essentially in the middle of the field. Saratoga scrum-half Nick DeFilippo noticed that Monadnock had pulled their fullback up to play defense and booted a kick over the backline. He raced after the kick, jostling with the Monadnock’s fullback, and overtook him, scooping the ball off of the ground at full speed. Monadnock’s only hope was to trip up the speedy DeFilippo, and the fullback dove at his legs. DeFilippo somehow managed to keep his balance and his feet, and dove into the try zone for the tying score.<br /><br />Saratoga then managed to keep possession and control of the ball, essentially, for the rest of the half. Despite some fumbles and less than perfect passes that thwarted strong scoring drives, Jamie Merrit punched in another score to give Saratoga the lead. Monadnock responded with a penalty kick, which brought them within two points. Saratoga managed to drive deep into Mondanock territory, but a pile of Saratoga ruggers were pushed out of bounds as the first half expired, Saratoga leading 10-8.<br /><br />The second half showed a change in tempo as Saratoga grew more and more dominant in loose play on the field, forcing turnovers and pushing deep in Monadnock territory, forcing the home team to turn to constant kicking. Behind fullback Vern Peek’s strong punting, Saratoga was able to take advantage of penalties by Monadnock and push into their zone, winning most of their lineouts. One of these lineouts was dumped to DeFilippo who surprised both teams by converting the team’s first ever drop kick, ala Doug Flutie, pushing Saratoga’s lead back to five and giving them some breathing room, at 13-8.<br /><br />Monadnock was not done, however, and after a series of lost lineouts and Saratoga penalties, made two final drives to get back in the game. Saratoga broke out an intense goal line defense on two separate occasions, stopping mauls, which had been a struggle for the team in the past, and driving players out of bounds. Three consecutive Monadnock lineouts were stolen, as jumper Adam DiGiorgio tipped the ball into lifter Pete Mody’s hands, which were then quickly recycled and booted farther and farther from Saratoga’s try zone.<br /><br />The swift feet of Kevin Dooling helped pace the game when, after several cut back runs, he found a seam and drove in for a score. Saratoga, now leading 18-8, found themselves with only a few minutes left to score the fourth try and get the scoring bonus that gave them a shot at a Division IV Title. After a strong kickoff return by Mody, the Saratoga line maneuvered the ball down deep into Monadnock territory. When a Monadnock player was pushed out of bounds at the 22 meter line, the team only had 32 seconds remaining to get the final score. Scrum captain Bill McLain tossed a perfect throw to eight-man Steve Ristau, who dished the ball to DeFilippo. DeFilippo was bowled over by a crashing member of the Monadnock scrum but still completed a perfect out pass to fly-half and field captain Doug McCluskey, while he was upside down. McCluskey, who had been slashing through Monadnock defenders all day, drew multiple defenders to him as he worked his way to the ten meter line of Monadnock. It was then, after winning the ruck, that DeFilippo spotted the team’s largest player, prop Aaron Noble, running to crash the ball. Expecting to be hit, Noble received the ball and swiveled his head, looking for the oncoming hit. With several team mates screaming “RUN NOBLE”, the big man took off and rumbled into the try zone untouched, leaving Monadnock players scratching their heads.<br /><br />As the final conversion sailed wide, Saratoga claimed a 23-8 victory and scored enough tries for the point bonus to give them a shot at the Division IV Title. Should Saratoga win this title, they would be able to challenge the worst team in Division III to a relegation match and an opportunity to take their spot in Division III. After going 3-3 last year, which was good for a fourth place finish in the New England Rugby Football Union’s Division IV, a forfeit by Boston gives the team a 5-1 record for 2008. It is the best record the team has achieved, thus far.<br /><br />As they await status on the challenge match, come join the team this Saturday for a friendly match between Saratoga and a combined side from Union College and SUNY Oneonta. The kickoff is at 1:00 PM at Shenentaha Creek Park in Ballston Spa, directly after the 2-1 Saratoga Women’s Rugby Club completes the final game of its first season in club history. For more information about Saratoga Rugby, please visit <a href="http://www.saratogarugby.org/">http://www.saratogarugby.org/</a>.Pete Modyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863239141321752660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333937531503961124.post-54038903551534717152008-10-06T16:02:00.004-04:002008-10-06T16:06:35.304-04:00Saratoga Stallions Win Hard-Hitting 10's Match vs. Vermont Law, 52-37<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSh0hcl9ZEMY_IT8BpTv9FrOxXqS4b8orDn4qnNVbt6FvOKz5IhKqsxSmFCUHeF-ofFbAKczQ3BCr2x9CINUuRRrdICcPPRkbb5MKR73mZRLVDn_jmXzGl0gXa2ExdmrqWdZ1uYVze5bY/s1600-h/vs_vermont_law.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254134236885295218" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSh0hcl9ZEMY_IT8BpTv9FrOxXqS4b8orDn4qnNVbt6FvOKz5IhKqsxSmFCUHeF-ofFbAKczQ3BCr2x9CINUuRRrdICcPPRkbb5MKR73mZRLVDn_jmXzGl0gXa2ExdmrqWdZ1uYVze5bY/s320/vs_vermont_law.jpg" border="0" /></a>The Saratoga Stallions Women's Rugby team hosted the women of Vermont Law on Saturday, October 4th, and continued to dominate the field in a hard-hitting, fast-paced, and high-scoring 10's match.<br /><br />The Stallions got off to an early lead when Jasmine Patterson (center back) broke through the Vermont Law defensive line to run the ball in for a try. Jenny Petronis (wing) completed the conversion kick to finish the opening drive and give the Stallions a 7-0 lead only minutes into the match.<br /><br />Saratoga continued to push through holes in the Vermont Law defense, and opened their lead to 17-0 with tries scored by Alessandra Bender (wing), Jenny Petronis, and another conversion kick by Petronis.<br /><br />The Vermont Law offense began a furious push and fought back during the end of the first half. Tries were scored by Sarah Banks (player on loan from Albany Law), Karen Reynolds, Cami Daigle (Albany Law), and Janice Chan. A conversion kick was also completed by Sarah Banks to bring the score to 17-27.<br /><br />The Stallions ended the first half with a final push. Jasmine Patterson drove into the try zone, and the conversion was completed by Jenny Petronis. At the end of the first half, Vermont Law had the lead, 26-27.<br /><br />The Stallions regrouped and dominated the second half - only allowing two tries for Vermont Law, by Jenna Seibeck and Cami Daigle. The Saratoga offense increased the intensity, scoring four tries (Patterson and Petronis), and three conversion kicks (Petronis). The final score was 52-37.<br /><br />Next week, the Stallions will travel to Rochester to play the Renegades on Saturday, October 11th at 1pm.<br /><br />Photo Caption:<br />The Stallions (red) fight Vermont Law (green) for control of the maul. Image courtesy of Bill Stelmack<br /><br />Forwards: Carolyn Rooney, Hannah Mode, Mary Beth Bolduc, Wendy Rodriguez, Diane Greg, Lindsey Burns, Amanda Romand (on loan to Vermont Law), Ariel Dickson<br /><br />Backs: Meghan Marinello, Sarah Black, Kaorina Kuok, Stormie Romero, Jasmine Patterson, Alessandra Bender, Jenny PetronisSarah Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02613747910944318146noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333937531503961124.post-55330363901388701232008-09-29T18:33:00.004-04:002008-09-29T18:50:01.821-04:00Saratoga Stampede Drops Game to Springfield in Muddy Mess<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfk3obi-KmRvD3HodWLm6o2GmpV3y6E_SsiHNE4fMksHOI5BKAAFK6mzrCeMo0bF1iZ5E-FLxFliYulLSPxIiExIvDd6flDIS9R3gkB1YSboJVTiGu2wY-7MuwfshYC6bvQcCUQQIyBOw/s1600-h/rugbysept08_156.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251578888371405298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 344px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 224px" height="283" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfk3obi-KmRvD3HodWLm6o2GmpV3y6E_SsiHNE4fMksHOI5BKAAFK6mzrCeMo0bF1iZ5E-FLxFliYulLSPxIiExIvDd6flDIS9R3gkB1YSboJVTiGu2wY-7MuwfshYC6bvQcCUQQIyBOw/s400/rugbysept08_156.jpg" width="400" border="0" /></a>The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Saratoga</span> Stampede travelled to Springfield, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Massachussetts</span> this past weekend looking to build upon their early season success. The Rifles proved to be too much for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Saratoga</span> Club. The former Division II team utilized their experience and size to overpower the smaller, but more agile Stampede. The Stampede was also hindered by having a smaller traveling side, boasting only 16 players to Springfield's 30. This allowed substitutions by the Rifles that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Saratoga</span> could not match and was a significant factor as the game wore on, especially as injured players had to stay in the match due to having only one substitution.<br /><p>The deluge that preceded the game turned the Springfield pitch into a muddy mess, which took away <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Saratoga's</span> heavy speed advantage and prevented the Stampede forwards from gaining footing against their larger opponents. The first half was marked by back and forth play as both teams probed for weaknesses. Springfield struck first with a quick burst down the sideline to take a 5 nothing lead. The Rifles added two more tries and a conversion for a 17-0 halftime lead. The second half saw <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Saratoga</span> on their heels early on. Despite several goal line stands, Springfield added two more scores. The Stampede never gave up and managed to avoid a shutout when outside center Ryan Romano broke through the Springfield line for a score. The score netted Romano Man of the Match honors.</p><br /><p>Fly Half Doug <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">McCluskey</span> added the conversion, making the final score Springfield 27, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Saratoga</span> 7. The Stampede will look to regroup this coming Saturday when they host <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">archrival</span> Berkshire at 1:00 PM at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Shenantaha</span> Creek Park in Malta. If their past encounters are any indicator, be on hand for an intense, brutally hard hitting and tight scoring game. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Saratoga</span> vs. Berkshire is always a good show of hold-nothing-back rugby played by two teams with a history of distaste for one another.</p><br /><p><em>Recap provided by Aaron Noble and Rick <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Babson</span>. Image courtesy of Katie Hunter.</em></p>Pete Modyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863239141321752660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333937531503961124.post-75745365410805075192008-09-29T18:23:00.004-04:002008-09-29T18:29:18.629-04:00Saratoga Stallions Win Inaugural Match vs. Albany Law, 17-15<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YwrNEZswP7WPu9pQklaOOtW1mgkMnFjWdlfgYsPA-s0At8M4Nunr1985BNZM9om_uGVA4Et8Pu6Dd959P3yNFQuDYIk7z6ik4Asax0EVuC8HPNWZvjVFc_PrdD6dvYqxNtHRjfwFUQs/s1600-h/vs_alb_law_scrumdown.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251573211158901378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YwrNEZswP7WPu9pQklaOOtW1mgkMnFjWdlfgYsPA-s0At8M4Nunr1985BNZM9om_uGVA4Et8Pu6Dd959P3yNFQuDYIk7z6ik4Asax0EVuC8HPNWZvjVFc_PrdD6dvYqxNtHRjfwFUQs/s400/vs_alb_law_scrumdown.jpg" border="0" /></a> The Saratoga Stallions Women's Rugby team emerged victoriously from their inaugural match against the women of Albany Law, with a final score of 17-15. The Stallions, composed primarily of rugby "rookies," came together and played as a unit - with a solid and powerful forward line who won the difficult scrums and got the ball to a fast, furious, and precise back line to run the ball in for the tries. Captain and coach, Meghan Marinello (scrum half), provided excellent guidance and direction to the new team.<br /><br />Jenny Petronis, new to the sport of rugby, scored all 17 of the Stallions points by showing the women of Albany Law what lightening speed truly looks like. Her quickness got the Stallions off to an early lead, just minutes into the first half. The Stallions played the first half as though they were on fire. Forwards Carolyn Rooney, Hannah Mode, Mary Beth Bolduc, Amanda Romand, Diane Greg, Wendy Rodriguez, Lindsey Burns, and Jessie Cheng fought hard for the ball, and completed many impressive tackles. Their excitement and energy paid off, and the Stallions ended the first half with a score of 10-5. The back line, Sarah Black, Kaorina Kuok, Stormie Romero, Alessandra Bender, Jenny Petronis, and Jasmine Patterson, used their speed and accurate passing to score one final try in the second half to bring the final score to 17-15.<br /><br />The Stallions next match will be on Saturday, October 4th at 11am. They will host the women of Vermont Law at the Shenentaha Creek Park on East Line Road in Ballston Spa. Directions to the pitch can be found on the team's website: <a href="http://www.saratogawomensrugby.com/">http://www.saratogawomensrugby.com/</a><br /><br />Saratoga Women's Rugby is always welcoming new players of any skill and fitness level. No experience is necessary to join. If you are interested in playing, please contact the team through the website.<br /><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="left"><em>Recap courtesy of Sarah Black. Image courtesy of Bill Stelmack</em></div>Pete Modyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863239141321752660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333937531503961124.post-69315154935123396382008-09-24T18:46:00.004-04:002008-09-24T19:03:51.880-04:00Saratoga Stampede Overwhelm Bennington 92-7, Move to 2-0.<span style="font-style: italic;">Submitted by Rick Babson</span><br /><br />The Saratoga Stampede Men's Rugby Club traveled to Bennington, Vermont for their first match on the road this fall. In a windfall of a match, Saratoga set club records for both Points Scored in a Single Match and Points Scored in a Single Season in only the club's second match of the season, ensuring that the old record of 121 points will be crushed by the season's end. The Stampede, now featuring a healthy mix of experience and youth, were able to out hustle a much more inexperienced Bennington squad. Despite missing several starters due to wedding commitments, the Stampede were able to cruise to a team record of 16 tries scored and a blistering 92-7 victory.<br /><br />Bennington had a bigger pack than Saratoga but did not have nearly the experience as they were recently established in the spring of 2008. Saratoga was able to win the ball out of scrums and they also controlled line-outs, and thus had possession all day in a lopsided match. Since possession is the name of the game in rugby the Saratoga team dominated play on Saturday.<br /><br />Saratoga scored first with a powerful run by Jamie Merrit; it was the first of many scores by the bruising inside center who, on a number of runs, would break five or six tackles before scoring. His efforts along with the speed and shifty moves of Man of the Match winner Ryan Romano at outside center, along with Saratoga emergency alum Jerry Jerome and -newcomer Kevin Dooling at wings, were too much for Bennington backs to handle.<br /><br />The backs were not the only players from Saratoga to put points on the board, with constant support from all the forwards. Joe Barth at prop, hooker Bill McLain, and second row Sean Bayliss were rewarded with a try. Captain Doug McClusky at fly-half and Nick DeFlippo at scrum-half also proved to be too much for the Bennington team with shifty runs by Doug and a highlight play by Nick, who kicked the ball from his own five meter line and chased it down past the opposing fullback, scooped the ball up. He was tackled just outside Bennington try line, but rucked over the ball on his own and was able to scoop it up again and score.<br /><br />At the end of the match the score was 92- 7 Saratoga with Bennington never giving up. They scored in the last two minutes of the match.<br /><br />Saratoga will be playing Springfield away this weekend which will be the toughest match of the season. Springfield played Division 3 last season and Division 2 the year before. They are looking to get back into Division 3 and have to go undefeated to get there. Saratoga, who has aspirations of making the move up themselves, are now firmly standing right in Springfield's way.<br /><br />Scorers for Saratoga included:<br />Jamie Merrit: 4 tries<br />Ryan Romano: 3 tries<br />Jerry Jerome: 2 tries<br />Joe Barth: 1 try<br />Bill McLain: 1 try<br />Doug McClusky: 2 tries<br />Nick DeFilippo: 1 try<br />Sean Bayliss: 1 try<br />Kevin Dooling: 1 tryPete Modyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863239141321752660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333937531503961124.post-17432091544899546382008-09-14T13:58:00.009-04:002008-09-15T22:53:20.895-04:00Stampede Trample Mad River, Take Season Opener 47-3.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZj2Hgm9AvV_cTTRCZZ8fmdquRp_9Bi4LnKobklpPu-o-G2RcPJTw-FeljRwoIWxQpWRtUoIGeKAYLPJ9PnhEWpjZG-SeLHZ6CxY2gFXxzLbF14bVr-Oyr5gUGU6pwT01UwGIEgp7_eA/s1600-h/rugbysept08+035.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246068637469207474" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; width: 306px; cursor: pointer; height: 427px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZj2Hgm9AvV_cTTRCZZ8fmdquRp_9Bi4LnKobklpPu-o-G2RcPJTw-FeljRwoIWxQpWRtUoIGeKAYLPJ9PnhEWpjZG-SeLHZ6CxY2gFXxzLbF14bVr-Oyr5gUGU6pwT01UwGIEgp7_eA/s400/rugbysept08+035.jpg" border="0" /></a>On Saturday, September 13th, Saratoga began its bid for a New England Rugby Football Union (NERFU) Championship, following up a successful 2007 season and a berth in playoffs last fall. The Stampede's season kicked off with a match against Mad River, who played in the Division Finals in 2007. Mad River has long had a reputation for being a bruising team that uses it's large pack to bully its way down the field and set up scores by quick and lighter weight backs. While outscoring Saratoga 24-5 last fall, a newly look Saratoga offense, orchestrated by new coach Brian "Sharkie" White, distributed the ball all over the pitch, resulting in a lopsided victory by the Stampede over Mad River, 47-3.<br /><br />The game started off with Saratoga receiving the kickoff deep within its own end. An early knock forward followed by a penalty set up Mad River in excellent field position and they elected to go for a field goal. On the ensuing kick, the ball sailed through the uprights for three points. It would be the last three Mad River managed on the day, which was hot and extremely humid, forcing the bigger players from both teams to really push themselves to make it to rucks and mauls in order to maintain possession.<br /><br />In an effort to gain field position, the game quickly turned to the feet of the backs, who often exchanged a volley of kicks, hoping to catch the opposition off guard and regain possession through quick pursuit. Saratoga, though often overpowered in the scrum, was able to dominate lineouts and rucks, using their combination of speed and size to take advantage of favorable match ups with Mad River. Saratoga's backs proved too fast and too big for Mad River, especially Ballston Spa grad and inside center Jamie Meritt, whose slashing and cut back runs repeatedly frustrated opposing players. Meritt notched himself a try and Man of the Match honors for the first week. It is a designation Saratoga expects Merrit to continue to battle for on a weekly basis as he continues to gain a better grip on Saratoga's team centered offense.<br /><br />Beyond Merrit, Coach White's offense, run by scrum-half Nick DeFilippo and fly-half Captain Doug McCluskey, had Saratoga showcase as even attack as they ever have had. Saratoga scored seven tries by seven different players on the day, and converted six of seven point after kicks. They featured slashing runs by the backs and smashmouth drives by the forwards in a scheme that emphasizes positional awareness and control. Without the extra running involved in a strictly "Pod Styled" offense, the forwards stayed fresher and were to be found all over the field, often stretching out Mad River's defense and forcing their larger pack to play a lot of chase on a hot day. This strategy seemed to wear down Mad River and allow Saratoga to really pour on the tries.<br /><br />Those scoring tries on the day included Meritt and Kevin Dooling, who had a bursting run through the middle of Mad River's line, as well as mad dashes by McClusky and center Jared Rubin, who also chipped in three conversion kicks to lead all scorers with 11 points. The pack took a more simple approach, smashing off of rucks deep in Mad River's red zone, resulting in tries by prop Joe Barth and flanker Pete Mody. Eightman Steve "Aussie" Ristau mixed it up, however, by taking a dump pass from Meritt and crashing in for a try of his own. After a knee injury to Rubin, fullback Vern Peek converted 2 of 3 point after kicks, bringing the total of players contributing to points during the game to eight. Saratoga had scored 47 unanswered points en route to winning their season opener.<br /><em></em><br /><em>(Photo Courtesy of Katie Hunter).</em>Pete Modyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10863239141321752660noreply@blogger.com0