Saratoga R.F.C.'s Lends a Hand at Habitat Build

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.

Stampede members Mike "Shortstack" Pelella and "Aussie" Steve Ristau at the Porter's Corner site.

Mustangs players Joya Clark, Heidi Pastor, and Shannon Dowdle show off their carpentry skills at the August 15th build.

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.

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.

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.

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 Polar Plunge website to join or to make a donation!

Mustang Boys Move to State Championship for the First Time in Club History

On 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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Mustang Boys Outlast Older, More Veteran Barkeater Squad

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mustang 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.

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.

Scoring for the game yielded the following:
Tyler Krupa, lock (11th, BHBL) - 2 tries (2nd minute, 61st minute)
Mike Matrazzo, 8-man (12th, BHBL) - 6 tries (5th minute, 11th minute, 31st minute, 46th minute, 51st minute, 65th minute)
Justin Sarsick, wing (12th, BHBL) - 1 try (17th minute)
Alex Pulling, inside center (12th, Ballston Spa) - 1 try (22nd minute)
Dylan Gandy, fullback (12th, Waldorf) - 3 tries (27th minute, 29th minute, 57th minute)
Ryan Jones, flyhalf (11th, Saratoga) - 1 try (36th minute), 1 conversion
Nate Heckman, outside center (12th, Ballston Spa) - 6 conversions

Final score: Saratoga 5 - Mad River 0

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.

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.

Scrum-Halves Lead the Way to Weekend Routs for Both Mustangs Girls Teams

Saratoga 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.

In a Friday night showdown that served as Saratoga Mustangs Girls NY League team's home opener, Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake sophomore Lian Connor, a rookie, showed blinding speed and and aggressive defense, leading her team to several tries and a shutout victory over the short handed Albany Bulldogs, 42-0. After dropping their first match of the season to Kingston, 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 Kaita Albanese, freshman fullback Emily Nikolski (who also converted several kicks), and sophomore second-row, Shayna Myers, all of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School. Connor was Coach Babson's selection for Rugger of the Match for the second consecutive week.

For the Saratoga Mustangs Girls Vermont League team's 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 Cassie Steele (Shenendahowa) and the conversion of senior Sara McFadden (Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake) from fullback to second row helped solidify the pack quickly.

After spending half a season as fullback, NRU All-Star Joya Clark (Scotia-Glenville) made the transition to scrum-half in the early season to replace graduated Mustang Emily Wexler. 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 Essex Girls which ended in a 12-12 tie and cost the Mustangs their Co-Captain, Senior Flanker Jordan Scacchetti (Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake) for what hopefully amounts to only half of the season with a knee injury.

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 Colchester, which featured a powerful pack that was able to dominate scrums and rucks, it was Clark's feet and aggression that led the way for the Mustangs. The Scotia-Glenville Junior 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.

In other set pieces, juniors Shannon Dowdle and Brianne Briggs, Co-Captain senior Tiffany Neach, and sophomore Melayna Weaver (Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake) were also a dominant force in the line-outs, winning all of Saratoga's thrown ins and disrupting several of Colchester's. Weaver also had a punishing and then evasive penalty run through the heart of Colchester's defense which set up Clark's second score.

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 Sam Coluccio (Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake), senior eightman Eva Meier (Ballston Spa), senior inside center Quennah Holt (Colonie) and senior wing Autumn VanderVeer (Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake). Coluccio 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.

A special hat tip to freshman Kaita Albanese, Allie Harkins, sophomore Maranda Rotondo, (Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake) and senior Bridgette Bryan (Shenendahowa) 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.

It was no surprise that an exhausted Joya Clark was awarded Rugger of the Match 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.

Mustang Boys Gain First Ever Victory over Rutland

After 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!).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Saratoga hosts Mad River next Saturday, May 2nd, at noon in the Shenantaha Creek Park in Malta, NY.

Saratoga Stampede Strong in Season Opener

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Final score, Saratoga 43 - Utica 0.

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.

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.