February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
Lansdowne 33, Monmouth 33
Lansdowne rugby looked like it was heading toward a bleak loss this Saturday in Van Cortlandt, exiting the first half down 19-5 to a swaggering Monmouth. Three players came on for Lansdowne at the half, however, to change the game’s tone and the result.
Michael Corridan bashed through opposing players, Enda Lohan nailed repeated conversions, and Sean Rochford, like a schoolmaster with his switch, whipped Lansdowne repeatedly down the field, pooching a sweet Garryowen ball to the wing in the final minute and into the arms of the fleet Nicky Bruella for a try in the corner. Lohan split the uprights from a severe angle, and Lansdowne came away tied 33-all.
The term "rousing tie," if such a thing exists, applied to this brilliant game. The team’s league record now stands at 1-1-1.
In the B game, the seconds also took Monmouth to school, winning 42-17. The Lansdowne B’s, steadied by their well-aged but wily pack, played brilliant second stage rugby, distributing the ball repeatedly to the backs. The B game was marred by a punch thrown at lock Pat Marrron, resulting in a dozen stitches to the face. Rather than take Monmouth’s invitation for retaliation, the B’s walloped them with the ball instead.
Lansdowne’s next match is Saturday in Van Cortlandt against Montauk RFC at 1 p.m. The Lansdowne RFC train Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 pm in Van Cortlandt, at 260th and Broadway. Clubroom and shower facilities are provided by the Lansdowne Pub, opposite Van Cortlandt. The Lansdowne invites all interested players to call player/coach Sean Rochford at (718) 994-7871.
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