Bebo

LANSDOWNE RFC NYS DIVISION 3 CHAMPIONS by Richie Price. On Saturday, April 14, 2007, the Lansdowne Rugby Club beat a game South Buffalo side by a final score of 27-10. The victory sets up a possible all-Irish encounter with Boston Irish Wolfhounds "C" in the Northeast Regionals to be held on April 28. The match began slowly as the forwards on both sides seemed to be feeling each other out by attempting numerous phases. Despite neither team making huge territorial gains, South Buffalo's forwards were very effective in controlling the lion's share of possession. However, Lansdowne began to settle down and inch their way into South Buffalo territory. The Irish side's efforts paid off handsomely as, in the 11th minute, a penalty was called against the visitors. The attempt at goal, from 30 meters out, was successful as Cork's own Johnny Coghlan gave the homeside a 3-0 lead. The advantage was short-lived , however, as the formidable South Buffalo defense proved to be effective in keeping Lansdowne back on their heels. An errant Lansdowne pass was intercepted by a resourceful Buffalo back who touched down unscathed in the in-goal. The unconverted try gave the visitors a 5-3 lead. The score seemed to act as a wake-up call for the Irishmen, who began to ruck with great purpose. The commitment seemed to pay off as player-coach Gavin Butler touched down in the in-goal off of some thunderous running on his part. However, the referee claimed that a defender had placed his arm between the ball and the ground thereby nullifying the try. Lansdowne, smelling blood, retained the ball in a 5 meter scrum. Inside center Butler sent a lovely pass to winger Johnny Coghlan who subsequently touched down in the corner of the in-goal. The unconverted try in the 26th minute gave the Bhoys an 8-5 advantage. The Lansdowne momentum continued as the Irish forwards managed to produce clean ball for their backline counterparts leading to 20 meter run by Gavin Butler. Inside center Butler offloaded to supporting winger Paul Antezzo, who promptly slammed down under the posts causing the 200+ Lansdowne supporters to howl in jubilation. The Johnny Coughlin converted try in the 36th minute gave the hometeam a 10 point lead going into the half. The 2nd half saw the Irishmen poised to take control of the match. In the 10th minute, a Lansdowne rolling maul down the middle of the pitch traveled 30 meters and deep into Buffalo territory. As the maul became a ruck, flyhalf Jack Dooley peeled off from 10 meters out and slammed down in the corner of the in-goal. The unconverted try gave Lansdowne a 20-5 advantage. The action went nip and tuck for the next 20 minutes and each side demonstrated some clever play and excellent defense. In the 30th minute, Buffalo launched an up-and-under kick to midfield. Replacement center Brian Galligan caught the ball and powered his way through several defenders until finally being tackled on the 10 meter line. The subsequent ruck buried the ball, giving a scrum to the attacking team, Lansdowne. Number 8 Brian Fingleton peeled off the scrum and offloaded beautifully to flanker Delf (the try-scoring) King. Delf and prop Luis Berroteran combined forces to bully their way into the in-goal, promply slamming down in the corner. Replacement winger Smooch Delaney converted the try, giving the Irishmen a 27-5 lead. However, South Buffalo still had plenty of fight left in them and began a forceful attack. Their solid defense forced an errant pass by Lansdowne which was intercepted by a South Buffalo back. A lovely up-and-under to the Lansdowne 5 meter line led to an infringement by the home team. South Buffalo took full advantage and promptly slammed home a try. The injury time score finalized the numbers at 27-10. The final whistle signaled a wild celebration by the Lansdowne players and supporters- led by superfan Irene Delaney- which lasted late into the night. Co-Men of the Match were lock Manus O'Sullivan

Monday April 9th 2007

Lansdowne have been preparing for the big game on saturday by playing a few friendly games of rugby, here and there! After seeing them in action so far this year, I would say that they have an excellent chance of doing some serious damage.(And not to themselves either). Lansdowne have been training since november, and their hunger for another division title is the driving force behind their persistance! The quality of their game has improved, and they are very focused on what they need to do to persevere! There are a lot of new faces in the Lansdowne Camp and they have setteled in very nicely. Lansdowne are looking forward to this season and the enter in to it with optimisim and they are hopefully going to finish this season, victorious!

Each week, (or when they have a game), the game reports will be posted on the blog! So keep reading and come out & support your Local Lads! All home games played in van Courtlandt Park W252nd & Broadway! KIck off for Saturdays game is @ 1pm sharp!