Things were off to a shaky start from the very off, with absences in the backline forcing a reshuffle, leading to the inclusion of the skillful attacking winger Jon Fields at fullback and rookie Feras Bankhar making his debut at winger after a strong B-side performance the week previous. Soon after kickoff the backs suffered another blow as Captain and flyhalf Leo Belval limped from the field, forcing Jon Fields to move up to take his spot at first receiver while winger La Quan "Pookie" Schoolfield reprised his role at fullback while veteran back Barney Davis came on at the left wing after missing last week with a concussion.
Kicker Ryan Shultz notched his club's first points with a penalty kick from roughly thirty meters out, which WCSU responded to with a pair of unconverted tries. WCSU were able to play much of the first half in WNEC territory, particularly through their lineout, which was only strong because this match was under the jurisdiction of the only ref I've ever seen who allows a team to fake the throw-in. WCSU, being the dastardly fiends that they are, displayed an intent in complete contradiction to the spirit of our game to deliberately use this to negate WNEC's usually strong lineout, obviously knowing full well they could not hope to compete with the aerial skills of flanker Dave Shermer on a level playing field.
WNEC hit back, however, challenging the home defenders directly, hammering away into the twenty-two on numerous occasions, with inside center Craig Spyropoulos a particular force with ball in hand, only for the referee to again and again frustrate their efforts until Spyropoulos powered past a defender, then showed the awareness to choose a great line and cruise over past the covering defense and score. Shultz barely missed the kick and the scoreline remained 8-10 at halftime.
Coach Big Rob Guiry swapped in a winger at halftime, with late arrival Dan Palmer making his first appearance of the season with Davis coming off after the later's biggest contribution in the first half was a scrap on the sideline with the opposition blindside flanker after the villainous lout had taken offense to being placed in a front headlock and gator-rolled out of a ruck by a back-three man. (Note: He was bridging anyway, so he deserved it.)
The second half remained scoreless for much off the play, with valiant attempts by WNEC rebuffed by and large not by heroic defense but by a one-eyed referee. His calls consistently favored WCSU, allowing them to bridge and illegally scoop the ball out at the ruck to the content of their cowardly hearts. Veteran utility forward and former Captain "Cheers Tom 8-man" LeClair was dispatched to the field when another injury to the backline saw winger Feras Bankhar leave the pitch. Flanker Joe Monaco was shuffled to the wing.
By this point, the WNEC pack was beginning to tire, particularly the front row, playing their second match in as many weeks without substitution. WCSU was able to capitalize on this with a number of reserves entering the pitch to take advantage of a club who's ranks were depleted by injury and lack of numbers due to family commitments of many players during this holiday weekend. (This of course goes to show that even their own parents don't like the WCSU rugby team.)
Tired legs allowed for WCSU's outside center to weave past the defense and score, extending the lead to nine points with thirteen minutes to go. WNEC threw themselves at the defense with all they had left, but despite a lengthy siege of the tryline couldn't find a way over and the match came to a close with WCSU the victors by 17-8.
Despite the scoreline, WNEC played well and must be proud of their effort, particularly in regards to refusing to sink to the low level of sportsmanship their opponents were all too happy to wallow in like the swine they are. A one-eyed referee did little to help things, particularly in allowing WCSU to get away with cynical offenses and while simultaneously holding WNEC to the very letter of the law. In the face of such adversity, coupled with injuries new and old, WNEC stood their ground and fought back, and although ultimately could not overcome these obstacles, must take pride in a draining, herculean effort.
Man of the Match this week goes to inside center Craig Spyropoulos. He imposed himself offensively and defensively, putting in a number of big hits and ran with power, agility, and pace even as the defense swarmed around him. Fullback Pookie Schoolfield must also be mentioned for his three trysaving tackles, each of which stopped a charging attacker in his tracks and drove the man out of bounds. Flanker Dave Shermer was omnipresent as well, chasing down the ballcarrier all over the pitch and putting in some impressive carries as well. Zack Phelan was again his combative, fearless self and heavily pressured his opposite number all match long.
The newly minted Hit of the Match award goes to Tom LeClair for a leveling tackle on the opposing scrumhalf as the man worked to spun the ball away. Schoolfield and Spyropoulos were both close with some big challenges of their own and will both look to take this accolade for themselves next week.
All in all, WNEC played a spirited game and refused to crumble in the face of adversity. Although we did not pick up a victory, we played well and fought hard and must take pride in our effort. There is admittedly a lot that needs to still be worked on, but our performance in this match is a solid foundation to build on.
WNEC 8 (Try C. Spyropoulos, Penalty R. Shultz) to WCSU 17 (Three tries, 1/3 conversions)
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| Leo takes on the defense with hooker Jon Ouellette in support. |
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| The back row add their weight to the scrum. |
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| Man of the Match Craig Spyropoulos brings the ball forward. |
Credit to Dan Fonseca for the photos.
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