Last Saturday, in a lively encounter, Lansdowne managed a result after New York seemed to grab control in the second half of the match. Despite four furious drives by the home side in the first 25 minutes, the Lansdowne defense, led by Man of the Match Scott Crafton, Joe Giordano and Sennin Flanagan held tightly and refused to buckle. The visitors struck first in minute nine. Pat Devery intercepted a New York pass and offloaded to Joe Giordano. Joe launched a lovely Garryowen which was deftly collected by John Giordano, who touched down under the posts. Sennin Flanagan converted.
Lansdowne upped the lead to 12-0 in the 31st minute. Poor lineout ball by New York had the irrepressible Chris O'Connor swipe the oval and offload to impressive newcomer Brian Mahon, who touched down for his first Lansdowne try. However, relentless New York pressure, coupled with Irish concession of penalties led to the home side slamming down in minute 38, thereby cutting the lead to 12-5.
Early in the second half, it appeared as if Lansdowne were going to up the lead as Pat Devery made an impressive 30 meter break downfield. But it was the home side that struck first in the thrid quarter as multiphase ball placed the oval into the hands of New York's massive number eight, who promptly touched down. New York struck again and took the lead five minutes later. Some precision passing on the part of New York had their center score an impressive converted try. Just three minutes later New York scored their third unanswered try and seemingly took an insurmountable 22-12 advantage into the final quarter.
Lansdowne lightning struck in the form of EJ Brutus in minute 71. EJ received a dynamic pass from impressive newcomer Mike Mahon and scored a lovely try, closing the gap to five. In minute 78, EJ scored another beauty off of a wonderful up and under from the boot of Austin Purcell. The final score stood as the New York out half missed an injury time penalty.
Lansdowne practices are held every Monday and Wednesday at 8:00 PM in Tibbetts Brook Park in Yonkers. All interested players should come on down or contact the Club at any of the following: website lansdownerugbyclub.com, email lansdowne@hotmail.com or phone hotline (914)584-4541.
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