Lansdowne returned to winning ways with an impressive victory over a well drilled and much improved Connecticut Yankees team, prevailing by a score of 17 points to 12 in a lively encounter last weekend in Westport, Connecticut. The game started inauspiciously for Lansdowne as the opposition dominated the early exchanges and registered the first try of the day within the first 10 minutes following some effective recycling in the pack. Lansdowne continued to struggle for a while afterwards with the inevitable concession of penalties and at the breakdown.

Committed defense kept Lansdowne in the game long enough to disrupt the opposition and settle down to control possession as the 1st half wore on. The opening score from Lansdowne resulted from a well worked move on the blind side of the scrum. Chris O'Connor broke from the base of the scrum and was able to offload in the tackle to scrumhalf Mark Giordano, who in turn, provided a perfectly timed pass to fullback John Giordano. The winger managed to evade a couple of tackles on his way to the try line in the corner. Connecticut responded with several waves of attack, and looked the more probable side to score next, until a well-timed interception by Blake Mannion, who sprinted 3/4 of the length of the field to score under the posts. The try was converted by outhalf Marcus McAlinden.

The second half continued to be spirited in much the same way as the 1st, and Connecticut were able to tie the score after a brief period of intense pressure. However, the Lansdowne defense proved to be sufficiently well organized and committed to ensure that the try was the last concession of the day, with particularly strong tackling performances from Scott Crafton, Chris O'Connor and Man of the Match Joe Giordano. The winning score came via Brian Fingleton following some good work in the lineout and maul. Lansdowne were able to hold out for a well deserved victory.

The "B" game was played in a 10-a-side format and was more entertaining than initially expected. Lansdowne prevailed with 1st half scores from Sennin Flanagan and Devon Mannion, as well as two 2nd half long distance tries from Man of the Match "Kentucky" Dave Phaelher.

Lansdowne practices are held every Monday and Wednesday at 8:00 PM at Tibbetts Brook Park in Yonkers. All interested players should just 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.