THROGS NECK, N.Y. (Sept. 10, 2009) – Maritime Rugby won its first game of the year against Rowan on Sunday, Sept. 6, by way of forfeit.  The day, however, was not a loss as Rowan was still able to provide a great scrimmage.  A series of three, short 20-minute scrimmages were set up.  This gave a chance for each of Maritime's three sides to see their first playing time of the season. 

 

First-up was Maritime's A side vs. Rowan's starting team.  Maritime's pack dominated the play with great offensive runs and devastating defensive tackles.  Maritime maintained possession for the majority of the game.  Junior Michael Bruederlein (Yonkers, N.Y./Mt. St. Michael) was awarded BIG HIT of the game.  Senior Anthony Maiello (Yorktown Heights, N.Y./Yorktown) put up the first points of the scrimmage, and, with his try converted, the score was 7 – 0.  Junior Patrick Walsh (Brooklyn, N.Y./Xavier) then followed to put up two more tries.  At the end of the 20-minute scrimmage the final score was Maritime 19 - Rowan 5.

 

The second scrimmage was composed mainly of Maritime B side vs. Rowan A side.  From the kick off, Maritime's “Killer B's” took and maintained possession of the ball.  Senior James Salka (Washingtonville, NY/Washingtonville) made the first five hits of the scrimmage -- a truly impressive feat.  Freshman Christian Yanni (Albany, N.Y./Albany) and Freshman Brian Delano (Bronx, N.Y./Cardinal Spellman) both scored bringing final score of the B side scrimmage to Maritime 10 and Rowan 0.

 

            This is the first season Maritime was able to fill a full C side team.  Maritime's roster is the largest ever with 55 players.  The C side is mostly freshman and players new to rugby.  This was the first competitive taste of rugby the C side faced.  Maritime had solid defensive plays and showed promise of great players for the seasons to come.  Rowan's experience allowed them to put up three tries on the board.  Final score of the third scrimmage was Maritime 0 – Rowan 17.

 

Overall, the day was a fantastic success.  Sunday was a day of good, clean, sportsmanship rugby.  We thank Rowan for participating in a great scrimmage.