| Cheshire Rugby |
Cheshire Rugby Opens Season with a Victory
On Sunday, the U19 Cheshire Rugby Club did something it hasn’t done in its young history; defeat a Division 1 opponent.
With a 22 to 5 victory over New Rochelle’s Varsity High School program, the team has started the 2008 season on a very
high note, one they hope to build on as the season progresses.
Matt Rothbart, playing in his first rugby game, got team off to a good start, hitting a straight on penalty kick from about 35
meters out to give the team a 3 to 0 lead. Sean McGarrity scored the first of his three tries with a nice gallop through the
New Rochelle defense. Rothbart, added the 2 point conversion to put the Rams up 10 to zero. Good defense by Sean O’
Halloran, Cody Nugent, and John Sheehan as well as some heady plays by Captains Devin Mannion and Paul Stellar and
scrumhalf Alex Chen keep the Huguenots off the scoreboard during the second half.
McGarrity got his second try early in the 2nd half as he ran around, through and past heavy defense to put the team up 15 to
0. New Rochelle tried to mount a comeback as the scored to cut the lead back to 10, but the Rams came storming back as
McGarrity added his third try and Rothbart kicked his second conversion to end the scoring 22 to 5. Although happy with the
win, the team realizes it missed a lot of opportunities and must continue to work hard at practice to get better.
On Sunday, the U19 Cheshire Rugby Club did something it hasn’t done in its young history; defeat a Division 1 opponent.
With a 22 to 5 victory over New Rochelle’s Varsity High School program, the team has started the 2008 season on a very
high note, one they hope to build on as the season progresses.
Matt Rothbart, playing in his first rugby game, got team off to a good start, hitting a straight on penalty kick from about 35
meters out to give the team a 3 to 0 lead. Sean McGarrity scored the first of his three tries with a nice gallop through the
New Rochelle defense. Rothbart, added the 2 point conversion to put the Rams up 10 to zero. Good defense by Sean O’
Halloran, Cody Nugent, and John Sheehan as well as some heady plays by Captains Devin Mannion and Paul Stellar and
scrumhalf Alex Chen keep the Huguenots off the scoreboard during the second half.
McGarrity got his second try early in the 2nd half as he ran around, through and past heavy defense to put the team up 15 to
0. New Rochelle tried to mount a comeback as the scored to cut the lead back to 10, but the Rams came storming back as
McGarrity added his third try and Rothbart kicked his second conversion to end the scoring 22 to 5. Although happy with the
win, the team realizes it missed a lot of opportunities and must continue to work hard at practice to get better.
Cheshire 34 Cromwell 3
The Cheshire Rugby team defeated Cromwell 34-3 to raise its record to 2-0. The team came out intense opening up a quick lead in the
first 15 minutes as captain Devin Mannion started the scoring with a nice run through the Cromwell defense. Cody Nugent added to the
score after picking the ball up from a ruck extending the lead. Matt Rothbart converted both conversions and added a penalty kick to put
the team up 17-0. There was some sloppy play from both teams for the next ten minutes until Matt Rothbart scored his first try of the year
off some nice back play. He added the conversion and Cheshire went into the half with a 24-0 lead.
Cheshire made massive substitutions at half time and the lack of experience of the new players showed in the beginning of the second
half. Cromwell was able to finally get on the board with a penalty kick to make it 24-3. Cheshire was able to keep Cromwell from scoring
again and added two tries as Jon Sheehan scored a try of a nice maul from the forwards and Sean O’Halloran scored off a nice weak
side run from a scrum.
The team played sloppy at times but was able to provide an opportunity to build depth as many newer players were able to get game
experience. John Urbanski played well at scrumhalf subbing in for starter Alex Chen, who could not play due to a prior commitment.
In B-side action the boys played Branford’s A-side and lost a hard fought match 17-5. Max Melillo scored for the Rams and Nick Richie,
Travis Wild and Ben Phillips all played well.
We were also able to play an inter-squad scrimmage among the developmental squad. The Black team defeated the Red team 3-0 as
Tucker Bartone kicked a penalty kick for the only score of the game.
The Cheshire Rugby team defeated Cromwell 34-3 to raise its record to 2-0. The team came out intense opening up a quick lead in the
first 15 minutes as captain Devin Mannion started the scoring with a nice run through the Cromwell defense. Cody Nugent added to the
score after picking the ball up from a ruck extending the lead. Matt Rothbart converted both conversions and added a penalty kick to put
the team up 17-0. There was some sloppy play from both teams for the next ten minutes until Matt Rothbart scored his first try of the year
off some nice back play. He added the conversion and Cheshire went into the half with a 24-0 lead.
Cheshire made massive substitutions at half time and the lack of experience of the new players showed in the beginning of the second
half. Cromwell was able to finally get on the board with a penalty kick to make it 24-3. Cheshire was able to keep Cromwell from scoring
again and added two tries as Jon Sheehan scored a try of a nice maul from the forwards and Sean O’Halloran scored off a nice weak
side run from a scrum.
The team played sloppy at times but was able to provide an opportunity to build depth as many newer players were able to get game
experience. John Urbanski played well at scrumhalf subbing in for starter Alex Chen, who could not play due to a prior commitment.
In B-side action the boys played Branford’s A-side and lost a hard fought match 17-5. Max Melillo scored for the Rams and Nick Richie,
Travis Wild and Ben Phillips all played well.
We were also able to play an inter-squad scrimmage among the developmental squad. The Black team defeated the Red team 3-0 as
Tucker Bartone kicked a penalty kick for the only score of the game.
Cheshire Rugby Raises Record to 3-0; Defeat Madison 31-0
On Sunday, the Cheshire Rugby team defeated Madison by the score of 31-0. The team opened up the scoring in quick fashion with
fullback Sean McGarrity slicing through the Madison defense for the score. Matt Rothbart tacked on the two point conversion to put the
Rams up 7-0. The score remained unchanged for the rest of the half as Cheshire could not capitalize on many opportunities due to many
penalties and many handling errors.
The team calmed itself down at halftime and McGarrity started the scoring with a beautiful individual play, kicking the ball down the field
and then beating the Madison defender to the ball and putting the ball down in the corner before falling out of bounds. Matt Rothbart
slotted in a beautiful conversion to make the score 14-0. Rothbart added a penalty kick extending the lead to 17-0. McGarrity scored a
third try halfway through the second half and with a Rothbart conversion making the score 24-0.
Cheshire ended the game attacking the Madison defense out wide with wing Rob Veiga scoring in the corner of a nice feed from
McGarrity. Rothbart added his fourth conversion of the game ending the scoring at 31-0.
Cheshire dominated the time of possession and was never really challenged on the defensive end. Playing well in the match were Jon
Sheehan who made numerous tackles, captains Devin Mannion and Paul Stellar, both of whom were able to settle the team down at half
and Alex Chen, who played very aggressively and smartly.
In B-side action, the Cheshire Rugby team showed much improvement from last week and was able to win its first game of the year 10-7.
Jimmy Li started the scoring with a nice run following some nice play from the backs. Madison scored to take the lead 7-5 but on the last
play of the game freshman flyhalf Ben Phillips was able to score on a run following a Madison penalty. Playing well were Travis Wild,
Albi Hasku and Mike Yavorek.
The C-side lost its game 17-0 against a team comprised of Madison and Branford players.
Our next game is B/C side game against Simsbury at Bartlem Park on Sunday, April 20th at 1pm. The A-side will be playing its next game
in Springfield, Massachusetts on Wednesday, April 23rd.
On Sunday, the Cheshire Rugby team defeated Madison by the score of 31-0. The team opened up the scoring in quick fashion with
fullback Sean McGarrity slicing through the Madison defense for the score. Matt Rothbart tacked on the two point conversion to put the
Rams up 7-0. The score remained unchanged for the rest of the half as Cheshire could not capitalize on many opportunities due to many
penalties and many handling errors.
The team calmed itself down at halftime and McGarrity started the scoring with a beautiful individual play, kicking the ball down the field
and then beating the Madison defender to the ball and putting the ball down in the corner before falling out of bounds. Matt Rothbart
slotted in a beautiful conversion to make the score 14-0. Rothbart added a penalty kick extending the lead to 17-0. McGarrity scored a
third try halfway through the second half and with a Rothbart conversion making the score 24-0.
Cheshire ended the game attacking the Madison defense out wide with wing Rob Veiga scoring in the corner of a nice feed from
McGarrity. Rothbart added his fourth conversion of the game ending the scoring at 31-0.
Cheshire dominated the time of possession and was never really challenged on the defensive end. Playing well in the match were Jon
Sheehan who made numerous tackles, captains Devin Mannion and Paul Stellar, both of whom were able to settle the team down at half
and Alex Chen, who played very aggressively and smartly.
In B-side action, the Cheshire Rugby team showed much improvement from last week and was able to win its first game of the year 10-7.
Jimmy Li started the scoring with a nice run following some nice play from the backs. Madison scored to take the lead 7-5 but on the last
play of the game freshman flyhalf Ben Phillips was able to score on a run following a Madison penalty. Playing well were Travis Wild,
Albi Hasku and Mike Yavorek.
The C-side lost its game 17-0 against a team comprised of Madison and Branford players.
Our next game is B/C side game against Simsbury at Bartlem Park on Sunday, April 20th at 1pm. The A-side will be playing its next game
in Springfield, Massachusetts on Wednesday, April 23rd.
Cheshire B/C lose to Simsbury 20-15
The Cheshire Rugby Club combined b/c side lost a hard fought game to Simsbury by the score of 20-15. The Rams
jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead on a try scored by Will Droheim off a nice pass from Matt Jedrych. The team scored again
on the last play of the 1st half as Travis Wild scored off a great individual play.
Simsbury tied the game in the 2nd half 10-10 but Cheshire fought back and scored on a great back line play with Chris
Greene diving in for the score. Simsbury scored a try at the end of the 2nd half tying the score at 15.
The teams played a 3rd half and Simsbury was able to score one more try to win the game by the score of 20-15.
Cheshire was able to play 35 members of the team and many new players received valuable playing experience.
Playing well for the Rams were Rich Pendred, Steve Zullo, Albi Hasku, Tucker Bartone and John Urnanski.
The A-side plays on Wednesday in Springfield and then on Sunday against national power Greenwich High School in
Greenwich.
The Cheshire Rugby Club combined b/c side lost a hard fought game to Simsbury by the score of 20-15. The Rams
jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead on a try scored by Will Droheim off a nice pass from Matt Jedrych. The team scored again
on the last play of the 1st half as Travis Wild scored off a great individual play.
Simsbury tied the game in the 2nd half 10-10 but Cheshire fought back and scored on a great back line play with Chris
Greene diving in for the score. Simsbury scored a try at the end of the 2nd half tying the score at 15.
The teams played a 3rd half and Simsbury was able to score one more try to win the game by the score of 20-15.
Cheshire was able to play 35 members of the team and many new players received valuable playing experience.
Playing well for the Rams were Rich Pendred, Steve Zullo, Albi Hasku, Tucker Bartone and John Urnanski.
The A-side plays on Wednesday in Springfield and then on Sunday against national power Greenwich High School in
Greenwich.
Cheshire Rolls West Springfield 45-10; Greenwich up Next
Yesterday the Cheshire Rugby Club defeated a game West Springfield squad 44-10. The team got it going quickly with a score by Sean
McGarrity. A Matt Rothbart conversion made it 7-0 but a quick counter by W. Springfield closed the gap 7-5. Both teams traded
possession with either team gaining an advantage until Ollie Dedominicis took a quick ball of the ruck and ran 30 meters evading
Springfield’s defenders along the way putting the team up 12-5 as the teams went into half.
The second half saw Cheshire dominate possession and saw them move the ball wide using their advantage in the backs to blow the
game open. Matt Rothbart opened the scoring in the second half with a nice little run and connected with another conversion to put
Cheshire up 19-5. Sean McGarrity was awarded a penalty try as he was tackled while putting a grubber kick down against the
Springfield team. A Rothbart conversion made the score 26-5. Rob Veiga added another score with a nice run into the try zone and with
Rothbart’s 4th conversion made the score 33 to 5. Devin Mannion scored off a nice play outside wide off a penalty run; with Rothbart’s
last conversion making it 40-10. Sean McGarrity added his third try with a beautiful display of kicking as he used his soccer skills to move
the ball down the field and placing the ball in the corner for the final score of the game 45-10.
Cody Nugent played great in defense, John Sheehan was all over the field and Paul Stellar maked heady runs keeping the ball in Cheshire’
s possession.
In B-side action the Rams won 24-15 in a hard fought match against Berkshire Rugby Club from Pittsfield, Mass. The team was led by
Max Melillo, Ben Phillips, Matt Kleinberg, Matt Jedrych, Tucker Bartone and Dan Barnes all who played exceptionally well.
Our next game is Sunday against national ranked power Greenwich High School. The game will be played in Greenwich at noon.
Yesterday the Cheshire Rugby Club defeated a game West Springfield squad 44-10. The team got it going quickly with a score by Sean
McGarrity. A Matt Rothbart conversion made it 7-0 but a quick counter by W. Springfield closed the gap 7-5. Both teams traded
possession with either team gaining an advantage until Ollie Dedominicis took a quick ball of the ruck and ran 30 meters evading
Springfield’s defenders along the way putting the team up 12-5 as the teams went into half.
The second half saw Cheshire dominate possession and saw them move the ball wide using their advantage in the backs to blow the
game open. Matt Rothbart opened the scoring in the second half with a nice little run and connected with another conversion to put
Cheshire up 19-5. Sean McGarrity was awarded a penalty try as he was tackled while putting a grubber kick down against the
Springfield team. A Rothbart conversion made the score 26-5. Rob Veiga added another score with a nice run into the try zone and with
Rothbart’s 4th conversion made the score 33 to 5. Devin Mannion scored off a nice play outside wide off a penalty run; with Rothbart’s
last conversion making it 40-10. Sean McGarrity added his third try with a beautiful display of kicking as he used his soccer skills to move
the ball down the field and placing the ball in the corner for the final score of the game 45-10.
Cody Nugent played great in defense, John Sheehan was all over the field and Paul Stellar maked heady runs keeping the ball in Cheshire’
s possession.
In B-side action the Rams won 24-15 in a hard fought match against Berkshire Rugby Club from Pittsfield, Mass. The team was led by
Max Melillo, Ben Phillips, Matt Kleinberg, Matt Jedrych, Tucker Bartone and Dan Barnes all who played exceptionally well.
Our next game is Sunday against national ranked power Greenwich High School. The game will be played in Greenwich at noon.
Greenwich Defeats Cheshire 83-5
On Sunday the Cheshire Rugby Club played Greenwich High School.
Greenwich, a varsity program, is one of the top rugby teams in the United
States and just came home from a tour of Argentina. The Cardinals
showed just how good they were with an 83-5 victory over the Rams.
The game started out bad for Cheshire with 2 quick scores by
Greenwich. After some switching of possession, Greenwich pushed the
lead to 19-0. Cheshire came roaring back with a fine 8-man pickup run
by Sean O’Halloran who then passed off to Alex Chen, who then passed
to Sean McGarrity. McGarrity took the ball at pace and raced to the try
zone to put Cheshire on the board 19-5. The Rams momentum was
taken by the Cardinals who proceeded to score two more tries before
half making the score 31-5.
The 2nd half was a passing exhibition by the Greenwich team as they
racked up 52 points. While Cheshire was defeated handily, it has
learned many valuable lessons as it prepares for the New England
Rugby Tournament.
In B-side action, Cheshire was defeated by Greenwich 53-5. Tucker
Bartone scored on a nice interception in the opening minutes.
In C-side action, Cheshire was defeated by Greenwich 44-5. Eric
Vansinga scored his first try for Cheshire.
Cheshire will be in action next Wednesday, as the B-side will be playing
Madison in Cromwell and on Saturday, when the A-side takes on
Branford at Bartlem Park.
On Sunday the Cheshire Rugby Club played Greenwich High School.
Greenwich, a varsity program, is one of the top rugby teams in the United
States and just came home from a tour of Argentina. The Cardinals
showed just how good they were with an 83-5 victory over the Rams.
The game started out bad for Cheshire with 2 quick scores by
Greenwich. After some switching of possession, Greenwich pushed the
lead to 19-0. Cheshire came roaring back with a fine 8-man pickup run
by Sean O’Halloran who then passed off to Alex Chen, who then passed
to Sean McGarrity. McGarrity took the ball at pace and raced to the try
zone to put Cheshire on the board 19-5. The Rams momentum was
taken by the Cardinals who proceeded to score two more tries before
half making the score 31-5.
The 2nd half was a passing exhibition by the Greenwich team as they
racked up 52 points. While Cheshire was defeated handily, it has
learned many valuable lessons as it prepares for the New England
Rugby Tournament.
In B-side action, Cheshire was defeated by Greenwich 53-5. Tucker
Bartone scored on a nice interception in the opening minutes.
In C-side action, Cheshire was defeated by Greenwich 44-5. Eric
Vansinga scored his first try for Cheshire.
Cheshire will be in action next Wednesday, as the B-side will be playing
Madison in Cromwell and on Saturday, when the A-side takes on
Branford at Bartlem Park.
Cheshire defeats Branford 40-12; B-side defeats
Madison 36-17
The Cheshire Rugby Club got back on the winning track defeating Branford 40-12.
Paul Stellar got the Rams on the scoreboard first with his first try of the year
making the score 5-0. Matt Rothbart added the conversion to make it 7-0. The
teams traded possession with Cheshire making some good long runs by Stellar and
Rob Veiga but the Rams couldn’t finish until Sean O’Halloran was able to pick up
the ball from a stolen scrum and raced down the field on a 30 meter run dodging 2
Branford players to make it 12-0. The score remained the same as the teams went
into the half.
Cheshire was able to come right out at halftime and steal the kickoff as Travis Wild
was able to gain possession. Cheshire capitalized and Wild finish with a try;
Rothbart added a conversion to make it 19-0. Branford came back to make it 19-7
but Cheshire maintained pressure on Branford with a try by Matt Rothbart as he
ran over a defender on his way to the end zone. He converted the kick making it
26-7. Branford came back and scored on a nice run off a Cheshire penalty closing
the gap to 26-12.
The final ten minutes saw Cheshire maintain possession of the ball with Devin
Mannion able to score off a forward maul. Rothbart again made the conversion
extending the lead to 33-7. Max Melillo ended the scoring with a nice run after
racing down a kick by Sean McGarrity. Rothbart added his fifth conversion making
the final score 40-12. The team played an overall solid game as they prepare for
the New England Rugby Football Union’s high school tournament next Saturday.
The B-side traveled to Madison and defeated them by the score of 36-17. Try
scores were Nick Kowaleski, Kyle Bickell, with two tries and eighth grader Mike
Yavorek, was able to score three tries. Dave Kurachi tacked on 3 conversions.
The team played their best game of the year and have improved by leaps and
bounds.
Madison 36-17
The Cheshire Rugby Club got back on the winning track defeating Branford 40-12.
Paul Stellar got the Rams on the scoreboard first with his first try of the year
making the score 5-0. Matt Rothbart added the conversion to make it 7-0. The
teams traded possession with Cheshire making some good long runs by Stellar and
Rob Veiga but the Rams couldn’t finish until Sean O’Halloran was able to pick up
the ball from a stolen scrum and raced down the field on a 30 meter run dodging 2
Branford players to make it 12-0. The score remained the same as the teams went
into the half.
Cheshire was able to come right out at halftime and steal the kickoff as Travis Wild
was able to gain possession. Cheshire capitalized and Wild finish with a try;
Rothbart added a conversion to make it 19-0. Branford came back to make it 19-7
but Cheshire maintained pressure on Branford with a try by Matt Rothbart as he
ran over a defender on his way to the end zone. He converted the kick making it
26-7. Branford came back and scored on a nice run off a Cheshire penalty closing
the gap to 26-12.
The final ten minutes saw Cheshire maintain possession of the ball with Devin
Mannion able to score off a forward maul. Rothbart again made the conversion
extending the lead to 33-7. Max Melillo ended the scoring with a nice run after
racing down a kick by Sean McGarrity. Rothbart added his fifth conversion making
the final score 40-12. The team played an overall solid game as they prepare for
the New England Rugby Football Union’s high school tournament next Saturday.
The B-side traveled to Madison and defeated them by the score of 36-17. Try
scores were Nick Kowaleski, Kyle Bickell, with two tries and eighth grader Mike
Yavorek, was able to score three tries. Dave Kurachi tacked on 3 conversions.
The team played their best game of the year and have improved by leaps and
bounds.
Cheshire Rugby Finishes 6th in New England
On Saturday, the Cheshire Rugby Club traveled to the New England Rugby Football Union (NERFU) High School Championships held in
Pembroke, New Hampshire and placed sixth in the Division One tournament. The team was asked by NERFU to play up a division and
Cheshire gladly accepted.
The Rams first game was against the best team in New England, St. John’s Preparatory School from Massachusetts. Cheshire came
out fired up with a nice run from Paul Stellar but lack of support and success from the set pieces kept the team from scoring the first
points of the game. As the half wore on, St. John’s big forward pack was able to methodically move the ball down the field and scored
a couple of tries putting Cheshire behind 12-0.
The second half saw St. John’s put more pressure on the Rams scoring a try with in the first few minutes, extending the score to 17-0.
It was gut check time for the Rams, either quit or fight back, and fight back they did. The Rams were able to control the next 5 minutes
of the game, putting constant pressure on St. John’s. John Sheehan was able to finally put the ball in the end zone and with a Matt
Rothbart conversion the Rams cut the lead 17-7. That was as close as Cheshire got as St. John’s scored at the end of the game
making the final score 24-7.
Cheshire’s next game was against Bishop Hendricken. The Rams came out sluggish almost giving up a try on the first kick-off, but once
awake Cheshire played some of the best rugby of the day. Travis Wild got the Rams on the board, making a beautiful individual play,
blocking a kick from the opposing flyhalf and then winding his way for a try. Matt Rothbart’s conversion put the team up 7-0.
The second half saw Sean McGarrity score two tries out racing the opposing defense both times. Rothbart connected on both
conversions and the Rams won 21-0. Jon Urbanski, Cody Nugent, Elliot Laden, Sean O’Halloran and Devin Mannion all played well in the
victory.
The last game of the day for Cheshire was against Middlesex. The Rams were minus their seniors as they had to make the trek back to
Cheshire for Senior Prom. The game didn’t end well for Cheshire as they lost 35-0. The team played hard, but again finishing and
retaining possession were two of the big factors in the loss.
The team returns to action this week traveling to Springfield on Wednesday and Simsbury on Friday. If victorious in both games the
team will be crowned champions of the inaugural CT. Valley League.
On Saturday, the Cheshire Rugby Club traveled to the New England Rugby Football Union (NERFU) High School Championships held in
Pembroke, New Hampshire and placed sixth in the Division One tournament. The team was asked by NERFU to play up a division and
Cheshire gladly accepted.
The Rams first game was against the best team in New England, St. John’s Preparatory School from Massachusetts. Cheshire came
out fired up with a nice run from Paul Stellar but lack of support and success from the set pieces kept the team from scoring the first
points of the game. As the half wore on, St. John’s big forward pack was able to methodically move the ball down the field and scored
a couple of tries putting Cheshire behind 12-0.
The second half saw St. John’s put more pressure on the Rams scoring a try with in the first few minutes, extending the score to 17-0.
It was gut check time for the Rams, either quit or fight back, and fight back they did. The Rams were able to control the next 5 minutes
of the game, putting constant pressure on St. John’s. John Sheehan was able to finally put the ball in the end zone and with a Matt
Rothbart conversion the Rams cut the lead 17-7. That was as close as Cheshire got as St. John’s scored at the end of the game
making the final score 24-7.
Cheshire’s next game was against Bishop Hendricken. The Rams came out sluggish almost giving up a try on the first kick-off, but once
awake Cheshire played some of the best rugby of the day. Travis Wild got the Rams on the board, making a beautiful individual play,
blocking a kick from the opposing flyhalf and then winding his way for a try. Matt Rothbart’s conversion put the team up 7-0.
The second half saw Sean McGarrity score two tries out racing the opposing defense both times. Rothbart connected on both
conversions and the Rams won 21-0. Jon Urbanski, Cody Nugent, Elliot Laden, Sean O’Halloran and Devin Mannion all played well in the
victory.
The last game of the day for Cheshire was against Middlesex. The Rams were minus their seniors as they had to make the trek back to
Cheshire for Senior Prom. The game didn’t end well for Cheshire as they lost 35-0. The team played hard, but again finishing and
retaining possession were two of the big factors in the loss.
The team returns to action this week traveling to Springfield on Wednesday and Simsbury on Friday. If victorious in both games the
team will be crowned champions of the inaugural CT. Valley League.
Cheshire Rugby Ties Staples
Staples of Westport traveled up to Cheshire on Saturday to take on the Rams in what was the last regular season match of the year.
Staples had easily defeated Cheshire the last two years and even game was expected and ultimately ended in a 15-15 tie after a
scoreless overtime. Staples opened up a 5-0 lead almost immediately after the opening kickoff on a blocked kick. Soon after, Cheshire
took control and played almost the entire half in Staples end. Despite many close calls, Cheshire could only put in one try on a heads up
play by scrumhalf John Urbanski. Near the end of half, Staples scored a try by swinging the ball out wide to their outside center. The
conversion was good and Staples took a 12-5 lead into halftime. Cheshire scored early in the first half off a quick tap penalty by Devin
Mannion. Play seesawed back and forth until Staples made
a penalty kick to take a 15-10 lead. Playing against a strong wind, it appeared Cheshire would not be able to drive down and score.
After some hard
running by the Cheshire forwards, Nick Kowaleski swung the ball out wide to Elliott Laden who passed to Cody Nugent who then took
the ball up and fed Will Droheim to score in the corner. The conversion was missed and the final whistle was blown. The sides agreed
to a 5 minute overtime in which neither team could score. All of the Cheshire forwards played great on the day winning almost all their
set pieces. Standouts on the day include Mannion, Urbanski, Wild, John Sheehan, Max Melillo, and Elliott Laden. The B side emerged
vistorious 25-5. 8th grader Michael Yavorek lead Cheshire with three tries while Rich Pendred scored twice off hard running on penalty
plays. Ben Phillips kept Staples off balance with
well placed kicks and shifty running. Cheshire will conclude the season at Staples on June 14th at the first ever Connecticut State
Rugby Championship in Westport.
Staples of Westport traveled up to Cheshire on Saturday to take on the Rams in what was the last regular season match of the year.
Staples had easily defeated Cheshire the last two years and even game was expected and ultimately ended in a 15-15 tie after a
scoreless overtime. Staples opened up a 5-0 lead almost immediately after the opening kickoff on a blocked kick. Soon after, Cheshire
took control and played almost the entire half in Staples end. Despite many close calls, Cheshire could only put in one try on a heads up
play by scrumhalf John Urbanski. Near the end of half, Staples scored a try by swinging the ball out wide to their outside center. The
conversion was good and Staples took a 12-5 lead into halftime. Cheshire scored early in the first half off a quick tap penalty by Devin
Mannion. Play seesawed back and forth until Staples made
a penalty kick to take a 15-10 lead. Playing against a strong wind, it appeared Cheshire would not be able to drive down and score.
After some hard
running by the Cheshire forwards, Nick Kowaleski swung the ball out wide to Elliott Laden who passed to Cody Nugent who then took
the ball up and fed Will Droheim to score in the corner. The conversion was missed and the final whistle was blown. The sides agreed
to a 5 minute overtime in which neither team could score. All of the Cheshire forwards played great on the day winning almost all their
set pieces. Standouts on the day include Mannion, Urbanski, Wild, John Sheehan, Max Melillo, and Elliott Laden. The B side emerged
vistorious 25-5. 8th grader Michael Yavorek lead Cheshire with three tries while Rich Pendred scored twice off hard running on penalty
plays. Ben Phillips kept Staples off balance with
well placed kicks and shifty running. Cheshire will conclude the season at Staples on June 14th at the first ever Connecticut State
Rugby Championship in Westport.
Cheshire Rugby Wins Division 2 Connecticut State
Championship
Yesterday, the Cheshire Rugby team ended its season capturing
the Division 2 Connecticut State Championship. This was the
first ever State Championship and was held at Staples High
School in Westport. The Rams defeated Madison 16-10 and
Simsbury 27-10.
In the first game, the Rams jumped out to a 13-3 halftime lead
with a beautiful try by Sean McGarrity and a conversion and two
penalty kicks by Matt Rothbart. Madison closed the gap to 13-10
with a try of their own, but Rothbart was able to slot another
penalty kick through the posts to put the Rams up by 6. The final
10 minutes were controlled by Madison but Cheshire defense
led by Devin Mannion and Jim Ciaburri and some timely kicking
by Paul Steller kept Madison from getting any closer.
In the second game, the Rams were consistently on the attack,
playing some beautiful rugby in the process and rolled to a 27-10
victory. Devin Mannion opened the scoring with a nice try off a
penalty. Matt Rothbart scored the second try of the game with a
fabulous run through the defense. He also added a penalty kick
and a conversion to put Cheshire up 15-10 at half. In the second
half, Cheshire’s pressure was too much for Simsbury as Will
Droheim and Nick Kowaleski added tries and Rothbart making
one of two conversions making the final score 27-10.
Members of the team that traveled to Westport and helped
capture the state title were Captains Devin Mannion and Paul
Steller, Dane Loudon, Rich Pendred, Jacob Brecher, JP Higgins,
Alex Latina, Travis Wild, Chris Donnelly, Alex Brittingham, Ben
Phillips, Mike Yavorek, Jim Ciaburri, Matt Rothbart, Nick
Kowaelski, Sean McGarrity, Will Droheim and John O’Reilly.
Thank you to all the parents and fans who traveled to Westport
and cheered the team on to victory.
Championship
Yesterday, the Cheshire Rugby team ended its season capturing
the Division 2 Connecticut State Championship. This was the
first ever State Championship and was held at Staples High
School in Westport. The Rams defeated Madison 16-10 and
Simsbury 27-10.
In the first game, the Rams jumped out to a 13-3 halftime lead
with a beautiful try by Sean McGarrity and a conversion and two
penalty kicks by Matt Rothbart. Madison closed the gap to 13-10
with a try of their own, but Rothbart was able to slot another
penalty kick through the posts to put the Rams up by 6. The final
10 minutes were controlled by Madison but Cheshire defense
led by Devin Mannion and Jim Ciaburri and some timely kicking
by Paul Steller kept Madison from getting any closer.
In the second game, the Rams were consistently on the attack,
playing some beautiful rugby in the process and rolled to a 27-10
victory. Devin Mannion opened the scoring with a nice try off a
penalty. Matt Rothbart scored the second try of the game with a
fabulous run through the defense. He also added a penalty kick
and a conversion to put Cheshire up 15-10 at half. In the second
half, Cheshire’s pressure was too much for Simsbury as Will
Droheim and Nick Kowaleski added tries and Rothbart making
one of two conversions making the final score 27-10.
Members of the team that traveled to Westport and helped
capture the state title were Captains Devin Mannion and Paul
Steller, Dane Loudon, Rich Pendred, Jacob Brecher, JP Higgins,
Alex Latina, Travis Wild, Chris Donnelly, Alex Brittingham, Ben
Phillips, Mike Yavorek, Jim Ciaburri, Matt Rothbart, Nick
Kowaelski, Sean McGarrity, Will Droheim and John O’Reilly.
Thank you to all the parents and fans who traveled to Westport
and cheered the team on to victory.
