|
It's been a quite a few games
since my last recap, so I figured I'd better get on the ball and get one out. Over the past few weeks we have posted league victories over Carlisle 50-0, Upper Dauphin 67-5, Hempfield 54-3, Warwick 58-0 and had a decent showing at the Cherry Blossom tournament beating Gonzaga 24-16, the Maryland Exiles 29-0 and losing two close games to Banting Memorial (24-15) and Barrier Central (13-10). Banting and Barrier are two of the premier teams in the Province of Ontario, Canada. The trip to the Cherry Blossom really seemed to bond us as a team and we have been playing the best rugby in the history of West Shore United since we have returned.
Today's game would pit us against our arch rival Cumberland Valley. Cumberland Valley always fields a very talented and well coached team. Heading into today's game CV's only losses were
close defeats to Warwick and State College. We needed to come out ready to play in hostile territory or we would be in for a long day. Apparently we were very ready to play.
A Game First Half
The first half would start out with West Shore getting a great opening kick-off from Jake
Fink that immediately pinned CV deep in their own territory. West Shore would pressure CV into an early penalty in front of the posts and Jake easily slotted the penalty kick for a quick 3-0 United
lead. United would keep the pressure on CV with good hard tackling, rucking and timely kicks. CV was able to put some pressure on West Shore, but Jake Fink was able to pick up a loose ball, kick
a massive clearing kick from his own goal line. The CV fullback was caught way out of position and West Shore capitalized with a Dustin Hicks try in the corner and an 8-0 lead. United would
continue to pressure but a lack of discipline lead to penalties in CV's favor that kept us out of the try zone. West Shore would regroup and go back on attack. After several phases and some good
leaches, Allen Proper would score the second try of the game which Jake Fink converted for a 15-0 lead. Dustin Hicks would hit pay dirt again before the halftime whistle and United had a solid 20-0
lead at the half.
Second Half
A few
substitutions were made at the half and United came out determined to put the game out of reach. Inside center Gage Warner, who had several hard runs through the CV back line would score first.
Cameron Steffen converted to increase the lead to 27-0. CV would get their only points of the day when United took an untimely penalty in their own end. CV's talented fly-half slotted the kick to
get them on the board 27-3. The boys from West Shore seemed to take that kick as a slap in the face and went on a scoring rampage for the remainder of the game. Lee Hoover would strike first to
make it 32-3. Gage Warner would touch down next off of the ensuing kick off. Lee Hoover would take the kick and draw the CV defense before off loading a sweet pass to Gage. Gage zigged and
zagged, threw a couple dummy passes and eventually touched down with plenty of West Shore players in support. Steffen converted to bring the score to 39-0. The next try was one of the best trys I
have ever seen in all of my years in rugby. Hack and Calabrese made a run to the wing from inside our own 22 and worked the ball back and forth to each other the full 80 meters maintaining their
balance and pace the whole way. Just when it looked like the CV fullback had the angle on Hack, he lofted a soft pass over the defenders head that landed perfectly in Nick's hands. Nick finished
of the beautiful movement for the try of the game and a 44-3 United lead. That try seemed to take the life out of the CV side. United would continue to put the pressure on and deny CV
possession. The relentless pressure led to a CV penalty which scrumhalf Scotty Acri alertly quick tapped and touched down for hard earned individual try. Cameron Steffen converted again to put
United over the half century mark with a 51-3 lead. Ryan Tilley would join the scoring parade with a try converted by Steffen and a 58-3 United lead. CV started letting their frustration show and
the game got a little bit chippy with Scotty Acri taking a blatant and cowardly cheap shot in the back from one of the CV players. What made the cheap shot even more disappointing was the behavior of
the CV sidelines cheering on such a dirty play. When that happens we as a team and as spectators need to just keep our cool and not feed into the poor sportsmanship. Cooler heads prevailed and
the CV player spent the remainder of the game in the sin bin. West Shore responded by punching in two more trys, both by Pat Connolly. One was converted by Steffen and brought the final score to
70-3 in favor of West Shore United.
Today was easily the most dominating performance by any West Shore team. CV is a GOOD team! To put up that many points on them is quite and
accomplishment and a testament to the "team" play. Everyone on the field contributed! B Game
The "B"eastie Boys took the field for their game and continued a day of West Shore dominance. "Mr. Utility Man" Dustin Hicks, who could
play any position on the field, started off the scoring in the "B" game with a try and a conversion for a 7-0 West Shore lead. CV would get 3 points off of a penalty kick to draw within 7-3, but just
like their "A" side, that would be all the points they would get. Matt Connolly scored next for United on a strong run where he was tackled, got back to his feet, and drove in for the try and a 12-3
United lead. Jake Ciccarelli scored next with prop Tyler Sorenson converting for a 19-3 halftime lead.
In the second half Matt "Chewy" Cherewka would score a nice try off of some quick passes to
the wing- 24-3 United. Dustin Hicks would finish off his stellar day with another try and conversion to bring the final score to 31-3 in favor of United to close out a very satisfying day on the
sprawling CV campus.
Next up for United is a very strong State College team. State College was undefeated heading into today's game with Warwick. They are well coached, talented and
very hard hitting. We need to have a solid week of practice to prepare for the Friday night showdown in State College. Rest up and get ready to set a new goal on Tuesday!
Coach Robinson
|
