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Lansdowne Takes 3rd in Jo Jo Moore Tournament |
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Written by Administrator
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Saturday, 17 July 2010 |
Lansdowne capped the Spring 15's season by going 2-1 at the Jo Jo Moore Tournament and capturing 3rd place in a competitive Premier Division.
The first match against White Plains RFC started off with strong defense from both sides. White Plains' pack was able to control the scrum and with strong running from their number 8, the NERFU DI powerhouse was able to score on the Irishmen before the halftime whistle. The second half saw more of the same as Lansdowne was unable to launch an effective attack and White Plains came away victorious by a score of 22-0.
The second match was against the Albany Knickerbockers, another NERFU D1 squad. Like the first game, both squads showed strong defense. The return of center Blake Mannion and loose forward play of Pat Doona stiffled the Knick's offense. A penalty kick by fullback Johnny Coughlin tied the score 3-3 going into halftime. Lansdowne was able to keep up their strong defense in the second half including a goal line stand and effective line out play in their own half by hooker PJ Coward and flanker Brian Fingleton. Another Johnny Coughlin penalty kick in the final minute gave Lansdowne the victory by a score of 6-3.
Despite their unsuccessful stints with Rockland RFC, John Farrell, John McKenzie, Pat Doona and Mike Benvenuto all joined their Lansdowne teammates for the consolation final against divisional rivals Danbury. Thanks to strong defense from center Austin Purcell and flyhalf Gavin Butler as well as some lucky bounces Lansdowne was able to survive an early off-load onslaught and only trail 7-0. Before the half time whistle, Lansdowne was able to spread the Danbury backline and Blake Mannion made sure the boys from McLean Ave would go home with at least 1 try. After an inspiring halftime speech from the one and only Gerry Powers, Lansdowne's backline kept up the pressure and Gavin Butler put them ahead 14-7. Johnny Coughlin continued his assault on the uprights and nailed a penalty kick for insurance points. After a dangerous tackle on PJ Coward sin binned a Danbury prop, Lansdowne took advantage by driving on a 5 meter scrum and getting the ball to Mike Benvenuto for the final nail in the coffin. At the final whistle, Lansdowne won 24-7 and capped off a productive spring season. |
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