New London County Rugby Football Club

New London County RFC will be hosting a charity match to benefit the Save the Ta-tas Foundation. They will be playing Worcester RFC on Saturday October 16th at 1pm on their home field at Clark Lane Middle School in Waterford, CT. Tickets are $5 and can be bought from a member of the team or at the gate.

Also, come to Hanifins Pub in the evening and buy some Heineken.  Half the cover charge and $2 per pint of the Heineken sales will benefit Save the Ta-tas!

New London County RFC 20 – Middlesex RFC 38

11 September 2010

Match report by A J Aitken

New London County began their D2 home campaign with a tough fixture against perennial achievers Middlesex at Clark Lane on a beautiful late summer day under blue skies and sunshine with a gentle breeze blowing from the south west.  The clouds that formed during the match were of the metaphoric sort and blew in from a number of directions.  The first of these patches of gloom was the fact that the men from South East Connecticut are still trying to gel an entirely revamped midfield that has seen the retirement of the hugely influential fly half Tim Johnson and inside centre Eric Booth as well as the loss to injury of Louis Zubek, one of the best broken field runners one was likely to find in New England.  Moreover injuries and loss of personnel in the forwards meant that NLC had to start the game with a coalition of the willing playing in unfamiliar positions but with the usual degree of grey and black grit.

The opening period proved reasonably even, with possession and territory seesawing between two very committed teams.  Middlesex identified that the referee appeared to have no grasp of the offside law and played accordingly, showing more gamesmanship than their NLC counterparts in this area.  They also sniped effectively around the edges of rucks once it became obvious that the match official would have been unable to identify a gate were it at the bottom of his garden.  Middlesex opened the scoring in slightly bizarre circumstances in the twelfth minute after New London conceded a penalty 10 metres out and were penalised again for failing to retire quickly enough.  With the ball marked at the 5 metre line the referee waved his arms in the air and shouted, ‘Stop!’  New London did, Middlesex didn’t and the men from Massachusetts promptly drove over in the right hand corner with the referee allowing the try much to the (understandable) indignation of New London.  Four minute later Middlesex were on the score sheet again this time driving hard and fast into the midfield before capitalising on dithering in the NLC back three and scoring about 10 metres to the left of the posts.  A good kick made it 0-12 and New London clearly needed to get something quickly.  The answer came in the twenty fourth minute from the captain, Rick Dickinson, who made a trademark run from deep, slicing into the Middlesex midfield.  His well weighted chip caught the cover flat footed and he burst onto his own ball driving deep into the 22 before unloading a well timed pass that allowed Liam Scott, playing out of position on the wing to beat his man, wrong foot the covering defender with a well judged sidestep before spinning out of a despairing tackle and over the line.  Great stuff and exactly what New London can do when they hit their straps.  The conversion attempt failed but things were looking up at 5 – 12.  Unfortunately 5 minutes later Middlesex extended their lead. After some scrappy midfield play the Middlesex pack picked up and drove, rolling over the line and the subsequent conversion was good.  Worse was to follow in the thirty fourth minute.  New London were having a torrid afternoon at the lineout and a poor set piece saw New London ball delivered straight to the Middlesex openside standing at the tail of the line who broke through the cover and cantered in under the posts.  Down 5-26, New London displayed a good deal of character to drive back up the pitch and after forcing a penalty Liam Scott snuck over for what appeared to be his second try.  The referee had different ideas however and for unspecified reasons refused New London’s claims.  The NLC scrummaging had been solid all day and after securing the 5 metre scrum and twice recycling short drives Scott was forced over again, clearly grounding the ball.  Clearly to everyone except the erstwhile whistle blower who infuriated the men in grey and bemused the spectators by cancelling out what appeared to be a perfectly good score.  A Middlesex player suffered a serious rib injury during the passage of play and although it is always deeply regrettable to see a player stretchered from the pitch the hiatus at least allowed tempers to settle in a match that was threatening to boil over.

The second half started in inauspicious fashion for NLC as another poor lineout three minutes in saw Middlesex steal ball before driving hard and straight before a breakaway forward steamrollered a flat footed Parulis over the line.  In truth it was a rough day for the man at fly half, with no offside calls being made he was continually presented with man and ball and very little opportunity to show his usual languid skills.  This score seemed to shock New London into a response though and again it was the captain and deserved man of the match, Dickinson, who provided the impetus.  His well judged kick from deep was pursued by the athletic number 8, Brian Taylor, whose pace and tenacity unnerved the Middlesex fullback into an error. Terrier like scrum half Greg Smith was able to capitalise on the mistake, scooping up the loose ball and driving over to reduce the arrears to 10-33 in the thirteenth minute.  Twelve minutes later the pack got their just rewards for an afternoon of tireless endeavour producing a succession of marauding plays across the pitch before Ken Laverty, the raging bull of NLC rugby, took a pop pass and ran hard into the splintering defence before great support play from Jace Severance saw the hooker dive over to make it 15 -33.  NLC’s bête noir of the afternoon reared its ugly head once more as once again New London were let down by their misfiring lineout, this time the ball going straight to the men in black who galloped gleefully over the line.  New London had time for one last hurrah as the forwards re-gathered themselves, and produced a tremendous effort to force a strong Middlesex pack onto the back foot, eventually winning a penalty for offside (a decision which clearly amazed both teams given what had occurred in the preceding 75 minutes).  Ever alert New London went quickly and Doug Parulis was able to dive over to make it 20-38.  To round off an atrocious performance the referee promptly blew the whistle five minutes early before scampering off the pitch leaving two bemused reams to shake hands.   The referee aside (who was, in all honesty one of the worst this observer has ever encountered in 28 years involvement in the game) this was a well played match of rugby and nothing should detract from a handsome Middlesex victory.  They are a well drilled side who play the game in the right spirit and with a healthy dose of streetwise attitude.  One can well see why they have had sustained success at this level.  Strong and disciplined they have a good lineout and a degree of imagination behind the scrum which marks out all good teams.  New London County will be able to draw many positives from this game despite the scoreline and as long as they find some consistency and apply the lessons they are learning they will continue to represent south east Connecticut with distinction.

NLCRFC

15 R D Dickinson (c)

14 C Montalbano (Rochette 60)

13 G Barbiaux (Stewart 40)

12 C M Lowe

11 L Scott

10 D Paroulis

9 G Smith

8 B Taylor

7 K Laverty

6 J Malazzi

5 E Issler

4 C key (Keltner 60)

3 M Bailey

2 J Severance

1 W Hergott

Subs

M Keltner

N Stewart

T Rochette

New London County RFC 3 – Providence RFC 40

25 September 2010

Match Report by A J Aitken

New London County slipped to a fourth consecutive defeat for the season after a disjointed display against Providence who proved too strong for the home side.  With circumstances conspiring to mean that New London County were again fielding a much changed line-up, the optimists amongst us hoped for a strong reaction to last week’s reverse at Portland and, in the opening minutes, we got it.  A new look midfield of Taylor and Issler combined well with the latter marshalling the defensive effort of the backs and providing some shuddering tackles.  This bulwark effort combined with a willingness to run hard and straight at the opposition was to win Issler much deserved man of the match plaudits. 

A wheeled scrum and forward confusion resulted in a penalty in front of the posts in the first five minutes to make it 0-3 but NLC morale remained high and the defensive effort was much improved on the previous outing, with greater control and purpose shown throughout the side.  The kick off following the penalty score failed to go ten metres and New London’s forwards did well after the resultant scrum to win possession with Nate Stewart making a dynamic break.  The momentum was lost, however, as Greg Smith spotted an opportunity and made a break for the gap only to find himself lacking support as the pack failed to keep up with him.  Worse still, Smith, who regularly inspires the team with his non-stop work ethic and unswerving devotion to NLC, was forced off after suffering a deep cut under his left eye.  Unable to stop the bleeding on the touchline, the ten minute blood substitution, which saw Brian Taylor move to the pack and Greg Barbiaux go into the inside centre position, became permanent.  A high tackle on the Providence fly half saw another penalty converted to make it 0-6 before the visitors took advantage of some chaotic defending.  Having won the ball in their own 22, New London failed to clear and Providence ran through a static defensive line: 0-13.  Hooker Jace Severance ran one of his trademark bullocking runs returning the kick off only to spill the ball in contact though a penalty gave the home side the opportunity to clear their lines.  An opportunity which was spurned, unfortunately, and a speculative garryowen was returned by Providence forcing NLC to come offside and concede another penalty which was calmly slotted by the well built Providence number ten and New London trailed by 16 in the twenty-eighth minute.  Seven minutes later the visitors were on the scoresheet again.  Forced back onto their own line New London’s defence was flat footed and a solid Providence scrum gave them a sound attacking platform which they made full use of scoring virtually unopposed in the corner to make it 0-21.

One minute into the second half New London were presented with a golden opportunity to get points on the board with a penalty in front of the posts.  They chose to kick for touch instead and then lost their own ball at the lineout to a frustrating penalty which allowed Providence to clear the danger.  New London were losing ground regularly as the defence proved too passive, though Issler and ‘Pinky’ Taylor showed considerable strength and resolve on an individual basis.  Another driving run by Severance was well supported by Issler but once again support ran out and Providence re-attacked.  After continual driving play by the visitors and some desperate defence led by the hugely committed captain and blindside flanker, Ken Laverty, Providence were ‘held up.’  From the ensuing 5 metre scrum they were not to be denied and not even the desperate efforts of the skipper could prevent them making it 0-26.  Issler again led the response making a fine break into Providence territory and brave support work by ‘Pickles’ Rochette who stayed on his feet, driving in to the opposition pumping his legs and showing great spirit earned the cheers of the home support but still no tangible reward for NLC.  New boy Velzeboer made his debut as Chris Lowe was finally forced off the pitch by a nagging ankle injury on the hour mark but 5 minutes later New London found themselves down to 14 men.  A half break by the home side was snuffed out and Issler was drawn offside which, given that the referee had made several warnings beforehand, unsurprisingly led to him being shown a yellow card.  Two minutes later he could no more than stand and watch as Providence ran an easy score in, touching down under the posts to make it 0-33.  To add injury to insult tight head Mike Bailey was forced off with a stinger injury to his shoulder although his replacement, Grady, gave another fine performance.  Nate Stewart made a brave break in the seventy fifth minute but was injured in the process although his commitment led to an offside call against Providence who were shown the inevitable yellow just as Issler rejoined the fray.  Mike Keltner couldn’t slot the goal but made amends a minute later to get the home side onto the score sheet and make it 3-33.  The celebrations were short-lived, however,  as the New London kick off failed to go ten metres; Providence secured the following midfield scrum, spun the ball wide to their winger who cantered in and under the posts, the conversion making the final score 3-40.

Providence were worthy winners taking advantage of a series of collective errors and lack of cohesion in the New London ranks.  With a bye week coming up NLC will need to take every opportunity to mould this still developing team into an effective unit.

First XV

15        C Lowe (Velzeboer 60)

14        T Rochette

13        B Taylor

12        E Issler

11        D Taylor

10        D Parulis

9          L Scott

8          N Stewart

7          G Smith (Barbiaux 13)

6          K Laverty (C)

5          C Key

4          M Keltner

3          M Bailey (Grady 65)

2          J Severance

1          W Hergott

Substitutes:

G Barbiaux

P Velzeboer

C Grady

J Dodd

J Ruhrs

Portland RFC 47 – 0 New London County RFC

18 September 2010

Match Report by A J Aitken

New London County were handed a harsh lesson in the realities of rugby at this level by a very impressive Portland side.  The home team opened the scoring in the first fifteen minutes after a penalty move went through the hands of their slick back line ending with a try just to the right of the posts and, equipped with a reliable kicker, they began what was to be a painfully monotonous pattern (for those involved in New London County rugby at least) of dominating possession, forcing errors and converting the resultant scores.  NLC seemed to steady themselves after this early setback but on the thirty minute mark and having secured their own ball from what was a steady scrummage all afternoon, they lost control from the resulting pick up, Portland rucked hard, their forwards piled in and through and alarmingly porous defence to score the second try of the afternoon which was duly converted.  After 10 minutes of midfield contest when New London had opportunities to make breaks but failed to find the final pass things took a turn for the worse as skipper, Rick Dickinson, was left floored by a heavy collision leaving him clearly dazed.  With the captain still on his knees Portland won lineout ball and charged into midfield.  The hard hitting John Malazzi, showing his usual grit and commitment then went hard into a tackle, initially winning the contact but at heavy cost to himself as he was later found to have shattered his eye socket and was left badly concussed.  Portland secured the ball and the outside centre was able to burst through the NLC cover to make it 21-0 at half time. 

With Dickinson and Malazzi unable to continue New London were facing an uphill struggle though to their credit the replacements, Tom ‘Pickles’ Rochette and Mike Sexenauer performed admirably.  Rochette made a valiant effort at fullback, which is an unfamiliar position for him but he stuck to his task and let no-one down.  Mike Sexenauer making his debut slotted nicely into the second row and his all round skills and technique in the tight bode well for the future. Despite some good work in the lineout and at the scrummage, ball was too often lost as forwards found themselves isolated and the ball ripped out of underpowered ruck or desperate attempts to unload out of the tackle saw the ball go to a red shirt.  Five minutes into the second half Portland took advantage of confusion in the NLC ranks as a loose ball, just begging to be cleared wasn’t and dithering proving fatal as extra red shirts rushed to rip the ball from grey hands and then waltz over virtually unopposed.  For once the outside half couldn’t make the kick and it was 26-0.  Ten minutes later Portland showed great skills across the back line but most especially at fly half and outside centre and once again scored under the posts after brushing aside the covering tackles, a good conversion making it 33-0.  Barbiaux made way for Dave ‘Pinky’ Taylor and the resultant reshuffle saw Chris Lowe move to inside centre, Issler to outside and Pinky take up station on the right wing where his strength and speed were to be oft demonstrated most memorably when, having made a bone-crunching tackle he leapt to his feet and single-handedly drove two Portland ruckers back off the ball.  Such heroics were to no avail, however, as Portland continued to dominate and with six minutes remaining Portland made it 40-0.  Frustration was clearly playing a part in the rout with some of the New London lads, desperate to stem to the tide ran too quickly to make tackles and were neatly sidestepped by the composed men from Maine.  The final blow was struck in the final minute, Portland taking advantage of disarray in the NLC ranks to run home one last try and make it 47-0.

While there is no denying the severity of the result it must be borne in mind that New London were once again fielding a much altered side with at least a third of the team playing out of position and missing the experienced heads of Chris key at lock and the multi-talented Doug Parulis.  In some cases players faced the unenviable prospect of lining up against a very strong Portland side in an entirely new role, not what anyone would wish for.  Moreover this remains a team in transition having lost their entire regular midfield of last season.  Bearing all that in mind, there are positives to be taken from this game.  Firstly, managing to send what was effectively a scratch side on a 4 hour drive to Maine is no mean feat for a small club.  Secondly some of the new faces showed great potential, Chris Grady had a cracking game at loose head prop, Mike Sexenauer looked very good on debut in the second row, while the wing three quarters revelling in the excellent soubriquets of Pinky and Pickles are both good players.  Another source of encouragement was to see Will Hergott, now a senior figure at the club, showing leadership and determination as he won the man of the match award from Portland with some storming runs and an unwillingness to surrender.  The effort is there for all to see, as is the undoubted talent but this will undoubtedly be a tough season for the men from south east Connecticut until their new look side starts to gel.

First XV:

15        R D Dickinson (C) (40 – Rochette)

14        E Issler

13        C Lowe

12        G Barbiaux (55 – D Taylor)

11        C Montalbano

10        L Scott

9          G Smith

8          B Taylor

7          K Laverty

6          J Malazzi (40 Sexenauer)

5          M Keltner

4          N Stewart

3          M Bailey

2          W Hergott

1          C Grady

Substitutes:

D Taylor

T Rochette

M Sexenauer