by Richie Price
Last Saturday, St Mary’s of Dublin, Ireland, went through the competition undefeated by beating the NYPD, Morris Rugby and Lansdowne NY. The tournament format was a round robin which had each team playing the other 3 in 40 minute matches. The event featured a fundraiser for Answer the Call, which is the charity for the widows and orphans of the NYPD and FDNY. The tournament kicked off with the fantastic NYPD Honor Guard and Pipe Band leading all 4 teams onto the pitch. This was followed by Megan Doherty’s stirring renditions of the national anthems of both Ireland and the US.
ST MARY’S 43 NYPD 12
The opening match was characterized by St Mary’s’ dogged work at the breakdown and adept Leinster-like offloads which had the NYPD back on their heels for good portions of the game. Special mention goes to the Fanning family, as 3 members were featured in the match, including former Leinster and Ireland star Darragh. Brother Shane scored a sumptuous try in minute 15 as well.
LANSDOWNE 21 MORRIS 0
The 2nd match had home side Lansdowne pull away from a determined Morris side to gain the victory. Lansdowne try scorers include Niall Dillon and Lansdowne back-liner of the day George Reis, who had a brace. Other standouts for the home side include Nick Yuan, Brandon Healy and forward player of the day, Captain Luke Russell.
ST MARY’S 26 MORRIS 14
Despite a brilliant defensive effort by a superb Morris side, St Mary’s came out on top by winner the try count by 4 to 2. Superb offloads typified the Dubliners play again as their champagne rugby continued to be enjoyed by all in attendance.
LANSDOWNE 52 NYPD 0
The 4th match demonstrated why the NYPD are such heroes as their powerful efforts and determination were on full display for all to see, despite lacking the depth. However Lansdowne had just a bit more of the X factor and managed to come out on top with 8 tries in all. George Reis yet again wreaked havoc on the opposition with another smashing performance. Tries scorers include Micheal Collum, George Reis (3 in the match, whew!), Viliami Tone, Eion Foynes, Danny Devlin, Brandon Healy and Luke Russell. Other outstanding shifts were put in by Alex Griffen and the Giordano Brother John and Mark.
MORRIS 40 NYPD 0
Outstanding performances by both sides were on display. However, it was Morris that had the magic in the moment by taking control and never looking back. Eight tries were scored by the New Jerseymen in the penultimate match of the day. Their #12 was simply outstanding all tournament long.
ST MARY’S 22 LANSDOWNE 21
The final match of the day was a scintillating contest with both sides pumping on all cylinders. St Mary’s completed their clean sweep as their terrific outhalf kicked the tournament winning penalty in the last play of the day. Ironically, that was the only attempted penalty by any side all day long. The St Mary’s scrumhalf scored 2 tries in the match, and Lansdowne try scorers include Hugh Byrne, George Reis and Daithi Murphy.
Lansdowne would like to thank the following for participating and making the Tournament such a massive success: the superb Megan Doherty, the NYPD Honor Guard, the NYPD Pipe Band, NYPD RFC, Morris Rugby and St Mary’s RFC. I would personally like to thank St Mary’s Niall for participating in the live stream commentary with his delivery and terrific insights. If I missed anyone, you have my most profound apologies.
Lansdowne practices are held every Tuesday and Thursday at 7:00 PM field 74 on Randalls Island. All interested players should come on down or contact the Club by email: lansdownerfc@gmail.com.
