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Select Sides Men's U19 MetNY Takes First in Division I and Second in Division II at the Potomac Challenge Cup
Select Sides Men's U19 MetNY Takes First in Division I and Second in Division II at the Potomac Challenge Cup
| MetNY Takes First in Division I and Second in Division II at the Potomac Challenge Cup |
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In the first final of the Potomac Challenge Cup, the EPRU U17/18 and MetNY U17/18 teams met to determine the Division II champion. MetNY struck first as Pete Ondi turned the corner for a try. The EPRU surged back and scored a converted try to make the score 7-5 at the half. The second half with MetNY on the attack, disaster hit as EPRU scored not one but two trys off intercepted passes. Behind 21-5 with only 10 minutes remaining, MetNY pressed for trys. These efforts paid off as Ondi scored his second and third try of the match. Neither try was converted and so MetNY still trailed 21-15. With only few minutes left, Zach French score a fourth try for MetNY to bring them within one point. The conversion was short but there was time for one more play. On the ensuing kick-off, MetNY had a chance but they knocked on and EPRU were Division II champions with a 21-20 victory.
The 2010 Met New York U 19 Select Side
In the Division I final, MetNY met Carolina. Both teams had been dominant in their early matches and the final promised to be a battle. MetNY started the match with a bang as Blaze Feury stepped past the Carolina defense to score under the posts with only one minute gone in the first half. Mat Benedetto made the conversion to make the score 7-0, MetNY. MetNY struck again with Stephen Sanchez taking a #8 pick-up to the try zone. Benedetto added the conversion, 14-0 MetNY. Carolina got a try back just before the half to leave the score 14-5 MetNY at the break. Carolina added a penalty kick to climb within a try. However, MetNY sealed the win with a long movement from a set scrum in their own end. Mike Dedza gathered a loose ball that popped out of the scrum. As he was tackled, Dedza gave a pass to Sanchez. Sanchez carried the ball inside the 22 and off loaded to second row, Sean Conlon who was running in support. Conlon barged to the line and as he was tackled he made a beautiful pop pass to MetNY hooker, Shun Hayashi who dove over for the try that guaranteed the win.
As in past years, the Potomac Challenge Cup was well run and provided a showcase for many talented young rugby players. The MetNY All-stars thank Kurt Mockenhaupt and the Potomac Rugby Foundation for running a class event, Eric Jerpe and the Pittsburgh Harlequins for providing a first class facility, and their fans and family for their support.
In addition, Met New York thanks Lex Maccubbin wholeheartedly for running the U19 and U18 select side programs so efficiently and to such excellent results, not only in 2010, but throughout recent years. Lex has indicated he will be moving from the area, so Met New York will be losing him in 2011. The Met New York board of directors will therefore be accepting indications of interest from individuals who would like to become either the coach or the program director. While we know of many great candidates, we know it will be hard to fill Lex's shoes: his care for the well-being and development of players is beyond reproach.
The 2010 Met New York U 18 Select Side
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| Last Updated on Tuesday, 16 November 2010 15:53 |
