February 17, 2011
By Staff Reporter
Saturday’s game began auspiciously for the Lansdowne, as a full-strength squad made the trip, the rain held, and the team received a surprise and welcome visit from Tullow’s Tommy Dwyer. A steadfast, murderous prop for the New York Irish and Lansdowne for over a decade, Dwyer had appeared in the States within the past few days on a fact-finding mission with Under-19s hooker Harry Burn, and both visitors took the field in the latter half of the game.
In the first half, the wind weakened Lansdowne’s kicks to touch, while a dozen penalties further hamstrung their efforts. The visitors spent most of their time fending off the Princeton team’s charges at the try line.
Nevertheless, breaking runs from forwards Manny Syriotis and Chris Bedevian, and Johnny Coughlan’s kicking, led to a few escapes and the Lansdowne
Found themselves down by only 10-3 at the half due to superior scrumming, resolute tackling by the backline, and winger Mike Ramji frightening the Princeton backs into knocking on several kicks. Old-timer Owen McCarthy defensive play at fullback also contributed to keeping Lansdowne within striking distance.
When the teams changed halves after intermission, the momentum began to run Lansdowne’s way. Backed by the wind and now playing downhill, Lansdowne locked Princeton inside their 40. Coughlan immediately became a serious threat, and kicked an arcing penalty from the 50-yard-line to bring Lansdowne to within 10-6. Princeton, however, would not be caged, and its backs made a fine run into Lansdowne territory, where, after a few more phases, Princeton delivered a try in the corner, increasing their lead to 15-6.
Sensing that the game was still within their grasp, Lansdowne drove the ball relentlessly into the Princeton squad with Delf King leading the rush. The fierce pressure paid off as Smooch Delaney emerged from a fourth-phase breakdown, danced through the Princeton backs and found Ramji wide open on the wing.
As Ramji sprang forward to receive the ball, a Princeton back leapt as well and clipped Ramji’s heels with his hand, bringing him down. A penalty try was awarded, Coughlan converted, and the score was 15-13 in the home side’s favor. At that point, Dwyer and Burn took the field, and the fresh legs meant Lansdowne would stay in the Princeton half for the final 15 minutes. The clock ticked down and Princeton held off several charges to the goal line. However, with a minute to go, Princeton committed another foul, raking the head of a fallen player. Coughlan connected, the whistle blew, and Lansdowne had won, 16-15.
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Lansdowne hold open training sessions Wednesday nights at 6:30 and every other Sunday at 1 p.m. in Van Cortlandt Park, at 243d and Broadway in the Bronx. Interested players can call (914) 584-4541 or e-mail lansdowne@hotmail.com. Players of any age and experience are welcome.
The team’s next matches are Saturday May 7 in Long Beach, L.I., where the Lansdowne will play in the annual Long Island rugby tournament.