February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
In their most significant match of the season, Lansdowne RFC struck down league-leading Long Island, 16-15, with what’s becoming a habitual last-minute try in the corner.
The early goings of the game saw repeated Lansdowne strikes deep into Long Island territory, but the score was nevertheless a dissatisfying 8-6 to Long Island midway through the first half. Lansdowne finally capitalized on its better play, however, as fullback Andy Quinlan gave Lansdowne an 11-8 lead at the half with a burst through the centers. The lead would not hold, as Long Island retaliated late in the second half to go up 11-15 with five minutes remaining. Crunch time was once again upon the Lansdowne. Answering the call, the Lansdowne won the kickoff ball from Long island and battled down to the Long Island try line with fine crash and second phase forward ball, where they were awarded a five meter scrum. Scrumhalf Rochford went weak side to Nick Bruella, who made a fine pass to Kiwi youth Waaka Parkinson, who scored his first Lansdowne try in memorable fashion. Alas, the Lansdowne B’s met with less success, falling 26-17 in a hard fought match with a strong Long Island B side.
Lansdowne’s league record now stands at 3-1-1, and the team is well-positioned for a run at the Div. II championship and a berth in the nationals in the spring. The tale will be told over the next four weeks as the team closes out the season with four away matches, the first of which is next Saturday in Connecticut against Danbury Rugby.