The first weekend of the Empire GU Men’s club league in New York State produced four winners, including one by a massive margin.

As expected, Old Blue won big, beating Morris 76-12 in their first match since the Super League teams rejoined DI. Steve Strydom led the way for OBNY with four tries, earning the club the bonus point all by himself.

Meanwhile White Plains looked very impressive in shutting out New York 22-0. Monmouth thumped Long Island 43-12.

Head Coach Pat Moroney was pleased with the Monmouth performance.

“We still have plenty to work on,” he cautions. “[But it was a] good game. Every back scored bar one. Our lineouts were solid but the scrum was outstanding, turning over 50% of the Long Island ball.”

Man of the Match was Monmouth wing Alizar Zorojew.

And joining the league for the first time was Buffalo, which switched from the Midwest this year. They hosted the Village Lions and didn’t have a particularly easy time of it. Buffalo came out strong early, and then weathered a stirring Lions comeback. In the end the Nickel City team edged the team from the Big Apple 35-26.

“We have a good history with the Lions,” said Buffalo halfback and captain Danny Ryan. “They are a good rugby club and were really tough today. For us our tight five played better than I have ever seen them play. They say the forwards decide who wins the game and the backs by how much – that was especially true today.”

Loosehead prop Jamil Luciano was named Man of the Match for Buffalo, and his play was well augmented by tighthead prop Jeff Qualey. Keeping the scoreboard ticking over was flyhalf Nick Kusmierski, who scored two tries, converted three, and added three penalties for a personal total of 25.

Scores:
White Plains 22-0 New York
Old Blue 76-12 Morris
Monmouth 43-12 Long Island
Buffalo 35-26 Village Lions


Unofficial Standings