By Mike Specht
Contributing Writer
The men’s rugby team traveled to the University at Buffalo and defeated the Bulls squad 26 -5 last Friday night. The Bonnies will play SUNY Brockport home at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22.
“Family Weekend is usually our biggest crowd,” Senior captain Alex Brussard said. “Seeing your friends and your parents is something great to play for.”
Last week, Brockport defeated Rutgers University 59-0. After talking with other coaches in the league, coach Clarence Picard anticipates a very physical game from Brockport.
During its bye week, the team plans to recover from injuries they accumulated through the preseason. Brussard and junior wing Kevin Corley are recuperating from cuts and knee injuries, respectively.
“We are in such a strong league, there’s no game to look past,” Picard said. “Each game provides a new challenge.”
Picard was pleased with his squad’s ability, but realizes there’s still room for improvement.
“We were able to film some stuff we weren’t doing very well,” Picard said.
The Bonnies want to show better rucking and play on the backline for the team’s next match, according to Picard.
Brussard, Corley and junior hooker Justin Walker scored for the Bonnies. Senior scrumhalf Kevin McCorry added four kicks.
Brussard did a captain’s job by scoring as well as setting up Corley’s try. The play of the backline especially surprised Brussard with their positive effort.
Brussard was named the man of the match due to his determination to make plays on the pitch. Aside from Brussard, McCorry was able to help from his scrumhalf position.
The play of sophomore fly-half Shea Raff also satisfied his coach.
“For having been injured for most of the preseason, he came in and did a pretty solid job,” Picard said.
Several freshmen also saw their first game time on the pitch. Ben Hogan started for the Bonnies in his first rugby game.
“He’s just a winner,” Brussard said. “You couldn’t tell he never played before.”
Fullback Dan Dillon, scrumhalf Brendan Allman and prop Zack Haller, also played in their first collegiate rugby game.
The game kicked off the Rob Peraza Rugby Alumni Weekend, in honor of Rob Peraza, who died in the Sept. 11th, 2001 terrorism attacks.
The alumni game is called the Gringo Cup in honor of Peraza’s nickname. Before the match, Father Dan Riley led a memorial for 9/11 victims.
“Our team knows very well we are nothing without the alumni and their support,” McCorry said “It transcends from team to brotherhood.”
Picard also said it was a boost having such a Bona’s heavy crowd at an away game.
“We wouldn’t be here without them (the alumni),” Picard said.
