By Mike Specht
Contributing Writer
Despite injuries to key players, the men’s rugby team defeated SUNY Brockport 29-19 at McGraw-Jennings Field last Saturday. A large Family Weekend crowd cheered on the Bonnies (2-0) at their home opener. The team plans to travel to Binghamton to take on the Devils (2-2) Saturday at 1 p.m.
“Binghamton is a team with a lot of pride, and they have good coaching,” coach Clarence Picard said. “They gave us two of our most competitive matches last year, and we are definitely expecting a tough match against them this year.”
Saturday, the Bonnies scored first on a kick from senior Kevin McCorry. Brockport scored two unanswered tries, gaining a 14-3 advantage.
Picard attributes the early score to the Bonnies flat, unimpressive performance at the beginning of the match.
“Early on they really took it straight to us,” Picard said. “We didn’t seem to have much pep in us.”
Right after Brockport scored, the Bonnies regrouped with junior hooker Justin Walker and junior lock Tallon Moritz leading the team downfield, culminating with a try by Moritz.
Freshman Bonnie prop Zach Haller managed to punch in a try to put the score at 17-14 entering halftime.
“It really sealed our fate for the rest of the day,”McCorry said. “We bounced back early. It was definitely comforting having the lead going into halftime.”
A handful of starters were injured in the game, including captain Evan Meister, junior tight prop Tom Tyler and senior flanker Jon Garbin. Nevertheless, St. Bonaventure fought off Brockport scores despite the distractions.
Picard attributes the Bonnies’ comeback in part to the play of certain backups replacing injured starters.
“Guys like Hayden Bell and A.J. Vitanza really stepped up for us,” Picard said. “They helped turn the tide to get us going.”
With team captain Alex Brussard suspended, several players helped contribute to the win. Tyler said the game was an all-heart win. He said it’s important to have wits about you in a game like Brockport”.
Senior lock Tim Hanna’s play also impressed Picard.
“Tim just played a very strong game,” said Picard. “He was very physical and gave us some tight drives up field when we needed it”.
Hanna added to the score by notching a try at the beginning of the second half.
After a Brockport try, the Bonnies finished the scoring with a long run and try by freshman fullback Dan Dillon, assisted by freshman and, Man of the Match, fly half Charles Meagher. Picard is overall pleased with the freshmen class, with players such as Haller and Ben Hogan also starting.
The team also stressed the importance of depth and readiness to come and replace an injured starter at a moment’s notice.
“The right people step up when we need it,” Tyler said. “That’s what’s great about this team.”
