RPI Routs Albany, 36-20

Troy, NY – RPI routed rival UAlbany Thursday in a early season non conference match up, 36-20. RPI’s combination of fly half Kevin Stolle and 8 man Mike Taglifirro accounted for all of ROI’s points. Stolle started the scoring as he found a seem in Albany’s defense and scored under the posts after a 30 meter run. Taglifirro followed by picking up a ball off of an Albany turnover and scampering 30 meters untouched to paydirt. Albany’s outside wing Ryan Grant’s score in the corner gave Albany hope for a comeback. However, a costly Albany penalty enabled the strong footed Stolle to convert a PK to end the half at 24-5.

Albany came out fired up for the second half with 8 man Anthony Russo scoring for Albany early in the half. Albany would notch another score by Mo Aisi with a nice break down the sideline. Momentum stalled for Albany as RPI dynamic duo would add 14 points off of two Talifirro tries and 2 Stolle conversions. Albany’s Dylan Gandy would add a late score for Albany. Albany coach John Durant’s was impressed with RPI”s level of play “10 and 8 completely controlled the game. RPI played hard and deserved the win. My boys were had good preparation coming into the game but were mentally out of it after Stolle’s first score. We mad a ton of offensive mistakes that cost us dearly.”

Stolle’s 4 conversions ,penalty kick and a try gave him 12 points on the nigh but could not match his running mate, Taglifirro’s hat trick of 3 tries for a 15 point total.

Albany Notes: Albany takes to the road this Saturday for a combined practice and scrimmage with the IVY’s Brown University. The Danes’s are using this rigorous pre league schedule to prepare for their inaugural season in the newly formed East Coast Rugby Conference.