Sirkia Kicks Middlebury Past Albany

Courtsy of Rugby Magazine

Written by Alex Goff Saturday, 08 October 2011 22:34

Sirkia Kicks Middlebury Past Albany
Middlebury claimed a hard-won victory 29-22 over SUNY Albany Saturday, coming back from a 17-12 deficit to win.

The Vermont school has been hit hard by injuries and struggled with keeping it together on a hot, 80-degree day.

They also struggled with scoring tries, but were fortunate to have scrumhalf Brian Sirkia there to kick goals. Sirkia notched four penalties in the first half to tries by Albany prop Tyler Coyle, wing Brian Cordero and No. 8 Antony Russo. Center Dan McNammara added a conversion for the 17-12 lead at halftime.

But Middlebury stormed out of the gates in the second half, pinning Albany in their end and forcing Albany into more penalties. Sirkia was good on four more to put his side ahead 24-17 with 15 minutes to go.

“After the game I asked Brian, ‘what did you say to them?’” said Middlebury Head Coach John Phillips. “Somebody said something because we were just more intense – we rucked better and tackled much better.”

With 15 minutes to go sub flanker Sam Murray inserted into the backline and ran a smart angle to score Middlebury’s only try of the match to make it 29-17.

Albany tried to come back, and scored a try through sub prop Justin Barends, but it wasn’t enough.

It was a game where the teams held dominance in different areas, but Middlebury emerged winners because they didn’t commit penalties, Albany did, and Sirkia’s kicking was almost perfect.

“Middlebury’s patience and discipline carried them throughout the game,” said Albany Head Coach John Durant.

SUNY Albany Holds Off BC

Written by Alex Goff Saturday, 01 October 2011 12:17

SUNY Albany Holds Off BC
SUNY Albany edged Boston College 19-18 Friday in the opening East Coast Rugby Conference match for both college teams.

Played on the artificial turf field at Amesbury Sports Park, and finished under the lights, the match was a tight one all the way.

BC dominated early play, scoring through Jake O'Brien and Kyle McVicker at 16 and 20 minutes, respectively. Up 10-0, the Eagles perhaps through they'd roll. But several attacks close to the Albany tryline ended with knock-ons, and let off the hook, the New Yorkers came back.

Adrian Newell ran in two tries later in the first half, the second converted by Daniel McNamara for a 12-10 lead. BC's John Casey clotted a penalty with six minutes left in the half to put his side up 13-12 at the break.

That slim lead lasted well into the second half as both sides played aggressive rugby but couldn't claim any points for their efforts. Late in second half, Albany turned over ball after a BC attack, and countered. Sean Kimmins touched down for the try, and McNamara's conversion gave Albany a 19-13 lead with time winding down.

Seven minutes later BC responded with a try of their own, with sub John Potapchuk claiming the score in the corner. Casey had a tough conversion attempt to take the lead and his effort drifted wide.

As the game came to a close, BC got a penalty, but Casey was no good with the attempt, and Albany held on 19-18.