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.