By Richie Price

ON Saturday, April 14, the Lansdowne Rugby Club beat a game South Buffalo side by a final score of 27-10 to become New York State Division 3 champions. The victory sets up a possible all-Irish encounter with Boston Irish Wolfhounds “C” in the Northeast Regionals to be held on April 28.

The match began slowly as the forwards on both sides seemed to be feeling each other out by attempting numerous phases. Despite neither team making huge territorial gains, South Buffalo’s forwards were very effective in controlling the lion’s share of possession.

However, Lansdowne began to settle down and inch their way into South Buffalo territory. The Irish side’s efforts paid off handsomely as, in the 11th minute, a penalty was called against the visitors. The attempt at goal, from 30 meters out, was successful, as Cork’s own Johnny Coghlan gave the home side a 3-0 lead.

The advantage was short-lived, however, as the formidable South Buffalo defense proved to be effective in keeping Lansdowne back on their heels. An errant Lansdowne pass was intercepted by a resourceful Buffalo back who touched down unscathed in the in-goal. The unconverted try gave the visitors a 5-3 lead.

The score seemed to act as a wake-up call for the Irishmen, who began to ruck with great purpose. The commitment seemed to pay off as player-coach Gavin Butler touched down in the in-goal off of some thunderous running on his part.

However, the referee claimed that a defender had placed his arm between the ball and the ground, thereby nullifying the try. Lansdowne, smelling blood, retained the ball in a five-meter scrum. Inside center Butler sent a lovely pass to winger Coghlan who subsequently touched down in the corner of the in-goal. The unconverted try in the 26th minute gave the Bhoys an 8-5 advantage.

The Lansdowne momentum continued as the Irish forwards managed to produce clean ball for their backline counterparts, leading to a 20 meter run by Butler. Inside center Butler offloaded to supporting winger Paul Antezzo, who promptly slammed down under the posts causing the 200-plus Lansdowne supporters to howl in jubilation.

The Coughlin converted try in the 36th minute gave the home team a 10 point lead going into the half.

The second half saw the Irishmen poised to take control of the match. In the 10th minute, a Lansdowne rolling maul down the middle of the pitch traveled 30 meters and deep into Buffalo territory. As the maul became a ruck, fly half Jack Dooley peeled off from 10 meters out and slammed down in the corner of the in-goal.

The unconverted try gave Lansdowne a 20-5 advantage. The action went nip and tuck for the next 20 minutes, and each side demonstrated some clever play and excellent defense.

In the 30th minute, Buffalo launched an up-and-under kick to midfield. Replacement center Brian Galligan caught the ball and powered his way through several defenders until finally being tackled on the 10-meter line. The subsequent ruck buried the ball, giving a scrum to the attacking team, Lansdowne.

Number 8 Brian Fingleton peeled off the scrum and offloaded beautifully to flanker Delf King. King and prop Luis Berroteran combined forces to bully their way into the in-goal, promptly slamming down in the corner. Replacement winger Smooch Delaney converted the try, giving the Irishmen a 27-5 lead.

However, South Buffalo still had plenty of fight left in them and began a forceful attack. Their solid defense forced an errant pass by Lansdowne which was intercepted by a South Buffalo back.

A lovely up-and-under to the Lansdowne five meter line led to an infringement by the home team. South Buffalo took full advantage and promptly slammed home a try.

The injury time score finalized the numbers at 27-10. The final whistle signaled a wild celebration by the Lansdowne players and supporters, led by super fan Irene Delaney, which lasted late into the night.

Co-men of the match were lock Manus O’Sullivan and flanker Delf King, who were massive. Special mention goes to center Gavin Butler, out half Jack Dooley, hooker Brendan Garrone, props Mark Maher and Luis Berroteran, lock Vili Vakasikivala, number 8 Brian Fingleton and winger Johnny Coughlan.

The players would like to thank all of the spectators for their support, particularly virgin supporter Rory Kilfeather. Next up for Lansdowne is the Northeast Regionals on April 28 in Boston against either the Boston Irish Wolfhounds “C,” the Middlesex Barbarians or Danbury RFC.

Lansdowne practices are held in Van Cortlandt Park on 245th Street and Broadway across from Dr. Gillbert’s Cafe every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 p.m. Interested players of any age and experience can contact Lansdowne at www.lansdownerfc.com, or email lansdowne@hotmail.com. Phone number is 914-584-4541. Those interested are also welcome to just come on down.