October 10, 2016
Binghamton University Men’s Rugby Edges Fordham
Logos: Binghamton and Fordham Rugby
Doug Coil
On Sunday October 9th, in a battle between the Empire Rugby Conference first and second seeds, Binghamton Men’s Rugby edged Fordham 11-10 on a late penalty kick.
The Binghamton Devils controlled the ball in Fordham’s territory for the majority of the first 20 minutes. The Devils then scored the first points of the match as fly half Brandon Healy slotted a penalty kick for a 3-0 lead. On the restart, Binghamton pressured Fordham’s defense and after an attack by the forwards, lock Jason McKenna went in for a try and a 8-0 lead.
Fordham responded to the 8 point deficit with some offense of their own. The Rams scored a try from a scrum by eight man James Basile and Nate Fisher converted to narrow the score to 8-7. A Binghamton penalty late in the half, gave Fordham an opportunity to take the lead and Nate Fisher slotted the penalty goal to give the Rams a 10-8 lead prior to halftime.
The second half was a defensive battle with both teams having good ball movement, but the defenses up to the task. Numerous penalties by both sides also prevented either side from gaining momentum.
The Rams overcame a yellow card to flanker Max Zhitnik, but after returning to full strength, Binghamton took the lead 11-10 after a 30-meter penalty kick from Brandon Healy in the 75th minute.
Fordham had one last opportunity as they stole Binghamton possession in the line out, but their attack faltered. Credit Binghamton’s defense in the waning minutes as the Devils secured the win.
Binghamton Devils captain Pierce Butler said after the match that, “The game was really tight and gritty the entire 80 minutes. Because of the rough weather, it was difficult for the backs to get much offense going, so our forwards really stepped up muscling the Fordham pack around the field all day. We have some things we know we need to work on, but I’m glad we were able to stay composed and come away with the victory despite being down close to the final whistle.”
Next weekend, the Devils travel to Brockport for another crucial match, as only two games remain in the season. The Fordham Rams play at Stony Brook on Friday.
Fordham’s Man of the Match was Lock Dan O’Brien, who overcame injury and stole multiple line outs from Binghamton on the day.
B Side Match
With both teams having extra players, the teams played three 30-minute periods. Fordham’s Killer Bs continuted their undefeated season with a 28-15 victory over Binghamton. Devils hooker Stephen Ambrosino scored two tries and prop Ewart Green touched down another. Fordham flyhalf Finn McCarrick earned B-Side Man of the Match.
