June Election Results Are In!
Your 2020-2021 season officers are listed below. Congratulations to everyone! An additional non-voting position was added to the E-board this year; Club Secretary.
Eboard:
Club President: Mike Blimmel
Club VP: Mike “Moose” Anderson
Club Treasurer: Rachel “Sloth” Priddy
Club Secretary: Colin Gotimer
Mens Team P-Board:
President: Nick Stratchko
Governor: Derek Swayze
Treasurer: Will Paul
Match Secretary: Joe “Spaceman Joe” Milluzzo
Field and Equipment: Mark “Farmer Mark” Farmer
Social Chair: Omar Ledezma
Social Media Managers: Sam “Hot Pants” Leone and Rich Maldonado
Captain: Erik “Punchy” Dronberger
Womens Team V-Board:
President: Shanna Davidson
VP: Katie Marshall
Treasurer: Kate Todorovich
Field and Equipment: Rayne Trouwborst
Match Secretary: Sammi Bottorf
Social Chair: Lindsay Morris
Social Media Manager: Lenni Ferreira
Alumni Relations: Casey Hartzell
Captains: Kate Todorovich and Tina Schafer
Club President: Mike Blimmel
Club VP: Mike “Moose” Anderson
Club Treasurer: Rachel “Sloth” Priddy
Club Secretary: Colin Gotimer
Mens Team President: Nick Stratchko
Womens Team President: Shanna Davidson
Mens Team Governor: Derek Swayze
Womens Team VP: Katie Marshall
Mens Team Treasurer: Will Paul
Womens Team Treasurer:
Kate Todorovich
Mens Team Match Secretary: Joe “Spaceman Joe” Milluzzo
Womens Team Match Secretary: Sammi Bottorf
Mens Team Field and Equipment: Mark “Farmer Mark” Farmer
Womens Team Field and Equipment: Rayne Trouwborst
Mens Team Social Chair: Omar Ledezma
Womens Team Social Chair: Lindsay Morris
Mens Team Social Media Manager: Sam “Hot Pants” Leone
Mens Team Social Media Manager: Rich Maldonado
Womens Team Social Media Manager:
Lenni Ferreira
Womens Team Alumni Relations: Casey Hartzell
Mens Team Captain: Erik “Punchy” Dronberger
Womens Team Captain: Tina Schafer
Womens Team Captain:
Kate Todorovich
Banquet and Hall of Fame Induction 2019-20
Another year, another banquet, another night of ruffians remembering rugby riffraff while singing and sliding and slurring through speeches. With 120 people in attendance, it was the largest group at the Hella’s location for banquet and the staff certainly won’t forget it. Every time this group of people grabs each other and starts belting out “Let Me Let Me Let Me Let Me!” it’s hard not to get nostalgic and allow the feelings of pride (and shame) well-up for at least one night of the year. Where else can you go where your friends are called out for flicking off a ref (Tina), exposing their significant other for missing their first try (Aly and Brad), and for beginning a potential YAD dynasty (Sloth and Mouth)? But, ultimately, the worst offender of the year attended a social while his wife was in labor with their third child (Spaceman Joe)?!?!? It was just another Severn River Rugby banquet. That’s the only place I know where people are accepted for who they are, ridiculed appropriately for it, and then brought right back into the mix.
It was a big night. Pregnancies were announced, awards were awarded, and dignity was replaced by dancing, a photo booth, and far too observant teammates who, no matter how intoxicated they appear, never forget a thing. Oh and good news, the women’s rugby history plaque almost made it through the whole night…but that is a story for the 2021 YAD award. Hope to see you there next year. It’s a show that’s well worth the price of admission, even if the liquor costs a little extra and Natty Boh gives you the…well…you know.
Women's Awards:
MV Forward - Fallon Monroe-Migliorini
MV Back - Masha Romanchak
Unsung Hero - Aly McCarty
Rookie of the Year - Lindsay Morris
#1 Fan - Mike 'Butters' Gibson
Men's Awards:
MV Forward - Brad McCarty
MV Back - Logan Reece
Unsung Hero - Steve Long
Rookie of the Year - Daniel Wooddell
Club Awards:
YAD- Joe “Spaceman Joe” Milluzzo
Leather Balls- Milton Greenstreet and Rachel Priddy
Hall of Fame Inductees :
Charlie Dayton Dan Gotimer
Ralph Norton Marty O'Neill
Fallon Monroe-Migliorini - MV Forward
Masha Romanchak- MV Back
Aly McCarty- Unsung Hero
Lindsay Morris- Rookie of the Year
Mike Gibson- #1 Fan
Brad McCarty- MV Forward
Logan Reece- MV Back
Steve Long- Unsung Hero
Daniel Wooddell- Rookie of the Year
Joe “Spaceman Joe” Milluzzo- YAD
Milton Greenstreet- Leather Balls
Rachel Priddy - Leather Balls
Reflection on the Fall and Full Steam Ahead to the Spring
Some significant changes hit the Severn River teams this past fall. The Mid-Atlantic D2 North and South combined into one division, so the Severn River Women have faced some stiff competition earlier than in previous years. With the Northern teams added to their regular season schedule, they haven’t had to wait til playoffs to meet teams like Harrisburg on the pitch. Leadership within the women’s team has welcomed the more rigorous competition to the regular season. They believe it is making them more prepared for playoff matches, that in recent seasons past, seemed to catch the Honey Badgers a bit off-guard.
On the men’s side, they made the risky, but right, leadership decision to enter their Killer B’s side into D4 competition to accompany their D3 side. ‘To lose six of our previous starters; including a semi-pro player, maintain two full competitive teams and continually have 30+ guys at each training session was a remarkable achievement this fall’, said men’s team head coach, Dave Egar. The men are looking forward to an action-packed spring that will continue to help them grow not only as rugby players, but as excellent teammates, too.
Struggles and Victories:
The transition to club rugby from college rugby can be a tough one for players. Women’s Captain, Lenni Ferreira, however, is confident that the women are “used to the perpetual changes that come with playing club rugby” even with the “constant flow of people retiring, injuries, and new players.” Women’s Coach, Dolla Harmse, is eager for the Honey Badgers to “believe in themselves” and to remember that their greatest strength is their ability to “show up with 15 players and win with scores that reflect a 25 woman roster.”
The men’s teams had some major successes this fall with a huge win against perennial rival Rocky Gorge. Despite two unexpected losses to the Washington Irish and West Potomac, Club President, Brad McCarty is excited about the spring prospects with “ a lot of new guys coming into the fold and step up, including Daniel Wooddell, Max Bennett, and Murph Lill.”
Outlook for the Spring
With the spring season fast approaching and winter workouts well underway, the teams are ready to use their new strengths in the coming season. Early preparation that includes both trips to the weight room and the chalkboard are in the mix for the Severn Club. Women’s Coach, Kate Fitzgerald, knows that the Honey Badgers will face some challenges with new people in key positions, but expects them to adjust well as long as the team commits to increasing consistent numbers at practice (every coach’s biggest lament). The men are excited how the addition of Will Strydom to the coaching staff has impacted the already strong side. His vast knowledge and ability to complement Coach Dave’s style should bring even more players to the pitch and result in even better performances from the squad. All three teams have huge expectations for themselves and are eager to show the fans and alumni all of the effort they have put into continuing to build on the Severn River Rugby legacy.
STANDINGS:
Severn Women are in 3rd place in the D2 division after the fall season. They sit behind Doylestown who has played an additional match and Harrisburg; their only loss in the fall season.
D3 Severn Men are ranked 2nd behind Washington Irish.
D4 Severn Men are ranked 8th. Super proud to get some wins on the board for their first competitive season in D4.
2nd Annual Severn River Rugby Golf Tournament
Alumni Weekend start with a BANG….or a shotgun start as some golfers call it. Thirty-six golfers teed off Thursday @ Renditions Golf Course in Davidsonville, MD. It was 2 man scramble and the other two men or women in your group kept score. So NO CHEATING….(cough)…Ralph…(cough)…Holtzman. It was an absolute beautiful day on the course. There were plenty of winners on the day. Jeremiah Albright and Matt Griswold took the tournament. Beth Leidy; Women’s Longest Drive, Eric Jones; Men’s Longest Drive and Stephanie Browning; closest to the pin. The day ended with some drinks and prizes in the club house bar. Big thanks to all the participates.
Match Report: D4 and D3, Both Come Away Victorious Against the Renegades
The weekend started as all weekends should with a lot of rugby, after all Saturday is a rugby day. The D3 and D4 men of Severn River traveled to College Park to take on the Washington Renegades, who were looking to avenge their loss from last season. The weather was beautiful sunny and mid-60s. The D4 men were excited to kick off the doubleheader action.
Both D4 sides came ready to play with defense, hard hitting, and strong rucking/counter-rucking being the hallmark of the match. The injury bug hit Severn River hard in this match, losing Mike “Butters” Gibson, Bear Carter, and Joe “MoJo” Bennett, and exhausting their reserves before the end of the half. Undeterred by this bad luck, Severn River got on the board first with a hard run from Joe “G.I. Joe” Asselin who carried two tacklers from five meters out into the try zone, putting Severn River up 0 – 7. Just before the end of the first half, the Renegades answered with a try of their own to tie the score 7 – 7.
Early in the second half, Sever River was issued two yellow cards, playing a man down for over 15 minutes and two men down for five. The Renegades capitalized on Severn River’s mistakes to take a 14 – 7 lead. Still playing a man down, Severn River’s strong counter-rucking generated a turnover in the Renegades half, which Karl “Prop Karl” Teague exploited for a huge run, weaving his way through multiple defenders before breaking a tackle to tie the score, 14 – 14. With the score tied and only eight minutes left in the game, James “Boomer” Hester went full Beast Mode from 25 meters out, breaking multiple tackles to put Sever River up 14 – 21. For the next six minutes the ball went back and forth between teams as both teams put on a strong defensive effort. With both teams exhausted from a hard fought match, the Renegades made one final attacking push to score as time expired to bring the score to 19 – 21. However, great effort by James “Boomer” Hester and Tommy Sitar made the conversion too challenging for the Renegades to keep the final score at 19 – 21, Severn.
Final Score: Washington Renegades 19 – Severn River 21
Man of the Match: Charles “Farva” Schmidt
Tries: Hester (1), Asselin (1), Teague (1)
Conversions: Leone (2/2), Greenstreet (1/1)
Roster:
1. Charles “Farva” Schmidt
2. Joe “Spaceman” Milluzzo
3. Tommy Sitar
4. Kevin Cesky
5. Joe "MoJo” Bennett
6. Bear Carter
7. Steve Long
8. Derek Swayze
9. Milton “I’m Big in Japan” Greenstreen
10. Joe “G.I. Joe” Asselin
11. Brett “Bodhi” Wasser
12. Mike “Butters” Gibson
13. Sam “Hot Pants” Leone
14. Karlar Farley
15. Max Bennett
16. James “Boomer” Hester
17. Michael “Moose” Anderson
18. Karl “Prop Karl” Teague
Next, the 3-1 Washington Renegades hosted the 4-1 men of Severn River in D3 league match play. The Renegades were seeking revenge after Severn eliminated them from playoff contention in the last match of the season last year.
Severn River came out strong with a few back line punches from the right side. Orchestrated by Erik "Punchy" Dronberger were line breaks from Zach Lammers, Colin Gotimer and Severn's newest addition to the lineup, Murphy Lill. The Renegades would play very physical defense in this early battle for field position. A solid run from Washington's center set up a quick tap penalty within the 5 for a Renegades score. The defense of Severn forced multiple kicks that Severn would retain. One of which Dronberger charged down in a diving attempt. A bobbled line out from the Renegades was taken advantage of when Lawrence McClain cleaned up the scrum half to take possession of the ball. Securing the ruck were Aldo Batubara and Dustin Taylor and in perfect position was Brad McCarty for the pick and go try. Tied 5 - 5. The Renegades held possession for a bit, however, the defense of Severn would not budge. Textbook tackling in the line of defense stood out from Batubara, Nick Stratchko, Eddie Boyer, and Dan Wooddell. Dronberger read the defense of the Renegades who were dialed in on containing centers Lill and Boyer, leading to an open hole down the middle of the pitch. Dronberger drew a 2v1, dished it off to Rich Maldonaldo who then pop passed to Logan Reece in support, evading a defender, and touching it down in the try zone. "Punchy" converts and it is Severn River up 12 - 5 at half.
The second half showcased solid defense once again and plenty of counter rucking. The Renegades started the scoring off with a few quick tap penalties and pick and go's from the pack to tie it up 12 - 12. The powerful counter rucking from Dustin Taylor and Will Paul led to a turnover which kept Severn in the Renegades half. A great open field tackle from fullback Colin Gotimer kept the Renegades from pushing the ball towards into the try zone. Instead, Severn decided to run it out from within 5 meters. Murphy Lill shedded two tackles gaining 25 yards and setting up great field position. At the 64th minute, a set play featured Eddie Boyer taking the ball at full speed through the line of defense for the score. Punchy converts 19 - 12 Severn. The pressure from Severn River resulted in wear and tear on the Renegades as they made several substitutions. They would not score again. The offensive rush poured on when Will Paul drove his way into the try zone. Capping off the day was a play from Mike Blimmel, drawing 3 defenders and offloading to Stratchko for a score.
Final Score: Severn River 33- Renegades 12
Man of the Match:
#5 - Brad McCarty
#11 - Logan Reece
Tries: McCarty-1, Reece-1, Boyer-1, Paul-1, Stratchko-1
Conversions: Dronberger 4/5
Roster:
1. Dustin Taylor
2. Aldo Batubara
3. Richard Maldonado
4. Will Paul
5. Brad McCarty
6. Nick Stratchko
7. Lawrence McClain
8. Mike Blimmel
9. Dan Wooddell
10. Erik "Punchy" Dronberger
11. Logan Reece
12. Eddie Boyer
13. Murphy Lill
14. Zach Lammers
15. Colin Gotimer
16. Max Bennett
17. Sam "Hot Pants" Leone
18. Steve Long
19. Derek Swayze
Match Report: Womens Team Takes a Loss
This past weekend, the Honey Badgers took a trip to Harrisburg to play their last league game. Traveling a little light, there was definitely some nervous energy, but the team set their focus on the game and pushed forward.
Things started a little rough; Harrisburg had two line breaks resulting in two tries within the first few minutes of the first half. It was clear they had two strong ball runners and the Honey badgers set off quickly to adjust their defensive game play. The Honey Badgers were able to answer back with a try by Forward Ashley Chafin in minuet 16 followed by a successful conversion from Back Masha Romanchak. The score remained 14-7 as the Honey Badgers spent a majority of the half in Harrisburg’s side of the field. Just before half time, Harrisburg broke the line for another breakaway try, ending the half at 21-7.
The second half proved to be very similar to the first. The Honey Badgers spent most of the time in Harrisburg’s side and were just unable to finish. Harrisburg had two more breakaways ending the game at 35-7. Forward Ashley Chafin reflected on the team’s performance, noting, “We were finally truly tested on defense on Saturday. There were parts of the match where we weren’t where we needed to be on defense….without Harrisburg’s breakaways and long runs, the scoreboard would have reflected a very close game”
Back Katie Marshall remarked on the team’s performance, boasting that “our team on the field worked more cohesively and everyone had their hands on the ball and their shoulders in the rucks.” She is overall “very proud of our team’s performance and this loss just fueled the fire to work harder this winter and come out in the spring ready.”
Things did not go to plan, but Severn River is no stranger to a struggle. This team is not afraid of the uphill battle. If we face our hills now, we will chase down any team on a flat road.
Final Score: Harrisburg 35 – Severn River 7
Women of the match:
8- Kate Todorovich (Todo)
11- Lindsay Morris
Tries: Chafin- 1
Conversions: Romanchak – 1 of 1
Roster:
1 Migliorini, Fallon
2 Bottorf, Samantha
3 Davidson, Shanna (Blade)
4 Stocker, Molly (OG)
5 Ferreira, Lena (C)
6 Whiteley, Hannah (Scrappy)
7 Chafin, Ashley
8 Todorovich, Kathryn (Todo)
9 Romanchak, Maria (Masha)
10 Bryan, Charlee
11 Morris, Lindsay
12 Hartzell, Casey (C)
13 McCarty, Alyson
14 Trouwborst, Rayne
15 Marshall, Kaitlyn
16 McAlister, Meredith
25 Wachtel, Zoi
24 Murray, Jess
22 Hensley, Lauren
21 Villaran, Denisse
18 Stants, Calla
20 Fitzgerald, Katie
23 Gallagher-Johnson, Erin
Match Report: Severn Men D3 and D4
Gorge week. The mentality was different when preparing against division rivals Rocky Gorge. The men of Severn River marked their calendars after Gorge eliminated Severn in the first round of playoffs in early 2019. The matches have been tighter and tighter as the contests go on. Tuesdays and Thursdays are the precedent for what makes Saturday a rugby day... And this past Saturday felt like a revenge game.
Severn River came out firing as Rich Maldonado retained the kickoff and added an angling run down the defense. A few pick and go's had Severn knocking on the doorstep but solid defense by Gorge kept themselves out from behind their own 22. Things settled down for a bit as both teams kicked for field position. However, Gorge could not secure an early line out with constant disruption from the lifted Nick Stratchko and Aldo Batubara. After back and forth possessions Severn would strike first. It began with a streaking line break at full speed from fullback Colin Gotimer, setting up a pick and go try from the supporting (cousin) Harry Gotimer. After scoring first, Severn turned it on. Within 7 minutes was a 50 yard gain from the back line. In support were wingers Zach Lammers and Logan Reece from an offload by Colin Gotimer. Forward play continued as Dustin Taylor, Brad McCarty, and Will Paul continuously secured the rucks while smash ball was presented. Batubara received the ball at speed and kept his legs churning for another try. 10-0 Severn. The defense of Severn was at its peak, not giving up much ground and making big tackles when needed. A few penalties later Severn was driving up the pitch. Erik "Punchy" Dronberger juked his way through the line of Gorge and laid down a beautiful dribbling grubber from the 22. The ball skipped its way towards the corner of the try zone. Quickly appearing was Colin Gotimer darting down the sideline. Racing past two defenders, Gotimer got under the ball and touched it down for the try. Dronberger converts and the score at half is Severn 17, Rocky Gorge 0.
The second half began with a quick knock on from Gorge played on by the backs of Severn River. Gorge was again on their back foot when Eddie Boyer broke through the back line, stampeding through three tacklers for a 20 yard try. Dronberger converts 24-0. If you blinked, you might've missed Lawrence McClain sprinting onto a crash ball from scrumhalf Dan Wooddell directly after kickoff. McClain took it 60 yards through two defenders and found the corner of the try zone to increase to the lead to 29-0 Severn. Gorge had enough. They would fight back with the weapons they had both inside and on the wing. Through broken play and quick phases, Rocky Gorge mounted a 19 point comeback within 15 minutes of play. Both sides were slowing down and making substitutions yet the next 20 minutes were the most important. Down the stretch Severn was within the 22 of Gorge where Dronberger put down another kick but took a tough hit from two defenders, drawing a penalty. A perfectly executed line out within 5 meters set up a maul and Mike Blimmel would drive it through for a significant try to make it 34-19. The defense of Severn would hold up just enough, giving up one more try and a conversion to make the final score Severn River 34 Rocky Gorge 26.
This win broke a 7 year spell against Rocky Gorge. Severn takes on the 3-1 Washington Renegades next week away.
Man of the Match:
1 - Dustin Taylor
11 - Logan Reece
Tries:
Harry Gotimer, Aldo Batubara, Colin Gotimer, Eddie Boyer, Lawrence McClain, Mike Blimmel
Conversions:
Dronberger 2/6
Roster:
1. Dustin Taylor
2. Aldo Batubara
3. Richard Maldonado
4. Will Paul
5. Brad McCarty
6. Nick Stratchko
7. Lawrence McClain
8. Mike Blimmel
9. Dan Wooddell
10. Erik "Punchy" Dronberger
11. Logan Reece
12. Harry Gotimer
13. Eddie Boyer
14. Zach Lammers
15. Colin Gotimer
16. Steve Long
17. Murphy Lill
18. Derek Swayze
19. Omar Ledezma
20. Sam "Hot Pants" Leone
The Severn River Men's D4 team hosted a makeup match against the Patuxent River Lions on Saturday looking to improve their record to 2-1 in the Fall season. The men were facing a hungry Patuxent River side who were looking to move to 4-0 on the season. It was a perfect day for rugby, with highs in the 60s and the sun shining throughout the match. Both squads took the pitch ready for a hard hitting match.
Patuxent River started the scoring off early with great play from their backline putting up three tries in the first 20 minutes to take a 0-17 lead. At the 24’ mark, Steve Long put Severn River on the board with a great one step cut to score their first try. Patuxent River’s backs quickly answered with another try to put the score at 5-24. The Severn River machine awoke near the end of the first half with strong mauls and great ball distribution to setup two trys for scrumhalf Milton “I’m Big in Japan” Greenstreet. Going into the second half the Severn River squad was in striking distance, down 19-24. Continued strong play by Sever River had the ball inside the Patuxent River 5 meter mark when Joe “Spaceman” Milluzzo broke the line on a flat pass from Milton for their third score of the day, pulling ahead 26-24. Sustained strong play by Patuxent River’s backline and tough Severn River penalties saw Patuxent River pull ahead 26-51. Severn River refused to quit with James “Boomer” Hester breaking multiple tackles to add one last score. In the end, the effort wasn’t enough as Severn fell 33-51.
New Sponsor: Proformance Sports Rehab & Nutrition
We are extremely excited to welcome Proformance Sports Rehab & Nutrition as a new sponsor. They will be handling pregame taping and sideline injury assessment as well as physical therapy for the team. This winter Severn River Rugby will be heading into their facility for some nutrition counseling, performance & conditioning programs and injury risk analysis.
The Team: Anthony Acevedo and Branden Cohen
Tony is a local leader in the wellness field. Tony has 2 master’s degree’s along with 16 years of Fitness experience. Tony has demonstrated his knowledge of nutrition, and movement science to his current clients, and backed it up with a highly successful local gym. Branden by trade is a physical therapist, and a movement enthusiast by nature. Branden has spent the last eight years of his career amassing knowledge regarding movement and sport specific treatment.
Catch them on the sideline during the Alumni matches on Saturday, 10/26.
Match Report: What Other River?
Match Report Sponsored by Proformance Sports Rehab & Nutrition
The day started a little chilly; there was a hint of fall in the air. The day ended when the lights came on at the bars; there was more than a hint of beers had. In between, there was rugby, a lot of it! The women were happy to kick off the Severn River double header with a home match against a fellow River team, James River.
The action started quickly with a try from Charlee Bryan four minutes into the first half and it did not slow down after that. Realizing quickly that James River had a lot of their defensive strength in the forwards, the Honey badgers adjusted and the majority of trys were made in the backs. Forwards Erin Gallagher-Johnson and Kate Todorovich put in the legwork with beautiful ball running and connections with the back line.
In the second half, the Honey badgers set a goal to focus on defense. Captain Casey Hartzell explains, “[Defense] is something we have been focusing on for the last couple of seasons, so it’s great to see us finally putting that into action and it working out.” The extra focus on defense paid off as Forward Kate Todorovich noted, “Our defense against James River was strong and it made it difficult for them to make constant forward motion.”
As the game went on, the Honey Badgers tacked a few more trys onto the board. Back Aly McCarty was sent off in minute 44 with a yellow but came back determined, energized, and promising to play by the rules, touching down a try just minutes after her reentry. Back Katie Marshall provided essential support to her fellow backs, being in position for offloads and quick balls out.
The game ended 47-7, improving the Honey Badgers season to 4-0. Back Aly McCarty was proud of the game, especially the defensive push by the team, and explains, “If we can keep that momentum going, we’ll be in a great spot for the rest of the season.”
The Honey Badgers will have a bye weekend on 10/12, and will close out their fall season with an away game against Harrisburg on 10/19.
Final Score: 47 - 7
Women of the match:
8- Erin Gallagher-Johnson
13- Aly McCarty (Big A)
Tries:
Bryan- 1, Whiteley- 1, Romanchak- 2, Paul- 1, Todorovich- 1, McCarty- 3
Conversions: Romanchak – 1 of 9
Roster:
1 Migliorini, Fallon
2 Davidson, Shanna (Blade)
3 Todorovich, Kathryn (Todo)
4 Stocker, Molly (OG)
5 Ferreira, Lena (C)
6 Hickok, Stephanie
7 Whiteley, Hannah (Scrappy)
8 Gallagher-Johnson, Erin
9 Romanchak, Maria (Masha)
10 Bryan, Charlee
11 Paul, Tiffany
12 Hartzell, Casey (C)
13 McCarty, Alyson
14 Lockhart, Marie (Malie)
15 Marshall, Kaitlyn
16 Wachtel, Zoi
17 Chafin, Ashley
18 Priddy, Rachel (Sloth)
19 Morris, Lindsay
20 Murray, Jess
21 McAlister, Meredith
Match Report: Severn River DIII Drops a Heartbreaker to Irish
It was a sunny and 70-degree beautiful day of rugby this past Saturday when the 3-0 men of Severn River hosted the 3-0 Washington Irish. These two teams played in what felt like a playoff environment. The men fought hard but only one team could come out undefeated.
The Irish started the scoring off early with a long phased attack but Severn would eventually answer. After many line breaks and power running offense, Severn pressured the Irish to play defense within their own 22 for much of the match. However, the Irish sent plenty of kicks overhead to force a game of field position. Bend but don’t break defense by the Irish would only work for so long as Richard Maldonado cracked through the defense on a pick and go for the try. Severn had a tough time taking down the prop of the Irish as he broke a run and set up the next try for the backs. Soon after kickoff Severn would find their way into the Irish 22 once again in a game of field position. The field position was fueled by the commanding duo of scrumhalf Dan Wooddell and Flyhalf Erik “Punchy” Dronberger. The rest was left for the athleticism from Aldo Batubara, Lawrence McClain, and Quinn Freeman with several line breaks all day. A quick tap penalty by Dronberger tied the game 10-10 at half.
The Irish came out firing again in the second half with a few breakthrough runs and two tries on the wing plus a conversion making it 22-10. Severn had control over the line outs today and it paid off when Aldo Batubara scooped up a batted ball within 5 meters and touched it down to add to his tallying try total. A few high tackles later and several yards gained from mauls was Derek Swayze with a smashing run at speed for his first try of D3 rugby, making it 20-27 Irish with 5 minutes remaining. The crowd was roaring and the field was shaking as Severn retained position for the last minute of play. Eddie Boyer bullied the defense for a line break and dished it out to Maldonado for a 40 yard try in expired time.... However, beneath the clamor of the fans and the celebrations of the players was a controversial forward pass call, ending the match at 20-27 Irish.
Final score: Severn River 20 - Washington Irish 27
Tries: Rich Maldonaldo, Erik Dronberger, Aldo Batubara, Derek Swayze
Conversions: Erik Dronberger - 0/4
League Leader Notes
Points
(1st) Erik Dronberger – 56, (Tied 3rd) Eddie Boyer – 25, (Tied 3rd) Aldo Batubara – 25
Tries
(Tied 1st) Eddie Boyer – 5, Aldo Batubara – 5