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Call it home advantage or call it what it is – an exciting start of a new season.
In the anticipated match-up of Syracuse vs. Brockport, the final score was Syracuse 23 Brockport 22. The halftime score was not what you might have expected with Brockport leading 22-10.
“The first half was great because we dominated with possession,” said Damian Flint of the Brockport Doggies. “Our forwards dominated well, especially in the ruck. The second half we were defending the whole time, the penalties were against us and we didn’t get any ball in the second half.”
Syracuse slotted a penalty kick in the last four minutes of the game that granted them the win. Inside center Dominic Rucci kicked all their points and tries were scored by Dan Corcoran, Rob Stabile and Derrick Chafin.
Tough bite for the Doggies, but a good win for Syracuse who have been working extra-hard this preseason to gain national attention and achieve their club goal of competing in the collegiate championships.
“We played hard. We’ve been working hard and things came to fruition today,” Syracuse president Rich Gallina told ARN.
Another close win in upstate New York as Albany beat Binghamton 16–15. At the mid-way mark the Danes were trailing 15-10.
“I thought Albany played well their first game out, but Binghamton’s backs were a tough match,” says coach John Durant of Albany. “We were able to knock over some penalty kicks to take the win.”
Three of those penalty kicks and a conversion came from Jack Reisman and a try from senior prop Mike Somma.
Buffalo played Cortland at home on a muggy Saturday and were able to stay cool and comfortable with a decisive 52-3 victory. The Cortland team may have not weathered the heat as well, as they appeared to be not as fit as Buffalo who were able to dominate the lineouts.
Buffalo played a balanced game with the forwards scoring four tries and the backs touching down five. Both units were able to control their opposites. Try-scorers were Kamil Patel, Mike McGuire (an ARN All-American), and Kevin McKenna with a 40 meter try late in the game.
“It was a great start for us. There’s always room for improvement, but that is what you learn from your first game. Our opponents played very aggressive, and we know we have a hard season in front of us,” said Mickey McGuire, Buffalo’s head coach.
In a late score reported to ARN, Cornell beat Canisius 25-10. Canisius’ tries were scored by outside center Mike McNamra and wing Matt Lalonde, however, Canisius is expected to lodge a petition with the league in regards to some of the refereeing decisions.
"Both teams should be commended on hustle and quality of play for two young teams,” said Canisus coach Ryan Falgiano.
