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Some fared much better than others under the circumstances, and some left the field feeling soaked.
In an unforeseen upset, Binghamton beat the top-placed Syracuse 13-5, with the half time score remaining the same throughout the contest. With 20 mile an hour mile winds and a steady, constant rain, it was a sloppy game of rugby – in the literal sense with a mud-slicked pitch. Binghamton's performance, however, was clean and smooth.
“It was a game of running,” Jonathan McGovern told ARN. “I have to give it up to our seniors, Syracuse couldn’t keep up with our breakaways.”
When asked if they were excited about the win, McGovern replied, “Oh yeah, we’re smiling.”
Also smiling this week, whether it be from their win over Cornell, or their now tied ranking with Syracuse - was Buffalo. The final score was 31-7.
Buffalo players were given a chance to fly, while some were reserved and preserved for next week’s playoffs. Try-scorers included flyhalf Kevin McKenna, Nick Impazio, and center Kyle Larson.
And in the game of the week, the third spot was determined with Brockport earning its seat at the table with a victory over Albany, 40-14.
Leading try-scorers for the Doggies were steadfast Damian Flint and scrum captain Chris Ketior.
When head coach of the Doggies Mike Hodgins was asked if he was excited about going to the playoffs, he had this to say; “We got the win, and we’re going. Now it is time to concentrate on getting prepped and focusing.”
Although the Albany Danes were dethroned, they deserve a bow. “I thought our guys played hard this year, and they played hard the entire game this week,” John Durant told ARN. “We ended last year in Division II around the third spot, and were close to the same in Division I.”
What that proves is that Albany is not going anywhere and we’ll need to keep our eyes on them next season.
Cortland played Canisius in the other game of the round (score not reported).
Standings (unofficial):
Syracuse (6-1)
Buffalo (6-1)
Brockport (5-2)
Binghamton (4-3)
Albany (3-4)
Cortland (2-5)
Cornell (1-5)
Canisius (0-6)
