Brockport's Travis Pufpaff en route to try (Lynda Hodgins photo)

A month into the conference schedule, the leaders are taking shape in New York State. Syracuse and Buffalo are yet to be defeated.

The Hammerheads of Syracuse declared a win against Canisius College 71-0, dominating the pitch the entire game.

“Canisius has been stricken by a serious injury bug and we lost a well played match by Syracuse 71-0. Syracuse should be commended on their play and sportsmanship,” said Ryan Falgiano of Canisius. “We have had a high turnover. I am playing a lot of new players that have little experience but we continue to improve and look forward to the rest of the season.”

The referees noticed by calling the match sixty-five minutes in. The two undefeated teams of the conference are scheduled to play an anticipated game of rugby next week.

After next week, someone, either Buffalo or Syracuse won’t have a spotless record. But this week isn’t next week.

Buffalo hung on to the top spot beating Albany 20-15. Halftime score 20-0.

Buffalo started strong, scoring at the 5 minute mark with a try from flanker Anthony Prohaska, then a 10-0 lead resulted from a 35 meter penalty goal from flanker Pat Bioce.

UB captain and lock Mike McGuire finished the first half scoring with a try from 10 meters out off a strong effort from the UB forwards in open play. In the second half Albany played strong, mistake free rugby to make a match of it.

Flanker Casey Berry got Albany on the board at the 55 minute mark, and prop Mike Tocar brought Albany within 5 with just minutes remaining. Buffalo played strong defense to run out the clock.

Albany continues to chase the leaders, and make the top teams uncomfortable by playing hard for their close losses, or shall we say their competitors’ close wins.

Elsewhere in the state, Binghamton overcame Cortland 41-27, the halftime score was 19-13 Binghamton.

“It was a hard-hitting game, more of a defensive one than anything,” said Binghamton’s Jonathan McGovern. Yet, the defensive game gave way to breakaways that resulted in points.

In the end, the Devils held it together with the help of infamous Brian Pinto, who crushed four tries.

Brockport trounced Cornell 77-7 on their home field. Next week the Doggies are scheduled to play Binghamton.

Standings (unofficial):
Buffalo (4-0)
Syracuse (4-0)
Binghamton (3-1)
Albany (2-2)
Brockport (2-2)
Cornell (1-3)
Canisius (0-4)
Cortland (0-4)