Doylestown Rugby Football Club News – November 4, 2024
Men’s Team
Saturday, November 2, 2024, was a perfect day for rugby. It was not too hot, nor was it too cold. There was just the right amount of wind. The Doylestown Rugby Club Men’s Team was eager to keep the winning streak alive. Going into this home match, the Dragons knew it would be an uphill battle. The opponent, Old Gaelic, sits at the top of the Division 2 Men’s bracket, whereas Doylestown is number 6.
At the sound of the whistle, the Dragons kicked off and the match was underway. Both teams wanted this victory. Neither team wanted to give up possession. Everyone fired up on defense. However, it was the Dragons who came out and put the first score on the board. After some nice ball movement, Brian Stella weaved through the defense and touched down the ball for the first try of the match. Fionn O’Toole’s successful conversion gave the Dragons a 7-0 lead early in the match. This back-and-forth battle went on the entire first half, but the Dragons went into halftime down 12-19 after a try by Matt Frederick.
The halftime speech was simple, “do your jobs and we can win this”. Neither team took its foot off the pedal. Kevin Hockings was able to score, with Breck Zwanch making the conversion. However, no matter how hard the Dragons fought, Old Gaelic wanted to prove they were at the top of the bracket for a reason. Unfortunately, the Dragons came up short and the final score was Doylestown 19 – Old Gaelic 34. The Man of the Match was awarded to Breck Zwanch and Kevin McCormack was awarded the Hard Hat of the Match.
The Dragons are going into their final week of practice for the fall this Tuesday and Thursday at 7:00 p.m. to prepare for another challenging and highly-ranked opponent, North Bay. The final match of this fall will be against North Bay on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at the Dragon’s home pitch, the Maennerchor Field in Doylestown. All are welcome and encouraged to come out and support the Dragons. Kick-off is at 1:00 p.m.
High School and Middle School Girls’ Teams
On Sunday, November 3, 2024, the Doylestown Rugby Academy Girl’s Team I came up short in their semifinal match against Downingtown Girls in their pursuit of a State Championship, 12-17. Jocelyn Terry and Leah Cipollo were the try scorers. Nolah Flynn added a conversion. The team went 3-2 overall for the weekend taking 3rd place in the state. Try scorers for the weekend were Leah Cipollo (6), Jocelyn Terry (3), Sydney Haddon (3), Kayla Robinson (2), Nora Rosenburg (2), Noelle Robinson (1), Nolah Flynn (1), MJ Cashman (1), Charlie Wolfe (1), Bridget McGonigle (1), and Allie Beckenhauer (1). Flynn added 6 conversions and Cipollo added 4.
Team II took 6th in the state. They went 2-3. Try scorers were Vivian Foley (4), Maddie Rosato (2), Daisie Jurbala (2), Tessa Beckenhauer (1), Joey Sabo (1), MJ Cashman (1), Terra Beckenhauer (1), Erin DeLuca (1), and Shiane Young (1). Sabo added 2 conversions and Fiona Bonenberger and Terra Beckenhauer each made 1 conversion.
The U16 team went 1-1 on Sunday against Knightmares and Cumberland Valley. Try scorers were Terra Beckenhauer (2), Shiane Young (1), Tessa Beckenhauer (1), Mackenzie Harriet-Clay (1) and Erin DeLuca (1). Terra Beckenhauer made 2 conversions.
High School Boys’ Team
The Doylestown Rugby Academy High School Boys’ Team competed in the RugbyPA Fall 7s season for the first time ever. The team was represented by 20 players ranging from freshmen to seniors. The team attended 6 tournaments throughout the fall and compiled 16 wins and 12 losses, while battling the best teams across the state. The fall season culminated in the RugbyPA Fall 7s State Championship at Penn State Berks on Saturday, November 2, and Sunday, November 3, 2024. Doylestown entered the championship as the #5 seed based on points accumulated throughout the season. Doylestown battled through pool play on Saturday to reach the state semifinals versus LaSalle College High School on Sunday. The match was a fantastic display of 7s, as both teams played very well. LaSalle earned a 19-17 victory in a fast-paced back-and-forth match that was not decided until the final whistle. The team now takes a short break and then turns its attention to the Spring 15s rugby season with practices beginning in mid-January on Sundays. Doylestown Rugby offers tackle rugby in the spring for boys and girls in grades 5-12. The club always welcomes new players. Please learn more at https://doylestownrugby.com/academy/
For more information about Doylestown Rugby Football Club, go to www.doylestownrugby.com
