(Not really a match report - these four games didn't get reports at the time they were played)
North Shore RFC 27 MIT 5
This game was played under the lights (first ever NSRFC night game), and was a fairly sloppy affair.
Neither side was able to maintain much momentum but NSRFC took advantage of our
opportunities.
After a slow start North Shore poured it on in the second half and came
away with a decisive victory.
Tries scored: Scott Marcoulier (2T); Jesse Brewer (1T); Craig Copland (1T); Matt Thibault (1T); 1 conversion (
Rich DePeiro).
North Shore 12 Middlesex 35
Played at Amesbury Sports Park on the FieldTurf, this game didn't have the same competitiveness we usually have against Middlesex.
Missing our lineout thrower and jumper, as well as some other key players, we
were only in the game for a short time.
Martin Mahoney stole a pass and went in for a converted try and an early 7-0
lead.
After that we pretty much didn't do anything right. I'll give the other side a
little bit of credit, they did have to carry the ball over the line and kick
conversions.
Getting many penalties that lead to points, not retaining ball in the loose, on
lineouts, or scrums will pretty much seal the deal.
We got a late try from Trevor Maz to put the score line a little closer (despite
yells from the Middlesex sideline to "break his legs") but the match was well
over by that point.
North Shore 10 South Shore 39
You'd never know by the score, but this game was very competitive until the
half. South Shore jumped out to a three or four try lead. However, NSRFC
came back with a converted try and a penalty of our own and carried the
play, inspired by the smashing tackles of Chad Horn and some solid forward play.
With the score somewhere in the ballpark of 21-10, South Shore simply outplayed
us in the second half. Their experienced players capitalized on our mistakes and
penalties, and we just couldn't find a way to break through.
South Shore would eventually go on to win division III and gain promotion to
division II, with Portland being relegated.
Try: Mahoney Conversion: DePeiro
North Shore 0 Seacoast 43
Ugh. When your playoff chances are gone, and your injuries pile up, and you
face a quality opponent... something like this happens.
Seacoast ran freely through our attempted tackles all day, putting our new
sideline scoreboard to use many times.
The only bright spot in this game was a late charge by our forwards, camping on
the Seacoast try line for the last 5-10 minutes of the game. Unfortunately
we were not able to punch in a try, and were shut out.
Far from an ideal end to the season, but some positives to build on and some new
players brought into the fold.