NSRFC 62 - New London County 0
May 24, 2003 - Lynn, MA

Coach - Desmond Crowley
Ref - Gus del Puerto

First XV
Tom Moloney - Reade Morrison - Dave Shannon (Jeff West) - Kevin Donovan - Mark Swan - Chris LeBlanc-Smith - Tony Buonaugurio - Kenny Spinale 
Wes Darwin - Martin Mahoney - Jesse Brewer (Chad Horn blood sub) - Matt Thibault - Rob Moran - Dan Hemmerly-Brown - Rich DePiero
Social support - (Liam Brady, Jesse Wilson, Eric Cushing, Steve Moloney, Dan Solomon, John Maggazu)  

Coming off a lopsided loss to Portland two weeks earlier, NSRFC wanted to come out strong and make an early statement against New London. The visiting club from Connecticut was in the same situation North Shore experienced last year with few subs and some inexperienced players. Not to be lost in the score was New London's effort, fighting right to the final whistle and threatening throughout. By no means did the score tell the whole story.
North Shore was able to capitalize on New London's mistakes and play a mostly solid game, scoring regularly from set pieces and loose play. On the flip side, the home team's defense kept New London bottled up for most of the day. There were a few odd breaks where the visitors threatened but only two instances where the try line was approached.

On one chance, Chad Horn used his late playing time well in knocking the ball loose from New London's 8-Man as he approached the try zone, resulting in a scrum. On the other threat, a serious goal-line stand kept the visitors from scoring as the end of the game approached. North Shore held their ground on many New London advances before finally getting out of trouble with a kick. This maintained the shutout as the game would end 62-0.
ALL of North Shore's forwards played well in the loose, hitting opponents and running with the ball. Kenny Spinale had strong runs (often receving kickoffs and driving back into the opponent's pack), as well as Dave Shannon and Chris LeBlanc-Smith making punishing runs. Support was there throughout the day as NSRFC found open space to gain field position.

The backline was able to overcome some wet conditions to move the ball well and find gaps in the visiting defense. Martin Mahoney led the way with some knifing runs, as well as dishing the ball to T-Bo for some hard crashes. Overall most of the backs saw the ball on a regular basis and contained New London's opposite numbers.

Scoring for NSRFC were Reade (2-first two of the game?) on opportunistic plays in the loose, T-Bo refusing to be tackled as he stiff-armed his way to the try zone twice, Big Tom rumbling from close range, Martin, DHB, El Capitane, Rich (it will never matter how much we tell him not to kick) , and two for Rob (doing my best impression of a center).

The highlight of the game had to be actually implementing "the drill", and spinning the opposition to expose the ball.... all doubts put to rest that it could actually happen!

All in all a great day, with what seem to be the best weather conditions for our club (cold and rainy) and some brave crowd support. A great way to end the regular spring season and head into the Bull Moose tourney.