NSRFC 0 Portland RFC 60?

May 10, 2003
The trip to Portland wasn't victorious but will hopefully serve as a learning experience. Portland's execution, spacing, and support are something that North Shore can use as an example of a higher level of rugby.

Playing against a Division II side, NSRFC fell behind quickly on the scoreboard but held their own in loose play. Unfortunately, two of our more experienced players (Capt. Chris LeBlanc-Smith and Prop Danny Forsythe) succumbed to injuries, and while Dave Shannon and Liam Brady filled in admirably, the damage had been done.

The majority of the scoring in the game took place on overloads where Portland loose forwards joined the back line and North Shore did not match the numbers across the field. It has been a consistent theme when playing more experienced sides, lacking that balance between committing numbers to breakdowns and covering across the field.

To Des' dismay, there was quite a bit of high tackling and missed tackling. However, there was no quit in North Shore, and no lack of fitness.

There were pockets of good play which were sandwiched in between Portland scores, and as a result, no momentum was created . The play of North Shore's forwards should not be overlooked, as they battled a strong pack all day.
Coach's comments:

Cam played a good game as did Swann and Thibault tackling and takin' it to them ….all three. Tony B. for commitment to the team ( was not accepting of the opposition intimidation !!) and played well in the loose. Jesse Brewer went hunting in the second half for the "egg-shaped " object and those who carried it! Martin and Wes played well under extreme pressure. Nobody gave up!!

First XV
1 - D Forsythe (D Shannon)
2 - D Shannon (R Morrison)
3 - T Moloney
4 - M Swan
5 - T Buonaugurio (L Brady)
6 - C LeBlanc-Smith (T Buonaugurio)
7 - C Williams
8 - K Spinale
9 - W Darwin
10 - M Mahoney
11 - E Cushing (D Hardy)
12 - M Thibault
13 - D Hemmerly-Brown
14 - J Brewer
15 - R Moran

B Side 15- Portland B 29

The B side match was much more of a close match, with scores by Martin Mahoney, Dylan Hardy (first one.. congrats!!!), and Matt Thibault keeping the game close. The game was a bit more ragged but also had more inside play.

Chad Horn had his first match and played very well, battling overloads and arrogant opponents and contributing to Dylan's try by crashing into Portland's "fullback" enabling Dylan to scoop the ball up.

The game was contested right to the final whistle and got Kenny fired up on the sideline. Des even said one part of the game "almost looked like real rugby".... that is no small feat.

All in all a good day of rugby and definitely a learning experience. We have the

Lineup (I think)
1 - J West
2 - M Richard
3 - D McKenzie
4 - L Brady
5 - C Williams
6 - M Thibault
7 - R Morrison
8 - J Dole
9 - G del Puerto
10 - R Moran
11 - D Hardy
12 - M Mahoney
13 - J Brewer
14 - C Horn
15 - E Cushing