By Richie Price

LAST Saturday, November 11, the Lansdowne Rugby Club of New York won the METNY Division 3 title by vanquishing a weakened New York Americans side to the tune of 48-7.

Despite having identical records of seven wins and one loss, Lansdowne overcame their opponents due to the primary tie-breaking method of head to head competition. The Irish side started the match by imposing their will on the undermanned Americans.

The first eight minutes saw Lansdowne push the visitors back towards their own goal by mixing up the attack between forward and back links. Delf (the try-scoring) King broke the ice by securing a loose ball off of the base of a ruck and hammering past two defenders into the in-goal.

Johnny Coghlan’s 9th minute conversion gave the Bhoys a 7-0 lead. Lansdowne upped their numbers in the 12th minute when newcomer Liam O’Connell gained possession and galloped 30 meters into the in-goal. A Coghlan conversion increased the lead to 14-0.

However, the Ameri-cans came back tolife and drove down to the Lansdowne22. Multiple phases opened up some space, and a gap was created which was exploited by the Americans’ outhalf, who touched down under the posts. The successful conversion in the 23rd minute lessened the lead to 14-7.

The visitors’ try was a wake-up call for the Irishmen, and they responded in a positive manner. Multiple phases and some creative running/passing by the backline led to a possession for center Coghlan. Corkman Coghlan touched down in the in-goal, increasing the lead to 19-7.

The home side wasn’t finished yet, as player/coach Gavin Butler thundered through the Americans’ defense and offloaded to prop Vili Vakasikivala, who demonstrated some nifty moves and slammed home, increasing the to 24-7 at the break.

The second half began as the first ended, as the Irishmen simply imposed their will on the visitors by dominating posses-sion and territory.

In the 8th minute, Coghlan sent a chip kick towards the line which was run down by outhalf Jack Dooley. Dubliner Dooley glided into the in-goal, and the try was converted by Coghlan.

The 31-7 lead became larger only moments later as James Stones got ball in hand from 15 meters out and turned the corner while beating three defenders. Westmeathman Stones’ try in the 16th minute gave Lansdowne a 36-7 lead.

The Irishmen weren’t finished scoring and kept tremendous pressure on the visitors’ defense. The 25th minute saw flanker King grab a quick tap penalty and carry two defenders into the try zone. Manus O’Sullivan converted with a drop kick, upping the numbers to 43-7.

The final posting of points was yet another try by the ever-impressive King, who peeled off of a maul and slammed home in injury time. The final score was 48-7.

Co-men of the match were back row partners Delf King and Manus O’Sullivan. They, along with flanker Brian Fingleton, comprise one of the best back rows in recent memory.

Special mention goes to Johnny Coghlan, Jack Dooley, Gavin Butler, Liam O’Connell, Mike Doolan and the relentless Vili Vakasikivala.

Congratulations are in order for a great season and fantastic efforts by everyone. Anyone interested in the Lansdowne RFC can contact the club at www.lansdownerfc.com, 914-584-4541, or lansdowne@hotmail.com.