IRISH VS MDX
On a sunny, hot and extremely humid Saturday, the Washington Irish took the field against local Division one powerhouse, the Maryland Exiles.
Play started at 1pm and it was agreed that there would be six twenty minute periods played in this pre season friendly Both sides tested each other out early. Alex Zeitchick had a nice slicing run and dish to lead the Irish Attack early on. Deep in MDX territory Tim Donavon drew a penalty due to his tireless work rate. Head Hansen took the Penalty kick, Irish up early 3-0.
Play continued with the Irish following Coach Reed's game plan of kicking out of our zone and pressuring the kick to hopefully spark some offense. Nate Mann rucked like a champion in several phases of Irish attack. MDX knocked on the door late in the first period. They mauled in a try off the line out.
The second period started with the Irish on attack again. Sev at #9 had some nice plays to help keep the pressure on the MDX. Scot Spitler nailed an MDX player who got caught with his head down. Always, the wily vet, Spitler poached the ball allowing the Irish to go deep into MDX territory. A penalty resulted and the Irish missed the kick. The game went on with solid pressure from the Irish in both offense and defense. The counter rucking picked up in the second period lead by James McIntyre. McIntyre counter rucked with the ferocity of a man whose girlfriend was going to make him skip the drink up. The Irish aggression was building and was beautiful to watch. The Irish got the ball back in MDX territory, off of a quick tap penalty Colby Claubaugh sparked a fantastic try. He passed to Pat Sanford who dished to Spitler who passed back inside for Sanford to score the try. The conversion was missed. Play restarted and shortly there after. Head had a nice run and passed to Dr. Brad Burns in space to score a nice break away try under the posts. MDX was deep in Irish territory late in the half. The Irish called a 'Walker' off of the lineout to prevent an MDX maul. MDX still found a way to score in the final seconds. End 40 minutes
A few expletive laden half time adjustments by Coach Tom Reed and the boys were ready to take the pitch for the second 40 minutes.
The Irish started play with a continued great work rate and aggression. The violence at the point of contact in the rucking game was glorious. Sadly, a series of blown calls by the Ref lead to MDX scoring an early try and slotting the conversion to go with it. Not to be done for the day, the young Irish team held their heads high and upped the attack. This resulted in a penalty for the Irish, Hansen was good on his kick. Play restarted and MDX was on the attack. Dr. Burns had a great double leg Dan Gable style take down on an MDX player who would be sure to need a couple aspirin after the game. Play continued with each side testing the other's defensive lines.
Rich Viera was subbed in for Timmy Donavon who played a monster of a game in the loose. Rich made his impression felt early with great rucking and vocal on field leadership. Pat 'Dexter' Sanford had a couple of great rucks blowing out two or three MDX players by himself alone. As the second period ended so did the first. MDX had a good scrum deep in Irish territory and scored right before the period ended.
The fourth 20 minute period kicked off with some new blood. Ian Pope, Andrew McClure and Jamal Milani took the field for their first action of the day. Rich had a nice long run and Alex Ziechick had a great kick as he found touch. Off of the line out the Irish got the ball out quick and pressured MDX in their zone. McClure had a nice run gaining the hard yards for the Irish. The Irish lost their heads for a brief second allowing the Exiles to take advantage and set up shop in the Irish 22. MDX scored a nice try shortly there after, they missed the conversion.
Pickle Makowka had a couple nice runs before the final whistle blew with the Irish pounding on the door at the try line. Final socre 30 to 18, bad guys.
The second side was cut short due MDX not bringing a full 30 guys. A 25 minute period was decided on. Steve 'Duma' Johnson had a nice break away try to dot down early. The Irish had several new faces out. Tom 'Meat Puppy' Donavon had a nice game at Prop. Ted 'Frying Pan Hands' Arthur played well and was vocal on the field. All in all the B's played well with the short time they had. All will be raring at the bit to get a full 80 minutes out of Richmond on September 12th.
Quote of the Day:
"Man that Ref keeps blowing calls, it's like he's Maryland's 13th player out there"
-Mike "Pickle" Makowka Old boy sightings in the peanut gallery were: Pretty Boy Brian, Proud Pappa Pete McGrath, Jack Way, Jim Merklinger and John Muldoon. Thanks for coming out and supporting guys.
"Man that Ref keeps blowing calls, it's like he's Maryland's 13th player out there"
-Mike "Pickle" Makowka Old boy sightings in the peanut gallery were: Pretty Boy Brian, Proud Pappa Pete McGrath, Jack Way, Jim Merklinger and John Muldoon. Thanks for coming out and supporting guys.
