MATCH REPORT vs. Iona University - Saturday, September 21, 2024
Final Score
Fairfield 23 - Iona 13
Our Stags rostered 46 players last weekend due to Iona's depleted numbers. As our club's numbers grow, selections are becoming more and more competitive. This week's rosters saw a lot of players selected who have been climbing the ranks during their time here:
Jack Garrity '26,
Carter Delleo '27,
Brendan Coutts '27,
and
Finn McMahon '27 to name a few.
Some of the residual rust and try-line fever lingered in the first half; we dominated possession and territory, but couldn't cross the goal line. Instead, penalties or miscues lead to Iona being able to exit their end, win the ball, and score. Chris Giunta '25 found his foot again, slotting 2 long penalty goals and converting his own try
at the end of the game. Keeping the scoreboard ticking kept our confidence up, and
Patrick Burke '25 found the try zone at the end of the first half to trail 10-8 at the half.
Second half saw Fairfield's fitness win the day. Garrity who was a unanimous forward of the game selection, carried hard, clear-out harder, and tackled hardest! Tommy Morales '27 revived the true meaning of wing-forward as he defended the edge like a 4th back rower. McMahon chased kicks like a junkyard dog, which won a 5-meter scrum that led to Giunta's try at the 80th minute.
Luke Rinklin '28 put in another quality performance with his work rate and individual brilliance carrying the ball. He found the try zone over 40 meters out in broken play, which put Fairfield ahead 16-13 for the rest of the game. Rinklin's performance earned him back of the game selection.
B-side blanked the Gaels with a 50+ performance.
Owen Lewis '25 had a double on the day. Nate Crawford '28 commanded the structure clinically, earning himself back of the match. Jack Cucinotta '28 earned himself forward of the day with his clear-outs, carriers, and tackling.
Stags even the record at 1-1, returning home to face Harvard!
Match Report submitted by Austin Ryan, Director of Rugby/Head Coach, Men's Rugby
