30th Anniversary Rugby Alumni Weekend
April 29 - May 1, 2005
Game Recap
In a typical Olean April rainstorm, the Bona Old Boys scored a late try to beat the Young Boys, 13 -12, in a game played before 100 spectators on McGraw-Jennings Field.
The Old Boys established a driving crash game early, punctuated by the exceptional pick-and-go rucking of Bruce Snyder ('98), Mark Fitzgerald ('81), and Bob Sims ('83). The Old Boys played most of the first half well into the Young Uns' half, and, despite several excellent defensive plays on the goal line, finally dotted down a try off a driving maul to take an early 5-0 lead. Scrum half Mike Jennings ('94) was excellent in cycling the ball, and the tandem of flyhalf Bill Kelly and center Drew Carozza committed fully to rucking in the mud to keep the Old Boys in the red zone.
The Young Boys have a talented team, with speed and fitness in the centers and on the wings, but were unable to put much together until a penalty moved them toward midfield, then a later interception allowed a long break that eventually tied the game, 5-5.
While kicking in the rain and mud was generally poor throughout the day, Bill Kelly kicked through a penalty goal to recapture the lead for the Old Boys, 8-5.
As the rain lessened, the Young Boys were able to string together multiple-phase attacks that began to tire the Old Boys as they played under pressure for most of the half. The Youngs kept the Old Boys in their end for most of the second half. The Old Boys seemed unwilling or unable to return to the crash ball style that was so successful in the first half, although the Young Boys were much abler tacklers in the second half. Perhaps the Old Boys thought the Youngs would just let them win?
With five minutes left in the game, the St. Bonaventure Men's Rugby Club put together a twelve-phase attack that sliced fifty meters through the Old Boys to touch down a try under the posts and take the lead 10-8.
Praising Our One True Lord And Savior mightily, the Old Boys huddled under their own posts for a final pep talk as the Men's Club converted the kick, and put their lead to four, 12 - 8. In order to win, the Old Boys would need to score a try.
Returning to the crash game that was so successful, plus two long breaks that were supported by several players, the Old Boys had ball in hand and a driving maul inside the Youngs' 22. The Old Boys were extremely effective driving mauls all day, and this was no exception, as a slip, spin, charge, and drive led to the game-winning try, with just under a minute on the clock, in the left corner.
Final: Old Boys 13, Young Boys 12.
The game was refereed by Jeff Bouvier ('66). Jeff was assertive and consistent, and the game was played without incident.
In the B game, a very sloppy first half played between the 22s was finally broken open by a Matt Fernandez ('05) try for the Young Boys, quickly followed by a Old Boy try, and the half ended 5-5.
In the second half, the Young Boys again showed their speed and talent, yet frustratingly, while controlling much of the general play, were unable to turn multiple phases into points, scoring only one unconverted try. With the alums still down, a costly penalty compounded by some unsportsmanlike play gave the Old Boys the ball in their hands with less than a minute to play. Again, the Old Boys were able to drive a maul into in-goal, and tied the game 10 -10. The conversion was well off, and the game ended in a tie.
Paul Fordiani ('84) refereed the match, which was played without incident.
Final Score: Old Boys 10, Young Boys 10.
Following the games, the Old Boys hosted the Young Boys for a barbeque at Firemen's Park, in Allegany. Much cheer was enjoyed.
30th Anniversary Rugby Alumni Weekend
A Note From Neil Peraza:
Great job guys, my family and I are constantly humbled by the Bona family
Special thanks to Bill Kelly, Alex and everyone else who made the weekend possible.
See you in June at the '05 Gringo Open
Neil Peraza
Official Score:
Bona Old Boys 13
Bona Young Boys 12
B-Side: Tie, 10 - 10