OLD GAELIC KEEPS PLAYOFF HOPES ALIVE

The Old Gaelic Rugby Club reeled off its second consecutive one-sided win, a 41-17 verdict over Lehigh Valley at Williams Grove last Saturday, to stay in contention for the MARFU playoffs next spring.  The Griffins are the defending champions and can qualify for a possible return engagement to Nationals if they can get by PCOM this Saturday in Philadelphia.

As has been its proclivity throughout most of the season, the high-octane Black & Gold raced to an early lead.  Excellent set play by the Gaelic pack provided quality possession and the speedy back line responded.

Skipper Dan Roth alertly dotted down following a strong back movement then added a penalty kick for an 8-0 Old Gaelic advantage.  Justin Stefanon found a hard-charging Wes Beard for a second try that pushed the margin to 13-0 before Valley responded with a try of its own in the left corner.

Outside center John Kroesen bulled in and Roth scored again on a feed from Chris Botto to put the hosts firmly in front at the intermission, 27-5.

The two squads traded tries in the second stanza.  Kroesen doubled his pleasure on a nifty feed from James Oliverio.   Later, Oliverio found the trusty turf thanks to Pete Sharpe.  With the triumph in hand, the coaching staff was able to empty the bench.  All joined in the joy of the clutch victory.  There was no “B” game.

Old Gaelic 41 – Lehigh Valley 17

T:  Roth 2, Kroesen 2, Beard, Oliverio.

A:  Botto, J. Stefanon, Oliverio, Sharpe.

C:  Roth 4.  PK:  Roth.

1-       Troy/Speese

2-       Domitrovich/Graham

3-       T. Smith/Lentz

4-       Pomraning

5-       Hart/Tunis

6-       Ivey/Gould

7-       Speese/Hollowell

8-       Brillhart/Marascuillo

9-       Botto/Sharpe

10-   Roth (C)

11-   Ogle

12-   M. Cooley

13-   Kroesen

14-   Beard/Botto

15-   J. Stefanon/Oliverio

NEWS & NOTES

Homecoming was a huge success and the Pomranings were the consummate hosts, as usual.  Thank you to the entire family.  Lehigh Valley opined that it was their best social of the season. … Special thanks to Tim Stefanon and the T.S. Electric field crew.  The pitch looked great!  …  It was great to see Terry Overly (Turkey/Goose) and his arm candy, Lynn, at the match.  Bill Cullen too … he looked ready to mix it up!

Meeting place for Saturday:  Elephant & Castle Pub, 9:30 a.m. (leave by 10).