THE NOSE

 

Yeah, it hurts – and will for some time.

Old Gaelic fell short – and just wide – in its attempt to repeat as Mid-Atlantic Division III champions when it lost in the finals at Williams Grove on April 22 to Harrisburg, 16-14.  The Griffins nearly overcame a 16-0 deficit and had a couple of chances to take the lead down the stretch.  But alas, it wasn’t to be.

Notwithstanding the gut-wrenching loss, the tournament – hosted by Old Gaelic for the first time -- was a huge success, thanks to the tireless efforts of President Frank Lentz, Field Coordinator Tim Stefanon (and TS Electric), Doughboy and Dego on the program and of course, Mr. Unsung Hero, Dano.  Kudos to others here unnamed who know that service is its own reward.

Harrisburg advanced to the finals with a 15-13 lead over Virginia.  Old Gaelic scored 38 unanswered points en route to a 38-13 thrashing of Blacksburg to set the stage for the clash of archrivals in the MARFU championship.

Against Blacksburg, the Griffins got a slow start and spotted the visitors a 6-0 lead on a pair of penalty kicks.  Curtis Brillhart drew the Black & Gold within a point when he plowed into the zone carrying three opponents on his back on a number eight take.  A penalty try (Matt Pomraning’s apparent trot to glory was forestalled by several offside players) and Dan Roth’s conversion gave the Gold the lead for good, 12-6.

Brian Ogle’s electrifying try on the last play of the half sent Old Gaelic on its way.  The congenial educator and right wing turned the corner and kicked to himself, outrunning several fleet foes for the dot-down.

After intermission, Scott Lindsey unleashed himself for a pair of tries – one on a nifty dish by John Kroesen and the second on a scoop and sprint set up by Ogle, who notched the day’s final score (Pomraning added the conversion for a banged-up Roth to account for the final margin).

In the championship match on Sunday, Harrisburg took the lead.  With their ponderous pod style, they controlled play and final cashed in off loose play following a won lineout when Zach pranced through the usually unrelenting Gaelic secondary for a try.  A conversion and a later penalty kick (a recurring theme) gave the Boys in Blue a 10-0 lead at the break.

Harrisburg’s fullback added two more penalty kicks, the second after a lengthy mark-off for yammering, and the hosts looked lost.

Looks can be deceiving.  Old Gaelic started to utilize its speed advantage in the back line and two long sequences resulted in unassisted tries by Lindsey and by Justin Stefanon.  Roth hit both conversions to set up the thrilling finish.

Harrisburg survived the semi-final when Virginia missed on a penalty kick and a drop kick in the waning moments – a sequence to eerily repeat itself against the Griffins.

Was the guiding hand of Dennis Shade pushing those kicks wide right?

Maybe.  We wish Harrisburg well in Columbia!

 

BLACKSBURG

T:  Ogle 2, Lindsey 2, Brillhart, penalty try.

A:  Kroesen.  C: Roth 4.

 

HARRISBURG

T:  Lindsey, J Stefanon.  C:  Roth 2.