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OLD GAELIC SPRINTS TO SEMI’S

Second half surge seals deal.

Old Gaelic scored the final 29 points of the contest to nail down a berth in the Mid-Atlantic semi-finals with a 41-8 victory over Western Suburbs at windswept Williams Grove on Saturday.

A late try before intermission by Chris Botto on a weakside roll by Curtis Brillhart gave the hosts a 19-8 halftime lead after Suburbs had drawn within four, 12-8, on a plunge off a penalty earlier in the stanza.  The final frame was dominated by the Black & Gold, who found success by spinning the ball and exploiting its speed advantage at the wing.  Newcomer Kenny Burke showed mastery of the “pin and pass” as he filled and dished to each wing, Brian Clements and Brian Ogle, to push the tally to 33-8.

An excellent forward sequence was initiated by Ken Ivey, who found Brillhart, who tossed to a streaking Ray Hollowell for the well-earned try.  Dan Roth finished with 11 points on four conversions and a penalty kick.

Both teams slugged it out early on.  John Kroesen came up big when he blocked a kick and found James Oliverio for the power plunge.  After a three-pointer by the visitors, Clemens turned a wayward launch into at grubber to himself for the improbable dot-down. 

Old Gaelic 41 – Western Suburbs 8

 T: Clements 2, Ogle, Oliverio, Hollowell, Botto.  A: Burke 2, Brillhart 2, Kroesen.  C: Roth 4.  PK: Roth.

Thanks to the stout-hearted souls from Western Suburbs, there was a “B” game and the Bee’s finished off a double dip with a 29-10 win to move to 4-1 on the season.  Justin Stefanon, Brian Ogle, Matt Graham, Ray Hollowell and Adam Blood scored tries.  Ogle added an assist and two conversions and Chris Botto had an assist.

Now the focus is on Harrisburg.  Another battle at Cibort Park looms on Saturday’s horizon.  Let’s get ready starting with a good practice on Tuesday.