Endicott Finishes Strong in 30-5 Rout of Western New England

Endicott Rugby continued their excellent play, by upending a physical Western New England 30-5 at Endicott Stadium on Sunday.

A brace of tries from Brian Sussingham (Yonkers, N.Y.), alongside scores from Austin Spencer (North Yarmouth, Maine), Matt Camilleri (Chester, Conn.), Tommy Carver (Pepperell, Mass.) and Justin Klanica (Cheshire, Conn.) ensured the Gulls remain unbeaten in this – their inaugural season.

Western New England dominated the early possession, with their huge pack systematically decimating their smaller opponents, and it was no surprised when the visitors scored after five minutes – a neat pick and run from the breakdown, saw the Gulls defense breached for the first time this season.

On a windy day at the Stadium, Endicott persevered, and through the clever work of scrum half Dan Pelzar (Granby, Conn.) and Fly Half Spencer, the Gulls were able to make inroads into the visitor’s defenses, and ensure that they were placed on the back-foot. Again, telling contributions from Adam Smith (Andover, N.H.) and Ryan Stanek (Cheshire, Conn.) steadied the scrum, with Charles Nastasi (North Reading, Mass.), Pat Cormier (Portland, Maine) and Mike Lago working tirelessly in the loose to ensure quick ball to the backs.

It was Spencer who leveled the scores after twelve minutes, as a jinking run penetrated the Golden Bears backline, allowing him to crash over from 12 meters out. More great work from Pelzar and Tommy Carver allowed Sussingham to score his first try with six minutes remaining in the first half – smart ball work created an overlap, and he did the rest, outpacing the backtracking defenders to make it 10-5.

Whilst Spencer may have missed both conversion attempts, he was excellent in kicking from the hand, as his boot allowed the Gulls to take a 15-5 lead into the break, with Matt Camilleri chasing down a lofted kick, forcing a mistake deep into Golden Bear territory.

The momentum had swung in favor of the home team, and they were unlucky not to score again before the break, with Sussingham combing with Tommy Carver to nearly breach the defenses once again.

Carver would not have to wait long for his first Endicott try, as he was released by an exquisite ball from Spencer, racing clear of the defenders from 35 meters out, to give the Blue and Green a sizable 20-5 lead.

The Golden Bears came back strong, as their experienced lineup looked to take advantage of the Gulls around the fringes. Their size and strength meant that Endicott were continually placed on the back foot, but thanks to solid tackling from Stanek, Nastasi, Lago and Cormier meant that any incursion was swiftly dealt with. Hooker Pat Cullen routinely found lock Mike Littlefield, to give the backs further opportunities to attack.

Spencer once again attacked the visitors with his boot – this time, setting up Justin Klanica (Cheshire, Conn.) for the score – a deep ball was carried by the wind, and Klanica was rewarded for his tireless pursuit as a mistake by the Golden Bears Full Back gifted a further Endicott try, making the score 25-5.

WNE once again fought back, with brave Endicott tackling the only thing stopping the Golden Bears from breaking through. Telling stops from Billy Zukauskas (Southington, Conn.) and Littlefield, along with the steadfast tackling from Pelzar and Jake Lipp (Shewsbury, Mass.) – who also withstood a barrage of kicks – allowing defense to turn to attack.

With two minutes to go, Sussingham broke free again to further add to the Gulls tally – a superb solo effort saw him step the defender and race to score his third of the season to make the final score 30-5.

After a slow start, the Gulls showed their heart and tenacity, to outwork a more physical and experienced opposition, which bodes well for their final game of their affiliation season – at home to Salem State on Saturday April 27^th.