This weekend, the Erie Rugby Club Men's A and B-Side teams traveled to Akron, OH to take on division rival Akron RFC on their home field. No doubt seeking revenge from last year's loss to Erie...Akron was ready to play. Erie was also ready for war, but costly mistakes and ball-handling errors practically gave this match away. As the dust settled, Akron would prevail by the score of 28-14. (see match reports below)

All in all, Erie looked very strong on Saturday. We spent the bulk of the game in Akron territory, and moved the ball very well on them when we didn't drop it. We look forward to playing host to them next fall...and returning the favor.

Erie now faces two very tough Ohio teams at home over the next couple weeks. Unfortunately, the odds are stacked against Erie in terms of a playoff run, as 2008 ARU Champions Eastern Suburbs RFC have been blowing out everyone they face...and the Cleveland Rovers look to be a much different team than last season. Check back in coming weeks to follow our progress...

A Game

Erie started this match on the wrong foot, conceding three consecutive penalties deep in our own territory to give Akron an early 9-0 lead. After playing 80% of the half inside the Akron 50, Erie seemed to have trouble simply holding on to the ball...repeatedly giving up posession and miss-playing kicks deep in our own territory. Akron was able to punch in a single try late in the first half off a handling error by the Erie backline. Erie finally answered back with a late try by scrumhalf Tom Tredway, to head into halftime down 16-7.

The second half looked much better than the first, but multiple handling errors proved to be the difference in the game. After driving deep into Akron territory on two separate occasions, Erie coughed up the ball inside the Akron 5 meter line, which ultimately sealed our fate. Erie's only second half points came when Mike "Moose" McKenzie muscled his way through the Akron defense for a try.  Akron ultimately snuck away with a 28-14 victory, putting the pressure on Erie to "win out" if we wish to make another playoff run.

Erie A Side Lineup: 1. Austin White (c), 2. Zach Kracjowski, 3. Greg Farrell, 4. Mike McKenzie, 5. Bob Nelson, 6. Kevin Jackson, 7. Phil Sciaretta, 8. Shane Hoyne, 9. Tom Tredway, 10. Adam Mook, 11. Casey Jones, 12. Matt Verga (cc), 13. Billy Kruzewski, 14. Alex Francani, 15. Nate Moore, 16. Brett Schafer, 17. Kevin McCaslin, 18. Kevin Bugaj, 19. Issac Richards, 20. Richard Hornaman, 21. Sergio Rodriguez, 22. Patrick Barrett

B Game

The B-Side match went much better for Erie undefeated "B" Side team. After giving up an early try to Akron, Erie buckled down and closed any open holes in our defense. There would be no further scoring in the first half...allowing Akron to head into halftime with a tight 7-0 lead.

After a quick chat near the sidelines, Erie's "B" Side went back into the trenches...and moved the ball very well, while wearing down the Akron "B" Side team. After some ugly play deep inside Akron territory, Erie was able to lock the game up at 7 apiece...when Erie winger Kevin Bugaj dove onto a loose ball under the posts. That would end the scoring for the day...with Erie's "B" Side team remaining undefeated for the 2009 Fall Season! Keep up the good work, guys!

Erie B Side Lineup: 1. Rich Hornaman, 2. Greg Farrell, 3. Austin White, 4. Andrew Chapman, 5. Brett Schafer, 6. Kevin Jackson, 7. Matt Verga, 8. Sergio Rodriguez, 9. Alex Francani, 10. Shane Hoyne, 11. Ryan Kruzewski, 12. Mike McKenzie, 13. Casey Jones, 14. Kevin Bugaj, 15. Nate Moore