BC High came into Saturday riding a strong victory over rival Xaverian Brothers (MA) and looking dangerous. Greenwich, similarly, had a decisive 33-17 victory over rival Fairfield Prep (CT) last week. Both squads were hitting their stride and looking to add to their collection of bragging rights.
Here’s how it went down.
In the first half, Greenwich kicked off to BC High who immediately advanced down the field, earning a penalty near Greenwich’s try line. Despite a lineout on the 5 meter, BC High was unable to come away with points.
Greenwich’s flyhalf Santiago Flynn utilized his powerful, precise kicking to turn the tables, putting the ball deep into Eagles’ territory. Greenwich opened the scoring after a wide pass from Flynn to his outside center Elliot Korsun, who dashed through the line and into the try zone.
To restart play, BC High found themselves again pinned deep in their territory with the wind at their faces. Despite the steady breeze, BC High managed a 50 meter kick to clear their lines, but Greenwich recovered and launched a swift counter attack resulting in a try by Teo Ballerio for the team in red.
14-0 Greenwich.
Another BC High grubber went astray, and Greenwich was quick to seize the opportunity. The counter involved quick passes from Santiago Flynn to his 8-man Julen Guazo-Badiola for a big break, then to Lucio Gonzalez (who nearly makes it) and the Cardinals’ scrumhalf Reuben Meier brought them home with a drive over the try line. Really a team effort on this try and great fun to watch.
21-0, all Cardinals so far.
In the final minute of the half, BC High got to shine with a great set piece at the 50. Eagles fullback Ruairí Dowling breaks the line for an almost 40 meter run. BC High continues to mount the pressure, moving the ball into space on the edge, and dotting the ball down in the corner for a try to close out the half.
Greenwich up 21-5 at the break.
Greenwich started the second half strong with a line out on the Eagles’ 30. Tight-head prop Henry Wahl was stopped just short of the try line and the Cardinals continued to move the ball wide.
Santiago Flynn floats a pass into the hands of Nicholas Martschenko, whose quick footwork brings him into the try zone (breaking a few ankles in the process.)
28-5 Greenwich
Momentum starts to shift in BC High’s favor as a penalty leads to an Eagles' line out deep in Greenwich territory. The Cardinals receive a yellow card for an illegal entry at the maul (leveling the teams), and BC High capitalized on the advantage, surging over the try line for their second try of the game.
28-10 Greenwich
After the restart, BC High executes a brilliant 50-22, earning them a lineout in Cardinals’ territory.
Mounting Eagles pressure results in a high penalty count for Greenwich. Whistle is blown, yellow card is brandished, and Greenwich quickly see themselves down to 13 players.
BC High makes use of the advantage, moving the ball wide, then back into the inside for an impressive try by Ruairí Dowling.
28-15
In the final 10 minutes, Greenwich Loose Head Prop Nicholas Mussolini extended their lead with a try under the uprights. BC High’s Cillian O’Callaghan responded with a try, in time. But the Cardinals got the final say with a try in the corner by Nico Galindo.
Final score: 42–20, Greenwich.
Credit to Greenwich for playing a very clinical match. They identified areas of weakness and punished them. I’m pleased that we showed fight in the second half, but there were some important lessons learned.
It was great to get a game against BC High for some bragging rights in New England. Our players put together a great team effort and continue to improve with each match.
The Cardinals dominated possession in this New England battle and kept the ball pinned in BC High’s territory with relentless counter attacks. This was led by standout performances from Greenwich’s flyhalf Santiago Flynn, outside center Elliot Korsun and tight-head prop Henry Wahl. But we have to give the Man of the Match to the Cardinals’ scrummy Reuben Meier. This guy was all over the map this game, operating like an absolute wild dog on defense and organizing his team on attack.
Despite BC High’s late resilience, they were unable to overcome Greenwich’s wide open play and consistent defensive pressure. BC High’s standout player has to be their fullback Ruairí Dowling, who boasted impressive line breaks all game.