Wild OATS Rugby

Oswego Alumni Touring Side

Match #1 vs. Ottawa Gee-Gees Scrimmage     A-Side  L 46-10 

The winds of Oswego were gusting away on the fair weathered Saturday afternoon. The Division II Canadian team from Ottawa brought nineteen bodies, along with their head coach, and equipment manager. They marched into the Hidden Fields in matching white polos, and by watching their warm-ups one could tell that they were a primer team. Due to tardiness Oswego would take the field with a ragtag wing consisting of inexperienced members, which was quickly taken advantage of. Within the first fifteen Ottawa scored a try but failed to capitalize on the extra kick. Both coaches and captains finally felt that the Oswego had learned the importance of punctuality. When the line finally did get squared away multiple long drives and runs became the norm. A try was scored by Julian Torriente from the scrum, and the points after were also awarded. Later in the first half there would be another penalty kick for Oswego, which may not have been the prettiest kicks by Connor Murphy one may ever see, but it got the job done.

In the second half, after the first ten minutes, Oswego's team dramatically changed. Many were playing in their first rugby game of their entire lives. It was a horrifying idea to put freshly plucked rugger and throw them into the fires against a very crisp and fundamentally sound team. Even though the score did become a blow out, there were little flares that resembled rugby, and the enthusiasm shown by the rookies was a positive step in their development. Overall this past Saturday was a good stepping stone. Conditioning seemed to be better than in past years, weaknesses were unveiled that we redoubtably will be fixed, and the excitement from stepping onto the field to win games is as high as ever. I do apologize for not having pictures for this game, but the camera man was inebriated and missing in action surely from his extra curricular activities.

- Dave Hahn

Match #2 vs. Le Moyne College     A-Side W 31-7     B-Side W 34-0

The guys kicked off their NYS Men's Collegiate Division II rugby season in fine form with a sound 31-7 thrashing of Le Moyne. Not to be outdone, the "B" team also ran rough shod over Le Moyne's "B"s and won big.

It was a dominant performance in all aspects of play. Our pack just rolled their pack all day long and just rucked them into submission. They won 47 of 59 offensive rucks and 13 of 40 defensive rucks. The also won all of their set pieces and took 3 of Le Moyne's. With a respectable .700 average for our line out throws, it was a performance that set the backline up for a big day . . . and they delivered.

Good hard running, with good angles and play execution opened up gaps and created overlaps all afternoon and solid defense kept Lemoyne at bay all afternoon.

Of our 53 possessions, 40 were good for 3 phases of play or more with 10 possessions resulting in 5 phases of play. By contrast, Lemoyne had only 21 possessions with only 8 for 3 or more phases.

With playing like that, it's no surprise that most of the game was spent in Le Moyne's half of the field, with a good chunk of it inside their 22.

- Coach Clark

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The Oswego Men's Rugby Club won an impressive home opening game against Le Moyne College, September 11, 2010.  Emotions were running high as this was the first time Oswego would take the field without P, Kevin “Magician” Gilman, their cherished former coach, who passed away December 17, 2009.  Before the game there were some complications such as registry issues and injuries to starters, which were solved by technology and teamwork.

Oswego was first to receive and there were some butterflies in their stomachs as the first play resulted in a knock on.  It continued to be a sloppily played game for the beginning of the first half, with numerous penalties, until Oswego finally got into a groove.  The scoreless encounter was broken open after a masterful play call by Connor Murphy, Oswego’s Fly-Half, which involved two fake switches and a pass out to Winger Tyler Conklin, who out ran the pursuing defenders.  The extra points attempt was wide.  Inside Center Kandu Agbimson was sin-binned for a dangerous tackle as both teams were warned to clean up the game.

The remaining first half was played in Le Moyne territory as Flanker Patrick Buckley pounded in a try, along with a successful conversion attempt, and Connor Murphy notched a try himself along with a good kick to end the first half.  It was evident that Oswego was in far better shape than Le Moyne as the visiting team’s players slowly walked back for kick offs.

As the second half started, Oswego picked up right where it left off threatening to score multiple times before Fullback David Hahn managed to touch the ball on the other side of the try line.  The conversion kick was short, however.  As the game progressed, and the score became more lopsided play became more chippy. Fortunately the Referee did a good job of maintaining control of the game, even sending a Winger from Le Moyne off for yelling as if injured, to stop play, as well as sending Patrick Buckley off for raising a fist towards an opposing player.

Oswego would give a valiant effort to keep the visiting squad scoreless by holding up a couple tries.  Le Moyne proved to be too resilient and ended the shut out on a botched skip pass by Oswego’s wing, which turned into an easy try for their 14 man, along with a successful kick.  Kandu Agbimson answered back with a try of his own, and the kick was also successful. 

-Dave Hahn

Match #3 vs. Hobart College     A-Side W 27-24     B-Side W 27-5

For week two of the Empire West Division II College Men’s rugby season Oswego traveled to Hobart.  This would prove to be a great challenge, before facing SUNY Cortland, who seems to be Oswego’s rivals to make the playoffs this year. 

Oswego may have been overlooking the opponent, as Hobart came out firing and was geared up as they unveiled their newly built turf field.  The first try was off a line out and an intercepted pass between the Scrum Half and Fly Half was all Hobart needed to take the lead.  The second score for Hobart was only a couple minutes after the first score and it was as equally painful to concede. Oswego was distraught, but not defeated.

Winger Rich Arvan finally got Oswego on the score board by scoring a try off of a miss-pass by Hobart, in which he scooped up a loose ball and trotted into the try zone.  The extra conversion attempt was wide right, as the kicking tee was missing, so Connor Murphy was forced to kick off of another teammate’s foot.  Needless to say the kicking game suffered. 

The third of Hobart’s tries came on a break-away run as Hobart’s captain added to their lead.  Eight-man and captain PJ Munschauer, not to be out done pounded in a hard fought try of his own to conclude the half along with Oswego’s only successful conversion attempt. 

Oswego had its work cut out for them going into the second half down 17-10.  As Coach Clack reiterated that Oswego were a second half team, and his team responded with Richard Arvan scoring his second try mid-way through the second half, but failed to tie and would continue to trail Hobart. 

Oswego would take its first lead of the day off a try scored by Outside Center Ryan Frazer who made the best out of a lob pass to no one in particular.  As he touched the ball over the try line Oswego would take their first lead of the day. 

The lead would not last as the Hobart players mustered up a scoring rally of their own to tie, and eventually take the lead over Oswego with a successful kick through the uprights.  With time dwindling, down Oswego would have to dig deep to overcome the deficit. 

After playing in Hobart’s 22 for most of the remaining minutes, Winger Alex Romano, the replacement for Tyler Conklin who was knocked out with a concussion, put the Oswego Wizards up for good by squeaking in a try right at the line.  For the remainder of the game Oswego played solid defense and notched another well earned victory (27-24) putting them 2-0 for the 2010 season.

The ‘Killer B’s’ also had an impressive 27-5 victory over Hobart’s ‘B’ side, as many rookies scored their first tries of their careers, and continued to improve.

Around the rest of the league Cortland defeated Niagara 41-15, and Le Moyne fell to Fredonia 13-24.  Oswego gears up in a shortened week to face undefeated SUNY Cortland on Wednesday, Sept 22, 2010 for supremacy in the Western Division II.

-Dave Hahn

Match #4 vs. SUNY Cortland     A-Side L 27-18     B-Side W 12-0

The rain washed over the Hidden Fields finally settling down by warm-ups leaving the pitch, soft and slick for Oswego and Cortland’s showdown.  Both teams came into the match ready to battle, feeling each other out like heavy-weights in a prize fight.

 Not too long into the contest, Oswego was awarded a penalty kick due Cortland having hands in the ruck.  Fly-Half Connor Murphy would exploit Cortland’s mistake to put Oswego up by three.  Cortland quickly replied with a try but could not tack on the extra points.  Riding the wave of momentum, Cortland once again would wear down Oswego’s defense and would have a long run on a broken down play to increase their lead with another try. 

 Winger Alex Romano was kept Oswego in the game touching the ball past the try line towards the right of the goal posts, which proved to be a difficult spot for a kick.

Both sides continued in the deadlock engagement, until the half was concluded with another penalty kick awarded to Oswego, for a repeat offense of hands in the ruck, which Murphy graciously accepted to make the score 11-10 Oswego. 

Coming out of the half, Cortland proved to be the aggressor pushing Oswego into its own half, and eventually would reclaim the advantage along with a conversion.

Not to be out done Oswego got both the scrum and the wing involved, with brilliant play coming from multiple players, as the ball was worked down the wing, Inside Center Kandu Agbimson was rewarded for trailing the play as he placed the ball past the try line. 

Another penalty would be administered, however this time against Oswego for dangerous play as the lead would once again be recaptured by the visiting squad.  Cortland would never relinquish its lead, as a misplayed kick resulted in Cortland gaining possession in front of Oswego’s end zone, which the opposing side benefited from the field position scoring the final try and kick of the game.

Oswego tasted its first bitter defeat to Cortland 27-18. 

The Oswego ‘Killer B’s’ truly earned the nickname defeating Cortland’s ‘B’s 12-0 to remain undefeated.  Eight-Man Grant Ostrander scored a well earned try, as Scrum-Half Brian Gerrity would show his sure kicks for the only score of the first half.

The second half was just as exciting as the first with big hits and enthusiastic play as from both sides.  Outside Center James “Jimmy” Lindquist would hammer in a try of his own to solidify Oswego’s win.

Around the rest of the league Hobart crushed Le Moyne 31- 3 and Geneseo defeated Niagara 33-5.

-Dave Hahn

Match #5 vs. SUNY Fredonia      A-Side W 32-20     B-Side W 20-5

The "A" side posted a good 32-20 win over Fredonia on Saturday and the "B"s remained undefeated with a thorough thrashing of the Fredonia "B" side. I thought that the "A" side was more dominant than the score reflects as Fredonia scored most of their tries on line breaks, so that's something we need to take a look at and work on. But every time Fredonia tried to make a game of it and get the score within a try, the boys would come back with another score.

As things are shaping up right now, it looks like things may come down to the last game of the season at Geneseo. We currently hold on to second place in the division with a one point lead over Geneseo. If we both win next weekend (Oz vs. Niagara - away . . . Geneseo vs Hobart - home), it's going to set up a helluva season finale . . . Oswego at Geneseo with the winner making the playoffs and the season over for the loser. It's shaping up for a fun and exciting two weeks.

-Coach Clark

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As the Western Division II Rugby league heads into week four, (2-1) Oswego squared off against (2-1) Fredonia.  The conditions were brisk as fall greeted Oswego with a break from the rains just hours before kickoff. 

The majority of the first half was played inside Fredonia’s half as Scrum-Half Brian Trotter dove into the try-zone on a TNT call, in which Oswego’s scrummers continuously drive off of rucks.  Even with the tee, the kicking game was not present as it took until the last try to make a successful attempt.

Oswego’s play over shadowed their opponent’s efforts with Fredonia only having one truly threatening drive, which was held up by Oswego’s wing.  Soon after, Winger Tyler Conklin out ran the last defender and with a strong stiff-arm propelled himself to reach the try zone, and before time expired Second-Rower Justin Melvin would tack on his own try. 

The second half would bring a new tale, as Fredonia came out hungrier and more aggressive ending the shutout with a try by an overloaded wing.  Fredonia would continue their tactic as it proved to be effective once again leading to another try in far too close in proximity to the first score. 

Not willing to concede a come from behind victory for the last home game of the Hidden Fields, Oswego would rally, eventually leading to a try to Inside-Center Kandu Agbimson in which he broke though Fredonia’s defense to place the ball down in the end zone. 

Oswego could not capitalize on the momentum as numerous penalties, from high tackles to bridging in rucks were awarded to Fredonia.  Playing mostly in Oswego’s half due to the infractions, Fredonia once again scored off of an overload. 

The back and forth affair continued when Eight Man PJ Munschauer  displayed his basketball skills fully extending to catch a pass from Fly Half Connor Murphy, to profit from Murphy’s brilliant run.

Fredonia would answer back off of a kick which quickly broke down and was abducted by the pursuing defense to give the visiting team a glimmer of hope. 

Each team desired to score the next all important try, pressuring the defenses to make plays.  Justin Melvin would provide Oswego with breathing room when he received a pass from Flanker Shaun Anderson on an overloaded weak side of Fredonia’s to notch the final score.  Connor Murphy would make his only, but very much appreciated extra kick.  The game concluded with Oswego letting out a huge sigh of relief. 

The “Killer B” side of Oswego continues to dominate all opponents with an impressive 20-5 win.  Tries were scored by Scrum Half Kevin Starkey, Eight Man Ryan Fish, Rookie Prop Tyler Woods and Second Rower Adam Scaglione.

Around the rest of the league Cortland beat Hobart 17-7 and Le Moyne lost to Geneseo 13-5.  It’s shaping up to be a good one this year with multiple teams in contention to make playoffs.

-Dave Hahn 

Match #6 vs. Niagara University     A-Side W 26-13     B-Side W 5-0

It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon when Niagara University and Oswego took the field for Niagara’s last home game and senior day. Oswego looked well rested as most of the team had driven up the night before and were graciously allowed to stay with Grandpa Ruhland. As a side note, Buffalo truly does know how to do wings.

Well fed and eager to carry on their winning ways, Oswego broke the nil – nil match with a try by Scrum-Half Brian Trotter after a very well played TNT drive. The kicking game by Fly-Half Connor Murphy was superb as he nailed three out of the four conversion attempts, including the first.

Niagara caught Oswego softening after the first score and almost instantaneously annulled the try with one of their own, along with a successful kick to tie up the score. Even though most of the half was played in Niagara’s territory, the only other points from came from penalty kicks awarded to Niagara. Foolish penalties hindered Oswego’s advances and enabled Niagara to take the lead with a penalty kick. The second kick of the two was wide right, but due to movement from Oswego’s side a re-kick was awarded and taken advantage of.

Even though Oswego trailed at halftime 13 – 7 there was no panic on the sidelines. Once again Oswego advanced towards Niagara’s try zone coming out of the half, and off a blocked punt by Niagara’s Fly-Half in their end zone; Inside-Center Kandu Agbimson played the ball off a bounce and would not be denied as he trucked his way into to touch. The extra points were tacked on and Oswego would never look back.

The second half was commanded by Oswego as they would exploit Niagara’s weaknesses. On a beautiful play call by Fly-Half Connor Murphy a skip pass all the way out to Winger Ryan Frazier capitalized on the opponent’s over-aggressive defense. The conversion was added on to boost the gap between the two sides.

The final try of the day, to give Oswego an extra point in league standings came off of a weak side run by Second-Rower Justin Melvin who after a long run dished the ball to a charging Prop Robert Ruhland. Maintaining his momentum Robert swiftly outran everybody else to increase the lead. Unfortunately the position of the ball in touch was the only aspect that would put a blemish on Murphy’s kicking game.

The “B” side game was a shortened half due to the Niagara and Oswego’s women’s match, but Scrum-Half Kevin Starkey made sure Oswego went home undefeated and with a win. Many of Niagara’s starters and seniors were still on the field during the second game, to add to its significance, making the victory all the more impressive.

It is now the make it or break it week as (4-1) Oswego travels to (4-1) Geneseo to claim the last position for playoffs. It has been a great year so far, and we wish to continue it.

On behalf of the current Oswego team, we would like to say thank you for the support and encouragement that we have received from our families, friends and fans.

-Dave Hahn 

Match #7 vs.  SUNY Geneseo      A-Side W 15-10     B-Side W 14-0

With the season coming down to one game (4-1) Oswego and (4-1) Geneseo met at Mendon Ponds to determine New York State DII Rugby’s playoff picture. 

Locked in a dead heat for most of the first half, Geneseo was awarded a penalty kick which ended the scoreless contest.

Oswego was unable to follow suit to get on the board until Winger Tyler Conklin received a skip pass from Fly-Half Connor Murphy, and whipped around Geneseo’s Winger and Fullback to give Oswego the lead.  The extra conversion attempt was just wide right.  The first half concluded with Oswego leading 5 – 3. 

Oswego maintained the momentum coming out of half time, and after another hard fought drive scored on a penalty kick by Murphy to increase the lead.

Geneseo threatened with a surge, but were denied due to a hard-nosed goal line stand which every member of Oswego had multiple tackles.  Inspired by the good play, Oswego would continue the trend and after a TNT call near the goal line, Connor Murphy would put Oswego up for good, along with a successful conversion attempt. 

Late into the game, Oswego became a little carefree and Geneseo’s Fly-Half would hurt Oswego off of an intercepted pass between scummer and wing.  Luckily time was on Oswego’s side and expired on the very next kick off establishing their place in the post-season. 

The ‘B’ Side remained unbeaten with a try by Eight-Man Ryan Fish and Winger Rich Arvan, who also tacked on two conversion attempts.

Cortland was the top seed in the Empire West Division II with Oswego coming in second, while undefeated Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute RPI) took the East, with Plattsburgh coming in second.  Oswego will face off at RPI this coming Saturday for the semi-finals.

-Dave Hahn

Playoff - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute      A-Side L 19-0     B-Side W 8-5

RPI scored their 19 points in the first 30 minutes of the game and it was a scoreless war from that point on. We punched one into the try zone on the 2nd half, but the ref called it as held up. They had a #8 that was a real stud . . . big and fast . . . and liked to pick up at the back of the scrum. By the time we got adjusted to this kid, we found ourselves in a hole.

Our guys did everything that was asked of them. We had worked on lineouts, maul defense and playing in the other teams half (tactical kicking) all week. In the game, we did great on lineouts, RPI's touted maul was completely ineffective and we played most of the game (especially the 2nd half) in their end of the field. The guys played with real heart and courage and it was a physical war.

The RPI coach was an old Syracuse Harlequin teammate of mine and he said after the game that this was by far the most physical and competitive game they'd been in all year.

The one thing that RPI consistently gave us throughout the game were opportunities for penalty kicks. Down 12-0, we missed our first attempt. Then we found ourselves down 19-0 and we abandoned the penalty kick and went for tries instead. In hindsight, with the number of opportunities that they gave us, had we kept kicking for goal, we'd have been right in the ball game and potentially could have beaten them on penalty kicks alone or at least been close enough that we may very well have been able to change the outcome.

On a good note, the killer "B"s completed a perfect 7-0 season with a hard fought, come from behind 8-5 win. So it looks like the Oz side has a bright future ahead.

The old guard made a good showing at the game with founding members Pete Ryan and Rick Cobello in attendance rooting on the boys. Rick presented the team with his original jersey (which he claims he can still fit in . . . but didn't demonstrate . . . ha ha ). Bob Hogle and Mike Sarraino were also there to support the cause. And, as always, my good buddy and coaching companion, Paul Kreutter.

On to next year!

-Coach Clark
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It was a brisk Saturday morning in Troy, Albany. The field showed evidence of rain the night before as conditions could be described as slick.  The game began with Oswego kicking off to RPI, and remained in a standoff that included great pass sequences, runs and hits by both teams. 

The first mark, was scored off a blown call, in which I personally grabbed the ball after absorbing a run and used their Eight-man’s momentum to help my cause, as I laid on my back with the ball in my chest with my arms wrapped tightly around it, however my protests fell on deaf ears, and RPI would have its lead along with a kick through the uprights.

The remainder of the first half played out to the same tune, as RPI’s Eight-man was a constant force to be reckoned with.  While not scoring the second try, he set up the score with a long burst off of a blown punt coverage.  The ball was placed into touch, too difficult for a kick. 

Oswego threw together a drive and earned a penalty kick.  The kick barely missed, but in the end Oswego came up empty handed. 

Relentless in their assault and pressure RPI would once again break through Oswego’s defense to tack on to their expanding lead along with a successful kick.  The score of the first half ended 19-0.

Going into the half Oswego had their work cut out for them, and were up to the challenge.  Out of the gate, Oswego showed promise and life.  Threatening multiple times to breach through the opposition’s defense, only to pushed back or held up.

Time was the enemy, and the clock inside every person’s mind struck a little louder, dwindling along with it, hope and chance of an upset.  Even though defeat loomed on every Oswego Wizard’s mind, our pride did not let us show it, even though each tackle and goal line stand would not change the course of the inevitable.  Oswego walked off the field conceding no points in the second half. 

RPI went on to face Cortland in the state finals.  Cortland proved too much for RPI and claimed its title as state champions beating RPI 37-23. 

 As always time, friends and some good beer is a good remedy, as we learn from the sting and bitterness of loss. 

There are too many people to thank, who were behind the success of this team, so I hope our play was a testament to how our gratitude of all the support.  From the depths of our soulless bastard hearts we look forward to carrying on the winning tradition of Oswego Men’s Rugby.

- Dave Hahn

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