Club News - Page 4 of 7 - Pittsburgh Forge Rugby Club

The Forge Elects Inaugural Board of Directors

Posted on January 29, 2019 - 11:14 am by Pittsburgh Forge

PITTSBURGH, PA – This past Saturday, the Pittsburgh Forge Rugby Club held their Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the American Serbian Club in Pittsburgh’s Southside. This was the organization’s first formal meeting since the merger of Pittsburgh Rugby Club and the Pittsburgh Highlanders took place in April of last year.

In addition to formally approving the Club’s Bylaws and Budget for 2019, the Club also elected its’ inaugural Board of Directors after being managed by an interim-board for the past year; the interim-board was comprised of both merging clubs’ officers. Moving into 2019, the Forge will be managed by a nine-person formal Board of Directors consisting of a Club President & CEO, a Club Treasurer & CFO, aClub Secretary & COO, a Director of Men’s Rugby, a Director of Women’s Rugby and four (4) Independent Directors with some degree of independence from the organization.

Bill Marnell, a Risk Officer with Dollar Bank, was elected the Forge’s first President and Chief Executive Officer. Bill has been playing and administrating rugby in the Pittsburgh area for the past fifteen years. He is a graduate of California University of Pennsylvania where he began playing rugby in 2004 while earning a Bachelors and Masters in Business Administration; Bill still serves as the Head Coach of the Men’s Rugby program there. He played for the Pittsburgh Highlanders from 2011 until the merger, and served as the Highlander’s President from 2012 until 2017. In addition to coaching, Bill also serves as the Secretary of the Midwest Territorial Union and on the Midwest’s Competition Committee as the Men’s D3 Commissioner and Eastern League Coordinator. Additionally, Bill serves USA Rugby as the Secretary of the National Competition Committee.

Olivia Lindsey, a Wealth Servicing Associate at The Coury Firm in downtown Pittsburgh, was elected to remain the Treasurer (and Chief Financial Officer) of the Club after serving in that capacity on an interim basis for the past year. Olivia obtained her Bachelors of Science degree at Penn State University where she began her rugby career in 2009. While there, Olivia went on to win four (4) National Championships while serving as the Treasurer in 2011 and President in 2012. After graduating, Olivia moved to Pittsburgh and began playing for the Pittsburgh Angels where she was elected the co-captain of the Club for two years and then the Treasurer in 2018.

Billy Gordon was elected the Club Secretary and Chief Operating Officer. Billy works as a Civil Associate for Michael Baker International’s Bridge Design Division. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Structural Engineering at Villanova University where he began playing rugby in 2012. Billy served as the club’s captain during his junior and senior years as well as serving as the President in 2015. During this time, Billy oversaw the programs promotion to Division I. After graduating, Billy returned to Pittsburgh and began playing for the Pittsburgh Rugby Club, serving as the men’s Match Secretary for a number of years.

In December, the Forge Men’s side elected Neil Reynolds to represent them on the Board of Directors. Neil received his Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree from Duquesne University in 2015 after earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown in 2010. Neil began playing rugby at UPJ in 2007 where he served two years as Vice President. After moving to Pittsburgh for school, Neil began playing for the Pittsburgh Highlanders where he served a number of years as Captain and Vice President before being elected President of the Club in 2017.

Director: Kirsten Andrews (left) with Treasurer & CFO: Olivia Lindsey (right).

At the women’s team meeting in mid-January, Kirsten Andrews, a Counselor at the Office of Vocation Rehabilitation, was elected to represent the women’s players on the Board of Directors. Kirsten earned a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling at the University of Pittsburgh where she began playing rugby in 2009. While there, she served the club as the Secretary from 2011 until 2013. After graduation, Kirsten began playing for the Pittsburgh Angels were she was elected the Women’s Convener in 2016 and served until the merger this year.

Dr. Sam Akhavan was selected to serve on the Forge’s Board as an Independent Director. Dr. Akhavan is an esteemed sports medicine physician for Allegheny Health Network (AHN), the official medical partner of USA Rugby’s senior national teams. Dr. Akhavan accompanied the USA Rugby Men’s Eagles to the Rugby World Cup Sevens in 2015, and has served as the head match physician of the USA Rugby Seven tournament for the past several years. Dr. Akhavan also directs the orthopedic sports medicine fellowship and orthopedic research program at Allegheny General Hospital and is the medical director for the Pittsburgh Riverhound’s soccer training academy. Dr. Sam has assisted the Pittsburgh Rugby Club and then the Pittsburgh Forge as a game day physician for the past several years.

Men’s Director Neil Reynolds (center) with Director Dr. Sam Akhavan (second from right).

The Club also selected Rebecca Trapp to serve on the Board of Directors. Rebecca is currently the interim-Head Coach for Youngstown State Univeristy’s Women’s Rugby where she’s served as an assistant coach since the program’s inception. Additionally, Rebecca serves as the Head Coach of the Allegheny Rugby Union’s (ARU) Women’s Select Side Program. Rebecca’s rugby career spans nearly two decades with most of that time being spent playing for the Pittsburgh Angels where she won two Senior Women’s D2 National Championships and also in Canada.

Gary Lobaugh, an External Affairs Manager for Pennsylvania American Water, was also selected to serve on the Board. Gary has a rugby career also spans nearly two decades, beginning at Allegheny College in 1991. Gary played most of his rugby with the Westmoreland Highlanders where he served as President for several years in addition to playing all over the country. Later, Gary served as the ARU’s President from 2003 – 2008 before moving to regional and national rugby governance. Gary served as the Secretary of the Midwest for a number of years before focusing on club competition. Since 2013, Gary has managed Midwest Competitions while serving on USA Rugby’s National Competitions Committee. Additionally, Gary served as a senior club representative to Congress for USA Rugby from 2011 until 2018.

Donate to Help Forge on their Playoff Runs

Posted on October 29, 2018 - 11:58 am by Andrew Chapman

To our alumni, supporters, and friends –

In our first season as an organization, we’ve already experienced a tremendous amount of on-the-field and off-the-field success. Thanks to our dedicated players, coaches, sponsors, supporters and alumni, we’ve been able to unite like-minded rugby enthusiasts throughout western Pennsylvania and create something new to grow the sport we love in the city that we love.

While we’ve asked a tremendous amount from you already, we once again ask you to support our club. We are proud to say that both our men and women’s sides have secured places in the Midwest Competition Region playoffs, and we’ll need all the help we can get from you to get there.

Pittsburgh Forge Women after their defeat of the Columbus Squirrels in the first round of Midwest Playoffs on Saturday, October 27th, 2018.

On Saturday, November 10th, our women’s side will be hosting a tough Buffalo Women’s Rugby Club in the MCR D2 Women’s Conference Final. With a win, the women will travel the following weekend to Lemont, IL (just outside Chicago) for the Midwest Championship and perhaps a birth in the USA Rugby National Championships in May.

Pittsburgh Forge Men pause for a picture under the goal posts after defeating the Syracuse Chargers to open up league play on Saturday, August 25, 2018.

Also on Saturday, November 10th, our men’s D2 side will be traveling to Cotton Grove, WI (just outside Madison) to take on a tough Wisconsin Rugby Club in the MCR D2 Men’s Semi-Final match. With a win, the men would also travel the following weekend to Lemont, IL for the Midwest Championship and a potential birth to the USA Rugby Nationals.

Please consider donating to our club to assist with travel for our playoff bound sides. If you would rather donate through other means, feel free to contact the club to organize. As a federally registered 501c3 non-profit organization, some donations can be considered tax deductible. We are happy to supply a receipt of your donation upon request.

Thanks in advance,
The Board of Directors of the Pittsburgh Forge Rugby Club

Help Here on our Donations Page

D3 Men Drop Wild Game in Cleveland

Posted on October 25, 2018 - 11:00 am by Bill Marnell

CLEVELAND, OH – After six weeks of league play, the D3 men found themselves in second place in the Allegheny sub-league of the Midwest Eastern League. The top two clubs from both Allegheny and Ohio would have a shot to win the league and earn a spot in the Midwest Playoffs on November 10th and 11th. While earning a number one seed would have been ideal, failing to score a bonus point in their match against Presque Isle afforded the Scallywags the right to host the game and forced the Forge on the road to the east side of Cleveland.

The Crusaders would open the scoring at the five-minute mark with an unconverted try only to be answered quickly by the Forge with an unconverted try of their own. Talented winger Yhong Thepboon, on a bit of a hot streak as of late, found some space to the outside to tie the game, but flyhalf Al Cochran (PITT) was unable to convert the kick and give the Forge the early lead. Both clubs would then go on to play twenty minutes of hotly contested rugby before the Crusaders would expand their narrow lead.

At twenty seven minutes, the Crusaders would jot down a converted try, followed by another converted try at thirty four minutes. Just two minutes later, at thirty-six minutes, the Crusaders would add their third consecutive converted try to expand their lead to 26 – 5 as the half was coming to a close.

With just a few moments remaining in said half, the Forge was on the attack, driving the ball deep into the Crusader defensive zone. A turnover afforded the Crusaders possession and they kicked the ball into touch to take the heat out of a hot kitchen. At that point the referee blew the whistle to stop time and afford an injury minute to a downed Percy Taylor (Woodland Hills) while the Crusaders retired to their sideline for what they assumed was half. As play resumed, the Forge executed an uncontested lineout and scrumhalf Nick Cardamone (SRU) darted down the field towards the Crusader goal-line as Cleveland began to realize what was happening.

From the Crusader bench attacked an un-uniformed Crusader reserve player to make a try-saving tackle on Cardamone as the Forge scrambled to support their teammate while being confused as to what was occurring. Amidst the chaos, the referee finally blew the whistle to stop the play and calm the situation down. After a long deliberation, a penalty try was awarded to the Forge, but no cards were issued for the ineligible player, much to the protest of Forge captain Justin McCallister (SRU) and the assigned assistant referee. The score at half read Crusaders 26 – Forge 12.

The Forge opened up the scoring to begin the second half with an excellently executed drop goal from the boot of flyhalf Al Cochran. This brought the Forge to within two scores with thirty-five minutes still to play. Just a few minutes later, however, the Crusaders would add another try to extend their lead back to 16. The Forge coaching staff attempted to jump start the club with some fresh legs, bringing on powerful forward Blayze Richardson (Cal U) on for Dan Andrus and speedy utility player Bryce Markwardt (SRU) on for David Gregg (IUP). The spark seemed to be effective as the Forge were able to battle down the field and spring talented winger Jurnee Wilson (Cal U) for a try at fifty-minutes. After the conversion kick by Cochran, the lead was cut to nine points once again.

After the try, the Forge bench and assistant referee were once again astonished when the reserve player that made the illegal tackle to conclude the first half was permitted into the game as a substitution at the fifty minute mark of the second half. Again, protests to the referee were waived off. With precious time ticking away, Forge winger Nate Hoellman, on for Jurnee Wilson, would touch down a try at the sixty-seven minute mark, and after the conversion kick from Cochran, the lead was down to only two.

The Forge would battle hard to take the lead, but ultimately, the Crusaders would score one final converted try at seventy-eight minutes to seal the game and earn the right to continue to strive towards the Midwest Playoffs. Final score read Crusaders 39 – Forge 29.

LINEUP INFORMATION

First XV: 1 – Justin McCallister (C), 2 – Brett Albrecht, 3 – Dan Andrus, 4 – Roy Wotring, 5 – Lance Reaghard, 6 – Nick Eritz, 7 – Percy Taylor, 8 – David Gregg, 9 – Nick Cardamone, 10 – Al Cochran, 11 – Jurnee Wilson, 12 – Stephan Patterson, 13 – Corey Jacobs, 14 – Yhong Thepboon, 15 – Devin Zangaro

Reserves: 16 – Ben Carozza, 17 – Paxton Thomas, 18 – Charlie Cross, 19 – Bryce Markwardt, 20 – Stephen Jochim, 21 – Mike Franzone, 22 – Nate Hoellman, 23 – Blayze Richardson

Substitutions: 49’ – Richardson for Andrus (TC), 50’ – Markwardt for Gregg (TC), 59’ – Hoellman for Wilson (TC), 62’ – Jochim for Cardamone (TC)

Discipline: None

Referee: Sam Naish, ORRS

SCORING INFORMATION

Tries: Hoellman (2), Team Penalty Try (1), Thepboon (3), J.Wilson (2)

Conversions: Cochran (2/3)
Drop Goal: Cochran (1/1)

Man of the Match: Stephan Patterson (3)

No photos taken.

D2 Men Keep Playoff Hopes Alive at Home

Posted on October 25, 2018 - 10:16 am by Bill Marnell

Flanker Alex Gordon setting down his fourth try of the season against the Rochester Aardvarks on Saturday, October 20, 2018.

PITTSBURGH, PA – After a disappointing loss the week prior, the D2 men looked to keep themsleves in the Midwest playoff hunt by exacting some revenge on the Rochester Aardvarks at home. In their previous meeting on September 22nd, the Aardvarks squeaked past the Forge in Rochester by a score of 31 – 27.

On a sunny, but cool afternoon in southwestern Pennsylvania, the Forge kicked off to Rochester to begin the contest. After a few minutes, a Rochester winger was able to open the scoring with a try, a conversion and later a penalty kick to give the Aardvarks a quick 10 – 0 lead at the eleven-minute mark of the game. Just one minute later, Andrew Knuttel (PITT) would get the Forge on the board with a penalty kick of his own followed by a nice try by powerful lock Sam Angelo (SRU/IUP). That try would go unconverted by Knuttel, but bring the Forge back to within two points at the seventeen-minute mark.

At twenty-minutes, Alex Gordon (SRU) would have a nice carry and dot down his fourth try of the campaign followed by a Knuttel conversion. Gordon would continue to have a stellar game off the score sheet on his way earning his second Man of the Match distinction this season. Two injuries, first to forward Cody Fulton and then to fullback Billy Gordon (Villanova) would bookend a nice break away try by center Patrick Dobbins (UPJ) followed by a tough earned try from forward Tony Cardamone (SRU) to end the half. The Forge would take a 17-point lead into the break.

Center Patrick Dobbins on his way to scoring his first try of the day against the Aardvarks.

The second half would begin with the Forge conceding a penalty try to Rochester seeing front row player Frank Cacciotti (Geneva) being sent off with a yellow card. Playing a man down would not slow down the Forge, however, as scrumhalf and team captain Rous Kluever (PITT) was able to score his team leading eighth try of the season at the forty-seven minute mark. This was followed by Sam Angelo’s second try of the day at the fifty-minute mark.

Utility back Josh Robertson (SRU), on for the injured Billy Gordon, would add his second try of the season, the kicked converted by Knuttel, followed by Patrick Dobbins’ second try of the match, that kick also converted, but this time by Kluever. At sixty-minutes, the Forge held a commanding 55 – 22 lead over the Aardvarks.

Coach Stephen Walsh would bring on elusive forward Brandon Benvenuti in for Knuttel at sixty-minutes as well as high flying winger Eric David for Julyan Jenkins. Rochester would set down a try at sixty-two minutes before Benvenuti would dot down his second try of the season off a nice pick ‘n go near the goal-line. To close out the scoring for the Forge, flyhalf Tyree Massie (Cal U) would set down his second try of the season, converted by Kluever, before Rochester would get a bonus point, converted try just before the last whistle. Final score read Pittsburgh 67 – Rochester 36.

LINEUP INFORMATION

First XV: 1 – Derek Neubauer, 2 – Andrew Knuttel, 3 – Frank Cacciotti, 4 – Sam Angelo, 5 – Cody Fulton, 6 – David Ashline, 7- Alex Gordon, 8 – Tony Cardamone, 9 – Rous Kluever (C), 10 – Tyree Massie, 11 – Julyan Jenkins, 12 – Patrick Dobbins, 13 – Trevor Keough, 14 – Tony Wilson, 15 – Billy Gordon

Reserves: 16 – Kyle Franklin, 17 – Josh Robertson, 18 – Jackson Allan, 19 – Brandon Benvenuti, 20 – Eric David

Substitutions: 22’ – Frankin for Fulton (IJ), 31’ – Robertson for B. Gordon (IJ), 60’ – Benvenuti for Knuttel (IJ), David for Jenkins (TC), 70’ – Jackson for Cacciotti (TC)

Discipline: Frank Cacciotti – Yellow

Referee: Dan Houlihan, ARURS

SCORING INFORMATION

Tries: Angelo (3, 4), Benvenuti (2), T. Cardamone (3), Dobbins (2, 3), A. Gordon (4), Kluever (8), Massie (2), Robertson (2)

Conversions: Kluever (2/3), Knuttel (5/7)

Man of the Match: Alex Gordon (2), [co] David Ashline (1)

Photo Credits: Nicole Beswick

Men Split Results on Forge Day

Posted on October 15, 2018 - 11:00 am by Bill Marnell

Forge center Corey Jacobs runs the ball wide against South Pittsburgh on Forge Day; Saturday, October 13, 2018.

WHITE OAK, PA – The Pittsburgh Forge looked to celebrate their first season as an organization with all three sides competing at home on the same day. After the Akron Women forfeited their match against the Forge ladies, that left only the men to play on Saturday, October 13th. It was a cold and gloomy day with rain drops falling intermittently throughout the day.

FORGE D3 V. SOUTH PITTSBURGH

The day would begin with the D3 men taking on crosstown rival, South Pittsburgh in a game that would ultimately end up being meaningless in the standings. Win or lose, the Forge had the number 2 seed in the Allegheny Conference locked up once Greensburg had forfeited their match against Presque Isle earlier in the week. The Forge would use this game as a valuable warm up for the playoffs and an opportunity to flex their muscle against a rival.

The scoring would be opened up by Forge winger Yhong Thepboon after nearly 20 minutes of back and forth rugby. Yhong would make a nice move out in the fringes to touch down his second try of the season. The conversion was missed by Devin Zangaro (IUP), but the Forge were out to a 5 – 0 lead. A few moments later, at the 25-minute mark, scrappy scrumhalf Nick Cardamone (SRU) would find space for his fifth try of the season, this try also going unconverted.

Shortly before half, talented South Pittsburgh winger would dot down a try and make the conversion, but Forge lock Eric Kress would answer just two minutes later with his first try of the season. This one would be converted by Zangaro and the Forge would take a 17 – 7 lead into the half.

Forge center David Gregg attacks the heart of the Hooligan defense.

At the half, Coach Allan Murray would make just one change, bringing in hard running and tackling Lance Reaghard in for the rookie Paxton Thomas at Number 8. Within a few minutes, the South Pittsburgh flyhalf would dot down a converted try to bring South Pittsburgh within 3, but just five minutes later, Reaghard would add his third try of the season, powering through a number of South Pittsburgh defenders.

After a Hooligan yellow card in the 67th minutes, fullback Devin Zangaro would add to the lead with his fifth try of the season and nail the conversion kick to extend the Forge lead with just thirteen minutes remaining. South Pittsburgh would add a late try as time expired, but the Forge marched to a 29 – 19 victory to sweep the Hooligans on the season series.

LINEUP INFORMATION

First XV: 1 – Percy Taylor, 2 – Brett Albrecht, 3 – Dan Andrus, 4 – Roy Wotring, 5 – Eric Kress, 6 – Kyle Porter, 7 – Nick Eritz, 8 – Paxton Thomas, 9 – Nick Cardamone (C), 10 – Josh Robertson, 11 – Jurnee Wilson, 12 – David Gregg, 13 – Corey Jacobs, 14 – Yhong Thepboon, 15 – Devin Zangaro

Reserves: 16 – Ben Carozza, 17 – Taylor Schnepp, 18 – Charlie Cross, 19 – Lance Reaghard, 20 – Stephen Jochim, 21 – Mike Franzone, 22 – Stephen Stasa

Substitutions: 40’ – Reaghard for Thomas (TC), 55’ – Joachim for Robertson (TC), 58’ – Schnepp for Andrus (TC), 68’ – Cross for Eritz (TC), 70’ – Franzone for Gregg (IJ), Carozza for Albrecht, 74’ – Stasa for Schnepp (BL).

Discipline: None.

Referee: Bob Hensel, ARURS

SCORING INFORMATION

Tries: N. Cardamone (5), Reaghard (3), Thepboon (3), Zangaro (5)

Conversions: Zangaro (2/4)

Man of the Match: Yhong Thepboon (1)

FORGE D2 V. CLEVELAND CRUSADERS

Captain and Forge scrumhalf Rous Kluever looks for touch against the Cleveland Crusaders on Forge Day; Saturday, October 13, 2018.

The D2 men looked to build on the success of the D3 men and secure a spot in playoffs with a win over rival Cleveland Crusaders. A win would put the Forge in the driver’s seat for the Eastern Conference playoff seed, but a loss would mean they would need to battle for a wild card spot. After narrowly losing to Cleveland in Ohio a few weeks back, the Forge liked their chances to beat the Crusaders at home.

After a few minutes of phases back and forth, Cleveland was able to strike first to take a 5 – 0 lead at the five-minute mark of the game. The Forge would battle tough though and earn a penalty deep inside Crusader territory allowing scrumhalf Rous Kluever (PITT) to nail his second penalty kick of the season. Cleveland would answer back, however, adding a converted try just three minutes later to extend the lead to 12 – 3 at the sixteen-minute mark.

At twenty-three minutes, Trevor Keough, getting the start at flanker today, would add his second try of the season. After the conversion by Kluever, the Forge would cut into the Crusader lead, now only down by two. Powerful lock Sam Angelo (SRU/ IUP) would give the Forge their first lead at thirty-six minutes when he would dot down his second try of the season. However, the Crusaders would cut the lead down to two just before the half when the added a penalty kick in the thirty-ninth minute, the score at half; Forge 17 – Crusaders 15.

Center Stephan Patterson carries the ball against the Cleveland Crusaders.

Two tries by the Crusaders to open up the second half would put the Forge behind the eight-ball. Both were scored by their talented winger and after only one conversion kick, the Forge found themselves down 27 – 17 with about twenty-four minutes remaining. Coach Stephen Walsh wanted to get fresh troops off the deep bench and it appeared to work as the Forge were able to spring Kluever for a try at seventy-one minutes. Kluever would convert his own kick and the Forge was down only three with nine minutes remaining.

The Crusaders were able to put the nail in the Forge’s coffin at seventy-six minutes with a third try from their winger, but the Forge would not give up. Even after a yellow card to their eighth man Tony Cardamone (SRU) at seventy-seven minutes, the Forge would battle down to the Crusader goal and get a try from center Stephan Patterson (PITT). His collegiate teammate Kluever would nail the conversion, but the final whistle would blow and find the Forge down to the Crusaders by only one point, final score; Crusaders 32 – Forge 31.

LINEUP INFORMATION

First XV: 1 – Frank Cacciotti, 2 – Jeff Muha, 3 – Kyle Franklin, 4 – Sam Angelo, 5 – Cody Fulton, 6 – Trevor Keough, 7 – Alex Gordon, 8 – Tony Cardamone, 9 – Rous Kluever (C), 10 – Tyree Massie, 11 – Julyan Jenkins, 12 – Stephan Patterson, 13 – Patrick Dobbins, 14 – Tony Wilson, 15 – Billy Gordon

Reserves: 16 – Brandon Benvenuti, 17 – Eric David, 18 – Josh Robertson, 19 – Nick Eritz

Substitutions: 56’ – David for Jenkins (TC), Benvenuti for Muha (TC), 68’ – Eritz for Keough (IJ), 74’ – Robertson for Wilson (TC)

Discipline: Tony Cardamone – Yellow

Referee: Mark Seaton, ARURS

SCORING INFORMATION

Tries: Angelo (2), Keough (2), Kluever (7), Patterson (8)

Conversions: Kluever (4/4)

Penalty Kicks: Kluever (1/1)

Man of the Match: Trevor Keough (1)

Photo Credit: Kiyomi Knox

Forge Women Defend Undefeated Record with Win Over Buffalo

Posted on October 5, 2018 - 11:13 am by Hannah Zibert

Forge Women lineup for team photo after their defeat of Buffalo

BUFFALO, NY – The Pittsburgh Forge traveled to Buffalo New York for their final in season away match against the well-established and competitive Buffalo Rugby. The Forge was eager to provide the previously undefeated Buffalo Rugby with competition, stepping on the pitch with a desire to prove themselves to teammates and fans.

The game was fast paced, forcing each team to show their mental and physical strength as both clambered to stay ahead. Trys, conversions, and injury and tactical subs were abound in this battle; every five minutes of the game included at least one. The two teams traded tries for the first twenty minutes as Jessica Brewer, Carrie Dvorsak, Ashley Chipps(2) scored tries and two Maddie Miller conversions. The Forge scoring two unanswered as the teams went into the break leading 24-12.

Buffalo came back after the half with passion, scoring 3 back-to-back tries to steal the lead 31-24. The Forge, however, would not be out done.

“We let in three tries in eight minutes and had to fight back,” Coach Jason Edsall said of the 31-24 deficit after 55 minutes. “The team culture took over, and the captains, the sidelines – everyone picked each other up. That was a great chance to fall apart, but it was all a positive message.”

Within the next 10 minutes, Maddie Miller, Chloe Correia, and Olivia Lindsey were able to dig deep and answer back with each tries of their own. Following a Miller conversion, the Forge were, again, ahead 41-34. One final score at the last whistle would put Buffalo a conversion away from forcing a tie. The tying kick was missed wide, and game would end with the Forge victorious 41-39, maintaining their perfect record.

“Walking off the field, there was no Highlanders or Angels, just one team,” Edsall said. “They saw a change in themselves. We just took down a team that went undefeated in the league for multiple years in a row, and they knew what an accomplishment that was.”

Maddie Miller earned the most points for the team at 11 points for her successful conversions and her first ever 15s try. Ashley Chipps followed closely behind with her two back-to-back tries. Jessie Brewer, Carrie Dvorsak, Chloe Correia, and Olivia Lindsey, along with aide from their teammates, pulled in the remaining tries to secure the win.

The Pittsburgh Forge enjoys a well deserved break in the upcoming week. Their final game will be against Akron at home on October 13, and then the Midwest playoffs begin. The top-two teams from East Gold will face the top-two teams from East Green, and then the East victor will face the West champion.

Check out our write-up from The Rugby Breakdown!

LINEUP INFORMATION

First XV: 1 – Kristen Smock, 2 – Kirsten Andrews, 3 – Bobbie Kolarik, 4 – Chelsey Mitchell, 5 –Nicole Beswick, 6 –Dana Zimmerman, 7 – Carrie Dvorsak, 8 – Ashley Chipps, 9 – Chloe Wickstrom, 10 –Olivia Lindsey, 11 – Maddie Miller, 12 – Shannon Connolly, 13 – Hannah Zibert, 14 – Chloe Correia, 15 – Jessie Brewer

Reserves: 16 –Mackenzie Dirlam, 17 –Holly Ramey, 18 – Kathryn McGuire, 19 – Gerri Russell, 20 – Megan Zimcosky, 21 – Jessica Brown, 22 – Alexa Brightman, 23 – Holly Kendall

Substitutions: 18′ – McGuire for Kolarik

Discipline: Buffalo Team (Y)

Referee: Unknown

SCORING INFORMATION

Tries: Brewer (1), Dvorsak (1), Chipps (5, 6), Miller (1), Correia(4), Lindsey(5)

Conversions: Miller (3/7)

Player’s Player: Olivia Lindsey

D2 Men Rebound Against League Best Buffalo

Posted on October 5, 2018 - 10:57 am by Bill Marnell

Man of the Match Tyree Massie carries the ball through the Buffalo defense on his way to setting up a score on Saturday, September 29th. Photo: Kim Beswick

PITTSBURGH, PA – After performing well enough to win all three games on the road, the Forge D2 Men ended their road trip with a disappointing 1 – 2 record, earning nine of an available fifteen league points over those three weeks. While happy to be at home, they would be hosting a very tough and talented Buffalo squad, a team who has been on the top of the Great Lakes table for the past three years. The Forge knew that securing a win at home against the Bison would be no easy task.

Things started well for the Forge, much like most of their games on the road, with a quick score from talented forward Tony Cardamone (SRU). Scrummy and captain Rous Kluever (PITT) would hit the conversion kick and the Forge were off to a quick 7 – 0 lead just two minutes into the game. After an infraction deep within their zone, Buffalo would concede a penalty kick to Kluever and the Forge at the eight minute mark and things were looking good for the Forge.

Then that streak of bad luck, which plagued the Forge during the three game road trip, seemed to creep into the match. At eleven minutes, a failed pass interception by fullback Billy Gordon (Villanova) gave the Buffalo wing another room to score on the outside and cut the lead to three after the conversion. Just ten minutes later, the Buffalo fullback would make the most of a Forge giveaway and give the Bison the lead after an unconverted try. Then, perhaps the most deflating, an intercepted pass between the back three of the Forge by the Buffalo winger allowed him to jog into the try-zone and give the Bison a commanding 19 – 10 lead near the end of the half. Three consecutive opponent scores, all gift wrapped to them by the Forge was deflating, but none so more than what would happen at the conclusion of the first half.

Forward Tony Cardamone opens up the scoring against Buffalo Rugby Club on Saturday, September 29th. Photo: Kim Beswick

With little time remaining in the first half, the Forge gained a little momentum back with nice carries from winger Julyan Jenkins, Kluever and Billy Gordon. The progress put them deep into Buffalo territory with an opportunity to cut the lead to four or even two with a conversion. The Forge had a majority of the Buffalo defense sucked into the breakdown and looked to get the ball out wide with a clear overload near the goal line. Front Row Jeff Muha passed the ball out the flyhalf and Club President, Neil Reynolds (UPJ) who made a great play to field to bouncing ball off the ground. Even though Neil had players outside of him, the clean-up play forced him to keep the ball himself and make dive for the try-zone. Unfortunately, the Buffalo defender attacked at Reynolds by sliding down with both knees rather than attempting to tackle him. The collision knocked Reynolds unconscious, severely cutting his ear and causing him to knock the ball into the try-zone.

No penalty or penalty try was award and play continued for a few minutes while Reynolds remained motionless on the field. After the play had stopped, Reynolds was treated on the field as the referee called for half as the crowd and his Forge teammates remained silent and stunned. After a few minutes of being treated by renowned team doctor, Dr. Sam Akhaven and the superb training staff at sponsor East Suburban Sports Medicine Center, Reynolds was able to come off the field under his own power before being taken to the hospital to be treated for his injuries.

At the break, Coach Walsh worked hard to regain the focus of his rattled squad, challenging them to will their way through the bad luck of the first half. Talented center and Reynolds’ long time teammate with UPJ and the Highlanders, Patrick Dobbins, was brought in to replace him and Tyree Massie (Cal U), playing outside center today, was moved back to flyhalf to begin the second half.

At the whistle to begin the second half, the Forge were determined to win this game for themselves, their coach, their president and the fans that came out to support their club. It took Captain Rous Kluever just eight minutes to turn the tide of the game when he found a crack in the Buffalo defense and streaked toward the try-zone for his sixth try of the season. After the failed kick, the score was 19 – 15, but the Forge were on a roll.

After the restart, the Forge would attack again and push the Bison deep into their own zone. After a few set piece restarts, the Forge were able to get the ball out wide and spring winger Tony Wilson (Woodland Hills) for his first try at the D2 level, second on the season, and give the Forge their first lead since the twelve minute mark, 20 – 19.

The engage Forge sideline watches as Captain Rous Kluever attempts to block a clearing kick from the Buffalo fullback. Photo: Kim Beswick

After a yellow card for cynical play at sixty minutes, the Forge would keep pressure on by adding some fresh legs. Winger Eric David and forward Kyle Franklin (UIC) would come on for Jenkins and Frank Cacciotti (Geneva), respectively, and the Forge would battle deep into Buffalo territory once again. Tyree Massie would make a nice move and offload to put Stephan Patterson (PITT) through a hole and after the conversion, the Forge lead was up to eight. It was Patterson’s first try at the D2 level, but seventh on the season as he had been a standout at D3 all year.

Massie wouldn’t be done, however. Just a few minutes later, he would set up his second consecutive try in equally brilliant fashion, this time making space for Billy Gordon to blow the game open. After the Kluever conversion, the score now read: 34 – 19. Massie would then exit the game after playing magnificently in the second half for Trevor Keough. The performance earned him the Man of the Match node from his teammates. In addition to Massie coming off, Cody Fulton (Harrisburg) would also get a spell for Andrew Knuttel (PITT) off the bench.

The Bison would add one more try in the seventy-first to draw the game a little close, but the match was never in doubt during the second half. Knuttel would miss a penalty kick to end the game; the score at the final whistle Forge 34 – Buffalo 24 at full time.

LINEUP INFORMATION

First XV: 1 – Derek Neubauer, 2 – Jeff Muha, 3 – Frank Cacciotti, 4 – Cody Fulton, 5 – Sam Angelo, 6 – Tony Cardamone, 7 – Alex Gordon, 8 – David Ashline, 9 – Rous Kluever (C), 10 – Neil Reynolds, 11 – Tony Wilson, 12 – Stephan Patterson, 13 – Tyree Massie, 14 – Julyan Jenkins, 15 – Billy Gordon

Reserves: 16 – Kyle Franklin, 17 – Andrew Knuttel, 18 – Mike Boyd, 19 – Tim Bagatti, 20 – Eric David, 21 – Patrick Dobbins, 22 – Trevor Keough, 23 – Jurnee Wilson

Substitutions: 39’ – Dobbins for Reynolds (BL), 59’ – David for Jenkins (TC), Franklin for Cacciotti (IJ), 66’ – Keough for Massie (TC), Knuttel for Fulton, 75’ – Bagatti for Muha (TC)

Discipline: None

Referee: Alex Gralia, ARURS

SCORING INFORMATION

Tries: T. Cardamone (2), B. Gordon (4), Kluever (6), Patterson (7), Wilson (2)

Conversions: Kluever (3/5)

Penalty Kicks: Kluever (1/1), Knuttel (0/1)

Man of the Match: Tyree Massie (1)

D3 Exact Revenge on Presque Isle

Posted on October 5, 2018 - 8:56 am by Bill Marnell

Number Eight, Mike Boyd, carries the ball against Presque Isle on Saturday, September 29. Photo Credit: Florence Griffith

PITTSBURGH, PA – After spending nearly a month straight on the road, the Forge men were thrilled to be back home and to get a crack at exacting some revenge for their only loss of the season, a 30 – 14 loss against the Scallywags in Edinboro, PA on September 8^th.

The Forge started quickly with flyhalf Al Cochran (PITT) feeding center Josh Robertson (SRU) with a nice ball through a hole and into the try-zone at the six minute mark of the game. Cochran was able to add the conversion and things were looking bright for the Forge. The Scallywag defense would tighten up however and prevent this game from being a shoot-out.

At twenty four minutes, the Forge would be threatening again deep inside the Scallywag defensive zone, but Presque Isle was able to pounce on a quick turnover quickly carry the ball down field for an unconverted try from their outside center. Then, just four minutes later, Forge lock Roy Wotring would go to the sin-bin for a high tackle and the Forge were on their heels a bit down a man and facing some Scallywag momentum. The Forge would play stout defense with only fourteen men and even get a brilliant score from scrumhalf Nick Cardamone (SRU) who was able to slice through the Presque Isle defense on his way to a long try that would put the Forge up by nine after the Cochran kick at the thirty-two minute mark.

Fullback Yhong Thepboon carries the ball down the sideline as the Forge crowd looks on against the Presque Isle Scallywags. Photo: Florence Griffith

Wotring would get back into the game with no damage inflicted, but a bad luck play again deep in Scallywag territory, the kind of play the Presque Isle loves, would shift momentum again and give the Scallywags life as similarly to their first try, the outside center would scoop up a turnover ball and carry it eighty-meters to the try zone once again to bring the score at half 14 – 12 Forge.

Coach Allan Murray would make a number of half time adjustments including bringing in talented center Corey Jacobs, utility player Bryce Markwardt (SRU) and tough prop Justin McCallister (SRU). It took only seven minutes for those adjustments to pay dividends as Jacobs was able to power his way to his seventh try of the season and give the Forge a 21 – 12 lead after the Cochran kick.

For the next twenty-five minutes, Presque Isle would threaten but the Forge defensive effort was strong lead by eighth man Mike Boyd (Cal) and then his replacement David Gregg (IUP); flankers Nick Eritz (Cal) and Jackson Allen; the fantastic boot of Cochran; and the superb three quarters play of winger Jurnee Wilson (Cal).

The tough Forge defense stands against Presque Isle led by David Gregg making the tackle. Photo: Cody Fulton

Finally, at the seventy-minute mark, Presque Isle would finally break through and touch down a try, but it would be too little too late. At the final whistle, the Forge defeated their foes from the north, 21 – 17.

LINEUP INFORMATION

First XV: 1 – Percy Taylor, 2 – Brett Albrecht, 3 – Dan Andrus, 4 – Roy Wotring, 5 – Charles Cross, 6 – Nick Eritz, 7 – Jackson Allen, 8 – Mike Boyd, 9 – Nick Cardamone (C), 10 – Al Cochran, 11 – Jurnee Wilson, 12 – Josh Robertson, 13 – Mike Franzone, 14 – Stephen Jochim, 15 – Yhong Thepboon

Reserves: 16 – Bryce Markwardt, 17 – Justin McCallister, 18 – David Gregg, 19 – Eric Kress, 20 – Stephen Stasa, 21 – Corey Jacobs, 22 – Paxton Thomas, 23 – Ben Carozza

Substitutions: 41’ – Jacobs for Franzone (TC), Markwardt for Jochim (TC), McCallister for Andrus (TC), 57’ – Gregg for Boyd (TC), Kress for Wotring (TC)

Discipline: Wotring, Yellow (1) – High Tackle

Referee: Mark Seaton, ARURS

SCORING INFORMATION

Tries: Cardamone (4), Jacobs (7), Robertson (1)

Conversions: Cochran (3/3)

Man of the Match: Jurnee Wilson (1)

D3 Men Continue to Roll Against Greensburg

Posted on September 26, 2018 - 11:24 am by Bill Marnell

Pittsburgh Forge Men discussing half time adjustments against the Greensburgh Maulers.

MT. PLEASANT, PA – After a big time win the previous week against South Pittsburgh, the Forge Men’s D3 side looked to continue to build momentum as they move closer to Midwest Playoffs. This weekend they would be traveling to Greensburg for a return match after Greensburg traveled to Pittsburgh to open the 2018 league season. The Forge D3 side won the first match by a score of 62 – 12.

Prop Dan Andrus would get the scoring started at the eight minute mark with Al Cochran (PITT) hitting the conversion. A few minutes later, the Forge were able to swing the ball to winger Yhong Thepboon for his first try as a member of the Forge to put the club up 12 – 0. At the fifteen minute mark, Greensburg was able to add a converted try, but just two minutes Roy Wotring would add his first try of the season before the scoring would slow down a bit.

The defenses tightened up on the narrow field for the next twenty minutes or so before Corey Jacobs would add his fifth try of the season at the thirty-five minute mark followed by last week’s man of the match, Nick Eritz (Cal U) with his second try in two weeks at the thirty-nine minute mark. The Forge would take a commanding 29 – 7 lead at the half.

The Forge would continue to pour on the scoring in the second half. Stephan Patterson (PITT) was able to touch down his sixth try of the season at the forty-five minute mark and the conversion was nailed by Cochran. With the lead comfortable, Coach Allan Murray would once again be able to bring in quality reserves from his bench. First would be forward Mike Boyd (Cal U) for Wothring followed by crafty scrumhalf Nick Cardamone (SRU) for Stephen Jochim (Juniata) and Kyle Porter for Andrus.

Hooker Brett Albrecht would add his first try of the season at fifty-one minutes, conversion by Cochran, followed by Mike Boyd at the fifty-seven minute mark. Patterson would come off to get some running for rookie Mike Franzone, but the Forge would not slow the pace. Nick Cardamone would break free for his second try of the season before Greensburg would add another try shortly thereafter to bring the score to 58 – 12 with about twenty minutes remaining in the game.

Center Corey Jacobs would set down his third try of the day at sixty-five minutes and Coach Murray would bring on his final two reserves to close out the day. To close out the day, Cardamone would add his second, fullback Devin Zangaro (IUP) would add two tries late followed by winger Jurnee Wilson (Cal U) as time expired. After the final conversion by Cochran and the final whistle, the score read Forge 91 – Greensburg 12.

LINEUP INFORMATION

First XV: 1 – Justin McCallister (C), 2 – Brett Albrecht, 3- Dan Andrus, 4 – Roy Wotring, 5 – Lance Reaghard, 6 – Nick Eritz, 7 – Percy Taylor, 8 – Charlie Cross, 9 – Stephen Jochim, 10 – Al Cochran, 11 – Yhong Thepboon, 12 – Stephan Patterson, 13 – Corey Jacobs, 14 – Jurnee Wilson, 15 – Devin Zangaro

Reserves: 16 – Kyle Porter, 17 – Ben Carozza, 18 – Nick Hebert, 19 – Mike Boyd, 20 – Nick Cardamone, 21 – Stephen Stasa, 22 – Mike Franzone

Substitutions: 45’ – Boyd for Rotwing (TC), 50’ – Cardamone for Jochim (TC), Porter for Andrus (TC), 57’ – Carozza for Albrecht (TC), 65’ – Stasa for Thepboon, 67’ – Hebert for Ertiz

Discipline: None

Referee: Alex Gralia, ARURS

SCORING INFORMATION

Tries: Albrecht (1), Andrus (1), Boyd (1), Cardamone (2, 3), Eritz (2), Jacobs (4, 5, 6), Patterson (6), Thepboon (1), Wilson (1), Wotring (1), Zangaro (3, 4)

Conversions: Cochran (7/14), Zangaro (1/1)

Man of the Match: Lance Reaghard (1)

D2 Men Drop Close Match Again

Posted on September 26, 2018 - 9:32 am by Bill Marnell

Outside Center Patrick Dobbins makes a tackle against the Rochester backline.

ROCHESTER, NY – After a close and disappointing loss last week in Cleveland, the Forge Men looked to rebound against the Rochester Aardvarks in the fourth week of league competition. This week’s match would be their third consecutive on the road and the Forge hoped to take a 2 – 1 road record back to Pittsburgh before a nice four week home stand, including a much needed bye week on October 6th.

From the gate, the Forge was able to take command of the ball and drive down to score just three minutes into the game. Captain Rous Kluever (PITT) was able to set down his fourth try of the season, but missed the subsequent conversion. The Forge would immediately threaten two additional times, but each attack was thwarted by penalties near the Aardvark goal line would cost the Forge possession and chances to extend the lead. At the seventeen minute mark, Rochester was able to touch down a try that would tie the game, missing the conversion to match the Forge.

The Forge would take the lead back, just seven minutes later when veteran loose forward Tim Bagatti (PITT) would set down a try, but once again the conversion would be missed by Kluever. Just four minutes later, the Forge would threaten again, but Rochester would find possession on a Forge miscue answer back with a try with a long try. After the conversion, the Aardvarks would take a two point lead, 12 – 10.

Winger Tony Wilson carries the ball against the Rochester Aardvarks on Saturday, September 22, 2018.

The rest of the first half would be spent playing back and forth rugby before flyhalf Tyree Massie (Cal U) would break two tackles and find the try-zone for his first score as a member of the Forge at the thirty-nine minute mark. This try would also go unconverted and Forge would take a narrow 15 – 12 lead into the half.

The second half would begin with more back and forth rugby with solid defense being displayed by both sides. At the fifty-minute mark, Rous Kluever would break through for his second try of the day, this time nailing the conversion to give the Forge a ten point lead, 22 – 12. The comfortable lead would be short-lived; as Rochester would again answer just a few minutes later with a converted try of their own to bring the score closer once again.

Five minutes later, the Aardvarks would get their second lead of the game when their inside center would dot down a try and the conversion would be nailed by the Aardvark winger. This was their largest lead of the day, 26 – 22 with a little under twenty minutes left to play prompting Coach Stephen Walsh to make some lineup adjustments to get on some fresh legs. Reserve back Josh Robertson (SRU) would come on for Patrick Dobbins (UPJ) and Trevor Keough would come on for Tyree Massie.

Flyhalf Tyree Massie kicks the ball against Rochester on Saturday, September 22, 2018.

The spark seemed to work for the Forge as they were able to drive down and get three quarters Billy Gordon (Villanova) into the try zone to regain the lead, but with the missed conversion, the lead was only one. Rochester would score again to take the lead just a few minutes later, 31 – 27, with just under ten minutes left to play. Like the other losses that the Forge had this season, the club would regain possession and threaten once again for the game winning try, but ultimately, after a knock-on inside the Rochester twenty-two, time would expire and the Forge would suffer the second heartbreaking loss in as many weeks.

LINEUP INFORMATION

First XV: 1 – Derek Neubauer, 2 – Tony Cardamone, 3 – Kyle Franklin, 4 – Jeff Muha, 5 – Sam Angelo, 6 – Tim Bagatti, 7 – Alex Gordon, 8 – Brandon Benvenuti, 9 – Rous Kluever (C), 10 – Tyree Massie, 11 – Billy Gordon, 12 – Neil Reynolds, 13 – Patrick Dobbins, 14 – Tony Wilson, 15 – Julyan Jenkins

Reserves: 16 – Frank Cacciotti, 17 – Josh Robertson, 18 – Eric David, 19 – Trevor Keough.

Substitutions: 54’ – Cacciotti for Benvenuti (IJ), 56’ – David for Jenkins (TC), 61’ – Robertson for Dobbins (TC), Keough for Massie (TC).

Discipline: None

Referee: Unknown

SCORING INFORMATION

Tries: Bagatti (1), Gordon (3), Kluever (4, 5), Massie (1)

Conversions: Kluever (1/5)

Man of the Match: Rous Kluever (1)

Photo(s) Credit: KRed Photography

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