YSC Reporter Rachel Milligan – Beantown hosts Keystone Match Report and VIDEO [WPL]

View the 2011 WPL Schedule and Results here.

Match Video

By Rachel Milligan:

In sunny, humid Amherst, Massachusetts, Beantown hosted Keystone women in the WPL’s opening match of the season on September 10. Amidst Beantown’s annual collegiate tournament, families, friends, and future USA Rugby hopefuls gathered around for the featured match at 1pm. Keystone arrived with a roster of 18 players, but a solid 18 at that, as the final score reflected at 80 minutes.

The game began with Beantown initially demonstrating great intensity in their launch and tackles, but several early penalties for not rolling away in the tackle and launching from in front of the back foot in the ruck, put them on their heels in 10’ doses. Repeated punches coming from Keystone’s pack, which obviously outweighed Beantown’s forwards, helped them make gradual progress down the field. A strong attacking line coming from inside center Devin Keller, created a ruck that would be cleared by Keystone to result in an early try at minute 6, by number 13, Rachel Sachs, formerly of Beantown. Lock Stacy Baker stepped up and made the conversion, for the early 7-0 lead. Within the next ten minutes, another downfield series of play by Keystone resulted in a second try by prop Rachel Hammond which was not converted, setting the score at 12-0.

For much of the game, possession flip flopped between sides, whether it be over penalties or knock-on’s, which both teams can hope comes purely from the jitters of it being the first match of the 2011 season. Beantown’s line-outs were frankly inconsistent, with a majority being called ‘not straight’ by the ref, resulting in many unforced turnovers throughout the match. Mari Wallace, debuting this season at 8-man after a year long hiatus, had a very strong defensive game, while Emily Jones also contributed to punishment at the gain line as a flanker. Other new faces in the forwards, Lisa Cocchiara and Jen Cotton had offensive bursts, but it wasn’t enough to put points on the board for red and blue. Beantown’s lone try came in the thirsty-first minute with an overload to winger Ali Pappas. Ashley Clancy also had several notable breaks with her impressive speed on the opposite wing, but was contested well by Keystone’s back three coming across the field at pace.

It was evident that Keystone intended to capitalize on Beantown mistakes with well placed kicking and fluid support for each of their line-breaks. The forwards worked diligently across the field to secure ball with 3-4 players in each ruck. In minute 42, Keystone loose forward Alison Worman spread the score margin with a try which was converted. Aggressive play continued, as fly-half Frances “Frankie” Male was a moving threat immediately off the breakdown, creating opportunities for her centers to run at pace throughout Keystone possessions. Their backline was not without flaw however, when in the 60th minute, fullback Rashida Stamps was identified by the referee and sent off with a yellow card for dangerous play. Despite the man-up advantage, Beantown was not able to gain momentum during the ten-minute sin bin to reduce Keystone’s lead, resulting in the 19-5 final.

Overall, Beantown and Keystone rostered many new faces for the WPL, but Keystone’s experience and intensity, led by Kim Magrini at scrumhalf, helped them prevail in this season-opener. Beantown looks forward to hosting the DC Furies next weekend, while Keystone will make the long trip to the west coast to face the 1-0 All Blues on their home turf.