A Mystics 16 - Amoskeag 32
B Mystics 38 - Amoskeag 12

The new Pine Banks Rugby Field is the most technically perfect ever played on. It is technically superior to a Tiger Woods or Serdar Bolen (Aust) golf swing.

The length of the playing field is 330', the in goals are an additional 68' each, and the width is 225'. This is the mother of all Rugby fields. The specifications above meet the exact size specifications of a Rugby Field as as stipulated by the International Rugby Board (IRB).

The surface is also incredible. It is a synthetic grass / rubber granule combination called Field Turf manufactured by Edelgrass, a Netherlands based company. It is super fast, super soft and without inconsistency. The field is undoubtedly the best Club Rugby field in the US and hats must be tipped to all involved in its development - Jay Dacey, Milo, Pine Banks Foundation, Mystic Old Boys, Towns of Malden and Melrose...... the list goes on.

On Saturday September 6 Mystic River 'A' side took to the field relaxed and confident after their Montreal tournament victory the weekend prior. Amoskeag clawed at Mystic from the outset and before too long had Mystic on the back foot. The Amoskeag pack dominated proceedings early making easy yards around the ruck and securing much quick ball for their outside backs. The weight of possession eventually created overlaps and after 15 minutes Mystic were down by two tries and a conversion. Mystic stabilized momentarily with two penalty goals to Matt Albrecht but Amoskeag again controlled the next 15 min to score another try and take a penalty goal to lead 21-6. Mystic were able to gain some territorial footing late in the half and with their first opportunity Mystic slipped down the short side to send Yami Baker over in the corner to bridge it to 21-11 at the break.

The break seemed to slow the first half Amoskeag torrent as straight after the break Mystic slipped down the right flank to send Yami over for his second. At 21-16 a comeback seemed imminent, however, Amoskeag again grabbed the reigns and dictated the game. Jimmy and Pops never stopped tackling around the rucks but they could not stem the flow alone. In the end, the Amoskeag side retained possession too well and out muscled Mystic 32-16.

The Mystic 'B' side played valiantly in the midday heat and won well by a score of 38-12 with three tries by the ageless Bob "Silver Fox" Torchia who was obviously inspired by having his fiancé show up to watch him play for the first time. It was a storming performance by the pack up front that set the tone with tremendous work by Brad (who looked like he needed an extra lung after the game) along Ben and Dan who were all over the field tackling and harrying leading the fray. The backs also executed the game plan superbly with incisive breaks by Bob and some great counterattacking runs by Steve at fullback.

An unhappy beginning to the new season for Mystic but a reminder of what is required to win games in this New England competition.


Go Blue


Billy Allsworth - Quarterback