PINE BANKS – As Tropical Storm Hannah covered the northeast in rain and oppressive humidity, the Mystics opened their 2008 season against the Connecticut Yankees. Much of the first half went back and forth as both teams tried to find their groove, but converted tries by Bill Dow and rookie winger Dimitri Efthimiou allowed the Mystics to go up 14-nil at the half. The Mystics didn’t let up in the second half, outscoring the Yankees five tries to two, including a try scored by Tom Collins off the kickoff to start the half. The Mystics took the match 43-10.

Led by captain Bobby Ankenbauer and “Man of the Match” outhalf Jack Mahoney, the Mystic Second XV also gave a good show, shutting out the Yankees 33-0 in the second game of the day.