USA Eagles Train the Fordham Rams

Man of the Match Ben Mancuso blogs from Charleston

Ben Mancuso (left) with former FURFC Capt. Chris Moore (right) at Rugby Golf 2012; Ben discusses tour in this entry

After a long day of practicing in torrential downpours we had the opportunity to get turned up with a clinic led by one of the US Eagles coaches, Luke Gross.  We were all hurting after three days of tough practices, but every member of our team was filled with a new excitement when Coach Gross began to run drills.  The session was heavy on forward gameplay and strategy in the ruck, some things our team really needs work on.  Everyone paid attention to the drills and it showed when we began our scrimmage with the outlaws.

 Coach Luke Gross instructs our forwards; Gross was capped 62 times by the Eagles,the second most in USA history.

Head Coach Ed Cullen (left), Coach Luke Gross (center), and Senior Connor Wimsatt (right)

The Charleston Outlaws were some big southern boys and I’m sure they were not too impressed by our team's size going into the game.  However, we came out tough and showed them we were there to play starting off the first half.  We had lots of guys in new positions including myself playing fullback for the first time ever which added a bit of anxiety to the game.  Also, we had lots of young guys filling out our pack.  Led by Captain Jack and the new sheriff in town, Nicky Boots, our young players stepped up making hard tackles refusing to shy away from very intimidating players.  Despite the monsoon that had begun, our backs were able to get the ball and move it through the hands with impressive speed breaking the Outlaws' line for a few big runs.  Handling the ball in hurricane conditions was difficult especially trying to field kicks from full back, not always successfully.  The Outlaws were able to earn one try with quick back play and a momentary lapse in defense, but it would be the last time they saw the try zone.  Coming out of the half excitement was high and we were eager to put some points on the board. However, about five minutes in due to inclement weather and the field lights shutting off the game was forced to an end.  It was a bit disappointing for everyone to have the game end as our play was beginning to develop, but nonetheless it was an impressive showing.  

FURFC brings it in before half against the Charleston Outlaws

One of the biggest things for us was the confidence that came from this past week and capped by our Outlaws scrimmage.  Going into the season we will be better prepared and should have no fear facing teams from the empire conference.  We have made great strides towards our season goals this past week and look forward to continuing this momentum into the rest of our preseason.