MONTREAL, QC – The Mystic Collegiate Selects came out firing in the first half, and used the width of the field to move the ball and keep the Voyageurs defense off balance. Mystics put two tries on the board early on. The first try came off a nice break on the sideline by Dave Caputo, and Dylan Amore converted to give the Mystics a 7-0 lead. The Mystics followed that up with a weak side pick from scrumhalf Mike Weinstein, giving them a 12-0 lead.
The Voyageurs started to find their rhythm and began to settle down. They pounced on a Mystic mistake at the break down, and caught the defense off guard with a chip over the top that the Voyageurs collected for a converted try. The lead was now cut down to 12-7. The Mystics quickly bounced back: after moving the ball out wide, outside center Dylan Amore broke through the line and converted his own try to extend the Mystic lead to 19-7. The Voyageurs persevered and scored a second try as the first half wound to close, narrowing the Mystic lead to 19-12 at the half.
The Mystics dropped their intensity in the second half and made a number of costly mistakes to give the Voyageurs the ball. The Voyageurs also put in some effective counter-attacks, and they scored three consecutive tries to give the Canadians a 31-19 lead. Despite the blitz of points, the Mystics stuck to their game. Captain Thomas Thekaekara led a charge down the field that resulted in a brilliant try from fullback Brian Michele, pulling the Mystics within 5 points at 26-31.
The Mystics kept at it, and regained some of their first half magic after Sam Swain made a great break and fed number eight Phil Salter, who broke two tackles on his way to a try under the posts. Dylan Amore‘s conversion gave the Mystics the lead at 33-31!
The Voyageurs kept up the pressure and pinned the Mystics in their 22. They forced a Mystic turnover and capitalized on the possession to score a last-minute try to take a 36-33 lead. With under a minute left, the Mystic Selects tried to march the ball down the field, but they came up short as the final whistle blew.
This will be the first time the the Voyageurs have beaten the Mystic Collegiate Select XV, putting the all-time series 2-1-1 in the Mystics’ favor.
We want to extend huge thanks to the Voyageurs, who were great hosts once again. We also want to thank our sponsors, Gentle Giant and G.F. Sprague Roofing for helping make this trip happen. Special thanks are also due to all the coaches, administrators and players involved in making this another great tour for the Mystic Collegiate Selects.
Tries:
Dave Caputo (University of Michigan)
Mike Weinstein (Wesleyan University)
Dylan Amore (Keene State)
Brian Michele (Stony Brook University)
Phil Salter (Stony Brook University)
Conversions:
Dylan Amore – 4 (Keene State)