So far this spring, Mystic River’s D1 side has played Rugby United New York (RUNY) twice and have seen a drastic difference in the two matches. In the first match, Mystic River didn’t fare so well and the result was a 0-50 loss to RUNY out at Gaelic Park in the Bronx, NY.
Knowing that Mystic Nation was in full-effect, watching, supporting, and critiquing, Mystic River turned it around within a week, looking like a completely different team at Harvard’s Mignone Rugby Field the following weekend, where Mystic lost just 24-42.
While the score read 24-42, with just six minutes remaining in the match, Mystic River was just one score away from taking the lead, trailing 24-30. Stellar defense and capitalizing on big opportunities, especially off of turnovers, led to two tries from wing Steve Dazzo, and one from flyhalf Santiago Bertranou who also had a dropkick to start off the scoring for the afternoon. All conversions were slotted by Bertranou, who made his presence known on the pitch by day’s end.
Mystic’s D2 Barbarians hosted Charles River RFC at Pine Banks for a friendly exhibition the day Mystic played RUNY at Harvard, and ended the game with a resounding 72-14 victory, building a good foundation for the spring season.
On 4/7, Mystic River hosted the NSCRO All-Star Selects and UMASS at Pine Banks for a day filled with rugby, as well as a few lessons for the collegiate players. It was a great day for the club, and Mystic River looks forward to seeing some of these players return to Pine Banks after
Now, as both of Mystic River’s sides continue to build momentum as they move forward in the season, the ARP side travels to Travers Island, NY this weekend to face off against NYAC in a highly-touted match. The way the Monsters of Malden are progressing along with the season, this weekend should be a different story from last fall’s less-than-ideal 19-80 result. Kickoff is set for 2 PM and Mystic River is ready for a little redemption.
Meanwhile, Mystic’s D2 Barbarians will travel to play against Amoskeag in a game meant to warm up the Barbarians for playoffs next weekend against the Hounds. Kickoff was set for 1 PM. The Barbarians travel to Amoskeag’s home pitch, Thibeault Field, Douglas Street, Manchester, NH.
Upcoming, on Saturday, April 21st, we have a full lineup of matches, so don’t make any plans other than Bleeding Blue at Pine Banks all day.
Starting the day, the Old Boys kick off at 11 AM vs. The Boston Irish Wolfhounds. Captain Ken Fagan has requested all Old Boys please arrive no later than 10 AM to organize the side and prepare to take it to the Hounds! Please contact Ken with your availability (kenneth.fagan@rcn.net or 617-838-6783).
Following the Old Boys, Mystic’s D2 Barbarians face off against the Hounds in a long-awaited NERFU Playoff Match. Kickoff is slated for 1 PM. Last time these two longtime rivals played each other in the fall, the Hounds prevailed 17-22 in a tight contest. Mystic River looks to punch its ticket to another NERFU Championship with a victory, and they’ll require full attendance of Mystic Nation to help get them there!
To conclude the rugby-filled day, Mystic River hosts the Ontario Arrows (1-1-1) MLR side in the final pro rugby match played in Boston this season. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 PM, and the game will be played at Pine Banks, meaning Mystic has a true home-field advantage! It’s on the fans to make that happen.
Mystic River has had a busy spring season so far, and the players have shown great resilience and flexibility with the weather being just one factor hindering the start of the season. However, just as the players have made no excuses, we need all of Mystic Nation to step up to the challenge next weekend and bleed blue together, flocking in full force, regardless of weather. We’ll see you there!