By Scott Michaelis | 8.18.18
Cleveland Crusaders DII 34 – 26 Columbus Rugby Club
Selections:
Backs: 15) Nick Mussarra 14) Steve Fritsch 13) Everett 12) Billy Regan 11) Alex Dine 10) Nick Viviani 9) Al Carrigan
Forwards: 8) Doug Rawlings 7) Preston Lowden 6) Zach Webb 5) Justin Rutledge 4) Spencer Duncan 3) Joe Brown 2) Dane Szente 1) Justin Isaacs
Reserves: 16) Terry Kilbane
Cleveland Crusaders DIII 41 – 22 Columbus Rugby Club
Selections:
Backs: 15) Ryan Sands 14) Mitch 13) Joe Wollerman 12) Moses Pahulu 11) Steve Anthony 10) Grant Woods 9) Al Carrigan
Forwards: 8) Miles Papa 7) Mark Staron 6) Allen Lee 5) Joe O’Brien 4) Rory Walsh 3) Frank 2) Jason Mercier 1) Steve Dine
Reserves: 16) John Kearns 17) Zack 18) Joe Sessin
Recap
The Cleveland Crusaders completed pre-season training in-form with dominant performances from both sides in wins over the Columbus Rugby Club. The DII side set the tone for the day with a strong first half and was never seriously threatened despite the deceptively close final score of 34 to 26. Despite fielding a side that mixed youth with experience, the team played with cohesion and was clearly the better team on the day. Fullback Nick Mussarra was the standout on the day earning man of the match honors.
Columbus was unable to cope with the Crusaders offensive firepower as the DIII side continued the winning ways with a comprehensive 41 to 22 victory. The team played as a cohesive unit despite very little time together as a unit in pre-season training thanks to leadership of senior players in the squad. Special recognition to Al Carrigan for being the inaugural winner of the Crusaders Shield for his play throughout the day.
The Crusaders look to continue the winning ways on Saturday with two home matches at Edgewater Park. The DIII Side will be taking on the Avon Rovers at 11am. With DII’s match to follow against the Rochester Aardvarks.