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NYS Women’s U-19 Select Side makes Debut in Albany - Jul 3, 2007
Squad plays to 1-1 Weekend

NYS Women’s U-19 Select Side makes Debut in Albany


Albany, NY- NYS Rugby unveiled its Women’s U-19 Select Side team for the first time at the Northeast Rugby Union Women’s U-19 Championships in Albany, NY. The team was selected after one tryout in May and on the recommendation of coaches throughout the Conference. Head coach Greg Fehrman stated, "This is just the start of a program, this is not just a team that was assembled for a tournament and then forget about it, it is a program that will have stability in coaching and continued growth.”

In a very clean, fast-paced game against the Met-NY Select Side, NYS Rugby took advantage of its speed to race to a 20-0 halftime lead. The second half was more of the same with complete control, resulting in a final score of 37-0. Fehrman stated, "We played extremely well for a group that only practiced together the night before. Every player made numerous contributions, but I feel that the management of the game by our flyhalf, Sarah Bellnier (City Honors), was a key to the game."

The win against Met-NY put New York State in the championship against powerhouse New England RFU (NERFU). New England showed early that they were the more experienced team, jumping out to a quick 10-0 lead. Midway through the first half, NYS Center Rachel Sachs (Syracuse University) sprained her ankle and was unable to continue. Sachs, a member of the U.S. Women’s U-19 team, and Emily Greeno (Syracuse University) were NYS players that had played at higher levels. Greeno was a Northeast Rugby Union U-19 member in 2006. "When a young team loses a leader sometimes they have a lull instead of rallying, and we suffered that post injury effect," Fehrman said.

NERFU went on to score two more tries before half to take a commanding 20-0 lead. The second half was played between the 22’s as neither team could penetrate the other's try zone. NYS had two opportunities where it was inside the 10-meter line, but NERFU's fantastic defense did not allow them to advance. NERFU captured the title, 28-0.

“As coaches, we are very proud of how these young women played," Fehrman said afterwards. "They never gave up, never showed panic, and just continued to grind and work hard. Additionally, the sportsmanship the young women from both teams displayed was tremendous. The game was a joy to watch and to be apart of.”

After the game assistant Reggie Tift stated, "We carried a very young team this year and have the possibility to return everyone. Therefore, we will be stronger and a more experienced side. I encouraged all the players who played this year to spread the word about their experience and encourage all High School coaches to promote your players to tryout for the team next year. I know Greg and the staff are committed to give every player who wants to play at the next level a chance to do so. This U19 program is the stepping stone to accomplishing that."

In closing, Fehrman said, "It was a great weekend. The players experienced rugby at a high level and the coaches have already begun talking about ways to improve our process. NERFU is the barometer - they are the best and we will have to work continue to improve ourselves. I also thank the parents for the commitment and support they showed for the team, I feel the girls took a lot away from this and our Conference will be better because of it."