Archive

Colonials Fall to Boston RFC, 22-12, in NRU Playoffs - Apr 30, 2003

BOSTON -- The Rochester Colonials dropped an overtime thriller to Boston RFC, 22-12, last Saturday in the quarterfinals of the NRU playoffs. On an icy, muddy pitch in Boston, the hosts took a 7-0 lead about 15 minutes in when they exploited an overload out wide and touched down between the posts.

Rochester countered a few minutes later when Sean Rebstock hacked on a loose ball inside the Rochester half of the field and Stash Merritt outraced the retreating Boston defenders for a try in the corner. The touchline conversion fell short and at the half Boston led 7-5.

For most of the second half, Boston controlled play in the Rochester end of the field. However, the Colonials defense withstood multiple attacks of their goal and kept Boston from crossing the line. As the second half wore on, the Colonials gained momentum as Boston began to fatigue. But a late unconverted try for Boston seemed to seal the win for the home team, putting them ahead 12-5.

With time winding down, the Colonials attacked furiously in the Boston end of the field. At the stroke of full time, Rochester outside center Brian Lucchessi broke through the line at the Boston 22 and beat the Boston fullback to touch down to the left of the posts. Colonials winger Jimmy Pashilides calmly slotted the conversion to send the game to extra time.

In the extra session, Boston's flyhalf kicked an early penalty goal to give his side the lead 15-12. Rochester was never able to threaten the Boston goal in overtime and at the final whistle Boston scored a controversial try to make the final tally 22-12.