CORNING BOYS' U19 RUBGY CLUB OPENS UP SEASON AGAINST BLAIR COUNTY RUGBY CLUB (24 PHOTOS) (March 30, 2023)Southern Tier Sports Report
With the sun shining, the U19 Corning Rugby Club boys opened up their 2023 season with a scrimmage against Blair County Rugby Club (PA) on Sunday at Notre Dame High School.
With Corning having many newcomers and younger players, this was the perfect opportunity to gauge where both teams are at as they head into the start of their respective league schedules.
The Corning U19 Boys capped off the day facing a talented Blair County team. Having played each other last season, Corning knew the quality of play it was facing. With a young squad, Corning looked to find pace on both sides of the ball to produce opportunities and trend in a positive direction.
The match opened with Blair County putting Corning on the back foot. With a quick attack and big runs, Blair County found the try line early and often in the opening half. Corning was able to organize and capitalize on Blair County penalties, but were unable to find the try line. In the second half, Corning was able to get on the front foot with big runs by Sam Palmesano and Matt Hoffman-Bellucci. Corning created a more organized attack, ending the day on a positive trend. Hoffman-Bellucci and Scott Palmer led the team on defense, making tough tackles to try and limit the Blair County attack.
With only five returning starters from last year’s team, the match opened up opportunities for new impact players to gain confidence and an understanding of the game. Eighth grader Gage Machuga and freshman Colin McLaughlin had impressive days in their first varsity starts.
Head Coach Robert McGee on the clubs’ young players, “Gage and Colin really stepped up today in their first varsity start. Having come from our middle school program, they had an understanding of the game, but proved today they can play at the varsity level. Overall, it was nice to see all of our young players trending in a positive direction at the end of the match.”
Matt Hoffman-Bellucci was named “Man of the Match."
The Corning Rugby Club will be on tour over spring break, playing North Bay Rugby Club (MD) and West Carroll Rugby Club (MD). The club is still accepting students from all area schools for the 2023 season.
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RELEASE PROVIDED. . . PHOTOS BY BRIAN FEES
