Scioto Valley: Rovers' Master

Broadcast Email : Scioto Valley: Rovers' Master

SVRFC Email Notice: 05/20/08. Scioto Valley: Rovers' Master Scioto Valley took on the Cleveland Rovers on Saturday in what may have been their last game of the spring season.

The Lepers, coming off of a poor performance against the Cleveland Eastern Suburbs with an unexpected loss of 27-20 the previous weekend, should have had fire in their eyes and revenge in their hearts -- neither seemed present during the first half of rugby.

By the end of the first half, the score was 13-5 in favor of Valley. Despite that fact, Coach Steve Finkel was not impressed and believed Valley should have been dominating the Rovers. It seemed that the same team that took the field against the Eastern Suburbs had returned.

When the second half whistle blew, it appeared that Finkel's half-time pep talk had ignited some passion in his players. Despite having lost captain Kevin Mongold to a head injury in the first half, the Lepers went on to score 50 points in the second half while holding the Rovers to their previous 5 points.

Key players included 8-man Rory Malloy, who had a hat trick for the day. Malloy also had one of Valley's few tries the previous weekend against Cleveland Eastern Suburbs, and his first try for Valley; props Will "Brick" Breckenridge and Conor Malloy had some powerful, steamroller runs that helped Valley obtain proper field position, setting the team up for their many tries.

With the pack leading the charge, gaining momentum for the team, it was not difficult for the backs to regain their composure. The backs, who led the poor performance against the Eastern Suburbs, shook off the mental cobwebs and helped the Lepers with the 63-5 win.

The win puts the Lepers at a 6-2 record -- quite possibly their final record for the season.

In the second match, the Blackholes took on a motley side of Rovers, Lepers, Valley Old Boys and walk-ons. Once again, Valley controlled the game, winning 37-17.

Scioto Valley was scheduled to play Ohio University in Athens, Saturday, but Ohio U. dropped the game in favor of a showcase match against Ohio State at the high school state tournament.

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