Fordham rugby falls to Stony Brook

By Brian Gallagher

 September 6, 2013- On a beautiful Bronx night, the Fordham Rams kicked off the fall Empire Conference season by taking on a familiar foe, the Stony Brook University Seawolves.  The Rams would fall to the Seawolves in a 33-20 defeat.

            Stony Brook proved to be the more disciplined side from the outset, jumping to an early 10-0 lead thanks to strong kicking by senior fly-half P.J. Abelein.  Fordham then capitalized on Stony Brook penalties, managing to bring the score to 10-3 before the halftime whistle sounded.

            The Rams entered the second half looking like a fresh team.  Fordham’s ruggers pushed down the field taking advantage of sloppy play by the Stony Brook side to drive in 3 tries, using a mix of driving forward ball and sideline to sideline play by the backs, sophomore flanker Rusty Gough shined brightest, scoring a try off of a. maul, and handling the kicking duties for Fordham.  By the 60^th minute, the Rams had steamed to a 20-10 lead. 

            Stony Brook would not be held down.  The Seawolves exploited the fatigue of the Fordham side, bringing the score to 33-20, before playing a territorial game—pinning the Rams within their own territory.  33-20 would prove to be the final score. 

            Next week, Fordham takes on Binghamton in Binghamton, while Stony Brook will visit Syracuse.