In a match featuring the final two remaining undefeated clubs in EPRU’s third division, Philadelphia Whitemarsh RFC (7-0) held off a late rally from North Penn RFC (6-1) to win 14-11.  Jim Rosato scored all 14 points for PW and Freddie Koniecki was named man of the match for his strong play in the line outs and the muddy trenches of North Penn’s pitch.

PW, the one seed out of the Freedom division, scored first on a penalty kick from Rosato.  The muddy conditions dictated a north-south game, for which both clubs were suited for, going to pick-and-go ball out of rucks early and often.  It was difficult for both teams to keep their feet and penalties resulted often for both sides.  Rosato was able to convert another penalty midway through the first stanza to give the visitors a 6-0 lead.

Neither squad was able to find the try zone in the first half.  NP was able to find the scoreboard however, converting a penalty of their own to cut the lead in half 6-3.  That was how the score would read at the end of the first half.

PW coach, Conway Maraki and Captain, Bob Haller put an emphasis all week in preparation on strong starts to each half.  The boys obliged, especially to start the second half.  PW used close to a dozen phases of pick-and-gos through the mud to suck in the NP defense.  PW scrummy, Dave Peirce then got the ball out of a goal line ruck to Rosato who sold a dummy to Bryan Oteri before taking it in himself to score the first try of the game and give PW a 11-3 lead.

North Penn came back with another penalty kick to cut the lead to 11-6.  Midway through the second half, NP took advantage of a scrum 5 meters from the PW goal line.  They went weak-side with their 8 man who flipped it to their wing on the sideline who then dove across the line to tie the game, 11-11.  The long conversion was short and left the game tied.

Later in the half PW looked like they had again found pay dirt.  After another set of forward crashes, the ball got wide to Kurht Engle, who appeard to touch it down on the line, however it was ruled short and then held up, keeping the score tied.  With five minutes remaining a ruck deep in NP territory yielded a red and a yellow card as well as a penalty to PW.  Rosato converted to give PW the 14-11 lead. 

The excitement would not end with the scoring however.  With a minute remaining in the match, NP was awarded a penalty within striking distance.  The attempt at goal to tie the match was wide left by no more than a foot preserving the lead for PW.  NP would have one more chance on a lineout 20 meters from the PW goal line. Freddie Koniecki capped off his man-of-the-match caliber game with a defensive steal and Maraki found touch, ending the match 14-11.

Philadelphia Whitemarsh RFC looks to finish their season undefeated at home against Wilkes Barre RFC this Saturday at Edgely Field in Fairmount Park.

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