The Philadelphia-Whitemarsh Rugby Football Club started their season off with a 53-7 road win against the Philadelphia Gryphons last Saturday. Left winger Kurht Engle started the scoring for PW early with a try in the corner on a pass from player-coach Conway Maraki 5 meters out just minutes after the opening kick-off. Jim Rosato converted from the tough angle to make the score 7-0.

The Gryphons defense picked up and created a few opportunities for their offense early in the first half but PW was able to withstand the pressure. PW 8 man and Captain Bob Haller found a hole off of a ruck deep in Gryphons territory and took it in to bring the score to 12-0 mid-way through the first half. Maraki, playing prop but thinking fly half added two scores with nifty running to make the score 22-0.

The Gryphons did not go quietly. Their lock took advantage of miscommunication in the PW defense 10 meters out to march in untouched and put the home team on the board. The try was converted to bring the score to 22-7 at the break.

Despite numerous turnovers and being out rucked by the Gryphons for much of the game, PW was able to pull away in the second half. Bryan Oteri started the second half with a try after chasing down a clearing kick. Philly, not content with its lead, piled it on with 4 more tries in the half scored by Maraki, Dan Walsh and reserves Mike Kelly and Cliff Webster. Rosato converted 1 while Kelly converted on 2 others. PW’s deep bench including PW Old Boy Tatonka provided much needed fresh legs in the muggy heat. PW tallied 9 tries in the convincing win. The Man of the Match Jacket went to newcomer Ryan McLean, playing lock, for strong jumping in the line outs and excellent field presence.

Saturday's match was located at the Pepper George Middle School, South 84th Street, Philadelphia, PA. The match kicked off at 1:00pm

Next up for PW is their home opener against Reading at 10 AM this Saturday at Memorial Hall in Fairmont Park.

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