Columbia Falls to Albany, 37-25

On Saturday, September 7th, Columbia Rugby took on the University of Albany in its first game of the Fall 2013 Season on a beautiful day at Baker Field.  

Albany was the first team on the board after a mixture of luck and skill by their fullback allowed him to beat Columbia down the wing. After a missed conversion, the first of many for Albany, the score sat at 5-0. Peter Calello responded for Columbia with two penalty kicks to put CURFC up 6-5. However, it was not long before Albany again broke down the wing to lead 10-6; a score that would hold until halftime. Albany struck quickly in the second half, going up 15-6, before David Colavita stormed into the try zone. Calello converted to bring Columbia within 2 points. Albany responded though, and after finally converting on a kick, went up 22-13. Columbia was not done though, as Ben Keitt finished a strong Columbia move to bring Columbia within 2 again following another Calello conversion. Columbia finally took the lead through a penalty try as Albany refused to get 10 yards back, putting CURFC up 25-22. However, that would be the last time Columbia led, as Albany finished with 3 tries to win 37-25.

The B-Side match had a much happier ending for CURFC as a number of new players shone as Columbia stormed to a 25-7 victory. Local product Raphael was able to tack on two tries, while British import Ben was able to add one of his own. The exclamation point came as Adam Gayoso flew into the try zone for CURFC's final try of what was a promising, if not entirely successful day.