OP RUGBY MEAT RAFFLE

SATURDAY MAY 11TH @ 6PM. SEE IMAGE BELOW

OPRUGBY @   the taste of OP 

OP Rugby teamed up with Village Ice Cream to recruit at the taste of Orchard Park.  These girls (and moms) represented OP rugby  awesomely and got 30 potential players to sign up! 

Orchard Park Girls finish RugbyNY season Undefeated

 Beat Hamburg 74-0

 The OP Girls Varsity team downed neighboring Hamburg Rugby in their final regular season game. The club combined a strong defensive effort with lightning strike backline counter attacks to score 12 tries on their way to highest offensive output of the season. Hamburg's effort wasn't in question but OP's backline, all on field together for only 2nd time this year, was too much for them to handle.  The backs ballhandling and hard running sliced holes through their opponents all day.  Center Skylar Hernek started the scoring after some nifty passing around the outside . Annie Henrich added the first of her 6 conversions on the day.  Just one minute later, Gia Ditto went around the same side to score. The OP forwards contributed with defensive stops and with excellent hands on kickoff returns. Olivia Sorrento in her first start was particularly strong on kickoff returns. Annie Henrich would add two more tries before half and Ditto another. Hailey Fantrazzo would get the forwards in on the scoring after some patient forward inside runs, by adding two tries  of her own .  Peyton Langworthy would finish the first half scoring with a highlight reel run to bring the halftime score to 52-0. Senior and St. Bonaventure commit Mia Popp was instrumental in leading the OP attack from her scrumhalf position while Senior Fullback Bella Messina had big hits and try saving tackles to preserve OP's 3rd shut out of the year.  OP used all their allowed subs in the second half giving some of the younger players much needed varsity experience and there was no let up. While Hamburg did have more possession, strong defense and a goal line stand kept them off the scoreboard. Flanker Sophia Saffrin started the second half scoring and the backs continued to find space with Henrich and Langworthy adding tries.  Freshman winger Ella Drew wrapped up the scoring  just before the final whistle blew. Final score OP 74-0 Hamburg.  Forwards Aero Geise and Sophia Worrel stood out for their work rate and Gia Fanutti for her powerful punishing runs.  Impact Subs Julia Tills, Tessa Reichmuth and Rory Senft all kept up the energy and pressure in the second half.  Anna Marusza continues her run of forcing turnovers and leading the pack.  OP finished the season only allowing 14 points scored, while scoring  better than over 200.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Scoring: Henrich 3T  6C, Langworthy 2t  1C, Ditto 2T, Fantrazzo 2T, Hernek 1T, Saffrin 1T, Drew 1T 

Next up: The NYS Championship Game Sunday June 4th, Tim Russert Park, West Seneca  2:00 KO vs Corning

 OP Girls Varsity defeats  rebuilding City Honors

Orchard and City Honors have a long history and fierce but friendly rivalry. They are two of the original area girls clubs and one of the two teams has won every RugbyNY Upstate title since 2015. City  Honors is the only team to beat   OP since 2019 in a RugbyNY game.  Both teams had over 30 girls and a good sized crowd was on hand to experience  the latest chapter in the rivalry.

OP was the more experienced team took advantage of it early when a penalty gave OP possession just outside the 5m line. Prop Gia Fanutti opened the scoring on a hard run  and Captain Annie Henrich added two tires  and 2 conversion and at the 20 min mark OP held a 19-0 lead. The City Honors club although inexperienced were strong and athletic. They never backed down. They played with heart and tenacity even if slightly overmatched.  OP lost two starters in the next 5 min when Fullback Ella Meunier and #8 Madison Moeller both left with knee injuries.  Sophomore Julia Tills and freshman Sophia Worrel were forced into varsity duty and were outstanding.  Inside center Peyton Langworthy and Henrich found some real chemistry and Langworthy finished off the next possession doting down for 5.  OP 26- 0 Honors at the Half. 

The second half  started and OP began to dominate possesion of the ball. SH Mia Popp took a quick tap to score and Henrich and Langworthy each added another score while speedy winger Gia Ditto scooped up an errant pass and added another. OP's backline attack was in full force all day but was provided the opportunities by the strong defense and rucking of the forwards.  Sophia "Savage" Saffrin was a stand out and controlled the line outs, pinching two from Honors. Aero Geise and Anna Marusza were outstanding.  Hailey Fantrazzo and Emily Riccardi added powerful punishing runs. Forward rookies KayliAnn Tefft, Angie Dole and Madi ward were forced into varsity duty and kept up the pressure.  While Julia Tills and Natalia Phillips made huge impacts as rookie backs. Phillips finished off the scoring just before the whistle. OP 59- 0 City Honors leaving OP 4-0 with one regular season league game left. 

Scoring; Henrich 3T 7C, Langworthy 2t, Fanutti 1T, Popp 1T, Ditto 1T, Phillips 1T

OP JV puts together their best game in 61-0 win over City Honors

The OP JV side has had a season best described as a trial by fire. Whether  playing long established experienced JV sides or Varsity sides playing a second game the girls have been vastly less experienced then their opponents. OP generally only had 2 girls playing who had played any rugby before this year ( middle school and a few games). This was their first chance to play a team in a similar situation.  Many of the girls had to do double duty: relief duty in the varsity game and starting the JV. The long hours of practice and work paid off the OP second team. They controlled possession with strong rucking and offensive structure. Julia Tills was an absolute stand out. The Sophomore Flyhalf ran the offense, got everyone involved, tackled like a machine and score 2 tries.  The young forwards ran, rucked and tackled explosively while working in the system and offloading like skilled veterans. Tessa Reichmuth, Olivia Sorrento and Mia Chiazzese led the pack, while Angie O'Brien Dole was all over the place. #8 Sophia Worrel was a punishing runner, adding two tries.  8th grade Scumhalf Ella "Little Ricci" Riccardi had her best game, leading the offenses and adding big tackles while scoring a try and adding 2 conversions. Rookies,  KayliAnn, Rory Senft and  Ella Drew each added their second try of the season and Rookie and fullback Sydney Genek scored her first. 

It was an incredibly strong and complete performance for such an inexperienced side. The future looks bright for OP rugby!

Scoring: Tills 2T, Worrel 2T, Riccardi(2) 1T 2C, Genek 1t, Drew 1t,Senft 1T, Tefft 1T, Langworthy 1t, Ditto 1T, Henrich 1C

OP GIRLS VARSITY LOOKS SHARP AGAINST   KENMORE AND SYRACUSE  JV SHOWS HUGE IMPROVEMENT

 The girls played a sevens series at Kenmore and won both game by a combined 81-7 score. The JV scored 5 tries over 2 games to tie one and  lose one by a try.  Rookies scored 3 tries! 

The varsity side was absolutely on fire. Annie Henrich switched from her usual  try scorer to distributor, rewarded  her team mates pace and getting everyone involved.  Emily Riccardi started off the score 30 second into the match. Skylar Herneck and Gio Ditto ran great lines and Henrich hit them right on time and OP raced out to a 35-0 halftime lead.  OP made some subs and threatened the whole second half with Kayleigh Elliott scoring in the corner and OP ended the game OP 40-7 Kenmore. Amanda Balthasar and Sophia "savage" Saffrin  led the defense with big tackles and poaches.  Mia Popp and Kayleigh Elliott Controlled the game from Scrumhalf, both making big tackles.                                                                                                                                                         The 2nd game was more of the first. The only difference being Syracuse was able to hold on to possession of the ball a little longer. OP would would counter attack quickly after any turnover and led 21- 0 at half.  Bella Messina led a strong defensive effort. OP again subbed en masse and Kayliegh Elliott and Ella "Frenchie" Meunier took over the game. Ella with 3 tries and Kayleigh with a try saving chase down tackle. Anna Marusza and Haley Fantrazzo added hard runs, absorbing defenders, creating space for the backs. Final Score OP 41-0 Syracuse.  Annie added 8 of 8 conversions   

  The  second side played the same Kenmore and Syracuse teams and did outstanding, Tanyla Vass played some scrumhalf and prop and  Captained the team. Julia Tills was a tackling machine. Ella Riccardi's experinced showed and she controlled the games. Angie Dole had big steals and the Chemistry and energy of JV players was clear. Sophia worrel, Tessa Rechmuth, Rory Teft and Kaylianne Senft played like be playing together for years. A long series of offloads and pick n goes ended with Rory touching down.  Sydney Genek and Natalia Phillips led the backline charge while Olivia Sorrento and Mia Chiazzese provided support. Aero Geise, who's the  one rookie pressed into starting on the varsity, finally got to play some with the other rookies and was outstanding. The biggest highlight though was rookie winger Ella Drew taking the corner and scoring on a 50 m run.  Scores  OP 15-15 Kenmore   OP 10-15 Syracuse

Scoring on the day.                                                                                                                           Annie 2 T 8C, Ditto 4T , Frenchie 3T, Kaylieigh 2T, Tanyla 2T, Sky 1T Ricci 1T and Rookies Aero 1T Rory 1T Ella Drew 1T 

OP GIRLS WRAP UP PRESEASON AT MOON AREA

The girls headed  south to the Pittsburg area to wrap up their preseason with 2 matches against traditional rugby powers Moon Area (PA) and Highland (OH).  3 quality teams each with both a Varsity and JV side combined with a beautiful day made for an outstanding trip. Both Moon Area and Highland were class  on and off the pitch. 

VARSITY. First up for the varsity was Moon Area, defending PA state champions. It was as evenly matched game but OP mistakes and ball handing miscues  continually stymied the OP attack. Even so the teams traded scores and the score sat tied at  12-12 with under  minute to play when an OP defensive lapse saw the tigers score to end the game Moon Area 19- 12 OP. Annie Henrich led the offense with 2 tries 1 conv.  The OP backs were paced by  Ella Meunier and Peyton Langworthy, who each  had numerous line breaks . # 8 Madison Moeller  added a handful of powerful runs and Anna Marusza was all over the field, poaching and hitting big rucks. Mia Popp's experience and leadership in her first ever  start at Scrumhalf was a big part of the teams success.  Game 2 started, much like game one.  While MA  was skilled and fast team Highland was big and powerful with speed on the wings.  The first half ended  7-7  result ot a combination of Highlands hard hitting tackle sand OP mistakes. The second half would be another story.  Led by some High Energy  Rookies ( Kaylianne Teft,  Rory Senft ) subs and a rejuvenated Emily Riccardi the forwards began to play better and find offloads.  Amanda Balthasar and Sophia Saffrin provided the support and OP was able to make territory up the middle which  opened space out wide and OP raced out to a 35-7 lead before Highland got one back just before the whistle.  Annie Henrich again led the Offense with 3 tries and 5 conversion Skylar Hernek and Gia Ditto paced the backline attack.  Riccardi and Ditto each added a try .

JV.  The second side started 12 girls whose only rugby experience was a frozen mini match in March.  They hardly looked overmatched against the much more experienced sides. they dropped both game , but both were close and they scored 17 points on the day, only allowing 34. The offloads were sharp and the tackling impressive.  Teft and Sophia Worrell had big runs and Tanyla Vass was a force all day. Julia Tills and Sydney Genek paced the backline while Maelle Ninin provided the defensive highlight of the day.  Tries; Tessa Reichmuth, Tanyla Vass, Langworthy,  and Ella Riccardi added 2/3 conersions.

Overall it was a great day and an excellent test of where we need to put in work. 33 girls played  a ton of rugby and gained invaluable experience against top tier clubs

Photo Credits to

TLMerklinphotgraphy

Orchard Park Boys return to the pitch

On Sunday March 26th the OPBoys rugby team played their first 15's match in 3 years.  The recovery from the Covid shutdown has been particularly difficult for Boy's rugby in WNY but finally the boys are back. Canisius HS Rugby were awesome hosts and OP learned a lot from their well established hosts.  Lots of learning and solid play highlighted the day as did Charlie's hat trick. The team had great support in the stands from parents and the girls club.  The future is bright for Coach Rob and the boys. 

OPBoys and OPGirls attend pre-season tournament

First two things: One- Thank you to everyone who came and supported the players this past weekend. The drivers, fans and family who made the trip to suffer Mother Natures rath.   Two- I am so sorry that Winter chose this weekend to return in force.  The cold and wind was hard on everyone. The good news is that we should be done with anything close to that this year.  I promise it will get better. As bad as the weather was playing  helped a lot of players get their first taste of a game and the coaches see where we can use some work.

Now, the weekend in review. The highlight of the weekend was absolutely the return of the OP Boys to play. As a team full of rookies, they will take their lumps early but it’s clear the potential is there. Coach Rob has them excited and improving every day. Next up for the Boys away on March 26th @ Canisius. 2pm  (Stransky  Athletic complex 2882 Clinton st West Seneca.)

The girls entered both a varsity and JV side . The JV started the day off playing the host Mentor side. Mentor had 7-8 varsity players filling out their JV side and their experience showed. The girls played hard and smart but the in experience showed and Mentor was able to take advantage of OP being out of position and get around the outside to score a few tries. KayliAnne Teft was a standout on defense for OP. Aero Geise had strong hard runs  and Angelina O’Brien Dole and Rory Senft added good support and all around play. The girls second game was cancelled due the weather as the tournament moved up the schedule to try to get ahead of the impending blizzard like conditions.

The Varsity Girls got an early test in the form of the Indiana and Michigan Champs. The game against Carroll was strange. Carroll dominated the first ten minutes of each half. The Charger forwards took advantage of poor tackling and defensive alignment to pound the ball thru the center of the field. OP also had trouble maintain possession, losing the ball a number of time in contact. The Chargers were big, powerful and offloaded well. After falling behind by two tries OP regathered itself and found they had the advantage in the backs. Madison Moeller and Annie Henrich led an offensive attack and began playing in their offensive end. Annie Henrich, Emily Riccardi and Gia Ditto all touched down to give OP he lead at half. Carroll came out the second half and again worked through their strong forwards to score two more tries and take the lead. A slick backline play form Annie to Ella Meunier led to Meunier’s slicing 40m run that gave OP the momentum and Madison Moeller and Annie scored to give OP 4 tries and 3 conversions. After Carroll fought back for one more try OP showed their experience working the ball down the field for Gia Ditto to score in the corner.  OP 36- 34 Carroll. Annie’s 3 conversion is the difficult weather proving to be the difference. Scoring Annie 2T 3C, Ditto 2T, MO 1T, Ricci 1T.

Game 2 was the finals vs. Sparta Rock. The real story was the blizzard that arrived right before kickoff and the coin toss. The wind gusted up to 50 Mph and came in directly from the north which put OP defending looking directly in the blizzard with temps dropping to 28 degrees. OP player after player had to be subbed off while the Sparta Rock side with their back to the wind were able to handle the weather better. The event coordinator made the decision at half to cancel the remainder of the tournament for safety. A decision the OP staff readily agreed with. Knowing the lake effect snow would likely effect most of the drive home. OP was trailing 20-0 when the game was called. The girls were true warriors and gave it their all despite the horrible conditions and quality opponent.

Awards: JV Forward- Aero Geise JV Back- Julia Til Varsity Forward- MO  Varsity Back- Annie & Meunier

Hammer (defense)- Kaylianne Teft. Helmet(smart play)- Louisa Martin. Lunch Pail (unsung work)-Amanda

  OP Girls win the RUGBYNY State Championship 

     OP finished the regular season 12-0 and added a NYs Championship to their Battle for the Border 7's and DII Nationals Championships

OP's defense was on full display all weekend.  On Saturday they held the hard hitting City Honors team, their powerful pack and All State prop Lexi Erdolino ( Quinnipiac) to 10 points en route to a 40-10 win. It took a herculean effort that left the team physically and emotionally drained heading into Sunday's finals at Sienna College.  The girls collective commitment to defense and energy was key (City honors scored 36 points in their first meeting. ) to the game. 

Their opponents, Corning had an electric backline and scored 38 points in their previous meeting (OP 50-38 Corning.) Due to a NYC Based team forfeiting Corning headed into the game fresh without a Saturday game. The OP girls started slow and the fatigue showed, but displayed heart and incredible fortitude as Corning had nearly all the possession during the first half but OP held them to 10 points behind a great team defensive performance that featured big tackle after big tackle and 2 goal line stands. Annie Henrich's twisting and turning highlight reel 60m try sparked the team's offense to life. She and Senior Co- Captain Ella Nenoff each scored twice and Nenoff added 1 conversion and a penalty kick to bring the final score to  OP 25 -10 Corning.

OP Girls win DII Nationals

OP goes 3-0 at the 2023 USA Single School Nationals and beat Highland (OH) 35-17 in the finals to win  the DII championship

Girl's Tournament recap

    OP Girls finish 1-2 at Battle for the Border. 

  For our final pre-season matches OP rugby entered 2 girl’s sides in the Battle for the Border 7’s tournament. They were joined by the OP Boys who returned to the pitch for the first time in 2 years.  Fort Niagara State Park was an ideal location for the event. 5 full fields of rugby in a beautiful setting. Hosts South Buffalo Rugby did the usual fantastic job running the event featuring 50+ clubs in 6 divisions. The fields were a little  muddy but in very good shape. The same can’t be said for the weather. The day began sunny but shifted between wind, rain, snow, and hail before settling back to sunny. The weather couldn’t dampen the excitement and enthusiasm of the OP Rugby Club though. With the largest contingent of fans and players by far, every OP game was electric with support and encouragement from the sidelines.  The players and coaches really appreciated the support!

To maximize the rugby experience gained we split up into two sides. OP Maroon was made up of our experienced 7’s players plus a couple rookies and OP white was a Mix of veterans and rookies. In the spirit of rugby, we also lent players to our friends from Hamburg.

OP Maroon went 3-0 in pool play and OP White went 1-1-1 and advanced to the finals based on scoring margin.  The two OP sides then met in the finals with OP Maroon winning 17-5. OP White scored the only points Maroon would surrender on the day, outscoring opponents 107-5.  

OP Maroon’s Annie “Goldfish” Henrich continued her torrid scoring pace with 9 tries and the combined OP sides' had 5 players score at least 3 tries;  Madison “Mo” Moeller, Ella “Frenchie” Meunier, Sophia “ Savage” Saffrin, Emily “Diva” Bednarek,  and Ella “Viking” Nenoff (who added 7 conversions) all had at least a hat trick. Taylor “Tractor” Skorupski added two tries  and Emily “Ricci” Riccardi, Skylar “Blazer” Herneck and Katie "Boegs" Bogart touched down once each. OP Passing skills were on display as 18 of the 30 were assisted by sharp team passing and off loads.  Tyla "Rocket" Pyzikiewicz, Hailey “Trash” Frantazzo and Nenoff each had multiple offloads that led to tries.  White’s offense was led by the veteran leadership of Rylee “Gremlin” Langdon and the hard running of Meunier and Bednarek.

The defensive effort by both OP sides was outstanding. Maroon was paced by the tackling of Hannah “Hammer” Reukauf, Henrich and Pyzikiewicz. Nenoff contributed forcing 8 turn overs and Moeller had a couple try saving tackles.  OP white was led by a trio of defenders. Veteran Captain Skorupski and surprise rookie Scarlett “ Giggles” Stephens made tackles all over the field.  Saffrin led both sides in tackles with 12 total, including and bunch of big dominating hits.

Scoring: HenrIch (9T 3C)  Nenoff (3T 7C) Moeller (4T) Meunier(3T) Saffrin (3T) Bednarek (3T) Skorupski (2T) Em. Riccardi (1T) Herneck (1T) Bogart (1T)

AWARDS: Player of the tournament: Sophia Saffin                                                                               Forward: Scarlett Stephens   Back: Ella Meunier                                                                                  Squid Th”ink” cap: Rylee Langdon  Lunch pail: Taylor Skorupski  Golden Whistle: Ella Riccardi

OP Girls Rugby will now set their sights on the league season which will kick off Sunday 4/24 when we host the Kenmore Rugby Club.