Bombers Split in Preseason Openers

Saturday, March 3, 2007

 
The Bombers battled Chicago Southside Irish and the harsh elements in a preseason tune-up match at Sportport in Marylnad Heights, MO. The Irish made the most of their opportunities and outscored St. Louis 3 tries to 2 to take home a well deserved 19-10 victory over the Black side on a cold, blustery day not fit for man or beast. The Bomber White side outscored Chicago 22-0 in the second match.

Chicago played the first half in the 26 degree temperature and with a 40 mph wind at their backs in the Black side match. Irish halfback John McGeachy kicked nicely from the base of the rucks to constantly pin the Bombers in their end. Chicago #8 Matt Kelly pounced on an errant Bomber pass to open the scoring. Irish center Ben Pardo slipped through a hole in the Bomber backline defense to score another converted try for Chicago to put his side up 14-0 at the 25 minute mark. Matt Kelly then added his second try by scooping up an untidy ball from a Bomber ruck and crashing over from short range just before the halftime whistle to give his side a 19-0 lead at the break.

St. Louis turned around with the brisk wind at their backs and quickly pinned the Irish inside their half. Bomber wing Joe Mertz hustled to chase a Conail Boyd kick and was rewarded with a try in the corner to put St. Louis on the scoreboard 19-5. The Bomber forwards were putting constant pressure on the Irish tryline, but were repeatedly denied by the visitors who were outstanding on defense in the second half. Bomber wing Justin Mastrioanni was able to scamper in for a try in the 70th minute, but it was too little, too late as Chicago held on for the 19-10 victory.

The day's second match saw the young Bomber White side maintain constant pressure on the Irish in the abominable conditions. Bomber lock Ben Schwab scored from close range and fullback Jim Morrison converted from the touchline to put the Whites up 7-0. Bomber flyhalf Justin Mastrioanni got a nice assist from #8 Kyle Manley to race in between the posts for a try and a 12-0 St. Louis lead, playing with the wind at their backs. Hooker Josh Witten scored in the corner after some nifty handling by the Bomber backs to push the Bombers up 17-0 at halftime.

The second half was a battle in the trenches as the fierce wind continued to howl. Bomber #8 Kyle Manley punched across the tryline after a nice build-up of phases to end the scoring in favor of St. Louis 22-0. Bomber halfback Mattie Lewis was impressive on the day, keeping his side focused in the harsh elements.