Old Gaelic hosted defending division champion Philly Whitemarsh on a gorgeous Fall Saturday. With heavy hearts and thoughts of Robbie “Piglegs” Morris the Gold focused and methodically executed for the first 40 minutes of the match. Dominating possession and territory, Old Gaelic built a 16-0 lead via three penalty kicks from Captain and Fly Half Brady Reisman, before the game’s first try from lock Dante Ngo, and the successful conversion on the last play of the half. 

From there the Gaelic offense stalled, however, as numerous opportunities to put the game on ice were dropped. Whitemarsh accepted the gifts and patiently crawled back into the match before potentially stealing it in the 77th minute with a converted try and 20-16 lead. 

The Rugby Gods smiled upon the home team, however, as a kick deep in Whitemarsh territory was dropped and a scrum awarded. A dozen patient phases and picks and goes later, scrum half Jonah Roth passed the ball weak to the “Pig on the wing,” and hooker Sergio Acala barreled in for the game-winning try well into stoppage time. 

A post-game huddle and “Somewhere Under the Goalposts” tribute to Robbie ensued before the B Side and a great social with the Rugby World Cup Final on in the shed. After a quick wardrobe change, it was off to the OG Halloween Party at longtime Captain Hart’s house to celebrate the win! 

Cheers to the Gaelic and RIP Robbie!