" WE SHALL NOT FLAG NOR FAIL. WE SHALL GO ON TO THE END... WE SHALL NEVER SURRENDER... "

- Winston Churchill

   This is will be the way I will define the 2009 NY Finest RFC season. A job well done goes out to all that had played and help contribute to the club. To many a season is defined in the win or loose columns. Here, it is defined in the efforts and sacrifice, made by many, to continue to keep this club alive. This past weekend matches showed this to be true by the numbers that laced up the boots and wore the new Finest Jerseys. We all experienced  the difficulties by getting time/days off to attend meetings, practices and games. We stuck it out. Played in some great and not so great games. We helped in contributing $1750.00 in various charities. We had the opportunity to meet and befriend some new faces and to welcome back some old ones as well.

   As tradition, Man of the Match is given out to the player who shows the utmost on the field of play. I personally believe that everyone that walked on the pitch for the Finest should be given this honor. However I will give this special title to the  one who not only showed toughness on the field but was a major component that made the Liberty Cup happen. Thomas Delaney- Lock (MSNB). In the beginning of the year I enffasized  that the importance for the survival of the club was that if someone was not able to follow through on a task ,there must be someone willing to step in. He would then help and finish that task. Tommy was able to do this by helping me with work that had to be done for the Liberty Cup. Not to mention he played with herniated disks through out the day. (Plus it does not have nothing to do with the fact that we were once roommates and that I have man crush for him). Thanks Tommy. I would also like to thank the Captains Brian Higgins and Steve Caron for your leadership on the field this year. Again a prime example, when Brian couldn't make the games. Steve stepped in. I will be keeping in touch with you weekly. I am looking for a new t-shirt guy for merchendise. If any one has a reliable person let me know. I would also like to make up club polo shirts for paid members. Hopefully we can arraign a team dinner before the year is over. Great job everyone. Stay safe.

NYPD 3  USMC 26

NYPD 17 BRAGG 29

FDNY 37 USMC 5

FDNY     BRAGG

USMC 17 BRAGG 13

Rob Blnn- Prop (34pct)

Keith Baisley- Prop

Tony Kepenski- Prop (5pct)

Roman Ilustre- Prop (MTN pct)

Dave Sucic-Prop (28pct Sqd)

Kevin McTernan- Prop/ Flanker (Range)

Aaron Ayala- Hooker (32pct)

Louie Duccecshi-Hooker (BSAC)

Tom Delaney- Lock (MSNB)

Kevin Murtha- Lock (75pct)

Petr Janak- Lock (32pct)

Pat Plunkett- Lock (PSA 5)

Brian Higgins- Flanker (BXAC)

Kevin ODoherty- Flanker (32pct)

Steve Sidenstein- Flanker (MTN pct)

Chris OConnor- Flanker/Outside Center (6pct)

Mo Morales- 8 man (State Dept)

Jason Brown- 8 man

Dan Lunney- Scrum half (MTN pct)

Mike McLean- Fly half (State Dept)

Mike Farina- Fly half/Wing

Justin Rivera- Inside Center (101pct)

Steve Caron- Wing (MNAC)

Paul Pastorini- Full Back (25pct)

Rob Pumilia- Wing (PSA2)

Heebner- Outside Center/Full Back

Mike Dietrich- Wing (73pct)

   As the Finest season ends, the Old Maroon begins. For those that do not know, Old Maroon is a Fordham University Alumni team. The men responsly for bringing back rugby to the NYPD where gradates of Fordham. In the early years and now. Old Maroon members have been there ready to back fill if we where short. The club plays in the Met Union Div 3 level and are welcoming anyone to join and play in some matches this fall. So if you want to continue playing this year, this is a great option. Old Maroon has a very strong chance of winning the Div 3 level. First game is this Saturday at 1pm against North New Jersey at Fordahm University. If anyone is interested please call me ASAP. If you  are not intrested please call me ASAP. The CiPP will be expiring before the start of the season so re- apply again on line immedialty if you want to play.