2010 News
Pub Leauge: Brian Boru Wins Championship
Congratulations to Brian Boru, first ever champions of the Portland Hurling Club Pub League. Boru convincingly defeated Ri Ra in the Pub League Final on Wednesday, August 18th. Afterwards, the trophy was presented and all teams involved went to the champions' sponsor pub to celebrate the victory. 
Pub League: Brian Boru Advances to Final
Brian Boru defeated the Griffin club Wednesday evening by a score of 7-11 (32) to 4-5 (17) in the Pub League Semifinal. The Griffin Club got two goals and two points from Christian Steppe and solid play by Joel Wezowicz on both sides of the ball, but couldn't keep up with the attack of Brian Boru. Matt Ryle was dangerous in front of the net for Boru, scoring three goals off both hurley and foot. Larry Maher added another three goals and four points. On the defensive end John Hartley and Tim Lovett turned away the Griffin Club's attack. Boru will face Ri Ra in the Final Wednesday, August 18th.
Click to go to video on YouTube: Part 1 Part 2
Portland Loses at Worcester
Portland traveled to Worcester, MA on Saturday but was unable to score a win. Worcester put accurate shots over the bar from all over the field, and posted a score of 3-15 (24) vs. Portland's 2-6 (12). The Portland team was outscored early, but was able to bring the score to within 3 points in the second half, before allowing a pair of goals.
Pub League (Week 12) -- Playoff Seeds Set
Ri Ra secured their 1st place playoff seed and first round bye with a win over the Griffin Club by a score of 3-2(11) to 1-3(6). In the second game, Brian Boru defeated the Griffin Club with Jacob "Cheese" Burns unleashing a barrage of six overs. Boru won by a score of 6-8(26) to 3-4(13). Next week the pub league playoffs begin with the Griffin Club taking on Brian Boru in the pub league semi-finals.
Portland Defeats NH's Barley House Wolves
Portland Hurling club took on the Barley House Wolves on a neutral pitch at the Irish Cultural Center in Canton, MA. Portland defeated the Wolves by a score of 2-7 (13) to 2-4 (10). Controlling the ball at mid-field was the key to Portland's win. Both teams enjoyed the opportunity to play on the beautiful full-sized gaelic sports field.
Pub League (Week 11)
Larry Maher was dominant in Brian Boru's double-header Wednesday evening, scoring six goals and eleven points over the course of the two games. In the first game, Brian Boru defeated the Griffin Club 6-7 (25) to 4-8 (20). Despite Larry's efforts, Brian Boru fell to Ri Ra in the second game by a score of 3-7 (16) to 5-4 (19).
Portland Defeats Worcester at Home
Portland remains unbeaten on their home turf with a solid win over Worcester. The score was Portland 4-10 (22) to Worcester's 1-6 (9).
Pub League Week 10 (Thunderstorms)
Thunderstorms interupted the early game of Ri Ra vs. Brian Boru shortly after halftime. A decision is still pending as to whether games can be rescheduled.
Pub League Results (Week 9)
In the early game, Ri Ra defeated the Griffin Club by a score of 2-10 (16) to 3-3 (12). In the first half, Ri Ra began scoring points, but the Griffin Club kept themselves in the game with two early goals. In the end, Ri Ra was able to pull away, led by Doug Sernyk with two goals and Chad Nelson with 4 points. The Griffin Club benefited by a strong performance by Joe Flaherty in front of the offensive goal, putting two in the net and one over the bar. The Griffin Club posted a win in the late game over by forfeit by the Brian Boru squad.
Portland Defeats Worcester at Home
One month after a tough one-point loss in Worcester, Portland was unwilling to concede a home match. Portland won by a score of 1-7 (10) to 1-1 (4). Worcester was able to keep the score close through the 1st half, but in the 2nd, Portland settled in and took control. Portland fought to control the loose balls and was able to send the majority to the offensive end. After the match, both teams headed to the Griffin Club, one of our sponsor pubs, where the Portland club provided grilled burgers and hot dogs to all involved. 
Portland Hurling Club after 7/10/10 Victory
Pub League Results (Week 8)
The Griffin Club threw the skunk off their back and won their first game of the season convincingly over Brian Boru by a score of 3-12(21) to 1-1(4). For the Griffin Club, it was the break-out win that many of us have been expecting, led by a promising trio of first-year players: Matt Anderson (5 points), Matt Flaherty (3 points), and Joe Flaherty (3 goals). Boru found it tough to play a second game on a hot evening, and was shut out by Ri Ra 0-0 to 2-8(14). For Ri Ra, brothers Matt and Jon Gormley played a stifling defense and each put a point over the bar as well. The offense was led by James Tierney, who scored two goals and added two points. With the win, Ri Ra moves back into 1st place in the pub league.
Pub League Results (Week 7)
Brian Boru eked out a win against Ri Ra to slip back into sole possession of first place in the pub league. It was a gritty game ending in a score of Boru 3-3 (12) to Ri Ra's 3-2 (11). In the second game Ri Ra was better able to put the sliotar over the bar, and defeated the Griffin Club by a score of 4-9 (21) to 2-3 (9).
Portland Defeats the Barley House Wolves of Concord, NH
Portland defeated its oldest rival, the Barley House Wolves on Saturday by a score of 4-3 (15) to 2-7 (13). The win at home avenged an earlier loss at Concord in May. Portland scored some goals early, and played smothering defense in the 1st half. In the 2nd half the Wolves staged a comeback, but fell short. As always when playing the Wolves, it was a hard-fought, physical game. Check out the short story on WCSH, channel 6.
Pub League Results (Week 6)
Ri Ra moved back into a tie for first place with a win over Brian Boru (Ri Ra 2-9, Boru 1-9). Ri Ra won on solid defense, including a series of sweet blocks by Rob Hatch, and nice passing throughout. Chris Muncie had two goals and two overs for Ri Ra. For Boru, Larry Maher put a few over the bar, plus blew by his defender and tucked a stellar goal inches inside the post. In the early game, Boru defeated the Griffin Club 5-9(24) to 2-5(11). Both teams put on extensive pressure in front of the net, but there was good goal-tending on both sides. Boru won the game, but lost their captain to a shoulder injury--hopefully he'll be back soon.
Portland Falls to Worcester
Portland had a two point lead in the closing minutes, when Worcester scored a pretty goal to win by one point. The final score was Portland 2-10 (16) to Worcester's 3-8 (17). Portland fielded a small squad for the trip to Worcester, but played well despite a lack of substitutes. Worcester made all of their opportunities count and pulled off the win. Matt Anderson and Joel Wezowicz put some nice looking shots over the bar for Portland. Photos are coming soon!
Pub League Results (Week 5)
Brian Boru took over sole possession of 1st place on Wednesday with a win over Ri Ra. The Ri Ra club then came back in their second game with a convincing win over the Griffin Club.
Pub League Results (Week 4)
Both Ri Ra and Brian Boru won their games this week, remaining tied for 1st place in the standings. The Griffin Club squad found themselves tied well into the 2nd half of their match against Boru, despite it being their 2nd of their back-to-back matches, but came up short in the end.
Travel Squad Defeats Worcester
Portland Hurling club won their match against Worcester on Saturday, May 29th, by a score of 1-05(8) to 1-02(5). It was a tight match, and the new Worcester team played extremely well.
Pub League Schedule Change
The 5/26 games were rescheduled to 7/28 allow for some practice and skills work. The pub league semi-final and final have both been pushed back a week as a result.
Pub League Results (Week 3)
Ri Ra split their double-header, losing the opener to Brian Boru, but defeating the Griffin Club in the second game. Brian Boru's win moves them into a tie for first place in the standings.
Pub League Results (Week 2)
Ri Ra won their game over the Griffin club in a squeaker (0-5 to 0-4) to move to 2-0 on the season. The Brian Boru team also defeated the Griffin club to remain only a half-game behind Ri Ra in the standings.
Portland Hurling Club's Travel Squad Opens Season
Portland Hurling club squared off against their oldest rival, the Barley House Wolves, in Concord, NH Saturday, May 8th. Portland lost the game but put in a great effort. The Wolves, having practiced all winter, were well tuned. The Wolves were able to keep the ball in Portland's defensive zone for the majority of the game, and despite valiant play by Portland's defensive players, the Wolves were able to rack up more points than Portland could keep up with.
Earlier in the day, the Wolves hosted a club from Worcester, who played their first ever game. All three teams posed for the photo below.
Portland, Worcester, and the Barley House Wolves in Concord, NH
Pub League Is Underway!
Brian Boru vs. Griffin Club
In its first game of a doubleheader, Boru's brought a well balanced attack, with each offensive player scoring at least one goal over the course of the game, including one from Matt Ryle, Tim Lovett, and Jacob "Cheese" Burns. The Boru's stalwart defense was anchored by goalie Mark Rollins, who showed supernatural quickness and undeniable grit in goal, diving from post to post and defending with every part of his body. Denied at the goal, the Rebels were kept in the game at the half in by a series of towering points from midfield by Sean Linehan, a welcome addition from St. Louis, entering the half down by a goal and a point. The Rebels battled back in the second half a pair of quick goals from newcomer Matt Anderson and captain Joel Wezowicz. Boru's maintained their intensity to the closing minutes, adding a pair of goals late, including a behind the back ground strike by Tim Schneider for a goal on a perfect cross from Jacob "Cheese" Burns. Time expired with the score Brian Boru 6-0 (18), Griffin Club Rebels 3-5 (14).
Brian Boru vs. Ri Ra
The RiRa club took the field with an impressive turnout for the first match, with every player on the roster present. Intensity and organization were evident as coach Alan McGrath energized his club on the sidelines. The speed and strength of forward Zach Ward who juked and muscled his way to two early goals and a point, shattering at least two of his opponents hurleys in the process. Attrition and fatigue took their toll on the Boru's club: Tim Lovett was forced to retire after a strike to the shin opened a sizable gash; later in the game Jeff Budzik would injure his ankle and also leave the field. Steve Snyder stepped up to play a stalwart and aggressive defense, but the team was unable to muster consistent offense, particularly in the second half, with just a single goal from Jacob "Cheese" Burns. Meanwhile, RiRa played an exemplary game, anchored by a fearsome James Tierney in the back line, bellowing "James' ball!" and hammering the sliotar out of the backfield with strength and conviction. Chris Muncie ranged across the midfield, smartly breaking free to capture two points of his own. Captain Alan McGrath earned his keep, with a convincing two points and one goal from a steep angle. RiRa defeated the gassed Boru club, 3-6 (15) to 1-0 (3).
