In a somewhat surprising result Iona logged their first conference victory of the season, holding off Siena 30-29 on Alumni Weekend at Iona.
The day was also the day for announcing inductions into the Iona Rugby Hall of Fame, and that was a big event in and of itself. However, Iona still came into the game underdogs.
Players such as Yacouba Traore and Ben Slade said that while Iona had been competitive in their games, they had also been undisciplined. Not only were they giving up avoidable penalties, but were also squandering scoring chances with a bit of white-line fever.
Well, they started the game with the same problem, and soon Siena was in scoring position. However, the Saints passed up chances to kick for goal and instead looked to go for points. There was a method to this, said Head Coach Jaco Woltjer—dominate set piece (which they were confident they could do), tie up the forwards in the middle, and then go wide.
Early-on, it didn't work. Iona was able to get out of trouble and then when the game morphed into a bit of a kicking battle, flyhalf James Phelps and his backs were able to counter nicely. That, in fact, was how Iona scored their first try, with Phelps getting them going and center Joe Leatulagi powering over. Phelps converted for a 7-0 lead.
Siena's power in the scrum was evident and Iona struggled to win some key attacking lineouts. And yet the Gaels were quick to get turnovers and in one such case were able to nab possession in Siena's 22 and set up for a charge over by prop Ronan Cahill. Phelps converted again and it was 14-0.
Siena responded with more pressure and looked to have strength in the scrum, but a weak side move for the Saints was stymied by Robbie Hopkins, who intercepted a short pass. Iona worked their way down to the Siena line, but when they got a penalty they rushed the quick tap and were held-up in-goal.
So it was Siena who scored next, using this big forwards such as locks Harvey Hogan and Anthony Guarino, along with No. 8 Lorenzo Sevilla. That set it up the way Woltjer wanted it. They spun it wide and wing Preston Frazier popped it back inside for center Luca Holloway.
Iona answered with a long run by wing Jack McRedmond and solid support. Siena infringed and Phelps put over a 35-meter kick.
Up 17-5 Iona was on the Siena line as the first half expired, but could not get the ball down.
