USA 47 v Israel A 10- 2001

Wingate Institute, Herzeliya

USA 47   Israel A 10

1. Frankel  2. Blatt  3. Perle  4. Kaplan  5. Enochian  6. Ellison  7. Levine  8. Dotan  9. Kleiner               10. Vandegrift  11. Bronitsky  12. Bethke  13. Stern  14. Berkowitz  15. Manheimer

subs:  Adoff, Teller, Fair, Davis, Lieberman, Henkin

USA went into the game extremely motivated and focused, ready to put their extensive training and preparation to the test.  USA began with jitters and gave up a cheap penalty to start, but soon settled down and never lost control.  The first try came off a penalty tap that sent 265 lb. lock Sam Enochian single-handedly barreling over two defenders.  On the next series, USA found open space with recycled ball, and sent tighthead prop Rob Perle down the wing for a juke and a try.  With Israel on its heels, play stopped often with frequent fringing and diving-over penalties.  USA took points when available, as center Greg Stern slotted 2 first half penalties and flyhalf Greg Vandegrift one.  Just before halftime, wing Pere Berkowitz took a weak clearing kick from 40 meters out and sped through space to add a try before halftime for a 26-3 margin.  The second half was also all USA, as winger Micah Bronitsky and lock sub Aaron Davis put down tries from close in off rucks.  Israel would not quit, however, and threatened late in the game.  Israel’s best player at #8 successfully contested a USA lineout from 15 meters, which they punched in for a try with time running out.  The 200+ Israeli fans, undaunted by the lopsided score, swelled to a huge cheer in support of their side.  Indeed, the fanatical support for the home team is an accurate indication of how important sports are in modern Israeli culture.  Berkowitz once again counterattacked nearly untouched just before full-time to make the final 47-10.  USA #8 Guy Dotan, playing against his former team, earned man-of-the-match honors for his exciting play and notable hustle all over the field.  The USA’s play was quite sloppy throughout the game with frequent knock-ons and weak execution in both the forwards and backs.  But the side was simply much fitter, stronger and faster than the home team.  USA executed well on the many jailbreak opportunities, and at times the side looked like 15 backs.   While the win was encouraging, it was certainly not a true test.

tries:  Enochian, Perle, Berkowitz (2), Bronitsky, Davis

penalties:  Stern (2), Vandegrift

conversions: Vandegrift (2), Stern (2)