Rebels Lose Up and Down Match to NYPD

The Albany Rebels battled back from an early deficit but could not sustain their play to complete a comeback, losing to NYPD 4-13 (25 points) to 3-3 (12 points) on Saturday at MJQ Irish Cultural and Sports Centre in East Durham, N.Y.

NYPD took an early lead scoring goals and points almost at will in the first quarter, due in part to defensive breakdowns.

After a brief water break, the Rebels looked like a completely different team to start the second quarter. Albany worked the ball down the field and scored a point on their first possession. A tactical adjustment also paid off, bringing more players into the midfield and half forward lines.

Tim Gerrish and Pierre Massena, in his first ever match, both scored goals in the second quarter. At halftime, the Rebels were down just three points and within striking distance.

However, the game swung back in NYPD's favor in the third quarter as they extended their lead.

The Rebels responded yet again with Joe Bradley scoring a goal early in the 4th quarter, but the deficit was just too much to overcome.

"The result isn't what we wanted but we did some really good things out there," said halfback Mark Adam. "It was impressive to see our response in the second quarter. We played solid team defense, worked much harder all over the field and moved the ball well."

One of the bright spots for the Rebels was the performance of Massena who scored a goal and a point in his first ever Gaelic football match. He joined the Rebels last month and has had an immediate impact.

Following the match, NYPD hosted the Rebels for a postgame party.

The Rebels return to action on Saturday, May 21 when they defend their title at the Montreal Shamrocks Tournament in Montreal, Quebec.

Rebels Notes: Tim Gerrish led the Rebels with a goal and two points ... Pierre Massena scored a goal and a point in his Gaelic football debut for the Rebels on Saturday ... Joe Bradley has scored a goal in each of his last three matches dating back to last season ... Five rookies have made their debuts for the Rebels so far this season (Joe Chicoine, Malik Harris, Craig Larsen, Paddy Loughlin and Pierre Massena) ... The Rebels return to action in the Montreal Shamrocks Tournament on Saturday, May 21 in Montreal, Quebec ... The Rebels won that tournament in 2019, the last time it was held.

Rebels Scorers:

Tim Gerrish 1-2

Pierre Massena 1-1

Joe Bradley 1-0