MIT RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB

On Saturday, September 24, 2016, MIT hosted Saratoga for their first match on their newly renovated grass pitch. It was a perfect fall day and the combination of ideal weather and a pristine new field made for great conditions for running rugby. Unfortunately Saratoga took better advantage of the conditions as they had a more dynamic attack on the day.

On Saturday, September 17, 2016, MIT traveled to New London, CT to take on the New London County Rugby Club on a beautiful sunny day. The game started out with New London controlling possession. MIT’s defense held for the first 10 minutes, but some miscommunication led to New London’s outside center finding space out wide for the first try of the game. An MIT turnover led to the same outside center finding a huge gap in the defense for New London’s second try. MIT struggled to hold onto the ball during the first half and could not get any offense going.

On September 10, 2016, MIT traveled to Dover, MA to take on Boston Maccabi RFC. James L. argued with the ref for 80 minutes. Tries were scored by Jarrad, Chris W. and John F.

MIT travels to New London, CT next Saturday, September 17, 2016 to take on New London County Rugby Club

On Saturday, May 7, 2016, MIT took on the Fairfield Yankees in the sweet sixteen round of the national DIII playoffs. There was a lot of excitement during the week leading up to the match. Both teams were visited at practice during the week by a former New Zealand All Black & Hawkes Bay player. Coach Sean was excited to have a fellow Kiwi at practice. Apparently Coach Brad was even more excited for the playoffs as his pants literally split open during Tuesday’s training.

On Saturday, April 30, 2016, MIT traveled to the Irish Cultural Center in Canton, MA to take on Old Gold RFC in the NERFU championship game. MIT and Old Gold split the fall series 1-1 with a combined scoring difference of only 7 points. So MIT knew they were in for a battle. The game turned into quite the spectacle, with multiple lead changes, a yellow card, long tries, crushing tackles, and late heroics.

On Saturday, April 23, 2016, MIT traveled to Stowe, Vermont to take on Mad River RFC in the NERFU semi-final playoff match. MIT controlled possession and territory in the first half but were a little too eager with the ball and squandered several scoring opportunities. A forward pass in the backs called back one possible try and some scrambling Mad River defense stopped Hacksaw from another possible try. MIT were able to score first on a penalty kick from 25 year old kicker John G. Just before half, Mick took down the ball in the line-out. Caleb carried the ball and Nick rucked over.