Fast start propels MIT to victory

On Saturday, October 25, 2014, North Shore RFC rolled out the red carpet to welcome MIT to their field in Lynn. Unfortunately, this carpet was covered in gravel and was on top of a manhole in the middle of the field. The rest of the field looked like an old pair of jeans that had been patched up too many times with all the wrong material. The field conditions were not a surprise to MIT. What was a surprise was MIT’s play at the start of the game. Coach Sean urged the squad to start strong after several slow starts this season. The team answered the call, as Oggy stole the opening kickoff to give MIT possession in North Shore territory. MIT turned this possession into an early lead as inside center Alex B smashed through the defense for the first try of the game.

MIT was happy to have one of their veteran leaders Mick back on the field at 8-man. Mick and Galen were a successful combination in the lineout. Galen was playing with a chip on his shoulder, as he faced off against his former team who failed to re-sign him in the offseason a year ago. MIT then signed him to a multi-year, 0 dollar contract. Mick, Galen and the rest of the forwards hard work led to clean ball for scrumhalf KatieNMarc to set up the rest of the backs.

MIT again found themselves in North Shore territory and flyhalf John G quick tapped after a penalty and passed to Alex B, who broke through the line and fed outside center John L for the try. MIT followed this up with tries from Bobby, fullback James, Oggy and Alex B. A poorly fielded kick-off by MIT led to a turnover and North Shore’s first try of the day. Alex A saw all the fun the backs were having and decided to move from second row out into the centers. He ran an excellent line and flyhalf John G threw the perfect pass for him to slide through the defense and score. Thus Alex A showed that he is a solid plan B option for plan A Alex B. Right before the half Alex B again broke through the line and passed to winger Thomas who brought both his hands to this game and touched down for the try. MIT went into the half leading 49-5.

At halftime Coach Sean warned the team not to let North Shore back into the game. However, MIT did just that, as they played less structured, uninspiring rugby in the second half. MIT let their foot off the gas and North Shore scored the first try of the half to make the score 49-12. Oggy was a pest at the breakdown, producing turnover ball for MIT which led to a try for Toro. Bobby continued his stellar rookie season by scoring his second try of the game. North Shore then scored on an intercept try, but MIT again responded with a try from Bobby. North Shore found another hole in the MIT defense and scored their last and final try of the game. As usual, fresh legs led to more late game scoring, as inside-center sub Simon’s skillful passing put MIT runners into space, eventually leading to a second try from James.

MIT is off next week and then finishes their season at home vs. the Boston Irish Wolfhounds on Saturday, November 8, 2014.

Men of the Match: Bobby (A side) and Hacksaw (B side)