Saratoga springs to victory over MIT

On Saturday, April 4, 2015, MIT traveled to Waterford, NY to take on division II side Saratoga Rugby Club. It was another wonderful spring day in the northeast. The match was played on a rain soaked field that quickly turned to mud. There were also fierce winds blowing throughout the game which made for a cold, wet day for everyone. Saratoga started with the wind at their backs and got off to a fast start. MIT failed to match their intensity from the opening kickoff. MIT’s defensive line was slow and unorganized. Saratoga was constantly on the front foot in the opening minutes and was able to score first. Saratoga scored again after some poor tackling by MIT led to a long run from their fly half who was well supported on the outside. MIT finally threatened when Diego broke through the Saratoga backline with a run as crisp as a 1.2 cent can of NY’s finest Honey Brown. However, Diego was tackled and the ball spilled forward so MIT was unable to take advantage. Saratoga kept up the pressure in the first half and MIT failed to take care of the ball. Saratoga scored a few more tries before the half to put them up comfortably.

With the strong wind in their favor, MIT looked to make a push at the start of the second half. Things looked good as MIT worked their way to the 5 meter line. Jarrad then used double the effort to push over for the try. Saratoga’s shifty scrumhalf responded by cutting through MIT’s defense and feeding support runners for 2 more scores. MIT threw everything they had at Saratoga, but Saratoga defended them well. MIT continued to struggle to keep possession and were unable to fully take advantage of the wind.

There were a few bright spots for MIT. Natal delivered some crushing tackles in the second half. Jake M was solid covering kicks at fullback. Rookie Caleb had some hard runs against their aggressive pack. The team also saw improvement in their set pieces from the week before, thanks in part to Mick playing his first game of the season. Jake S made a strong return in the centers from a leg injury. MIT never gave up, and Toro touched down for a try right before the referee’s final whistle. MIT left the field with their legs between their legs, while James L listened to Coldplay’s "Shiver" on the bus.

MIT is off next weekend and then is home on April 18, 2015 for their playoff match vs. North Shore.

(coldest) Man of the Match: James L